Kids are always finding neat stuff and picking it up. When Mom Furby took her son Mateo to Disney, he found a broken arm from a Woody toy. The small piece of broken toy was special to the young boy because he had that same toy at home. Mateo knew just what to do with the arm — he needed to return it to Woody! @lifewithfurby He was so proud #disneytiktok #disneytips #hollywoodstudios ♬ You’ve Got a Friend in Me (From “Toy Story”) – Piano Version – Enrique Lázaro When Furby and Mateo find Woody, they have no clue how the character will react. They certainly didn’t expect to cause Woody to have a minor panic attack. Mateo proudly handed Woody the broken arm. Image from TikTok. Looking at the arm, Woody stepped back a few paces. As he realized what he was holding, the poor life-sized toy began to shake. Toy Story character Jesse comforted Mateo while Woody got help from a Disney employee, who managed to calm him down. Image from TikTok. Woody calmed down when he realized the arm was from a toy and not one of his. This episode is a prime example of how well Disney employees are trained. They stay in character throughout the “ordeal.” The Disney employee who rushed in to comfort Woody is a customer support liaison. Their job is to interact with customers as the voice of the animated characters. In this case, she comforted Woody to help calm Mateo. Disney is a wonderful place, from the Disney hug rule to all the amazingly well-trained character actors like Woody and Jesse. Disney employees will bring out the smiles whether your child has a popcorn emergency or finds a toy arm on the grounds. The magic of Disney is a real thing. Grab a Dole Whip and let your kid be a kid. Please share. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Little Boy Brings Woody Something He Found At Disney That Has Him Shaking In His Boots appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Millions of people in the United States suffer from food insecurity, with more than 40 percent of food lost throughout the production chain. Major merchants such as Kroger, Walmart, and Costco are stepping up to address this issue by donating expired food, which aids those in need while also increasing the stores’ profits. In 2022 alone, supermarkets and businesses contributed about two billion pounds of food, worth approximately $3.5 billion. These donations are increasingly acknowledged as a sound economic decision that also provides much-needed food to communities. The expanding role of supermarkets in food donation Retailers have traditionally contributed to food banks, helping to address the needs of the nearly 50 million Americans who are food insecure. In 2022, more than 200 food banks affiliated with Feeding America received about two billion pounds of food from supermarkets, accounting for approximately 30 percent of all food supplied by these groups. Supermarkets now provide more food to food banks than federal initiatives such as the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program. According to Feeding America, supermarkets and other large merchants play an important role in supplying food banks with perishable foods that are still safe to consume but are no longer eligible for retail sale due to minor quality issues. For many merchants, this act of generosity is more than just a nice gesture; it is a financially savvy option with significant advantages. Donating food: a win-win strategy The financial benefits of giving away expired food are twofold. First, supermarkets can claim tax breaks for their donations, lowering operational costs. Second, research suggests that by removing expired commodities and donating them to food banks, retailers free up precious shelf space for fresher, more attractive products, which can lead to greater sales and profit margins. John Lowrey, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain and Health Sciences at Northeastern University, teamed up with economists and supply chain experts to study sales data from two retail chains in a big Midwestern metropolitan area. The data found that retailers who frequently removed expired/expiring items and gave them to food banks reported an increase in sales due to fresher inventory. By improving the overall quality of food on display, retailers can enhance their brand image and drive more revenue. This “preemptive removal” strategy of handling expiring goods benefits both consumers and retailers. Why discounting isn’t the best option While donating food that is about to reach its best-before date has obvious benefits, many retailers continue to reduce products nearing their expiration date. On the surface, this strategy looks to recuperate some of the product’s value by attracting people to buy food at a lower cost. However, reduced items occupy valuable shelf space that could be better allocated for new inventory. Furthermore, exhibiting food that is obviously close to expiration, such as blemished fruits or dairy products approaching their sell-by date, might harm a store’s image in the eyes of customers. According to Lowrey, the quality of the food on display influences customers’ perceptions