A concerned citizen made a child’s dream come true when he rescued a lost stuffed octopus from a railway track and then embarked on a search to find the owner. The person‚ who appropriately goes by YuyaBestBoy‚ began his search on Reddit. He posted a photo of the toy and wrote that he discovered him at his “local station.” Feeling sad for the owner‚ he “took it upon” himself to “rescue him‚ clean him‚ and reunite him with his owner.” A few days ago I discovered this poor little guy laying on the train tracks at my local station‚ I took it upon myself to rescue him‚ clean him‚ and reunite him with his owner. byu/YuyaBestBoy inMadeMeSmile In an earlier post‚ the hero shared a bit of the backstory that told the tale of how he came upon he lost stuffed animal‚ and how he eventually reunited it with its kids. He explained that he saw the octopus “cowering on the tracks” during his commute one day. He “reluctantly” boarded the train and went home. But that night he felt miserable thinking about the toy and who was out there missing it. Reddit He couldn’t shake the guilt of leaving it behind‚ so he went back to the station and asked someone if they could get it. The tracks are electric‚ so retrieving something from them can be dangerous. The person he spoke to said they’d try their best to get it‚ but the chances were slim. However‚ about five hours later‚ he got a call. “they’d saved him!” The Stuffed Octopus Is Home With Its Kid! The person went back and got the stuffed octopus. But after spending days in the elements‚ it was “in a very sorry state.” So he took special care to clean and disinfect it. He knew it was a “long shot‚” but he hoped to locate the owner‚ so he posted photos of the toy online. Reddit After noting where he found the octopus‚ he asked followers to spread the word and send him a DM if anyone knew who it belonged to. Lo and behold‚ someone knew exactly who lost the stuffed octopus. Reddit YuyaBestBoy got a message shortly after posting the pictures. The person said their sister’s son dropped it at the station‚ and he was “crying his eyes out.” He was able to get the two in contact and the little boy was reunited with his friend. Reddit Share this story with your friends and family—we all need a little reminder that there is kindness in strangers. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Passerby Scoops Stuffed Octopus Off Train Tracks And Goes On Mission To Find Owner. appeared first on InspireMore.

The individual was allowed to roam the country for months

The nation’s largest solar energy and storage project came online in California last week‚ offering 875 megawatt-hours of solar capacity‚ and 3 gigawatt-hours of storage. Partially located on Edwards Air Force Base grounds in Kern County‚ California‚ the Edwards &; Sanborn Solar + Energy Storage project is expected to provide the California grid with enough renewable […] The post Largest US Solar-Storage Project Goes Online Enough for a Quarter Million Homes appeared first on Good News Network.

Tekken 8 offers players a high-octane thrill ride of a story where Jin takes center stage. Most players will earn the good ending when their journey concludes‚ but there’s a way to make the Story end poorly for our heroes. Here’s how to get the bad ending in Tekken 8. How to lose the final fight in Tekken 8 Before we go any further‚ I just want to say massive spoilers are ahead. If you’ve not beaten Story Mode yet‚ I strongly recommend you do so you can experience the Tekken story at its best.  If you’ve beaten the campaign‚ open the story mode and choose Chapter 15: Strength and Conviction. There are several fights in this Chapter‚ and you must lose the final one. If you lose any before‚ you’ll have to repeat them. In my testing‚ I’m pretty sure there are no bonuses for losing any other battle. Fight as usual until you reach the 2nd round after Jin gets his face smashed against the rock ...

