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The 2024 Paris Olympics are just a few months away, and as such we’re starting to get some details regarding this year’s Olympics basketball tournament on both the men’s and women’s side.

Earlier in March, FIBA announced the group draw results for the opening round of the tournament, with the USA women drawing Japan, Belgium, and Germany, while the men will face Serbia, South Sudan, and the winner of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. On Wednesday, we learned when those games would be played, with the full schedule for the men’s and women’s tournaments being released by FIBA.

On the men’s side, group stage games will be played on July 27-28, July 30-31, and August 2-3, with the Quarterfinals on August 6, Semifinals on August 8, and the Gold and Bronze medal games on August 10. The top two teams from each group plus the two best third-place teams will reach the quarterfinal round.

The USA Men’s Schedule will look like this, starting with their biggest test of the group stage against Serbia:

July 28: Serbia vs. USA (11:15 a.m. ET)
July 31: USA vs. South Sudan (3:00 p.m. ET)
August 3: PR OQT Winner vs. USA (11:15 a.m. ET)

While getting out of the group stage shouldn’t be an issue, winning that opener against Serbia will be important to setting the tone for the tournament for USA Basketball, asserting themselves as the rightful favorites for another Olympic gold.

There’s an old saying that luck happens when preparation meets opportunity.

There’s no better example of that than a 2016 discovery at the University of California, Irvine, by doctoral student Mya Le Thai. After playing around in the lab, she made a discovery that could lead to a rechargeable battery that could last up to 400 years. That means longer-lasting laptops and smartphones and fewer lithium ion batteries piling up in landfills.

A team of researchers at UCI had been experimenting with nanowires for potential use in batteries, but found that over time the thin, fragile wires would break down and crack after too many charging cycles. A charge cycle is when a battery goes from completely full to completely empty and back to full again.

But one day, on a whim, Thai coated a set of gold nanowires in manganese dioxide and a Plexiglas-like electrolyte gel.

“She started to cycle these gel capacitors, and that’s when we got the surprise,” said Reginald Penner, chair of the university’s chemistry department. “She said, ‘this thing has been cycling 10,000 cycles and it’s still going.’ She came back a few days later and said ‘it’s been cycling for 30,000 cycles.’ That kept going on for a month.”

This discovery is mind-blowing because the average laptop battery lasts 300 to 500 charge cycles. The nanobattery developed at UCI made it though 200,000 cycles in three months. That would extend the life of the average laptop battery by about 400 years. The rest of the device would have probably gone kaput decades before the battery, but the implications for a battery that that lasts hundreds of years are pretty startling.

“The big picture is that there may be a very simple way to stabilize nanowires of the type that we studied,” Penner said. “If this turns out to be generally true, it would be a great advance for the community.” Not bad for just fooling around in the laboratory.

This article originally appeared 12.22.22

Pam has a little brother, who recently learned that he is actually her half-brother.

Of course, half-siblings are still very much siblings, but Pam’s brother doesn’t quite grasp the concept yet and seems upset about having to part with 50% of his sister.

So when she came home recently, she found this letter he’d written. It will make you cry, so have off-brand tissues on hand:

OMG.

As if this letter isn’t enough to turn your heart into a soft pile of oatmeal, he also left her some of her (presumably) favorite snacks, like Chips Ahoy and Takis (excellent choices!).

Pam, being a human with a soul, was deeply moved and tweeted out a photo of her little brother’s letter:

My little brother found out Iu2019m not his fully sister and I came home to this.. Iu2019m crying..pic.twitter.com/DAC0yUUBt4

— ua9c1Pamua9c2 (@ua9c1Pamua9c2)
1532413776

It quickly went viral. And now the whole internet is now welling up with tears.

pic.twitter.com/8EP4hcS2oq

— LUNA (@lilialunav) July 25, 2018

And others are sharing their own sibling stories:

These are so, so sweet.

