Clogging champions win crowd with fun and difficult routine

Probably there is not a single person out there that can resist a good beat. We all enjoy good song and music that makes us feel special. Wherever and whenever we hear a great song, our body starts moving like we are on the dance floor. Simple dance requires simple moves and less efforts in order to perform the act perfectly. But, even simple moves can make us sometimes breathe heavily. Image a person dancing with a planned choreography and difficult body movements? That must be so exhausting.

Clogging is undoubtedly one of those very difficult, but extremely amusing dancing acts. To many clogging doesn’t sound funny, while for others it is a very interesting and difficult dance that involves lot of physical efforts. However, clogging is very cool and since it’s not a very commonly performed dance, knowing how to clog is a ‘personal superpower’ for showing off. This dance is a combination of energetic moves and addictive rhythm and leaves no one indifferent.

Mastering clog dance is not an easy task. It’s a challenging thing to do. Whether you clog solo or in a group, several things should be considered in order to dance like a professional. Clogging requires lots of discipline, attention to details and collaboration with the co-dancers. The synchronisation of the movements and the energy of the dancers is what impress people. Tap This! are masters of clogging and they show us how to combine all these things in order to impress the audience.

On first glance, clogging looks very similar to the well-known tap dancing. However, these two dances, even though they appear similar, are in fact very different. The crucial difference between these two dances is that clogging is usually performed in line formation. Furthermore, these dances differ in the dancers’ outfit. Cloggers do not have metal soles on their shoes.

Tap This! is a dancing group from Lincoln, Nebraska. So far, four times Tap This! have become national dancing champions. The dancing group has earned a lot of trophies and their performances have been recognized by many professional dance competitions. This time Tap This! have amazed us with their great performance of ‘Uptown Funk’. The clogging is just wonderful.

With casual outfit, the 14 dancers of the Tap This! start the performance of this song. The addictive beat and the marvellous choreography blew people’s mind away. This perfect coordination of movements and taps are just mesmerizing.

Tap This! did a great job. With this performance they showed that clogging’s a very interesting and funny dance. This group does a lot to promote clogging as a modern dance.

Take a look at Tap This! wonderful performance by playing the video below.

Keeping a jasmine plant in your room reduces anxiety, panic attacks and depression, says study

Even in the ancient times, people would turn to nature whenever they would experience any health issues. That didn’t change much, as we still use the healing powers of many plants when we are trying to release any physical or mental pain we suffer from. Even if we don’t face any particular health problems, being outdoors and close to the nature would benefit our overall well-being. Now, if your schedule is very tight and doesn’t allow you to spend some quality time outdoors, you can always bring part of the nature in your home. That won’t only help you feel better, but it would make your place more appealing and will provide it with freshness.

One of the plants that is scientifically proven to improve the quality of the air and helps fight with anxiety, depression, insomnia, and even panic attacks is the lovely jasmine.

The health benefits the jasmine offers are numerous and improve your mood in general. We are already aware of the correlation between stress and oxygen levels and nurturing a regal fragrant flower like this at home will not only increase these much needed high oxygen levels, but will make your place smell lovely and will facilitate your breathing.

These recent discoveries regarding the role of the jasmine in treating health conditions had been published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry according to Healthy Food House.

A research that had been conducted by professor Hanns Hatt from the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany, confirms that jasmine fragrance relieves anxiety and encourages rest. He states that the research “can be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy.”

Additionally, professor Hatt gives detailed description of the process of research which involved observation of mice that have been exposed to the aroma of jasmine plants and jasmine essential oil. The findings show that the mice involved in the study significantly calmed down and ceased all activity. This was the basis of further research which aimed in discovering all the evidence of jasmine’s ability to calm those who inhale its fragrance.

Jasmine affects people’s mood and calmness by influencing and boosting the effects of a chemical known as GABA on nerve cells. The chemical reaction that takes place is what relieves anxiety.
Prof. Hatt explained, “We have discovered a new class of GABA receptor modulator which can be administered parenterally and through the respiratory air. Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement, and aggression relieving treatment and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable.”