Lithium batteries are the latest revolution in modern life. It is amazing to see how this technology took over the whole world. They have been such a blast that people used to technical aspects of things‚ like myself‚ can’t help but wonder what will happen when the next generation of batteries makes it to the market. Some batteries in the lithium category include: Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LiCoO22) Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (LiNiMnCoO2) Lithium Titanate (LTO) Lithium Manganese Oxide (LiMn2O4) Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminum Oxide (LiNiCoAlO2) All of them with different capabilities and properties and different usages. For instance‚ to power machines in medical environments‚ Titanate Oxide is widely accepted. Their self-ignition risk makes them suitable for this particular application. Don’t get me wrong; when I started to increase my self-reliance‚ I bought nothing but rechargeable NiCad batteries. I knew this was the way in a country like mine. However‚ back then‚ NiCad (Nickel Cadmium) was the most common chemistry. And they are still working. A little less performance than they initially had‚ but after 15 years‚ is to be expected. They should have been discarded years ago‚ but I will use them until they can’t hold a charge anymore. The thing is‚ I don’t want to throw them away because heavy metals are very bad for water sources‚ and we don’t have processing facilities nearby. There is a plant on the opposite side of the country. And it’s not like I have too much to dispose of‚ indeed. Since then‚ lithium batteries have gone from powering our smartphones and laptops to propelling electric vehicles and storing immense amounts of solar energy. These compact powerhouses provide exceptional energy density and convenience. But behind their brilliance lurks a dark side: the potential for catastrophic failure. I know this firsthand because of my technical background. And some interesting and “classified” experiments with chemistry (ahem). I watched one of these batteries explode in a coworker’s laptop right on his desk‚ indeed‚ back in the early 2000s For preppers‚ understanding these hazards is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of their critical energy stores. The allure of lithium-ion Let’s be honest‚ batteries are amazing. They liberate us from the constraints of cords and outlets‚ freeing us to explore‚ work‚ and connect wherever we want. Lithium-ion batteries‚ in particular‚ shine when it comes to efficiency and capacity at decent temperatures. Compared to their predecessors‚ they hold more energy while remaining lightweight and compact‚ and that makes them perfect for portable electronics and off-grid power systems. But…”with great power comes great responsibility” The lurking danger within lithium batteries Despite their outstanding benefits‚ lithium batteries aren’t without risks. While uncommon‚ their potential for overheating and catching fire is a genuine concern. These fiery infernos can cause all kinds of serious injuries‚ extensive property damage‚ and even loss of life. Unlike traditional fires‚ lithium-ion blazes are notoriously difficult to extinguish and release highly toxic fumes‚ adding another layer of danger. That is why you NEED a good respirator mask!! Here is where the equation “Probability Vs. Consequence” balance has to be carefully addressed. The probability of a battery catching on fire by itself is not very high‚ but the consequences are usually awful. The culprits behind the inferno Several factors can trigger a lithium-ion meltdown: Short circuits: When two positive and negative terminals touch inadvertently‚ an uncontrolled surge of energy can result in rapid heating and potential fire. The contact is not so hard to avoid using common sense‚ though. This can happen due to internal defects‚ physical damage (like a puncture!)‚ or incompatible chargers. Overcharging: Pushing a battery beyond its capacity strains its internal components‚ raising the risk of overheating and internal combustion. Most modern batteries have good safeguards‚ though‚ but faulty electronics or improper charging practices can override these protections. It is more of a concern for us builders using components bought separately and rigging everything together. Overheating: Exposure to extreme temperatures‚ such as leaving a battery in a hot car or directly under the summer sun‚ can destabilize its chemistry and ignite its flammable electrolyte. Not so easy to prevent in this country‚ which makes us think of additional protections like a remote temperature sensor in any enclosed space where these batteries are. Physical damage: Punctures‚ dents‚ hits‚ and/or crushing compromise the battery’s integrity‚ potentially disrupting its internal system and causing a short circuit or uncontrolled release of energy. The ones designed for automotive use are usually a bit more robust. However‚ with a good‚ safe location and some planning‚ this should not be a problem. Prepping lithium batteries with prudence As preppers‚ relying solely on lithium batteries for emergency power comes with inherent risks. However‚ with proper knowledge and safety measures‚ you can mitigate these dangers and enjoy their exceptional performance: Buy quality: Invest in batteries from reputable manufacturers known for their stringent quality control. While costlier‚ they’re less likely to be defective and potentially self-combust. This doesn’t necessarily mean more money; it means we have to select our vendors carefully. Charge and monitor wisely: Avoid overcharging by using compatible chargers and monitoring the process. Consider smart chargers that automatically cut off when full. DIYers and builders have an obvious edge; we can rig a custom