Good Living Guide

Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links.

Nike Pulls Betsy Ross Flag Sneakers After Colin Kaepernick Complains

by 1 Comment

Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick is back in the news. This time it’s about the “Betsy Ross flag sneakers” that have fired up some controversy.

Nike Pulls Betsy Ross Flag Sneakers After Colin Kaepernick Complains

Air Max 1 Quick Strike Fourth of July – NIKE

What Are the Betsy Ross Flag Sneakers?

It all began when Nike announced that it was planning to release a commemorative Fourth of July version of its Air Max 1 sneakers. The sneakers sport a red, white and blue design and a flag emblem on the heel.

The flag design is based on the original flag sewn by Betsy Ross in 1792. Kaepernick protested the decision, saying that the design represents a time when slavery was legal in the U.S. Kaepernick is the face of the company’s “Just Do It” campaign.

Right before the holiday, Nike changed its mind. The company recalled all the “Betsy Ross” sneakers that had been sent to retailers.

Flagging Down Controversy

Nike’s decision caused an uproar among retailers and politicians. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (R) announced that he would rescind the state’s tax incentives to build a Nike plant in the state.

Nike Pulls Betsy Ross Flag Sneakers After Colin Kaepernick Complains

The debate even reached the halls of the U.S. Congress, where Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said, “I’ll make the first order,” if Nike chooses to keep the design.

Reason for Concern

There is reason to be concerned about the design that Nike chose. Both the NAACP and NBC News reported that the so-called Betsy Ross flag “has been appropriated by the white nationalist group Identity Evropa and the Ku Klux Klan.”

In 2017, white nationalist Jeremy Christian murdered two Muslim women in Portland, Oregon, while wearing a flag in the same Betsy Ross design.

Will There Be a Flag Fallout for Nike?

Nike is a global company that made a conscious decision to hire Kaepernick. It’s likely that both Nike and Kaepernick are prepared to weather another wave of controversy.

 

Energy Drink Addiction Leaves Mom with Pacemaker at 32

Chewy Sends Man Sweet Note And Custom Portrait After Dog Passes

World’s First Gene-Edited Babies Created By Chinese Scientist

School Bully Assault Nearly Blinds Teen

The Very Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

Skinny Vodka Martini Popsicles Are Back At Costco This Summer

by Leave a Comment

Summer almost here, and it’s time to celebrate in cool, boozy style with popsicles for grown-ups. Skinny vodka martini popsicles are back, and you better grab some because the stampede is on.

Skinny Vodka Martini Popsicles

Image by Slim Chillers

Get ready for a great summer! These popsicles:

  • Come in four scrumptious flavors: Appletini, Cosmopolitan, Lemon Drop and Watermelon Lemonade.
  • Contain premium vodka.
  • Are only 100 calories a pop.

If you enjoy frozen cocktails but you’ve been avoiding them because of their high sugar and calorie content, you can stop denying yourself. These vodka martini popsicles give you all those sweet, juicy, tropical flavors without worries about fat or calories.

A Fan Favorite

Frozen cocktails that come as delicious, low-calorie popsicles sound almost too good to be true, but the dream is real. It’s no surprise that they sell out quickly when they’re in stores.

Costco’s announcement was greeted with joy across social media. Fans on Twitter and Instagram are letting each other know where they’ve spotted the tasty, boozy popsicles.

As one Twitter user put it, “I didn’t even realize there was an emptiness in my life, until I found out that Costco has vodka popsicles.”

Where to Buy Vodka Martini Popsicles

 Where can you get your hands on them? Right now, they’re available at:

  • Select Costco stores.
  • BevMo stores and local liquor stores in California.
  • Using the “Slim Chillers” locator to find a retailer.
Skinny Vodka Martini Popsicles

Image by Slim Chillers

Stock Up for Summer

It’s time to start stocking your freezer with these tasty treats. Make sure to keep these alcoholic treats away from your kids. These low-calorie vodka martini popsicles are about to make summer a lot more fun.

 

Jolly Rancher Moonshine Recipe

Southern Peach Cocktail Recipe

Piña Colada Sangria

Lavender Lemonade Recipe

Easy Pineapple Lemonade

4th of July Pretzel Bites

by 1 Comment

These 4th of July Pretzel Bites are a fun, patriotic treat that can be made in a matter of minutes. The perfect combination of sweet, salty and crunchy is positively addicting!

4th of July Pretzel Bites

These are great treats to make ahead of time. In fact, you can even freeze them since they hold up well after being defrosted.

