There has been an alarming increase in the number of Americans who experience chronic pain, disease, and mental illness. According to the White House, six in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease, and four in 10 have two or more chronic diseases. A 2023 CNN survey found that 90% of Americans feel we are in a mental health crisis, and according to Pew Research, 38% more people are in mental health care since the onset of the pandemic than before.What’s the cause of this rising tide of poor physical and mental health in the U.S.? Brittany Piper, a 36-year-old Somatic Experiencing practitioner and author of Body-First Healing, believes there is a single cause for this destructive trend. "It is my personal and professional belief that the drastic rise we are seeing in chronic physical and mental illness can be attributed to this one thing. Basically, we have created a world that our nervous system no longer wants to live in,” she said in a TikTok video with over 900,000 views. @healwithbritt We created a world our nervous system doesn't want to live in #survivalmode #chronicillness #anxietyrelief #chronicpain #mentalillness #nervoussystemregulation #fightflightfreeze To explain her theory, she said we should look at our nervous system—the body’s command center that transmits brain signals throughout the body—as a security system. Whenever this system detects a perceived threat, it releases survival hormones into the body, such as adrenaline and cortisol, to prepare you for battle. “Now, as survival becomes priority number one, all of the other working systems within the brain and body, like your hormones, your immune system, digestion, muscular, skeletal, etc. These all fall to the back burner and become disrupted,” Piper posits.Piper argues that prolonged exposure to these stressors means that we continue to produce stress hormones, creating a vicious cycle. “Walk through the doors of my practice every single day with my clients. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, burnout, fatigue, chronic illness, chronic pain, digestive issues, fibromyalgia, migraines, TMJ, dissociation, and so much more,” she said. A stressed woman talking to her therapist.via Canva/PhotosPiper outlined six reasons why we are stuck in survival mode:1. Pressure to succeed2. Divisive political climate3. A culture of emotional suppression4. Unhealthy environment5. Constant catastrophic news6. Personal guiltThe good news is that Piper didn’t just describe the problem, but also shared six ways to heal our stressed nervous systems.Six ways to heal a stressed nervous system A woman crossing a pond.via Canva/PhotosStep 1: Slow downPermit yourself to slow down to the slowest part of you.Step 2: Get into your bodyGet out of your head and into your body, which is where your nervous system lives, operates, and constantly communicates with you through your emotions, feelings, and sensations.Step 3: Become presentYour nervous system is always being pulled into the past or to the future. Instead, when you slow down, take the time to be present in the moment with your body and senses.Step 4: Take time to validateAcknowledge what sucks, what's hard in your life, what triggers you. But also take time to acknowledge the positive parts of your life.Step 5: Focus on what you can controlGive more power to what you actually can control and influence.Step 6: Regulate the chaosIdentify what regulates your nervous system. These could include activities such as nature play, co-regulation, spending time with family, music, expression, dance, and other forms of creative engagement.Piper’s post brings up a very important question in American life: Has our dependence on technology, high-pressure work ethic, disconnection from nature, and culture, obsessed with negative news and division, finally reached the tipping point where the society we’ve created no longer bears any resemblance to the world in which we evolved to thrive? If so, how can we create a more harmonious way of living that fosters both health and material abundance?

