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Penny & Gus
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a Council Chronicle series that offers a glimpse at unusual stories in the news around the world. They are intended to provoke thought, inform and elicit a range of emotions from joy, outrage, anger, amusement to hope. These are a summary of stories worth knowing. Each month we will feature a story of the Good, the Bad & the Ugly around the globe. If you come across a news item that falls into any of these categories, please email it to me for possible inclusion in the monthly e-newsletter.
THE (VERY) GOOD
101-YEAR-OLD WOMAN ADOPTS OLDEST CAT IN SHELTER: "MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN"
The adoption of the oldest cat in a North Carolina animal shelter has been described as a "match made in heaven" after a 101-year-old woman took him in.
Gus, 19 years old, was taken to the Humane Society of Catawba County (HSCC) in North Carolina in the middle of September, after his previous owner could no longer keep him due to unforeseen work commitments. "His owner was heartbroken," Jane Bower, Humane Society of Catawba County's executive director told Newsweek.
The HSCC is a nonprofit that aims to fight overpopulation, cruelty and inhumane treatment of animals in the area, as well as endeavor to make sure that "no adoptable animal will be euthanized."
"We took Gus in and proceeded to do a health check and found that for 19 years young, Gus was in exceptional health," she added.
It was certainly fortuitous because Gus arrived at the shelter around the same time Penny's family was on the hunt for an elderly kitty and came to the center to find one.
"The adopter's family contacted us asking to adopt a senior cat for their mother," explained Bower. "She had recently lost her cat and although they had given her a stuffed cat, she wasn't happy because it didn't purr."
"We were cautious because of the age of all parties but the family said they were willing to care for the cat on behalf of their mother."
Any hesitations have since been eased, as Bower described the adoption as a "match made in heaven," with Gus settling into his new home with Penny. "He has made himself at home and is eating like a horse," she said.
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The shelter shared the good news in a Facebook post writing: "Our hearts are full with this beautiful adoption. Our 19-year-old (133 in human years) great-grand PAW has found the loving arms of his new mamma who is the ripe young age of 101. Congratulations Gus-Gus. Wishing you the best days ahead watching squirrels and sharing your love and purrs."
The story of Gus and Penny is a story of hope for the center, which unlike some other places, refused to give up on the feline despite his senior age.
"As an animal shelter in the South of the USA, we are constantly full of companion animals. Gus' age was exceptional, but we do regularly see older pets. We still advocate for these animals and work to find them a new home, regardless of their age," said Bower.
Penny and Gus lived happily ever after.
Gus watching a squirrel from the window of his new home.
This heartwarming story reminds us that you're never too old to love and be loved. ❤
BARBARA NICHOLS 7/11
BETSY FOSTER 7/13
AMY HOLTON STEWART 7/15
CHANNEL SMITH 7/20
NORMA MADDOX 7/21
SCOTT HARRINGTON 7/22
JARED TOWNES 7/29
MONICA HODGE 7/30
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL!
These Red, White and Blue Cupcakes are festive, fun, patriotic and delicious for a 4th of July celebration. Enjoy.
RED, WHITE & BLUE CUPCAKES
INGREDIENTS
CUPCAKES:
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
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2/3 cup granulated white sugar
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3 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1½ cups all purpose flour
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1½ teaspoons baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 cup milk
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red, white and blue gel paste
ICING:
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3 cups powdered sugar
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1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 to 2 tablespoons heavy or regular whipping cream
THE CUPCAKES
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Preheat the oven to 350°F, and line a cupcake pan with 12 paper liners.
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In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. On low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
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Split the batter evenly into three small bowls. Add red, white and blue gel paste until you achieve the colors that are desired. (The white won't turn completely white, but a squirt or two will lighten up the batter a little bit.) Spoon the batter into the muffin cups- a spoonful of red, white and blue in each cup. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the batter in each cup.
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Bake 16 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (the center should puff up slightly and not feel gooey). Cool completely before icing.
THE ICING
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In a large bowl, with a hand or stand mixer, cream together sugar and butter on low speed. Mix until well blended. Increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes. Add vanilla and 1 tablespoon of cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more. Add more cream if needed for desired spreading/piping consistency.
FROSTING THE CUPCAKES
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Divide the frosting into 3 bowls and color red/blue. Put red/white/blue icing in the SAME piping bag, and you'll get a nice swirl effect with all three colors.
YUM!
EXACTLY.
TRUTH BOMBS are described in the urban dictionary as surprising but true statements. A fact or piece of knowledge that, when told to a listener, is devastating to the listener's argument or world view.
New Yorker Seth Phillips has gained a cult following for his truth bombs that protest anything from loud engines, phones that shatter easily, “x” in espresso, and other very specific, small things that add up to our daily lives. He has a over 7.5 million followers on social media. Phillips has gone mainstream enough that fashion brands are selling "Dude with Sign" shirts in their collections.