4th of July Pretzel Bites
Print

4th of July Pretzel Bites

These 4th of July Pretzel Bites are a fun, patriotic treat that can be made in a matter of minutes. The perfect combination of sweet, salty and crunchy is positively addicting!

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Place the pretzels on a microwave safe plate.

  2. Place a Wilton candy melt on each pretzel.

  3. Microwave for 10 seconds at a time, until each melt is soft
    all the way through.

  4. Immediately place an opposite-colored M&M on each melt. Set aside to harden.







  5. Enjoy!

4th of July Pretzel Bites

World’s First Gene-Edited Babies Created By Chinese Scientist

by Leave a Comment

If you could design a baby that was free of certain disease-causing genes, would you do it? A scientist in China claims to have done just that, setting off a firestorm of controversy about the ethics of creating gene-edited babies.

World’s First Gene-Edited Babies Created By Chinese Scientist

A Controversial Claim

He Jiankui of China’s Southern University of Science and Technology announced that he altered several embryos whose parents were HIV-positive. He said these “edited” babies will be able to resist developing HIV infection.

The announcement has raised the hackles of many in the scientific community. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) issued a statement denouncing the Chinese researcher’s work as unsafe, unethical and of no scientific value.

“The incident highlights the need for urgent improvement of ethics governance at all levels, the enforcement of technical and ethical guidelines, and the establishment of laws relating to such bioethical issues,” the NCBI said.

Gene-Edited Twins Are Born

Jiankui announced that “two beautiful little Chinese girls named Lulu and Nana came crying into the world as healthy as any other babies.” However, many experts argue that these babies may face a higher risk of premature death. According to a Nature Medicine study, the gene that was modified to protect the babies from the AIDS virus could also make them more susceptible to the influenza and West Nile viruses.

The Controversy Continues

The debate is likely to continue. Just days after the news came from China, Russian microbiologist Dennis Rebrikov told National Public Radio that he was eager to create more gene-edited babies.

Rebrikov said that he didn’t think the practice should be considered unethical, because it results in healthy babies. He said he wants to help women who are HIV-positive have babies who are not infected with HIV. He said he was certain he could get funding for this research.

The chief geneticist at the Russian Ministry of Health countered his claim, saying, “I am confident that Denis Rebrikov doesn’t have any chances to get approval from the Ministry of Health as of today.”

What Is Your Take on Gene-Edited Babies?

How do you feel about creating these babies? Would you have a gene-edited baby if you could? We may all be pondering these questions in the years ahead.

 

People Who Cry During Movies Are Emotionally Stronger, Study Shows

by 12 Comments

Have you ever been so caught up in a movie’s emotional power that you started crying? If you’re embarrassed when this happens, you don’t have to be. Research shows that crying at the movies is a sign of emotional health.

Does Everyone Cry During Movies?

According to one survey, 92% of all people admitted to crying during at least one movie.

The responses included men and women. Men were more likely to cry during movies about war and sports, like Saving Private Ryan and Field of Dreams, while women were more likely to turn the waterworks on for movies like Fried Green Tomatoes, My Girl and Beaches.

Movies can move us deeply. The natural response to being emotionally overwhelmed is to start bawling.

A Good Cry is Good for Us

Now, it turns out that all that bawling is good for us and good for the world.

Neuroscientist and psychologist Paul Zak has done fascinating research on what happens to us physically when we experience strong emotions. After breaking into tears while watching Million Dollar Baby, Zak conducted a study to figure out what happens when we’re emotionally moved by scenes and stories.

His research found that when we cry over a moving story, our bodies release high levels of the bonding hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin makes us kinder, more generous and more compassionate.

“Oxytocin infusion increases prosocial behaviors,” Zak writes. “It’s like turning on a garden hose and watching the water spray out.”

Feelings Matter

If you weep your way through your next movie, you’re probably an empathetic, caring person. You’re not a weakling or a fool. Go ahead and indulge in your favorite melodrama. We’ll all feel a lot better.

 

Girl Trips Are Good For Mental Health And Longevity, Research Says

Rescued Pit Bull Cries Watching Mufasa’s Death in ‘The Lion King’

Lavender Lemonade Recipe

Scientists Develop Arthritis Vaccine That Blocks Pain

Hand-Knitted Baby Bird Nests Needed For Local Rescue Group

by 1 Comment

If you’re like most knitters, you probably have more yarn than you know what do with. Now, you can put your yarn to good use creating hand-knitted baby bird nests.