Science confirms what many of us already feel—we're stressed. The eighth edition of the Censis-Eudaimon report, which analyzes the relationship between work, companies, and employee well-being, revealed that 31.8% of people feel “close to burnout” due to workplace stress. Meanwhile, as non-alcoholic socializing continues to grow, with sober bars and events gaining popularity, people are seeking booze-free options to help them unwind. Enter the latest trend promising relaxation without the hangover: Cortisol Cocktails.These viral drinks—available in various flavors and colors—are alcohol-free beverages made with ingredients that purportedly lower cortisol, restore energy, relieve tension, and balance hormones. But is this just a catchy, alliterative name? Or could cortisol cocktails actually deliver on their promises? Let's dive in. Cortisol prepares your body for “fight or flight” situations, but shouldn't produce too much of it. Photo credit: Canva So, what is cortisol? First things first: Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands (which sit atop the kidneys), often called the “stress hormone” because your body releases more of it when facing physical or emotional stress. By regulating the body's stress response, cortisol prepares you for “fight or flight” situations. This isn't necessarily bad—producing cortisol is valuable for the body, as it plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, inflammation, and blood sugar levels, while helping to balance our circadian rhythm. However, like everything in life, beware of excess cortisol. While temporary increases are healthy and normal, chronically elevated cortisol keeps you in a constant state of stress and can lead to harmful long-term effects, including anxiety, depression, irritability, fatigue and sleep problems, increased weight gain (especially around the abdomen), and memory problems or brain fog.The science behind cortisol mocktails While there are plenty of ways to lower cortisol, like spending time in nature and maintaining positive social interactions, these solutions lack one thing: deliciousness. (Another non-delicious yet interesting cortisol fact: a 2023 study found that laughter is a great way to lower cortisol levels, noting that “spontaneous laughter is associated with greater reduction in cortisol levels as compared with usual activities, suggesting laughter as a potential adjunctive medical therapy to improve well-being.”)Cortisol mocktails—also called “adrenal cocktails”—are alcohol-free beverages concocted with a medley of ingredients that purportedly support relaxation, stress reduction, and healthy adrenal function. While no drink can “cure” stress, these beverages contain ingredients that are associated with managing cortisol and offer other beneficial qualities.via GIPHYResearch shows that adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil help the body adapt to stress and may lower cortisol levels. The same goes for foods rich in vitamin C—think bright citrus fruits, berries, and pineapple. Meanwhile, a dash of magnesium can support muscle relaxation and stress response, and L-theanine (an amino acid found in green tea) promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. Three cortisol mocktail recipes to try this summer (1) Tropical pineapple coconut mocktail This refreshing drink combines pineapple and coconut water, creating a dynamic combo for supporting adrenal health. Pineapple is sweet and loaded with vitamin C, which is especially essential for adrenal function, as the glands use large amounts of it to produce stress hormones and combat oxidative stress. Coconut water, on the other hand, is naturally high in potassium, magnesium, and sodium: three electrolytes essential for maintaining fluid balance and proper adrenal gland activity.Ingredients: ½ cup cubed pineapple¾ cup coconut water1 lime, juiced½ tsp monk fruit sweetener (or honey)¼ tsp sea salt Instructions:Blend all ingredients for 20–30 seconds until smooth. Pour over ice and enjoy. This tropical treat provides vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6—all while making you feel like you’re getting ready for a vacation. Green tea, pineapple, and coconut water are all associated with lowered cortisol levels. Photo credit: CanvaCalming matcha lemon balm mocktail Green tea is a natural wonder, offering a ton of health benefits and bringing even energy without any jitters, spikes, or crashes. That’s because of its natural contents: caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and supports healthy sleep and stress levels. A 2022 study found that increased consumption of green tea led to significantly reduced levels of elevated stress hormones like cortisol in teenagers.Ingredients: 1 cup sparkling water⅓ tsp matcha green tea powder1 inch cucumber, sliced2-3 fresh lemon balm leaves (or 1 lemon balm tea bag, brewed and cooled)Juice of ½ limeNatural sweetener to tasteIce Instructions:Muddle cucumber and lemon balm in a shaker. Add matcha, lime juice, sweetener, and ice. Shake well, strain into a glass, and top with sparkling water. Garnish with lime and cucumber slices. Keep in mind, cortisol mocktails are not magic potions. Photo credit: Canva Sleepy girl mocktail Ideal for winding down, this delicious nightcap combines magnesium with the naturally occurring melatonin present in cherry juice that supports sleep and relaxation.Ingredients: 1 tsp magnesium powder (berry-flavored works great)2 oz organic tart cherry juice10 oz sparkling waterIce Instructions:Combine magnesium powder and tart cherry juice in a glass. Top with sparkling water and ice. Sip in bliss as you prepare for a restful night.via GIPHYThe bottom line It’s important to keep in mind that cortisol mocktails aren’t magic potions. Don’t look to social media for cure-alls or for alternatives to medicine or a doctor’s advice, either.