of the store. When consumers see overly discounted, aging items, they may question the freshness and overall quality of other products. By donating expired foods, shops improve the appearance and freshness of the food they serve, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and sales. The advantages of “preemptive removal” The technique of “preemptive removal,” which entails removing nearly expired commodities and sending them to food banks, has been shown to considerably boost a store’s profit margins. According to the same study, this strategy resulted in a one percent rise in average food costs and a 33 percent gain in profit margins—a significant boost for supermarkets, which generally operate with margins of under three percent. This technique not only benefits the stores but also ensures that more food reaches those in need. Every pound of food donated to food banks saves a pound of landfill space and contributes to the reduction of food waste. By boosting donations, stores may lessen their environmental effect while also aiding food banks in their fight against hunger. Solutions to reduce food waste and address food insecurity Despite the numerous benefits of donating food, several retailers struggle to establish consistent processes for storing expired food. The difficulties of transporting and distributing perishable products might cause logistical problems that lead to food waste. For example, some retailers only donate during certain seasons or focus on select categories, such as meat or baked goods, leaving other perishables to go to waste. Nonetheless, giving food is still one of the most effective strategies to combat food insecurity and reduce waste. As the number of food donations grows, more individuals in need will have access to nutritious food. Retailers gain from higher sales and better reputations as socially responsible firms. The path forward As the fight against food insecurity continues, supermarkets and large retailers play a critical role. By donating expired/expiring food rather than discounting or disposing of it, they can benefit both their earnings and the community. More frequent food donation practices, supported by smart collaborations with food banks, can help to expedite the process. Finally, retailers who adopt this method can increase profits, minimize waste, and make significant contributions to addressing one of the country’s most important issues: hunger. With millions of Americans facing food insecurity, now is the time for more retailers to adopt this solution-focused approach that benefits everyone. Source study: Manufacturing and Service Operations Management—Food donations, retail operations, and retail pricingThe post How donating expiring food boosts supermarket profits while tackling food insecurity first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For many people around the world, Halloween is the pinnacle of the spooky season, with costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and trick-or-treating providing a lively mix of fun and terror. However, Halloween is not the only holiday that honors the creepy, ghostly, and mysterious. Across countries, people gather to respect the dead, ward off evil, and enjoy customs that combine food, music, and costumes—some of which are scarier than Halloween itself! Here are eight Halloween celebrations, each with its own distinct way of commemorating the macabre. Setsubun (Japan): driving out demons with magic beans Setsubun is a Japanese festival that commemorates the entrance of spring and the expulsion of evil spirits. This centuries-old practice observed every February, involves flinging roasted soybeans, known as fukumame, to ward off devils and bring happiness. Adults, often wearing demon masks, play the “evil spirits,” as children gleefully hit them with beans and cry “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons are out! Happiness is in!”). Food also plays an important role in Setsubun. People eat a sushi roll known as ehomaki in silence while facing the year’s lucky direction, hoping for wealth and prosperity. And to ensure good health for the coming year, it is usual to consume the same amount of beans as your age! Día de los Muertos (Mexico): a vibrant celebration of life and death Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a joyful holiday honoring deceased loved ones. Celebrated on November 1 and 2, it is thought that on these days, the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, allowing spirits to return for family reunions. Día de los Muertos celebrates life via music, parades, and food and drink offerings, rather than sadness. Families set up ofrendas—altars with images of the departed, sugar skulls, and candles—and leave offerings of water, sweet bread, and fruits for the spirits. The festival’s vivid costumes, skull face painting, and marigold decorations serve as a poignant reminder that death is a natural part of life and not anything to be afraid of. Correfoc (Catalonia): dancing devils and fiery dragons The Correfoc event in Catalonia, Spain, combines fear and fun to great effect. On Catholic