It was determined that jasmine can help:

– Reduce anxiety and nervous tension
– Boost mood
– Improve cognitive performance and alertness
– Improve sleep quality
– Balance hormones
– Treat hot flashes and mood swings
– Increase libido

The good news is that the effect the aroma of jasmine has on people suffering from anxiety and the rest of the conditions listed above is around 5 times stronger than that of the medicines who serve the same purpose. Only a few drops of jasmine essential oil is needed in order to increase concentration, get better sleep, ease mild depression, and fight other similar conditions. According to Kaliana.com, “Research at Wheeling Jesuit University by Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, assistant professor of psychology, shows dispensing jasmine odor into a room where participants were sleeping led to greater sleep efficiency and reduced sleep movement.”

Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

CDC report says American population could drop

Many reports regarding the demography of the world show some very concerning results. The world’s population is getting old. In other words, the fertility rates in many countries are in decline, which means less newborns. Countries like Bulgaria, Romania or Moldova are already facing the consequences of the population decline.

The CDC’s report on the US demography is also concerning. The figures show that the fertility rate in the country is in decline and the experts expect some difficult periods for the nation in terms of newborns and young generations.

Except for only two US states, Utah and South Dakota, all of the other US states have decreased fertility rate, according to the 2017 report. This is a direct consequence of a very simple thing – many people decide not to have kids in these states.

The statistical tools for determining the fertility rate follows the following formula. The fertility rate is determined with a projected number of births per 1,000 women. These estimates take into consideration the projected average number of babies of women. In order to understand the experts’ alarm, in 1950s the average number of children for women was 4.7, while in 2017 it’s only 2.4.

There are many factors for such decrease. The fertility rate decrease is not a new phenomenon in America. It has been recorded in the previous decades as well.

The economy is usually the most influential factor for this fertility rate decrease. People do not decide to have kids if they think their jobs are not stable and their income is minimal. Having in mind the costs for raising a kid, many people decide that having only one kid is enough.

Besides the economical factor, there are several other that greatly impact the fertility rate. Many people put greater importance to their careers instead of to the family. This results with getting married later in their lives and that means less chance of getting more kids.

Additional factors are the ‘freedom of movement’ and the decrease of the teen pregnancies. The first one includes categories of women who do not want to have obligations and extra duties by giving birth to a child. The second one is a direct result of the good sex education in the country, which directly and efficiently decreased the number of pregnant teenagers.

However, the USA are not the only that are affected by this decrease. Countries of similar economical and demographical outline like the USA have the same problems. The fertility rate decrease can be seen in the reports for countries from Asia, Europe and North America.

If this decrease continues going down, all of these countries will have some significant problems in the future. Improving these rates takes a lot of efforts and measurements, in addition to the time that is needed to go back to the fertility rates that were noted in the reports of 1950s.

Trucker slams the brakes when he spots it on the roadside. Now the police are begging for help

Truck drivers spend a great deal of time behind the wheel and stumble upon many eye-catching sights along the way. Unfortunately, they aren’t always pleasant ones. Recently, a trucker was heading towards Cortland, New York, when he spotted something unusual. A person driving dark blue Dodge Durango threw two dogs out of the vehicle before leaving the spot.

It was the most horrendous act of cruelty this truck driver has ever seen. Neither he, nor us can ever understand how someone can be so cold hearted. Luckily, this kind man pulled his truck over and called the police. One of the canines didn’t suffer any serious injuries, while the other one, unfortunately, had to have one of his legs amputated.

“These animals have been through a lot, and people need to understand that this is not OK,” said Amberly Ondria, a shelter manager at the Broome County Humane Society. “This is not something that should be done.” Adam, the truck driver, feels the same way.

The first responders came at the scene and tried to track the dogs’ owner down, but he or she was already gone and obviously didn’t plan on getting the poor creatures back home. The dogs were later named Trooper and Adam, after the men who first came to their help.

Trooper, the dog who lost a leg and is believed to be between 6 and 8 years old, already feels better. He manages to get around using his three legs.

“Although a bit unsteady, and only moving a short distance, it is very obvious that he is determined,” The Humane Society posted on Facebook. The other dog is thought to be around 1 year old.

“Thank you to EVERYONE for your prayers, kind words, generous donations and sharing this story!” The Humane Society continued. “It is because of all of you that we can get Trooper and Adam the level and quality of care that they need and deserve. Words cannot describe how tremendous people are and how everyone is rallying for these dogs!”

“And Adam [the trucker] has expressed his wishes of adopting both of them. He has already proven he has a big heart and these pups would have an amazing life with him. Please let that happen too.”

