Scientists May Have Finally Cracked the Greatest Mystery Behind the Bermuda Triangle

The mystery behind the Bermuda Triangle, a place where hundreds of aircraft and ships are said to have disappeared under unexplained circumstances, might have finally been solved — at least that’s what a Science Channel show claims.

A team of American scientists from the University of Colorado analyzed satellite weather images of this notorious area and noticed a series of unusual hexagonal clouds on them. The meteorologists theorized that these clouds may act as real “air bombs.“

It is believed they are the main cause of the deadly blasts of air which can easily exceed 170 miles per hour. These hurricane-force winds literally ”blow up" the air and can generate waves of more than 45 feet in height

No ship is able to survive such a storm, and no aircraft is able to withstand such a wind.

Clouds don’t typically form straight edges. However, judging by the satellite images, the Bermuda Triangle is an exception to this rule. The announcement of this theory has motivated a lot of further research. Scientists from all over the globe are trying to figure out what the reasons are for such anomalies.

Let us recall that the Bermuda Triangle is a large area of the Atlantic Ocean between Florida, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda. This region is notorious for its mysterious phenomena. Reports go back to 1945 when five American torpedo bombers and a plane that was sent out to find them vanished without a trace. Since that day, another 75 aircraft and several hundred ships have been lost. The latest tragedy happened in 2015 when the cargo ship "El Faro" disappeared in this region.

                                                                                                               Source mirror.co.uk 
                                                                                                    Translation and adaptation 
                                                                                                                           Bright Side

7 Things You Should Never Do When You First Wake Up

How you begin your morning usually sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you start it without energy and your days are unproductive, you may be committing one of the 7 common morning mistakes. Today, we will tell you what they are and how to avoid them, according to The Independent journal.

1. Don’t hit the snooze button

Sleep specialists say that snooze alarms are not a good idea. The truth is that every time you hit snooze and fall back asleep, you enter a sleep cycle you won’t be able to finish. So when you wake up, you’ll feel very tired and lazy.

2. Don’t stay curled up in bed

When you wake up, stretch your legs and arms while you are still lying in bed. The more you stretch, the more confident and happy you will be during the day. Those who wake up curled like a cat tend to be much more stressed and sleepy.

3. Never check your e-mail first thing in the morning

Checking e-mails as soon as you get up distracts you from the important tasks you need to do. Focus on productive actions instead of mindlessly scrolling through your inbox.

4. Make your bed

As impossible as it may seem, leaving your bed made is associated with increasing your productivity for the rest of the day. In addition, this important habit is the first step to help other good habits take hold.

5. Avoid drinking coffee

If you are one of those people who drinks a cup of coffee in the morning to wake up, it’s time to reconsider this habit of yours. Between 8 and 9 in the morning, our body produces large amounts of the energy-regulating hormone called cortisol. If you drink coffee before 9:30, your body will reduce production of cortisol and you will have less energy

6. Don’t wake up in the dark

Our body’s internal clock is sensitive to light and darkness. If you wake up in low light, your brain could be confused and make you feel sleepy. Open the curtains, and, if it is still dark outside when you wake up, just turn on a strong light

7. Habits are everything

According to scientists, your willpower is limited and if you spend it doing small things to lengthen your morning, you will have less energy throughout the day. Focus on getting ready, and create a routine that allows you to move "in automatic mode" in the mornings and save your willpower reserves for the rest of the day.

Experts have discovered that mosquitoes love 4 kinds of people

We all know someone (perhaps ourselves) who seems to be a favorite target for mosquitoes. For some mysterious reason, they attract these little critters like no one else.

It turns out that there’s a reason why they bite some people more than others. Health experts believe that mosquitoes are attracted to certain kinds of people. Here are the 4 factors that determine whether you may be one of them

1. Pregnancy

Mosquitoes are attracted to the carbon dioxide that people produce when they breathe. Pregnant women produce more carbon dioxide, which means that mosquitoes can pay special attention to them. It’s worth remembering this considering the extent to which the Zika virus currently presents a real threat to babies.

2. Exercise

You shouldn’t be surprised to find that mosquitoes will attack with particular aggression after you’ve finished a jog or some other kind of workout. They’re attracted to lactic acid, which is produced in large quantities in your muscles when the latter are subjected to physical strain.

3. Drinking alcohol

Experts have found that heat-producing drinks make us more attractive to mosquitoes. In particular, alcohol raises our body temperature and mosquitoes zero in on our warm bodies.