saint days, this event turns the streets into a fiery playground for devils and dragons. Performers dressed as devils with rockets attached to their pitchforks rush through the streets, creating a magnificent display of light and sound. Spectators, frequently brave enough to participate in the turmoil, dash alongside them to “run with the fire.” Correfoc, based on medieval street performances known as ball de diables (devils’ dance), is both thrilling and hazardous, making it one of the world’s most dramatic and exhilarating festivals. Awuru Odo (Nigeria): welcoming spirits back home The Igbo people of Nigeria celebrate Awuru Odo, a warm and inviting holiday during which spirits return from the afterlife to spend many months with their kin. This celebration, which takes place every two years between September and November, is a joyful reunion complete with music, dancing, and extravagant masks. The ghosts, represented by masked men, are regarded as honored guests, remaining with their loved ones until it is time for them to leave again. During the event, families eat together and pray for the returning spirits, demonstrating that in Igbo culture, the deceased are not feared but rather cherished as protectors and guides. Basler Fasnacht (Switzerland): a carnival of light and music Basler Fasnacht, Switzerland’s largest carnival, starts at 4 a.m. on the Monday following Ash Wednesday and lasts 72 hours of nonstop festivity. The streets of Basel are illuminated only by the glow of magnificently painted lanterns, as singers and entertainers march around the city dressed in elaborate costumes and masks. This celebration, which originated as ancient Celtic ceremonies, features everything from military marching bands to fairy-tale characters. Crowds flock to witness the processions, gather confetti and flowers from the floats, and enjoy a night of fun and music. The Kinderfasnacht on Tuesday allows children to join in the excitement by dressing up as their favorite characters. Gai Jatra (Nepal): a procession of cows for the souls of the deceased Nepal’s Gai Jatra, also known as the Festival of Cows, is a one-of-a-kind celebration full of pleasure and fun. The celebration began in the 17th century, when a king, lamenting the loss of his son, urged his subjects to perform a parade to cheer up his queen. Today, Gai Jatra is a means for families to remember loved ones who died during the preceding year. During the celebration, families carry cows (or children disguised as cows) through the streets, guiding the souls of the deceased to the hereafter. Gai Jatra uses music, dancing, and comic acts to transform sadness into a moment of shared laughter and reflection. Matariki (Aotearoa New Zealand): honoring the past, present, and future The Matariki star cluster marks the start of the new year for Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Families meet to remember loved ones who have died, express gratitude for the present, and plan for the future. The event centers on music, storytelling, and feasts. According to Māori mythology, the stars of Matariki are the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea, who cast them into the sky in mourning after his parents, Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother), split. This celebration is a time for introspection and thankfulness, as family gather to recall the past and look forward to a bright future. Fèt Gede (Haiti): celebrating the dead with joy and respect Fèt Gede, Haiti’s Festival of the Dead, is a lively celebration that honors the spirits of the deceased. The event, which runs throughout November, includes music, dancing, and food and drink offerings to the spirits, particularly the Gede, who are associated with death in the Voodoo faith. People dress in black, white, and purple during Fèt Gede, typically wearing skull makeup and top hats in remembrance of Papa Gede, the first to die. Fèt Gede, with processions leading to graves and rum-fueled festivities, is a joyous time to connect with the deceased and seek their blessings for the living.The post Halloween isn’t the only spooky celebration: 8 fascinating festivals from all across the world first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

The word “nothing” might initially suggest emptiness or absence, but in many iconic rock songs, it conveys the complete opposite: a powerful emotional reaction to life’s deepest struggles, relationships, and societal issues. When artists use “nothing” in their lyrics, they often capture the overwhelming impact of trauma, heartache, or existential contemplation. In these moments of emptiness, there’s a plea for connection, understanding, or even a prayer for peace. In many ways, the word “nothing” becomes a potent expression of the very emotions people often suppress but deeply feel. Rather than meaning absence, “nothing” transforms into a response to overwhelming situations—a The post 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Nothing’ In The Title appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

The small stellar objects were seen by JWST in the Small Magellanic Cloud.