“If you think there’s something wrong with your hormone levels, it’s so, so critical to seek the help of an endocrinologist instead of trying to do your own research to diagnose and treat yourself,” says Christine Byrne, dietitian and owner of Ruby Oak Nutrition, to CBS News. “Lots of influencers and wellness companies prey off people with difficult-to-diagnose symptoms by blaming these symptoms on vague problems like hormone imbalance or adrenal fatigue, then selling a supposed solution. But most of this stuff isn’t evidence-based or thoroughly tested.”While these mocktails aren't substitutes for medical treatment of chronic stress, they offer a delicious and supportive addition to your stress-management routine. (Be sure to incorporate other essential lifestyle factors like adequate sleep, regular exercise, and stress management techniques like yoga and meditation.) The next time stress weighs heavily on you, remember that relief might be just a sip away. Cheers!

Most burnt-out parents I know have at least toyed with the idea of moving far, far away. You can only handle so many news stories of school shootings or eroding child labor laws in the US before you seriously start to think about what life could be like elsewhere.And it's not even necessarily these drastic issues that are so worrying. It's the day to day: the high cost of childcare and living, the extremely fast pace of American life, and being horribly anxious that taking your kids out in public will bother someone's peace and quiet. It's all a lot, and it's taking a serious toll on American parents' mental health.Marae and Roger Torrelier hit a tipping point when their five-year-old was getting ready to start school in the US. The two had lived in several different states, including far-away Alaska, but they were finally ready to try a different way of life.The family of four now live in Malaga, Spain with their older child and a baby. Marae has been documenting the journey on social media and how it differs from their experience living in America.For starters, they say they're way more comfortable being out and about with their kids in public."[In the US] we've encountered venues that even refuse children, whereas in Europe and Asia, children are welcomed almost everywhere," mom told Newsweek.The family has found their new home in Spain to be far more family- and kid-friendly, not just in the design and policies of the cities, but in the way strangers interact and respond to children."Playgrounds have cafés so you can have a coffee, a meal or drink while the kids play. People often interact with our kids with kindness, neighbors know them and ask about them."I remember visiting Italy with my then-4-year-old and being amazed at how relaxed I felt sitting in a piazza having a glass of wine while she wandered and played in the busy square. It's still one of my top overall memories!In one viral clip on the family's TikTok, Marae admits "I went to eat with my baby at a restaurant in Spain and my baby started screaming..." You know, baby does as babies do. But what the people around her did surprised the mom."The chef came out running to see 'the cute baby' and see if he could make her something to eat. Then he started showing her to the rest of the staff."In the clip, the smiling chef can be seen playing with the baby before passing her off to another staff member, who is overjoyed to hold the little cutie. @bravefamilytravel The sweetest people ? #spaintravel #travelwithababy "We’ve been outside of the US for less than a year and my stress levels have decreased by 80%," she writes in another post on Instagram.In this clip, the family has popped on over to Italy for a visit, and a sweet old Italian man stops while passing by to smile and wave at the baby."When my baby cries I’m not afraid a stranger is gonna come and complain she’s being loud. Instead, they approach to see how they can help. When strangers approach I’m not afraid of what they’ll do but rather excited to see the interaction""This is the way it should be. We are social beings. This is the village. ... If you’re looking for a taste of what a child and family friendly society looks like, come to Italy."There are a lot of things that make many other countries around the world, particularly in Europe, extremely appealing for families.Kind people, and rude people, exist all over the world. Grumpy folks aren't unique to America. But some parts of the world just have better infrastructure for parents with young kids.Places like Spain or Italy often have a slower way of life, more built-in time off for workers, better maternity and paternity leave, and childcare that is astronomically more affordable.