I was introducing my kids to my new wife and stepson. When I explained that she was their new Stepmom, My Stepson (5) said to my kids Mom “Well if my Mom is going to be their Stepmom, you’re going to be my new Stepmom!”

— Disco Stu (@wharrrgarrbl) August 28, 2021

When I found out my oldest brother wasn’t my full brother I said and I quote “I thought he was different. But I like him more anyway”

— Liy (@Its_Montana_) July 25, 2018

Don’t say we didn’t warn you about the tissues.

Remember this next time you get into a fight with your sibling. Half or whole, doesn’t matter. Love/hate is love/hate!

This article originally appeared on 11.04.22

Homelessness has been on the increase in America since 2016 and the numbers exploded in 2020. On a single night in January 2020, there were more than 580,000 individuals who were without a home.

There are many reasons for the increase in homelessness and one of the leading causes is a lack of affordable housing across the country. Housing prices have been on a steady increase and, according to PBS, we are about 7 million units short of affordable housing in the country.

So what can the average person do about this human tragedy taking place in America’s streets? Some people who would like to help don’t feel comfortable giving money to homeless people, although experts in the field say that most of the time it is OK.

“If you don’t have money or time, or capacity to donate, I still think it’s nice to be respectful and say hello,” Diane O’Connell, a community lawyer for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, told the Chicago Tribune.

Actress Jennifer Garner, 49, shared a great idea on Instagram for those who would like to help homeless people but aren’t sure how to do so.

The actress posted a video where she filled zip-up plastic bags with everyday items that homeless people need.

See on Instagram

“Random act of kindness: gather these essentials in a quart sized ziploc bag and keep them in your car to give away when you see someone in need,” she captioned the post. “A pair of thick socks. Kleenex. Hand wipes. Disposable toothbrushes. Chapstick. A couple of granola bars. I forgot this time, but like to add feminine hygiene products, too. Add $5, $10, $20 and a smile.”

For those not comfortable giving money, they can put a gift card in the bag for a local restaurant. O’Connell says that one thing most homeless people desperately need is a hot meal.

“Simple, cheap foods like bagels and doughnuts aren’t that helpful,” O’Connell said. “People who are homeless can usually buy things like that for themselves.” Often what people experiencing homelessness need is a hot meal, she said, because that’s more difficult for them to buy.

Greendrop says that the items most commonly requested by homeless people are socks and undergarments. Homeless people are always walking and have a hard time accessing laundry facilities so their socks and undergarments are often dirty or falling apart.

Here are some other items that will help make homeless people more comfortable:

Shampoo and conditioner

Toothpaste

Hair brushes and toothbrushes

Soap

Lotions

Nail clippers

Feminine hygiene products

Reusable containers

Garner’s Ziploc bag tip is a great idea because it’s a simple way for people to lend a hand when they encounter someone on the streets. How many times have you been driving around, saw someone in need, but didn’t have any way to help? This way you can easily brighten someone’s day when you see them at a freeway on-ramp or in a parking lot without having to ask yourself whether you feel comfortable giving them money.

This article originally appeared on 3.12.22

In 1977, singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie did something revolutionary: She fed her baby on Sesame Street.

The Indigenous Canadian-American singer-songwriter wasn’t doing anything millions of other mothers hadn’t done—she was simply feeding her baby. But the fact that she was breastfeeding him was significant since breastfeeding in the United States hit an all-time low in 1971 and was just starting to make a comeback. The fact that she did it openly on a children’s television program was even more notable, since “What if children see?” has been a key pearl clutch for people who criticize breastfeeding in public.

But the most remarkable thing about the “Sesame Street” segment was the lovely interchange between Big Bird and Sainte-Marie when he asked her what she was doing.

“I’m feeding the baby,” Sainte-Marie told him. “See? He’s drinking milk from my breast.”

Sainte-Marie didn’t show anything that anyone could reasonably find objectionable, but she didn’t have her baby hidden under a blanket, either. From Big Bird’s point of view, he could see exactly what was happening, and Sainte-Marie appeared perfectly comfortable with that.