platform for this and will be quite useful to make it as simple or as complex as we need it‚ and downstream‚ troubleshooting will be easier. A little like knowing where the buried water pipes run because you laid them out yourself. Temperature control: Store batteries in cool‚ dry spaces. Avoid harsh environments like extreme heat or freezing temperatures. Mind you that if you locate the batteries in a place inside the house where some heat warms them up‚ it would be a good idea to have a couple of redundant smoke detectors and your gas mask under the bed‚ just in case. Handle with care: Don’t abuse or puncture these batteries. Treat them with respect‚ and they’ll likely return the favor. They are not exactly made to throw them in the back of a pickup without a protective case. The fiery aftermath Should the unthinkable happen and a lithium battery erupts in flames‚ staying calm and acting swiftly is paramount: Evacuate: Immediately move away from the fire and ensure everyone nearby is safely out of harm’s way. Toxic fumes can spread quickly‚ so prioritize respiratory protection if possible. Call for help: Don’t hesitate a bit to dial 911. Lithium-ion fires are complex and require professional intervention. Smother the flames (if safe): If the fire is small and contained‚ use a fire blanket or sand to smother it. Water is ineffective and can worsen the situation. Safety beyond the firestorm Lithium batteries‚ while potentially risky‚ offer undeniable benefits. By recognizing the dangers‚ implementing safety measures‚ and storing them responsibly‚ preppers can leverage their incredible capabilities without compromising their well-being. Here are some additional tips for minimizing risks: Maintain your batteries: Regularly inspect for signs of damage‚ like swelling‚ leaking‚ or discoloration. Dispose of damaged batteries properly‚ following local regulations. Diversify your power sources: While lithium-ion offers convenience‚ consider alternatives like lead-acid batteries or renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines to create a more resilient and safer power system. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest regulations and safety recommendations for lithium-ion batteries. Manufacturer recalls and industry advancements can inform your storage and usage practices. By implementing these strategies‚ preppers can harness the power of lithium-ion batteries while ensuring a safe and secure environment for themselves and their loved ones. Remember‚ preparedness is about more than just stockpiling supplies; it’s about making informed choices and mitigating potential risks‚ even those nestled within the seemingly harmless devices that power our lives. Other Alternatives To Lithium Batteries With the explosion of new battery technologies‚ some other options are available and should be considered as well. Being the most concerning problem of the inherent instability and flammability of Lithium-ion‚ the logical step is to ponder‚ what is the closer option. This is where the LiFePO4 comes into the scene. Check out the article Are LiFePO4 batteries more stable than lithium-ion batteries? I am going to stay with the facts‚ and I would say that yes‚ LiFePO4 batteries are inherently more stable than conventional lithium batteries. This is because the cathode material in LiFePO4 batteries is lithium iron phosphate‚ which happens to be much less reactive than the commonly used lithium cobalt oxide in lithium-ion batteries. LiFePO4 batteries have a higher melting point than conventional lithium-ion batteries‚ which means they are less likely to catch fire or explode if exposed to high temperatures. Their resistance to overcharging is also greater‚ which means they are less likely to be damaged if overcharged. One of the aspects I like the most is that LiFePO4 batteries also have a longer lifespan than conventional lithium-ion batteries under the same usage pattern and operational conditions. This is because the cathode material in LiFePO4 batteries is less prone to chemical degradation. In general‚ LiFePO4 batteries are a safer and more reliable option than conventional lithium-ion batteries. They are a good choice for applications where safety is important‚ such as in the automotive industry or solar power. The cost is very similar‚ also. What are your thoughts? Do you find this article interesting? Will you stick to your lead-acid batteries‚ the less expensive and more known option now? Do you prefer this lithium-based chemistry or are you a fan of the Edison nickel-iron hydroxide battery like myself? Let me know what you think! Be safe‚ stay tuned‚ and thanks for your sponsorship! About Jose Jose is an upper middle class professional. He is a former worker of the oil state company with a Bachelor’s degree from one of the best national Universities. He has an old but in good shape SUV‚ a good 150 square meters house in a nice neighborhood‚ in a small but (formerly) prosperous city with two middle size malls. Jose is a prepper and shares his eyewitness accounts and survival stories from the collapse of his beloved Venezuela. Jose and his younger kid are currently back in Venezuela‚ after the intention of setting up a new life in another country didn’t  go well. The SARSCOV2 re-shaped the labor market and South American economy so he decided to give it a try to homestead in the mountains‚ and make a living as best as possible. But this time in his own land‚ and surrounded by family‚ friends and acquaintances‚ with all the gear and equipment collected‚ as the initial plan was.  Follow Jose on YouTube and gain access to his exclusive content on Patreon. Donations: paypal.me/JoseM151 The post Lithium Batteries for Preppers: A Guide To Staying Energized And Safe appeared first on The Organic Prepper.