(In the United States, putting two or even just one child in full-time daycare so both parents can work costs about as much as a mortgage.) @bravefamilytravel we’ve been outside of the US for less than 2 months and my stress levels have decreased by 80% Viewers and commenters love hearing about the family's journey, and have been quick to share their own stories of living and traveling abroad."In Singapore, the sweet Asian ladies took my baby out of my hands, a group of older women circled around her, and couldn’t believe she had blonde hair and blue eyes. It was absolutely such a sweet moment, and you could understand there was no threat.""We hear a baby cry and we 1) Understand babies cry 2) Hope mum / dad isn't too stressed 3) we've all been there and 4) we remember our little ones""In italy we say "it takes a town to grow up a child". It's rare to see people not being kind to kids""You should visit Japan once. Babies are rare there because of population decline so they get such a celebrity status kinda love that its heart-rending." @bravefamilytravel Best decision ever ? says baby Atlas ? European countries aren't without their own problems. And believe it or not, there are lots of great communities and villages right here at home in America. You just have to put in a little extra effort to seek them out.You may not feel comfortable letting your toddler loose in a busy city square here in America. But you can definitely cultivate a close group of family friends who live nearby, maybe even in walking distance. And you can definitely be that person who offers to hold a crying baby or gives a reassuring smile to a tired parent who's worried they're bothering everyone.You don't have to move halfway across the world to seek out a different way of life, or make a difference in other people's. But... it sure would be nice if America could make it a little easier sometimes.

We knew this time would come. The time when baby names would be off-the-charts cool and brilliantly unique. Sure, this might be said of every generation, but this time, it's really true. And it's awesome.Of course, Gen Beta babies have already been born. That generational clock reset on January 1st, 2025. So, any child born on or after that date until 2039 is full Beta all the way. Millennials and Gen Z-ers have gotten off to a fun start on naming the newest generation, and their inspiration is unlike anything most of us have seen before. A scene from the film Raising Arizona. Giphy 20th Century Fox On ABC News, writer Bethany Braun-Silva notes, "Popular baby names today are a mosaic of smaller, hyper-localized trends rather than a set of universal favorites." She cites editor-in-chief of Nameberry, Sophie Kihm, who claims, "Names are deeply tied to identity. The most important thing is choosing a name that feels meaningful to you."Braun-Silva shares, "Current trends include neo-cowboy names (like Rhodes and Dutton), adult-sounding names such as Lionel or Georgina—girl names for boys like June or Willow, and 'atmospheric' names like Clover or Solana."But what's most exciting is what's on the horizon ("Horizon" being one of the names you might actually see soon.) As Gen Alpha ages, they'll be naming the new gen in as early as a few years. It's expected that they (along with current new parents) are taking inspiration from more localized, niche identities. Think Japanese, Turkish, Spanish, and Indian influences, Braun-Silva suggests.Also, names based on video games and hobbies are coming quickly. (I really hope that means "Grand Theft Auto" and "Pickleball" will be the most popular names in nursey schools soon.) It's also reported that "Among the names expected to rise in popularity for girls are Scottie, Elowyn, Lenora, and Murphy, while for boys, names like Matheo, Elio, Chosen, and Caspian are predicted to trend." A clip from the video game Grand Theft Auto Giphy GTA According to author Delilah Gray for a piece on Yahoo! Life, bird names are about to take flight. (Sorry.) She writes, "You may be like, 'Bird names? Seriously?' But hear us out: there are so many bird baby names, and they’re all so unique and beautiful." She cites Baby Center, who report that Robin, Cardinal, Mavis, Raven, Dove, and Callum are definitely becoming popular for our little Gen Beta friends. A white dove flying during daytime. Photo by Shubhankar Bhowmick on Unsplash Furthermore, Baby Center claims that new parents are naming babies after traits they wish for them. "For boys, Wisdom is up 868 spots to No. 1,340, Loyal (up 225 spots to No. 829), Sincere (up 160 spots to No. 534), and Knowledge (up 83 spots to No. 1,054) are also climbing the baby name ranks."For girls, trends include "Praise, which has risen 489 spots to No. 1,156; Divine, which has risen 145 spots to No. 1,175; Adore, which at No. 1,365 is up 106 spots; Queen, which is up 75 spots to No. 940; Miracle, which is up 69 spots to No. 181; and Hope, which at No. 217 has risen 40 spots." A scary scene from the film Jaws. Giphy Shark Week GIF, Universal Pictures Lastly, expect to meet more babies named after movies. Baby Center notes, "The name Anora has jumped up 1,105 spots for girls so far this year, ranking No. 2,291." Not to mention a rise in popularity for recent Oscar winners, like Kieran, Cynthia and Adrian. It's all an exciting trend and could lead to that exciting day when we meet babies named "Jaws" or "Scream Three." Here's hoping!