Big Bird contemplated her response, then said, “Hmm…that’s a funny way to feed a baby.”

“Lots of mothers feed their babies this way,” Sainte-Marie said. “Not all mothers, but lots of mothers do. He likes it because it’s nice and warm and sweet and natural, and it’s good for him. And I get to hug him when I do it, see?”

Their conversation continued with Sainte-Marie answering Big BIrd’s questions with simple, matter-of-fact, nonjudgmental answers, and it’s truly a thing of beauty. Watch:

That segment was filmed 46 years ago, and it’s hard to believe some people still take issue with seeing a mom breastfeed out in the open. We’ve seen waves of education and advocacy attempting to normalize breastfeeding, and yet it wasn’t until 2018 that every state in the United States had laws on the books protecting breastfeeders from being cited or fined. Even now, some moms still get flack for not hiding away in a bathroom or a car to feed their babies.

Sainte-Marie recently spoke with Yahoo Life about how that segment came about. She had gotten pregnant during her second season on “Sesame Street” and she had her baby with her on set all the time. She’d breastfeed off camera, and she asked one day if the show could do something about breastfeeding.

“The reason why I did that really was because when I woke up from delivering my baby, I was in the hospital, and over here on the table was a big basket of stuff from some formula company. And I preferred to breastfeed, but the doctors didn’t understand about breastfeeding. They hadn’t learned it.”

Even today, according to the CDC, physicians generally lack adequate breastfeeding education and training, so as far as we’ve come with education on this subject, we clearly still have a ways to go.

Watch Sainte-Marie talk about how she came to share breastfeeding with the “Sesame Street” audience:

Thank you, Buffy, for providing a beautiful example of how to talk about breastfeeding that’s just as relevant today at it was four decades ago.

This article originally appeared on 1.31.23

Kids are interesting, especially between the ages of early toddlerhood and first grade. They can literally fall over laughing because you ripping paper is suddenly hilarious or develop a deep connection with a mixing spoon that they insist on taking everywhere. You really never know what they’re going to do and as parents we just learn to go with it.

As long as it’s not hurting them or anyone else, go for it. For nearly two years my daughter dressed up as Snow White every day, complete with plastic heels, only taking a break for wash days when all three costumes were dirty. So it’s not a surprise when one little girl decided she wanted to be a pink chair for Halloween.

Recently, her parents posted a compilation video on their TikTok page, Toy Story Dad, partially captioned, “This is her world and we are all just living in it,” giving an explanation on her viral chair costume.

The best part of the explanation is that it didn’t need to be explained. They just compiled videos of all of the times they asked their daughter, Scarlet, what she wanted to be for Halloween, likely thinking she would change her mind. But she didn’t, in fact, she started to look a bit miffed at them constantly asking. Every time they would ask, the little girl who looks to be about three replies, “a pink chair.”

No further explanation is needed. She was a pink chair for Halloween last year simply because she was persistent in her request and she just happened to be the cutest little pink chair out there. Commenters loved her adorable insistence and some included their own interesting costume choices their kids have had.

“The request, the persistence, the delivery, the execution (chef’s hand inserted) this little lady is going places,” one person writes.

“HER LEGS BEING THE BACK LEGS OF THE CHAIR IS SO CUTE,” another commenter writes.

“My friend has twin girls. One was a princess and the other was a crouton as per their requests,” someone says.

There were some revelations of unique costume choices in the comments. Kids dressed up as an oven, air conditioner, water bottle and even a recycling bin. Little ones are so creative but so are their parents because I’m going to assume it’s unlikely to come across an oven or chair at your local Target. But you can see her adorable costume below:

@toystorydad_

This is her world and we are all just living in it. 💕What is the funniest thing your kid has dressed up as? Or wanted to dress up as?