A man from Massachusetts who won the lottery claimed his $4 million prize money with his furry‚ four-legged best friend on Tuesday‚ January 16.

If Trump Were President Those Soldiers Would Be Alive

Scientists have had to stop using the Corbassière glacier in Valais‚ Switzerland‚ as a record of the changing climate‚ because the climate has changed too much. Much of what we know about the Earth’s climate‚ we have learned from ice. Glaciers capture bubbles of air that reveal atmospheric concentrations of gasses when the ice formed. Isotopes of oxygen in the water molecules provide clues to temperatures at the time. Pollutants trapped in the ice contain their own information. Together‚ these inspire climatologists to travel to Greenland‚ Antarctica‚ and the tops of mountains to obtain ice cores. However‚ they only work because ice is laid down in layers each winter. These‚ like the rings of trees‚ provide information on the events of that particular year – if the layers cannot be distinguished‚ the ice ceases to serve its purpose.      Some ice sheets record the climate over hundreds of thousands of years‚ but the ice in the Corbassière is of much more recent ilk. Near its top‚ it consists of firn: a stage in the process of snow becoming ice. An average of 2 meters (7 feet) of firn from each year between 2011 and 2018 is found at Corbassière‚ allowing for much greater resolution than most locations.Summer winds bring pollution in the form of ammonium‚ nitrate‚ and sulfate to the Alps‚ where they are deposited on glaciers like Corbassière. Colder winter air rises less‚ and concentrations of these particulates fall.When Paul Scherrer Institute PhD student Carla Huber and Professor Margit Schwikowski studied a 14-meter (49-foot) core collected in 2018‚ they could see the previous seven years in outstanding detail. Yet an 18-meter (59-foot) 2020 core produced very different results‚ with lower trace concentrations‚ and far less seasonal variation.Huber‚ Schwikowski‚ and colleagues conclude recent summers have gotten so hot that the glacier melted so deeply that even layers buried beneath meters of firn were affected. Deposits from different seasons mixed‚ leading to smoothing out‚ Moreover‚ some of the meltwater drained away‚ causing gaps in the glacier to sink to the bottom. “Apparently the water there did not freeze again‚ concentrating the trace substances‚” said Schwikowski in a statement. “But instead it drained off and literally washed them away.”The team compared the process to a library break-in where pieces of different books get mixed up‚ and some are stolen altogether.This would be worrying enough for the future if Grand Combin‚ from which the glacier flows‚ had experienced some freak event. However‚ the nearest weather stations indicate it did not. Instead‚ it has simply warmed in line with the global average."From this we conclude that there was no singular trigger for this strong melting‚ but that it resulted from many warm years in the recent past‚" Schwikowski said. "It seems a threshold has been crossed‚ which now has led to a comparatively strong effect."      It’s yet another example of how the effects of climate change are surprising even those who have been studying it for decades‚ and seldom in a good way. "For a long time it has been clear that the glacier tongues are retreating. But we would not have thought that the areas feeding high alpine glaciers would also be so severely affected – that is‚ their highest part‚ where the ice replenishment is formed‚" Schwikowski said.Schwikowski is part of a project by the Ice Memory Foundation seeking to collect cores from 20 endangered glaciers before they melt‚ and store them in a global climate archive. Corbassière was to be one of these. The 2018 core may still be included‚ but Schwikowski says much of the 2020 core is now useless. The transition between hard and soft layers as a result of melting and refreezing almost destroyed a very expensive drill bit. Plans to drill much deeper to collect thousands of years' worth of data were abandoned."At the Grand Combin‚ we're already too late." Schwikowski said.It's possible that nearby glaciers could take Corbassière’s place in the archive‚ but with all but two of the Alps’ glaciers starting at lower altitudes‚ the rest may be similarly affected.Footage of the spectacular retreat of many glaciers has become a symbol and warning of global heating – but even where the effects are not visible to the naked eye‚ the consequences may still be serious.“The threat of glacial-archived information being lost forever is a major challenge faced by the scientific community‚ as it forms one of the best records of past climatic and environmental changes‚” the paper on the situation notes.The study is published open access in the journal Nature Geoscience.