If the AMOC collapses, there would be serious and possibly irreversible consequences for the world.

There are surfable waves, then there are mass extinction event waves.

The UAP Coalition Netherlands (UAPCNL) has announced that the Dutch Safety Board (Onderzoeksraad voor Veiligheid, OOV) will now accept reports from aviation professionals who have encountered Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP). This marks a significant step in addressing concerns about the safety risks UAP may pose in Dutch airspace. The Dutch Safety Board, an independent body that investigates safety-related incidents, made it clear that reports from aviation professionals will be considered seriously. In a statement on its official website, the Board emphasized that “serious accidents or even disasters can still happen. The Dutch Safety Board investigates occurrences and draws lessons from them. In this way, the Board contributes to safer procedures and organization.” The announcement came following a post on X (formerly Twitter) by UAPCNL Chairman Joachim Dekkers. An article published on the UAPCNL website elaborated on the news, highlighting the Board’s willingness to independently assess reports to determine whether a formal investigation will be launched. “Anyone can report any situation or incident to the Safety Board,” the article stated. “The Board then independently weighs up whether an investigation will be initiated. If an unsafe situation has occurred, the Safety Board may decide to investigate the UAP report further.” The UAP Coalition expressed its satisfaction with the decision, viewing it as a positive development for air safety. “As a Coalition, we are pleased to report that the OVV has indicated that it wants to receive reports of UAP from Dutch aviation professionals,” UAPCNL noted in an official statement. “Airspace can be endangered by experiences with UAP, so it is positive that an independent administrative body wants to gain more insight into this and takes reports seriously. We see this as recognition and an important step towards achieving our goals.” The post Netherlands Urges Pilots to Report UAP Encounters appeared first on Anomalien.com.

The WNBA has wrapped up its most notable season since its inception, breaking multiple viewership records while increasing attendance across the league. The rookie season of Caitlin Clark saw ticket prices skyrocket wherever she played, with games even having to change locations to accommodate the fans who wanted to see her. 'I'm speaking on a particular group that is motivated by hate and destruction.' But with more eyeballs came far more scrutiny of — and pressure on — the players. Not only did many players buckle under their newfound fame but so did owners and reporters. What resulted from this historic season wasn't a showering of praise on the league's new fans or an increased appreciation for the sport but rather a historic series of blunders.5. WNBA owner calls Clark fans 'racist' Typically, sports franchise owners want to pull fans into arenas, not alienate them. That note seemingly didn't make its way to the desk of Renee Montgomery, former WNBA star and part owner of the Atlanta Dream. Not only did Montgomery claim there was a prevalence of "bots" and "faux fans" within Clark's massive online following, but also the owner doubted that the new star's fans even watched her games. "I'm speaking on a particular group that is motivated by hate and destruction," Montgomery said in a clip she posted to X. "I like when our fans are so engaged and so passionate that they just don't like the other team. But being racist, sexist, and violent with your words — come on now, what are we doing? ... That's not acceptable," she added. For some reason, the owner even brought Boston Celtics fans into the mix and accused them of "racist treatment of players." The Dream finished 15-25 and were swept in the playoffs. Karma? 4. Reporter says a single MAGA hat made a WNBA game 'unsafe' It wasn't enough in the 2024 season simply not to be a fan of Clark. Any connection to conservative politics that possibly could have been made was made — and then connected to some form of hatred. Take WNBA writer Frankie de la Cretaz. The "they/them" journalist attended Game 2 of the playoff series between Clark's Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun. De la Cretaz's reporting included citing the game's "vibe" as "horrendous" while also claiming she and her "partner" told off a "racist" fan sitting behind them. The fan's crime was daring to mock one of the Sun players for wearing fake eyelashes on the court. The writer was even more outraged by "a man in a MAGA hat" and a woman wearing a "ban nails" shirt. The fan also sported props of giant fingernails on her hands. When all was said and done, de la Cretaz said she'd be writing a scathing review about her horrible experience before adding, "I've never felt unsafe at a WNBA game & tonight I did." 3. Players complain their private planes are too small After Clark was photographed on a luxury private flight — likely due to her being responsible for the massive attention the league was getting — players began demanding similar amenities. Did they take their issues to WNBA brass and ownership? Of course not. Instead they took to their social media pages and press interviews. Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese was the first to complain, posting a photo of herself seemingly embarrassed to be on a commercial flight. On her Instagram story, Reese showed herself in sunglasses and a paper mask with the caption: "Just praying that this is one of the last commercial flights the Chicago Sky has to fly." A second caption read, "Practicing gratitude & patience as the league introduces charter flights for all teams." Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham went about her request far more arrogantly, saying, "Butterflies and rainbows now that we got the charters" before adding that the private planes weren't big enough. Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images "We are so grateful to be able to start chartering, but with that, there's a lot of things that need to be adjusted," she said during an interview. "Our bags and some of our people can't fly with us because our charter is too small. While other teams get big planes." Cunningham seems to be unaware that while the league is losing a reported $50 million in 2024, its private plane program is responsible for half that debt at $25 million. 2. A'ja Wilson claims black players don't get endorsements — and is immediately proven wrong In what may have been a cruel joke by a reporter, Las Vegas Aces player A'ja Wilson made wild, racially charged accusations, only to be immediately proven wrong. In an interview with the Associated Press, Wilson claimed that race has played a "huge" role in Clark's popularity while adding that black women aren't seen as marketable and, despite what they may accomplish, are still ignored. "It doesn't matter what we all do as black women; we're still going to be swept underneath the rug," Wilson argued. To the surprise of very few, Wilson's claims were completely destroyed before they were even published. A week before the interview went public, Wilson signed a deal with Gatorade. Then, on May 11, Wilson and Nike announced that she would be endorsed and given her own signature shoe. On May 12, Wilson's interview with the Associated Press was published, leaving egg all over her face. Wilson called it a "dream" of hers to be able to work with such an iconic brand as Nike, but she failed to mention anything about being unmarketable due to her race. 1. Cameron Brink accidentally calls her teammates ugly The most jaw-dropping quote of the season came from the right place — that is, if you believe woke culture and social justice are forces for good. When Cameron Brink gave an interview about "tired narratives," she focused on the idea of breaking stereotypes and tropes. However, the 22-year-old actually just ended up calling her teammates ugly and manly. 'Some of my teammates go by they/them pronouns.' In an attempt to spew woke dogma, Brink initially went with race as a factor in popularity: "I will acknowledge there's a privilege for the younger white players of the league. That's not always true, but there is a privilege that we have inherently, and the privilege of appearing feminine." Your browser does not support the video tag. Video by Dave Tolley/Getty Images After stating there is pressure for women to appear womanly, Brink attempted to explain why her more "masculine" teammates should be more popular despite their looks. "Some of my teammates are more masculine. Some of my teammates go by they/them pronouns," she said. "I want to bring more acceptance to that and not just have people support us because of the way that we look. I know I can feed into that because I like to dress femininely, but that's just me. I want everyone to be accepted — not just paid attention to because of how they look." Brink has since continued to dress like a woman. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

More than 20 years after it first arrived, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 Remake brings the classic PS2-era strategy game back with a full-scale overhaul. The more tactical counterpart to developer Koei Tecmo’s beloved Dynasty Warriors series, Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 introduces a Crusader Kings 3 blend of tactics and drama to the legendary setting. Its original release only reached PC in Japan, however, with players in the west just given the PlayStation 2 version. Now, you can relive the iconic military tale once again, and the first major revamp in the long-running series is already proving popular on Steam. Continue reading Forgotten grand strategy game Romance of the Three Kingdoms 8 blows up on Steam MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Best grand strategy games, Best turn-based strategy games, Best management games