And, of course, there’s always something new to protest. Such as, hot coffee in summer or verifying you’re not a robot online. Those of us who have had enough of everything will get a chuckle out of this series.
Independence Day is a time to celebrate America's freedom and the history of our country. Here are some fun facts about the 4th of July holiday that you can share with your friends and family while celebrating this patriotic holiday with food, fun and fireworks.
1. The Continental Congress actually voted for independence on July 2, 1776.
2. More than 48 million Americans will be shopping for decorations, apparel and party supplies this Independence Day, with average household spending jumping up to $71.23 – 4.5 percent higher than 2014’s $68.16 per household.
3.Thomas Jefferson changed the wording of the Declaration of Independence from “the pursuit of property” to “the pursuit of happiness.”
4. Millions of American flags are actually manufactured abroad. 97 percent of flags come from China, which sold about $3.5 million worth in .
5. President Zachary Taylor died in 1850 after eating spoiled fruit following a 4th of July celebration.
7. July 4th is the biggest beer selling holiday in the country, with 63.5 million cases sold.
8. James Monroe, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson all died on Independence Day. (Adams and Jefferson passed in 1826, and Monroe died five years later in 1831.)
9. Over 150 million hotdogs are consumed in the United States on the 4th of July.
10. Americans spend over $1 billion on fireworks every 4th of July.
11. Every year on July 4th, descendants of the Declaration of Independence signers tap the Liberty Bell 13 times. The tradition was created as a way to honor the original 13 colonies.
In the last several years, we have all experienced new challenges that have affected our mental, physical, and social well-being. Many of us have felt anxiety, increased stress, and emotional exhaustion which is why wellness and self-care are more important than ever before. Our wellness journey is an ongoing one, and we have to prioritize our emotional and physical health. Here are some ideas to care for the many dimensions of wellness, so we can nourish our bodies and nurture our minds.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SLEEP
Good sleep improves your brain performance, mood, and health. Not getting enough quality sleep regularly raises the risk of many diseases and disorders. These range from heart disease and stroke to obesity and dementia.
Sleep accounts for one-quarter to one-third of the human lifespan. But what exactly happens when you sleep? Before the 1950s, it was assumed that sleep was a passive activity during which the body and brain were dormant. But it turns out that sleep is a period during which the brain is engaged in a number of activities necessary to life, which are closely linked to quality of life. Researchers are trying to learn more about these processes and how they affect mental and physical health. Here are some of the powerful and surprising findings of sleep researchers, and what they’re still trying to discover about the science of sleep.
There Are Different Types of Sleep
Throughout your time asleep, your brain will cycle repeatedly through two different types of sleep: REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep and non-REM sleep.
The first part of the cycle is non-REM sleep, which is composed of four stages. The first stage comes between being awake and falling asleep. The second is light sleep, when heart rate and breathing regulate and body temperature drops. The third and fourth stages are deep sleep. Though REM sleep was previously believed to be the most important sleep phase for learning and memory, newer data suggests that non-REM sleep is more important for these tasks, as well as being the more restful and restorative phase of sleep.
As you cycle into REM sleep, there is rapid eye movement behind closed lids, and brain waves are similar to those during wakefulness. The breath rate increases, and the body becomes temporarily paralyzed as we dream.
The cycle then repeats itself, but with each cycle you spend less time in the deeper stages three and four of sleep and more time in REM sleep. On a typical night, you’ll cycle through four or five times.
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Your Body Has Built-In Sleep Controls
Experts found that there are two main processes that regulate sleep: circadian rhythms and sleep drive.
Circadian rhythms are controlled by a biological clock located in the brain. One key function of this clock is responding to light cues, ramping up production of the hormone melatonin at night, then switching it off when it senses light. People with total blindness often have trouble sleeping because they are unable to detect and respond to these light cues.
Sleep drive also plays a key role: Your body craves sleep, much like it hungers for food. Throughout the day, your desire for sleep builds, and when it reaches a certain point, you need to sleep. A major difference between sleep and hunger: Your body can’t force you to eat when you’re hungry, but when you’re tired, it can put you to sleep, even if you’re in a meeting or behind the wheel of a car. When you’re exhausted, your body is even able to engage in microsleep episodes of one or two seconds while your eyes are open. Napping for more than 30 minutes later in the day can throw off your night’s sleep by decreasing your body’s sleep drive.