In parenting, there tends to be two camps of people: those who feel there is no experience more sacred or beautiful or fulfilling than bringing a child into this world, and those who are like, “this is hard, and my kid is a jerk, but hey, let’s have a laugh about it.”Of course, which camp you belong to changes at any given moment, depending on whether you’re dealing with the sweet little cherub etched from your very soul, or their terrible, chaotic alter ego. You know the one. What I'd give to be able to throw a tantrum like that. media4.giphy.com It seems pretty clear which version fitness influencer and toddler dad Andre Crews was dealing with when he made a very raw, yet darkly funny TikTok comparing his three-year-old son to a “terrorist.”A warning to those who might be sensitive to profanity: there are a lot of f-bombs thrown around in the video. Which can obviously be a little jarring when talking about a toddler, but it’s also clear that Crews, wearing a weighted vest that even gives off tactical gear vibes, is coming at this like a grizzled soldier on the battlefront—which is honestly something so many parents can relate to. Swears aside, Crews goes on about how his kid holds his family “hostage” every night, how getting him to eat any food besides multigrain Tostitos chips scoops (“at least they’re multigrain”) and strawberry-banana Gogurt packets (“not strawberry, not banana, and if it’s not strawberry-banana…you better BUCKLE UP”), and how brushing teeth offers a whole “20 minutes podcast of war stories.” See on Instagram Still, the tirade ends on a sweet note, with Crews saying, “but the next morning, he wakes up, he’s beautiful, and all the [terrorism] melts away.” If that ain’t parenting in a nutshell, we don’t know what is. “To all the parents out there: know that it’s never easy, but you’re doing god’s work,” Crews concludes. With over 220,000 likes on Instagram, Crews' video clearly struck a chord. So many parents chimed in to share how they too felt the carnage of the Terrible Twos.“The more I talk to other parents we are just all raising the same kids in different skins ?”“The best description of parenting a toddler ?”“Lmfaooooooo ….. okay so it’s not just me.”“Hold the line buddy?same everywhere no back up, no support.”“I have twins, I'm surrounded ???”“I HAVE SAID THIS FOR YEARS!!!! FINALLY SOMEONE UNDERSTANDS ?????”Toddlerdom is a constant experimentation phase for little ones to test the boundaries of their own free will, all while still being challenged by a still developing brain and sense of emotional regularity. So a bit of chaos, tantrums, mood swings, aggression, a bombardment of “nos!” or, as Crews put it, “terrorist” behavior. But this phase is par for the course in parenting. Kids aren’t being bad for the sake of it, they’re just navigating a pretty uncomfortable phase for the first time ever. And maybe strawberry banana Gogurt—not not strawberry, not banana, strawberry-banana—is the one and only thing to soothe that discomfort in the moment. To any parent dealing with a toddler tantrum—Godspeed. Photo credit: CanvaBottom line, if you’re a parent currently feeling terrorized by your little one, you are not alone, and you’re doing great. and there's nothing wrong with "having four cups of coffee" to get through it.