The organization is sharing Adam and Trooper’s story in hopes it would reach someone who has information on the neglectful owner. One person wrote, “I sincerely hope the dash cam of Adam’s truck can bring justice for these poor babies.”

The best thing is that Adam, the truck driver, is willing to adopt both the dogs. If that happens, we can rest assured they will have an amazing life ahead of them.

School stumbles upon chalkboards from 1917 during renovation, perfectly preserved lessons provide rare look into past.

Emerson High School in Oklahoma City is in the focus of the news with their interesting and fascinating discovery. The regular renovation and modernisation of the classrooms of this high school uncovered an amazing well-preserved objects. These object give us a chance to see how people in the past have been teaching and studying.

The school purchased modern smart  boards in order to replace the old chalkboards in the classrooms. While the workers were removing the old chalkboard, they uncovered old well-preserved chalkboards. The old ones would have been thrown away if the workers didn’t see the drawings and the writing on the board.  The words and drawing were done nearly a hundred years ago, in 1917. This fascinated everyone.  

The condition of the writing and the drawings are almost perfect. One part shows the calendar, specifically December 1917.

Another part of the boards is featuring a scene of Thanksgiving Day.

The English teacher Cinthea Comer says:

“It was so eerie because the colors were so vibrant, it looked like it was drawn the same day. To know that it was drawn 100 years ago… it’s like you’re going into a looking glass into the past.”

Sherry Kishore, the Principal, says that she likes the discovery, not only because of the colours and the well-preserved writing, but also because it shows some very old teaching techniques.

One example of the outdated teaching technique is this wheel of multiplication, which is not used for decades.

Besides that, there is a modification of the Pledge of Allegiance as well.

It says:

“I give my head, my heart, and my life to my God and One nation indivisible with justice for all.”

Interestingly, one corner of the board is dedicated to hygiene. Among the things it says “My Rules To Keep Clean” with tips like “Take my bath often” and “Wash my teeth.”

All of these old techniques were seen by the Principal’s mother. This 85-year-old lady recognized some of the techniques and that brought good memories from her childhood. Her daughter says:

“She just stood there and cried. She said it was exactly like her classroom was when she was going to school.”

Even though these techniques and writings were done in 1917, Kishore’s mother might have still been using the same, some 10 years later.

The school and the city are negotiating and planning to preserve the boards for the future generations.

Pastor Urges Families to Make Surprise Visits to Nursing Homes After 80-Year-Old Mom Is Found Alone Slumped Over a Pillow

People turn to nursing homes when they have no other options left. These places are designed to help and provide the elderly people enough comfort, easy life, and constant health care. One won’t expect mistreating or negligence of the residents by the staff.

The story of Esther Brown, an 80-year old lady from Ohio gives a different picture about the nursing homes.

Esther was a patient in Altercare Nobles Pond in Canton. Her family’s pastor and her son James decided to visit her unannounced one day. What they saw was a total shock for the whole family.

When they got in the private rooms, they found Esther totally alone. This wouldn’t be strange if it wasn’t for her position. Her head was resting on a pillow on the desk and she was starting to choke on her own saliva. This unbelievable scene disturbed the family.

Julia Wiggins, the pastor, made two photos of Esther. She used these photos to convince the other families to check on their loved ones and see if they are in good hands. She also used the photos to show the world what’s really going on in the Altercare Nobles Pond.

Her Facebook post also explains that after the unexpected visit, Esther’s clothes were changed and she was moved into a private room.

Julia goes into details. The unannounced visit was intended to be a surprise for Esther, but the surprise was the other way around. According to Julia, when they entered the facility, they saw something weird in the nurses’ station. Believing that it was a cat, they ignored it for a moment.

However, when they got nearer, they saw Esther choking on her saliva. They started yelling and shouting, but for 10 minutes no one appeared in the station.

Esther recognized her son’s voice and that gave her strength to move a bit. They immediately started helping the lady.

This shocking event made these people call the other families to check on their beloved ones. And they did, as many families that night came to Altercare Nobles Pond.

Her post and photos ended up in the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Department of Aging. Some of the workers tried to justify the situation by claiming that many dementia patients have enough strength, so ending up in a situation like that may not be surprising.

Nevertheless, the family filed a complaint against Altercare Nobles Pond. The investigation is ongoing. 