Knitted Baby Bird Nests

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue (CWR) needs tiny, knitted or crocheted nests for their orphaned and abandoned baby birds. CWR takes in thousands of baby waterfowl and songbirds every year. Rescuers need soft, cozy nests to keep these fragile babies warm. A secure nest ensures that the birds’ legs will grow properly.

Knitted Baby Bird Nests

Tremendous Response

The need for nests is especially critical in the spring. CWR puts out a plea for the handmade nests every year. In the past, they only received a few hundred. This year, the call went viral.

Knitted Baby Bird Nests

An adorable picture of a baby bird in a handmade nest went from CWR’s Facebook page all over the country. The post included a link to a pattern for wildlife nests.

Knitted Baby Bird Nests

CWR has been stunned by the response. Thousands of soft, knitted and crocheted nests have poured in from caring, compassionate knitters and crochet enthusiasts all over the country. CWR volunteers and staffers say they’re overwhelmed by the generosity of the stitching community.

Knitted Baby Bird Nests

Hand-Knitted Baby Bird Nests Are Still Needed

Despite the outpouring of support, CWR says that they can always use nests. They can also send extra nests to rescue groups that need them.

If your fingers are itching to create some handmade love, patterns are available on CWR’s Facebook page or on various YouTube videos.

Once your nest is completed, you can send it to:

Carolina Waterfowl Rescue
PO Box 1484
Indian Trail, NC 28079

CWR asks that you use tracking on your package if you want to know when it arrives. They don’t have time to acknowledge each one.

This is great way to support a wonderful organization, so get those needles going.

Doggy Paddle In Style This Summer With A Mermaid Dog Life Jacket

by Leave a Comment

Do you love getting out on the water to fish, boat, scuba dive, water ski or just chill out and enjoy the sunsets? Now, your best buddy can join you on every boating adventure. With the Mermaid dog life jacket, your furry friend will stay safe and enjoy the ride.

Most Dogs Love the Water

Many people bring their dogs along when they’re boating, camping, hiking or enjoying the great outdoors. Dogs love adventure, and they love hanging out with you. Some breeds are especially fond of water and love the chance to swim.

Mermaid Dog Life Jacket

The boating blog boats.com offers some great tips for taking your dog on the water. Among other things, they suggest:

  • Bring drinking water for your dog.
  • Let your dog off the leash.
  • Reinforce the fun with dog treats.
  • Get a safety vest for your dog.

The animal care site vetstreet.com recommends getting a life jacket and keeping your dog’s first outings short.

Your buddy will enjoy suiting up and hitting the high seas in the great-looking, functional Mermaid dog life jacket.

Be Safe and Stylish

This practical jacket from Albabarba is a good investment in your dog’s safety. You’ll find it useful even if you don’t go on any wild adventures.

  • The reflective color makes your dog easy to see at night.
  • The sturdy construction allows you to pick up your dog using the jacket strap.
  • Flotation inserts help your dog stay afloat while swimming.
  • Foam padding supports your pet’s dog and neck.

Mermaid Dog Life Jacket

Suit Up for Adventure

The next time you go fishing, kayaking, snorkeling or diving, don’t deprive your dog of all the excitement. Put your pup in the Mermaid dog life jacket and double your fun.

Chewy Sends Man Sweet Note And Custom Portrait After Dog Passes

by Leave a Comment

The bond that we have with our pets is like nothing else. Now, the online pet retailer Chewy.com has honored that bond in an unforgettable way.

Joseph Inabnet of Falls Church, Virginia, was a regular customer of Chewy.com. His beloved pug Bailey needed a prescription diet, so Inabnet ordered the special food from Chewy.com every month. Inabnet was determined to give Bailey the best chance at overcoming his illness and being a happy, healthy pup.

A Sad Outcome

When Bailey passed away, a grieving Inabnet contacted Chewy.com to ask about an unopened $70 bag of dog food that he still had. He asked if he could return it for a refund. The customer service rep told him the company would refund his money, but he didn’t need to send the food back. They suggested that he donate the dog food to a shelter or rescue.

That was impressive enough, but it gets even better. A few days later, Inabnet received a package from Chewy.com. Inside were a heartfelt sympathy card and a gorgeous oil painting of Bailey.

Pet portrait artist Sharon Lamb did the painting from a photograph of Bailey.

A Caring Response

This is not the first time Chewy.com has shown incredible customer care. This past February, another woman’s account of her interactions with the company went viral.

Cecelia recounted that when her beloved cat died, the company refunded the money she had spent on cat food, suggested that she donate or give away the food, and sent a detailed, personal letter of condolence.

Understanding the Bond We Share

Chewy.com is owned and managed by people with pets. In a sea of faceless online retailers, Chewy.com stands out by showing real care to pets and people.