Sometimes, our worst nightmares happen during moments that should feel safe and joyous. They happen no matter how careful and methodical we are to try to prevent them, and when they do, all we can do is rely on our instincts and quick thinking. For one father, that nightmare looked like watching his daughter falling overboard while on a Disney cruise. On June 29, as reported by Newsweek and USA Today, the two were aboard the Disney Dream, which was returning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida after four days of sailing through the Bahamas. While it's unclear as to how the little girl fell off (though some suspected that the girl was sat on the railing to get a selfie) sources confirmed that the ship was moving, not docked, when she did fall from the fourth deck—making matters even more dire. Thank goodness this story has a happy ending.Photo credit: Canva On the last day of our Dream voyage and it is an at Sea Day. A girl fell overboard from the 4th deck & her dad went in after her. Right after the incident we heard on the loud speaker MOB Port side!!... The father did as many fathers would do. He jumped after her. Over on social media, including a Disney Dream Cruise Ship Facebook group, people recalled the incident. “Her dad went in after her,” one passenger aboard the ship wrote. “Right after the incident, we heard on the loudspeaker, ‘MOB [Man overboard] Port side!! Thankfully, the [Disney] rescue team was on it immediately and both were saved!”Another fellow passenger shared video footage showing a life boat quickly coming to the rescue.“We are committed to the safety and well-being of our guests," Disney Cruise Line wrote in a statement, "and this incident highlights the effectiveness of our safety protocols.”These safety protocols largely involve overboard detection systems utilizing thermal cameras and/or micro radars to notify crew of someone falling overboard almost immediately. To put things into perspective, only one or two people go overboard each month out of roughly 2.5 million who cruise during the same time frame, and those numbers seem to be continuously dwindling, no doubt in part thanks to tech like this. But point being, these accidents remain super rare occurrences. - YouTube www.youtube.com Obviously, it doesn’t make them any less scary—especially in this circumstance. Which made it all the more a relief that both the father and daughter were brought back to safety. "That's terrifying!!! Thank goodness for the happy ending though,” one viewer wrote.Still another said, “I praise the dad for his courage and bravery to save his daughter. She will be forever thankful. A father's love.”Indeed, many, if not most parents would have similarly risked their lives in the same situation. But thankfully this act of bravery didn’t have to become a sacrifice.

Giant squids are the things nightmares and science fiction movies are made of. Squids are not the most adorable things to look at unless you're a zoologist or marine biologist. These ocean-dwelling creatures look like they would eat you if given the chance though, thankfully, this is not a worry most people need to have. Unless you are going deep into the ocean far removed from the United States, your chances of running into a giant squid are quite low. But they aren't zero. It turns out you don't have to go to some far off country to see a giant squid in the wild;, you just have to go to Mississippi. Marine mammal researcher for Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center, Dr. Holley Muraco reveals in an interview with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks that the waters right off of the Mississippi Gulf Coast are home to the only living squid photographed in North America. Medusa image of giant squid in Gulf of Mexico off of Mississippi Gulf CoastPhoto credit: NOAAThe Mississippi Gulf Coast water is home to a lot of different aquatic critters. It's a place known for it's sea food and home to the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, a nonprofit organization that rescues and rehabilitates injured marine animals and houses those who can't be re-released into the wild. The organization also serves as a center for education on the different types of marine animals with interactive live animal shows at a fraction of the cost of visiting an aquarium. Mississippians are used to