This article originally appeared on 10.9.23

Usually, when you read a story about people being confronted in a grocery store parking lot, it’s bad news. But not this time. Back in November of 2023, Portland, Oregon-based photographer David Frazier had an uplifting experience in the parking lot of a New Seasons market after being approached by a female admirer.

He later told the story on TikTok in a video that received over 3.4 million views.

While making a quick run to the store, Frazier parked next to a woman driving a Tesla. He noticed she was eating, hanging around and “vibing,” so he flashed her a smile and went into the store, where he picked up a bite to eat.

Upon returning to his car, the woman was still there. She rolled down her window and asked Frazier, “Hey, are you single?” Frazier was taken aback by the question and replied: “Sadly, yes, I am. Um, also very gay, though.”

@wowrealneat

Dear New Seasons Parking Lot Girl, you’re so cool and ily ❤️ #fyp #portland #parkinglot #xoxo

He told the woman he was flattered and that asking never hurts. “You’re just so handsome,” she replied. Frazier returned the compliment, calling her “pretty,” and the two shared a laugh and went their separate ways.

But the interaction stuck with Frazier. He thought it took real “guts” to tell a stranger you think they’re attractive. He also felt that it was “kind” and “flattering” for her to compliment him. “She seemed like such a genuine and kind and earnest” and “cool” person, he said in the video.

He hoped the TikTok video he made would eventually reach her somehow. “You have uplifted me in a way that I didn’t know I needed, and it made me feel amazing, and I just wanted to say thank you and I hope you have such an incredible weekend,” Frazier told the woman through his post.

He also invited her to get a “friend coffee.”

Five weeks after Frazier posted the video, it successfully reached its intended audience of one. It was seen by Tifanie Mayberry, the woman driving the Tesla. She shared a reaction video where she watched Frazier’s original post. The video received over 11 million views.

@tifaniemayberry

#duet with @David #fyp WOW!! Never expected for this to come back around like this. OMG. The internet is internetting and I LOVE it!!

Mayberry followed the reaction video up with another, explaining that her behavior in the parking lot that day was a perfect example of where she is in life. She’s 35, single and ready to settle down and have kids. If that means she has to be a little forward in approaching men, so be it.

“So what you’re witnessing is me just being like no BS and being ‘like okay if I see me a good one, I just like to lasso them, and reel ’em in’ and be like ‘Hey, I’m interested,’ and that’s just kind of where I am in life. And apparently, this one got back to me in a very unexpected way,” she said.

Mayberry added that she has yet to speak with Frazier but is looking forward to meeting him. She hopes that one day he’ll even make it to her wedding.

@tifaniemayberry

Well its been a very funny ending to 2023, and I have to say it ended things on such a great note for me 🥹❤️✨ Thanks TikTok!! @David – Coffee in the New Year?!

This article originally appeared on 1.5.24

BTS’ J-Hope is gearing up for his solo album, Hope On The Street Vol. 1 — which is being released alongside his six-part docuseries on Prime Video. With just a few more days to go, fans can’t wait to hear what he has planned.

“The key motif of the track comes from the word ‘street,’ which can be interpreted as a place where many people’s everyday lives pass by–a metaphor for life,” HYBE shared in a statement about J-Hope’s album. “It comes from ‘street dance,’ the genre that represents J-Hope’s roots as an artist, and it also symbolizes the path that he will continue to take with his fans around the world.”

Here’s everything to know.

J-Hope’s Hope On The Street Vol. 1 Release Date

Hope On The Street Vol. 1 is out 3/29 via Big Hit. Find more information here.

J-Hope’s Hope On The Street Vol. 1 Tracklist

1. “On the Street”
2. “I Wonder…” Feat. BTS’ Jung Kook
3. “Lock / Unlock” Feat. Benny Blanco and Nile Rodgers
4. “I Don’t Know” Feat. Le Sserafim’s Huh Yun-Jin
5. “What If… (Dance Mix)” Feat. JINBO the Superfreak
6. “Neuron” Feat. Gaeko and Yoon Mirae

J-Hope’s Hope On The Street Vol. 1 Features

J-Hope’s album will have several features, including a collaboration with his bandmate Jung Kook on “I Wonder…” and more. Others on the record include Benny Blanco, Nile Rodgers, Huh Yun-Jin from Le Sserafim, Gaeko, Yoon Mirae, and JINBO The Superfreak.