The speed and voracity with which our innate immune system responds to invaders is great – until it turns against us. That happens in autoimmune conditions like lupus‚ and researchers have been trying to better understand how the system gets so out of control. In a new study‚ not only have scientists identified a new control mechanism that can trigger lupus‚ but also traced it back to a single genetic mutation.The team‚ based at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology‚ focused on Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR7); this is a protein found in immune cells that acts as a sensor for the genetic material of viruses and bacteria. When detected‚ the receptor triggers an immune response.However‚ for this response to happen quickly and with appropriate strength‚ immune cells are constantly producing and degrading receptors to maintain a balanced number of them. Too many‚ and things can go wrong‚ increasing the chance of the immune cells reacting against the body’s own cells and leading to lupus.“From earlier experiments in mice carried out a few years ago at the University of Berkeley in California‚ we already knew that too many of these receptors are a problem‚” explained group leader Olivia Majer in a statement.To figure out how a cell could end up with too many receptors‚ Majer and the team looked toward the molecules that help to break them down. In doing so‚ they identified a protein complex called BORC and demonstrated that this requires another protein‚ UNC93B1‚ in order to degrade TLR7.Neither BORC nor UNC93B1 had previously been associated with lupus‚ but thanks to lupus specialist Fabian Hauck and a patient at the Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital in Munich‚ the team’s findings were confirmed; the patient had a single mutation in the gene encoding UNC93B1.“When I got the first call from Fabian Hauck‚ I thought it was too good to be true‚” says Majer‚ “but within eight busy weeks of joined effort‚ we were able to confirm that the mutation in UNC93B1 was the cause of this patient’s lupus.”Lupus is estimated to affect at least 5 million people worldwide. Due to the immune system attacking the body’s own tissue‚ it can result in symptoms ranging from fatigue and skin rashes to severe damage to the lungs and kidneys. Actress and singer Selena Gomez was diagnosed with lupus in her early 20s‚ and received a kidney transplant back in 2017 due to the effects of the disease.It’s hoped that by identifying this new mechanism and the role of UNC93B1‚ testing for mutations in the protein could become a new part of lupus treatment. With further research‚ it may even represent a new therapeutic target for minimizing or stopping the damage caused by the disease in the first place.The study is published in the journal Science Immunology.

A secret document has revealed that the Pentagon is worried about the possibility of UFOs attacking the US and the world‚ reports dailymail.co.uk. The document‚ which was made public by the Office of Inspector General (OIG)‚ says that the US does not have enough resources to track and analyze unidentified flying objects (UFOs) that could pose a danger to the military and national security. The document is titled “Evaluation of the DoD’s Actions Regarding Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena” and it states that UFOs‚ whether they are from another planet or not‚ are a serious threat that needs more attention. The document acknowledges that it is very hard to prepare for an attack from an unknown enemy with unknown capabilities and intentions. It also admits that it is possible that some UFOs could be invisible or undetectable by current technology. “DoD efforts to identify and understand UAP has been irregular because of competing priorities‚ lack of substantive progress‚ and inconclusive findings. However‚ military pilots have continued to report UAP incidents despite the sporadic efforts of the DoD to identify‚ report‚ and analyze the events.” “The DoD has not issued a comprehensive UAP response plan that identifies roles‚ responsibilities‚ requirements‚ and coordination procedures for detecting‚ reporting‚ collecting‚ analyzing‚ and identifying UAP incidents.” “As a result‚ the DoD response to UAP incidents is uncoordinated and concentrated within each Military Department.” “DoD Components have largely excluded geographic combatant commands‚ which are responsible for detecting‚ deterring‚ and preventing threats and attacks against the United States and its territories‚ possessions‚ and bases in their respective areas of responsibility‚ in developing UAP policies and procedures.” The document urges the Department of Defense (DoD) to improve its UFO reporting and analysis system and to share more information with other agencies and allies. It also recommends more research and training on how to deal with UFO encounters and potential attacks. The document is one of the few official sources that confirm the Pentagon’s interest and concern about UFOs. It also shows that the US government is taking the UFO phenomenon seriously and not dismissing it as a hoax or a fantasy. The post Pentagon report warns US is unable to defend against UFOs appeared first on Anomalien.com.