sharing the water with the different fish that live in the bay, bayou, sound, Gulf, and the ocean waters beyond the Gulf. Sign warning against feeding alligators next to alligator in Mississippi marshlandsCourtesy of Jacalyn WetzelA lot of time in Mississippi is spent outside on or near a body of water whether it's fishing off of a pier or kayaking in the bay. Gulf Coast residents have learned to peacefully exist with the animals that come with the territory, including alligators. But the discovery of a living giant squid in the body of water Mississippians enjoy year round is a surprise to locals and their Gulf Coast neighbors in the neighboring states. "Are you serious? If Mississippi residents actually knew this, they would be ecstatic to share it. I was born and raised in MS and that's the first I've ever heard it. I actually witnessed a manatee in Biloxi Bay as a kid and no one believed me," one person exclaims on a short clip of the interview. Mississippi Gulf Coast beach in BiloxiCourtesy of Jacalyn Wetzel"As an Alabama resident, knowing they found giant squid off the coast of Mississippi doesn't make me feel more comfortable with being offshore," someone else shares.Giant squids aren't something people imagine much outside of movies or "scholarly" debates after a few drinks on who would win in a fight, a giant squid or a sperm whale. Turns out the sperm whale versus squid match is due to researchers once finding pieces of a large squid inside the belly of s sperm whale. Mississippians can rest assured that their waters would be the scene of the next rematch if there ever was one because according to Dr. Muraco, they've also spotted the huge sperm whales in the same water. "We have a resident population of sperm whales, right off, maybe 60 miles off of Gulfport. A resident population of sperm whales and so we know that we're having sperm whales with epic battles of giant squid. That's happening in our backyard, ya know. I'm like, it's crazy." Muraco excitedly tells the host before adding, "And I just want anybody who will listen to know, we can take ownership of this. Mississippi has the best access to that Mississippi Delta, Desoto Canyon, that magic place right there where all these marine mammals are trying trying to survive."Dr. Muraco also exclaims that Mississippi is also the home of Rice's whales, the most endangered species of whales in the world. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there are fewer than 100 Rice's whales in the entire world. The Gulf really does have diverse marine life. 2009 photo of giant squid caught in Gulf of Mexico near Mississippi GulfPhoto credit: NOAAPeople in Mississippi are no strangers to the giant squid—they're just not accustomed to them being alive. The first giant squid seen in the Mississippi coastal waters was found floating in 1954, and the second was pulled from the water in 2009 as researchers were looking for prey of sperm whales in the area. The squid caught in 2009 was 19.5 feet long and weight 103 pounds.“This is an incredibly rare find in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Michael Vecchione, director for NOAA’s Fisheries Service’s National Systemics Laboratory. A giant squid expert told the Smithsonian Insider the same, highlighting the gravity of the occurrence “Giant squid have been found more commonly in areas of the world where there are deep-water fisheries, such as Spain and New Zealand, but this is the first time one has actually been captured during scientific research in the Gulf of Mexico.”A more recent expedition in 2019 with a specialized underwater camera named "The Medusa" caught a glimpse of a living juvenile giant squid estimated to be between 10 and 12 feet long. A video shows the squid coming to eat the e-jelly lure placed on the camera before swimming away after realizing it wasn't actually food. Being that the squid is a juvenile, it's likely that there are more squids in the depths of the Gulf. It's just a matter of time before researchers capture evidence of older squids.

You've probably danced to it... The post What is the only instrumental song to top the charts in the 21st century? first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

When summer arrives, watermelon returns to picnics and gatherings. However, slicing it can be a real hassle. This foolproof method is safe and effective.