Why Sleep Is Critical to Your Health
If you have ever felt foggy after a poor night’s sleep, it won’t surprise you that sleep significantly impacts brain function. First, a healthy amount of sleep is vital for “brain plasticity,” or the brain’s ability to adapt to input. If we sleep too little, we become unable to process what we’ve learned during the day and we have more trouble remembering it in the future. Researchers also believe that sleep may promote the removal of waste products from brain cells, something that seems to occur less efficiently when the brain is awake.
Sleep is vital to the rest of the body too. When people don’t get enough sleep, their health risks rise. Symptoms of depression, seizures, high blood pressure and migraines worsen. Immunity is compromised, increasing the likelihood of illness and infection. Sleep also plays a role in metabolism: Even one night of missed sleep can create a prediabetic state in an otherwise healthy person. These sleep studies highlight the many important connections between overall health and sleep.
Wishing us all a good night's sleep.
Establishing healthy habits is a challenging but important part of maintaining your wellness. Small actions and simple activities can make a big difference in your holistic health. The holistic approach to health care focuses on the health of the entire body and mind and not just parts of the body.
Mr. Rogers smiling happily AFTER being adopted into his new family.
Before & After Rescue Dog Transformation
Who can resist a heartwarming makeover, especially when it involves a sweet dog? Whether they were abandoned, lost or mistreated, these down-on-their luck dogs were in dire need of a loving presence in their lives. That's where caring animal shelters, pet rescues and foster parents come into the picture. With lots of love and much-needed TLC, these rescue dogs started thriving — inside and out. These before-and-after transformation pictures speak for themselves. Hopefully, it will inspire you to adopt a rescue pup of your own.
Mr. Rogers BEFORE being rescued. 😥
Mr. Rogers was in horrible condition when he was adopted from a shelter. He was blind, malnourished, emaciated and so weak he couldn't even walk. His bones were jutting out through his skin. His new mom had to take him straight to the vet for treatment the night she adopted this sweet boy.
The BEFORE photo of Mr. Rogers is so heartbreaking. He looks like an entirely different dog in his AFTER picture. Thank God he was rescued and is now living comfortably and happily with his new family.
Please consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter or a pet rescue if you have room in your home and heart for a new furry family member. Trust me, you'll be so glad that you did. 🐾❤️
WORLD UFO DAY 7/2
INDEPENDENCE DAY 7/4
WORLD CHOCOLATE DAY 7/7
ALL AMERICAN PET PHOTO DAY 7/11
NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY 7/16
GLOBAL HUG YOUR KIDS DAY 7/17
TATTOO DAY 7/17
WORLD EMOJI DAY 7/17
NELSON MANDELA DAY 7/18
COUSIN’S DAY 7/24
WORLD DAY FOR GRANPARENTS 7/24
FAMILY REUNION MONTH
UV SAFETY MONTH
NATIONAL CULINARY ARTS MONTH
NATIONAL GRILLING MONTH
NATIONAL PARKS MONTH
NATIONAL PICNIC MONTH
🙄
JARED TOWNES 7/9
BARBARA NICHOLS 7/16
MONICA HODGE 7/17
HAPPY WORK ANNIVERSARY!
1. Would you rather go to a fireworks show or light off fireworks at home?
2. Would you rather host a 4th of July party or be a guest at a party?
3. Would you rather eat hot dogs or hamburgers?
4. Would you rather team up with Superman or Captain America?
SUPERMAN OR CAPTAIN AMERICA
5. Would you rather watch the National Treasure or Independence Day movies?
6. Would you rather visit the Vietnam Wall or visit Pearl Harbor?
7. Would you rather go without your phone on 4th of July or go without food on the 4th of July?
8. Would you rather eat barbeque grilled chicken or eat grilled chicken wings?
The Jack Pack. ❤💛💚💜
9. Would you rather watch fireworks surrounded by Jack Russell Terriers that freak out every time a firework goes off or not watch fireworks at all?
10. Would you rather put an American flag on the moon or put the flag on Mount Everest?
11. Would you rather bake patriotic desserts or cook a patriotic dinner?
12. Would you rather serve in the U.S. Navy or serve in the Marines?
The Few. The Proud. The Marines. 🏁
LEAVE THE FIREWORKS TO THE EXPERTS
The 4th of July is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal but they are not safe.
Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant.
Fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires each year.
If You Choose to Use Fireworks
If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:
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Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
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Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
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Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
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Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
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Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
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Never light them indoors.
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Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
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Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
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Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
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Never ignite devices in a container.
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Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
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Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
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Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.
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Never use illegal fireworks.
Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show.
Sparklers Are Dangerous
Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.
Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total injuries. Lastly, sparklers injure more people than any other type of fireworks.
Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
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I pray for equality, unity and peace in every city in our country. Equality for all people everywhere. I pray for justice for all those who have lost their lives needlessly and unjustly. I pray that all people, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status be treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. I pray for change so that healing can begin in this country and around the world.
Amen.
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