3 Boys Say Goodbye To Marine Dad Diagnosed With Brain Tumor Weeks After Learning Of Wife’s Pregnancy

The journey we call life is a never ending mixture of beautiful moments worth cherishing, as well as challenges and obstacles that stand on our way to happiness. We do our best to overcome the difficulties. Sometimes, we end up winners, but other times, the ordeals we have to go through and the battles we have to fight are simply too challenging to handle.

The life of U.S Marine Jason Shipmon and his wife Amanda resembled a fairy tale. The lovebirds met back in 2004, and it only took six weeks for them to be certain how they should spend their eternity together. During the ten years of marriage, the couple had to part several times because of Jason’s deployment, but that was the only time they were separated.

However, their ideal life was cut short after they learned the devastating news that Jason had cancer. This happened while Amanda was pregnant with their third child. The doctor’s prognosis were that he had only a few years left to live. However, neither Jason, nor Amanda ever lost hope. Thanks to all the love and encouragement, as well as the treatments involving radiation and chemotherapy, Jason could live past the prognosis.

WE KIND OF HAD PASSED THAT FIVE-YEAR MARK AND WERE JUST VERY HOPEFUL THAT MAYBE HE WAS THAT SMALL PERCENTAGE THAT IT WOULDN’T COME BACK,” AMANDA TOLD THE CASPER STAR TRIBUNE. “BUT WE ALWAYS KNEW THAT THE ODDS OF IT COMING BACK WERE VERY HIGH.

Sadly, the cancer returned, and the family was devastated.

Amanda Shipton said on Facebook:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭

Last night my sweet husband, the love of my life left this earth to go home. He fought so hard for so long for me and our precious boys.

My heart is broken, I feel lost. I look in the faces of our boys and my heart breaks even more, but I feel a little less lost. They are my why. They will give me a strength to carry on.

“A true love story never ends.” Truer words could not be spoken. We wrote a beautiful love story. He made me happier than I even knew I could be and the gift of his love is the greatest gift I have ever known. It will continue to comfort me and carry me on.

My boys will always have the gift of waking each morning having called this man “daddy” and knowing their dad was a hero in so many ways but especially to us.

His fight was good and he has finished his race.

Now we must continue on ours. One day at a time. One step at a time.

Jason was a brave man who did so much for his country. He fought many wars and battles, but he couldn’t win the one with the cancer. He will always be remembered as a loving father and a hero. Rest in peace.

Teacher forces 8-year-old to pee in class, makes him wear soiled clothes

People from all over the country are left outraged because of the shocking incident that took place at the Manhattan Place Elementary school. According to the Mongol family, their 8-year-old son was forced to urinate into the trash can, in the middle of the classroom, while his classmates were watching. This left the boy traumatized and an easy target for bullies.

We all agree how teachers don’t have it easy, and dealing with so many students and their wishes may be draining, but it can never be an excuse for such horrendous behavior towards this poor boy. At the end of the day, it’s teachers’ responsibility to find a way on how to deal with the students wanting to use the bathroom too often.

In the process, the boy soiled his pants and was made to cover himself in a plastic garbage bag. His family believes they are dealing with the teacher from Hell, and we agree how what this boy had to go through is unspeakable.

“My child did not deserve this — no child deserves to be treated this way,” mother Sonia Mongol said in tears.

The mother further explains how the incident took place after her son asked his teacher numerous times to be allowed to use the bathroom, to which he got no as an answer. After this, the teacher told him to pee into the garbage can.

“Why would you make a child expose himself in front of the classroom, and then put a garbage bag over him when he comes to you for help? Why would you treat a child that way?” mother Sonia said.

To make things worse, no one alerted the parents of their son’s ordeal and the boy had to stay covered in the garbage bag until the end of the school day.

Latricia Mitchell, a retired teacher, explains how sometimes students ask for a permission to use the bathroom without really feeling the need to do so. Instead, they see it as a way to get out of the classroom and take a short walk around the school’s halls. However, she says how she supports the parents and can’t believe how a teacher could treat a student that way. She fully supports the Mongol family.

“Sometimes we don’t allow the children to go to the bathroom because they go all the time,” she said. “But after they ask you twice, you should realize that something is going on.”

Sonia is worried that her son won’t easily forget this incident that is very likely to hunt him in the years to come.

We really hope that the boy’s family would be able to make this cruel teacher pay for what they did. At the time being, the incident is under investigation by the school authorities.