 

Energy Drink Addiction Leaves Mom with Pacemaker at 32

Lavender Lemonade Recipe

Piña Colada Sangria

The Very Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

Pineberry: Real Strawberry with a Sweet-Tart Pineapple Flavor

School Bully Assault Nearly Blinds Teen

Carne Asada Street Tacos

Honeycrisp Apple Broccoli Salad

21 Popular Breakfast Cereals Contain Cancer-Causing Weed Killer, Tests Reveal

by Leave a Comment

A new report released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that several popular breakfast foods are contaminated with glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weed killer. All 21 of the products tested had glyphosate levels that were “higher than what EWG scientists consider protective for children’s health.”

21 Popular Breakfast Cereals Contain Cancer-Causing Weed Killer

The three highest levels of glyphosate were found in Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch at 833 parts per billion (ppb), Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal at 729 ppb and Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars, Maple Brown Sugar at 566 ppb. These levels are well over the EWG children’s health benchmark of 160 ppb.

Out of the 21 items tested, glyphosate levels were highest in the following products:

  • Honey Nut Cheerios Medley Crunch (833 ppb)
  • Cheerios Toasted Whole Grain Oat Cereal (729 ppb)
  • Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars, Maple Brown Sugar (566 ppb)
  • Nature Valley Granola Cups, Almond Butter (529 ppb)
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios (400 ppb)
  • Nature Valley Baked Oat Bites (389 ppb)
  • Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars, Oats and Honey (320 ppb)
  • Nature Valley Crunchy granola bars, Peanut Butter (312 ppb)
  • Nature Valley Granola Cups, Peanut Butter Chocolate (297 ppb)
  • Cheerios Oat Crunch Cinnamon (283 ppb)

The report comes less than a month after a California jury awarded a couple more than $2 billion in damages after determining their cancer was caused from long-term exposure to Monsanto’s glyphosate-based Roundup.

Although the tested products have detectable levels of glyphosate that the EWG considers unsafe, the levels are well within the EPA’s legal limit of 30 parts per million for glyphosate on oats. It appears there is no end in sight to the ongoing debate concerning glyphosate’s alleged cancer-causing properties. What is your opinion on this subject?

 

Energy Drink Addiction Leaves Mom with Pacemaker at 32

Lavender Lemonade Recipe

Rescued Pit Bull Cries Watching Mufasa’s Death In ‘The Lion King’

Scientists Develop Arthritis Vaccine That Blocks Pain

The Very Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

School Bully Assault Nearly Blinds Teen

Children With Autism Locked In Dark Bathroom And Punished With Loud Whistles By Florida Teachers

Girl Trips Are Good For Mental Health And Longevity, Research Says

by Leave a Comment

When was the last time you took a girl trip? If it’s been a while, you might want to start looking at some travel websites. Studies have found that taking girl trips can be a huge boost to your physical, emotional and mental health.

Traveling Is Good for You

You probably know that taking time to unwind and get away from it all is important. Science backs up that intuition.

Travel is like a magic health potion and youth serum all rolled into one. Studies have repeatedly found that it helps you:

  • Keep your brain healthy.
  • Learn to adapt to new situations.
  • Stave off depression.
  • Learn to value experiences over possessions.
  • Increase your sense of gratitude.

Those are good reasons to pack your bags right now. But before you do, give your best friend a call.

Your Girlfriends Can Keep You Sane

You probably don’t need research to tell you how important your friends are. You might even wonder why anyone would need to research something that obvious. What’s intriguing about research into friendship, however, is that it finds real differences in the way that men and women relate to their friends.

When they’re stressed out or unhappy, women look for connection and closeness as a way to cope. The best way to connect is to spend time with your friends.

Girl Trips Are Good For Mental Health And Longevity

Girl Trips Are a Great Way to Bond and Stay Healthy

Put this all together, and the solution is clear. You need to take a trip, and you need to take it with your girlfriends. It will nurture your friendship and improve your life in countless way.

Grab your best buddy or a group of friends and start planning some girl trips. They’ll do wonders for your friendship and your health.

 

Energy Drink Addiction Leaves Mom with Pacemaker at 32

Lavender Lemonade Recipe

Scientists Develop Arthritis Vaccine That Blocks Pain

The Very Best Mosquito Repellent Plants

Pineberry: Real Strawberry with a Sweet-Tart Pineapple Flavor

School Bully Assault Nearly Blinds Teen

Children With Autism Locked In Dark Bathroom And Punished With Loud Whistles By Florida Teachers