Kreator 7/2 “Kreator – Hate & Hope” Premieres The official documentary about German Thrash Metal veterans premieres at the 42nd Munich International Film Festival. The 110-minute film, directed by Cordula Kablitz-Post, will receive a theatrical premiere on September 4th. Evanescence 7/5 Evanescence Garners First Mainstream Rock #1 The track is featured in the Netflix series “Devil May Cry.” This rise to the top ends a 22-year wait for a #1 hit, the longest in the Billboard chart’s history, Evanescence first reached the survey when “Bring Me To Life” (with Paul McCoy) peaked at #11 in ’03. Black Sabbath 7/5 Ozzy Osbourne Takes The Stage For The Last Time He is joined by the original Black Sabbath lineup (Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward) for the first and last time in two decades.  Additional performs include Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Slayer, Anthrax, Alice In Chains and Halestorm. Born Of Osiris 7/11 Born Of Osiris Issue Seventh Album: “Through Shadows” “‘Through Shadows’ is a reflection of the human experience — both the quiet struggles and the heavy storms we each endure,” stated the Progressive Metal band, “When all feels lost, we’re left with a choice: face demise or defend our existence. This song is our call to choose the light, even in our darkest moments.” It’s the band’s first full-length album since ’21’s “Angel Or Alien.” Bush 7/18 Bush’s “I Beat Loneliness” Drops The band’s tenth studio album features singles “60 Ways To Forget People” and “The Land Of Milk And Honey,” The latter, according to frontman Gavin Rossdale, “is a wild ride into the heart of the new record. It’s built to be played loud — to liberate and uplift. That’s the spirit behind it.” A press release adds, “The track examines “the illusion of freedom in a world ruled by power, obsession, and disconnection.” One More Satellite 7/18 One More Satellite Releases Debut Album Featuring guitarist Dean DeLeo (Stone Temple Pilots) and U.K.-based vocalist/ lyricist Pete Shoulder, tghe band’;s self-title debut contains “Paper Over The Cracks” and “Can Of Worms.” “What started out as an instrumental album, quickly changed soon after Pete and I chatted,” recalled DeLeo. “He was going to sing on a song or two, then wound up singing on eight of the ten on the record.” “I was excited to hear the new music Dean wanted to collaborate on,” noted Shoulder.  Five Finger Death Punch 7/18 “20 Years Of Five Finger Death Punch – Best Of Volume 1” Arrives The collection of re-recorded versions of their best-known songs came in response to the recent sale of the band’s original master recordings by their former label made without their knowledge or the opportunity to reclaim their own work. “So when this happened to Taylor Swift, she responded by re-recording her catalog and her fans switched to streaming the new versions out of protest and loyalty,” notes FFDP guitarist Zoltan Bathory. “We have one of the most hardcore and loyal fan bases on the planet so I know our fans will do the same.” Scars On Broadway 7/18 Scars On Broadway Deliver “Addicted To Violence” Fronted by System Of A Down guitarist/singer Daron Malakian, Scars On Broadway have unfurled their first studio album in seven years. Malakian composed, produced, and performed all the album’s songs, with contributions from Scars on Broadway bandmates Orbel Babayan (guitar) and Roman Lomtadze (drums). “I’m just as proud of Scars as I am of SOAD,” states Malakian in a press release. “This is another musical outlet for me.” The Revenge Of Alice Cooper 7/25 The Original Alice Cooper Band Returns The surviving members of the original Alice Cooper band — singer Alice Cooper, guitarist Michael Bruce, bassist Dennis Dunaway and drummer Neal Smith — present “The Revenge Of Alice Cooper.” The band’s first album in over 50 years includes a special appearance by late guitarist Glen Buxton. What Happened To You” is based on riff from a demo Dunaway and Buxton made together way back when. The set also has “Black Mamba” with guitarist Robby Krieger of The Doors. GWAR 7/25 GWAR’s New Album “The Return Of Gor Gor” “The last time I saw Gor Gor, he was just a wee fart dragon,” GWAR’s Blöthar The Berserker recalls.: “He had crawled on the hood of my Kia Soul and was holding on for dear life while I drove to the store to buy Clamato. I bathed him in wiper fluid and used my wipers to knock him off my sweet ride. Next thing I know, he’s all grown up and looking for revenge. This record chronicles his struggles trying to make his way in a cruel world.” The post The Month In Rock: July appeared first on RockinTown.