J-Hope’s Hope On The Street Vol. 1 Artwork

View the album artwork below.

J-Hope’s Hope On The Street Vol. 1 Singles

So far, J-Hope has not released any of the songs as singles. (“On The Street” was previously a collaboration with J. Cole, but this is fans hearing the version with just himself.)

J-Hope 2024 Tour Dates

He has no scheduled tour dates at the moment.

Faye Webster recently kicked off her North American tour leg in support of her recent album, Underdressed At The Symphony. Her first show of the run took place at The Moon in Tallahassee, FL. According to Setlist.FM, doors for the show opened at 7, and Webster went on to play an incredible set full of fan favorites.

From her new album, she performed four songs, including her singles “But Not Kiss” and “Feeling Good Today.” Webster played the most from her 2021 album, I Know I’m Funny Haha, including the title track, “A Dream With A Baseball Player,” and more. In total, her set for the opening night featured fourteen songs — but time will tell if that changes.

For those who are heading to one of Webster’s upcoming shows, here’s what you can expect to see her perform. More information about her tour, including dates and how to purchase tickets, is available here.

Here Is Faye Webster’s Underdressed At The Symphony Tour Setlist

1. “But Not Kiss”
2. “Better Distractions”
3. “Kind Of”
4. “Right Side Of My Neck”
5. “A Dream With A Baseball Player”
6. “I Know I’m Funny Haha”
7. “Jonny”
8. “Jonny (Reprise)”
9. “Lifetime”
10. “Thinking About You”
11. “In A Good Way”
12. “Cheers”
13. “Feeling Good Today”
14. “Kingston”

Underdressed At The Symphony is out now via Secretly Canadian. Find more information here.

In an aggressive effort to convert Disney+ subscribers into adding Hulu to their streaming diet, the new “Hulu on Disney+” feature is live and ready to upsell your face off.

If you booted up Disney+ on Wednesday, you probably noticed the new logo, which according to Variety, has been dubbed “Aurora” in a nod to Sleeping Beauty. The new look blends the prior blue Disney+ logo with Hulu’s green logo for an all-new experience. After making it past the logo, users will be greeted with a new menu that will ideally entice them to add Hulu to their Disney+ subscription.

Here’s the official announcement:

Starting today, subscribers will see the full Hulu on Disney+ experience which includes Hulu titles integrated in recommendations, sets, and collections on Disney+, making it easier to discover thousands of general entertainment titles and explore the impressive breadth and depth of Hulu and Disney+ content via a more personalized experience – without having to move between apps. For standalone Disney+ subscribers, Hulu content merchandised across Disney+ will now come with expanded upsell options across additional devices, making it more convenient to upgrade their subscription to the Bundle starting at only $2/month more.

What Is Hulu On Disney+, And How Does It Affect The Bundle?

Hulu on Disney+ is exactly as it sounds: The feature allows you to watch Hulu content inside the Disney+ app. As for pricing, it will not affect the current bundle offerings. In fact, it’s meant to push Disney+ subscribers to upgrade to one of the two packages:

Disney Bundle Duo Basic (Disney+ and Hulu with ads): $9.99/month
Disney Bundle Duo Premium (Disney+ and Hulu): $19.99/month

Disney+ Basic costs $7.99 hence the “only $2/month more” language to add Hulu. Disney+ Premium costs $13.99 by itself, so it will be a $6 increase with ad-free Hulu. However, if you’re not interested in the Hulu on Disney+ feature, both streaming services will remain available as standalone subscriptions.

(Via Variety)