4. Type O blood

Research indicates that the likelihood of a mosquito biting someone with type O blood is 83%. People with type A blood are least likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.

So if you find yourself in one of these risk groups, it might be time to stock up on mosquito repellent!

7 Self-Defense Techniques That Can Save Your Life

Nowadays it is essential to know how to react in dangerous situations to keep yourself safe. We believe that not only is it important to be alert but also to learn these techniques that will allow you to escape and defend yourself in life-threatening situations.

Self-defense is the art of beating an attacker, regardless of his physical strength, and without the need to use weapons. It is not based on strength but on speed and audacity in dangerous situations.

A study from the University of Oregon shares the following self-defense techniques that can help you if you are attacked or under threat.

Remember that self-defense is a smart adaptation to situations that put you in danger. It is not necessary to know martial arts to learn how to defend yourself.

However, remember that the best protection is prevention, so try to prevent the occurrence of aggression:

• 1) If someone comes forward and looks suspicious, go in another direction.
• 2) Never enter your home if you’re being followed.
• 3) If you are a woman and you live alone, put only your last name on the mailbox.
• 4)Never enter your house if the door has been forced open. Call the police immediately.
• 5) Avoid going to ATMs at night.
• 6) In case of possible aggression, yell "FIRE."
• 7) Do not stop your car on the street for a long period of time.
• 8) Do not walk with a bag or briefcase on the side of the street.
• 9) Put your keys between your fingers when you walk — you can use them against an attacker during a self-defense situation.
• 10) Do not walk through dark and empty streets, even if they are the shortest way.
• 11) Do not panic. Self-control is important.

12 Signs That You’re Way More Intelligent Than You Realize

Every one of us has probably come across people that like to praise their own abilities. More often than not, such people are quite narrow-minded. As Shakespeare once said, "A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool." Experts have since confirmed the Bard’s wise words, discovering the so-called Dunning-Kruger Effect — the phenomenon whereby intelligent people lack confidence in their mental abilities.

Do you doubt your own intelligence? Here are 12 indications that you’re mistaken. The chances are you’ll recognize at least two of these things in yourself straightaway.

1. You took music lessons

Numerous studies show that learning to play a musical instrument helps childhood development. One of these studies claims that just one month of music lessons can help 4- to 6-year-olds significantly improve their test scores and makes studying easier for them. So did you play the violin when you were a kid? Maybe that’s the reason you’re so good at thinking things through today!

2. You’re the oldest sibling in the family

One interesting piece of research has suggested that the older siblings in a family have moderately higher but significant advantages when it comes to IQ compared to their younger brothers and sisters. This is the reason why the oldest tend to be slightly more successful than the youngest in a family.

3. You have a slim figure

In 2006, an unusual investigation was carried out. It revealed an interesting connection: the larger a person’s waistline, the lower their cognitive abilities. According to other pieces of research, 11-year-old children who receive poor test scores are more inclined to obesity by the age of 40. There is a high probability that their cleverer peers study better, strive to do better educationally, and will look after their health more.

4. You were breast-fed as a baby

Scientists from Britain and New Zealand studied around 3,000 children and found that those who were breast-fed as babies received almost 7 points more on IQ tests than those who weren’t. But this only applied to those who had a certain kind of gene (this gene is also present in those who weren’t breast-fed.) The exact mechanism determining the relationship between this gene and breast-feeding is still unknown.

5. You loved reading even as a child

Do you have memories of reading going back to your earliest days? The chances are you’re very smart, especially if your love for books started when you were still in diapers. During the course of one piece of research, 2,000 pairs of twins were studied, and it turned out that those infants who learned to read earlier scored higher in tests later in life. The study’s authors believe that reading from an early age improves a person’s verbal as well as non-verbal abilities.

6. You’re left-handed

There is some data to suggest that there’s a large number of left-handed people among criminals. Experts have yet to explain this phenomenon. On the other hand, the latest research indicates that left-handed people are inclined to divergent thinking — a way of creative thinking that is employed in order to solve problems and tasks. Left-handed people are often more inventive and know how to get out of difficult situations better. Is that not a sign of great intellect?

7. You often worry

More and more studies are proving that people who often worry about things might be more intelligent than those who don’t. It may be the case that this is a result of the fact that they’re always thinking about the possible consequences of their actions and therefore try to make sure everything turns out as best as possible.

8. You’re tall

Research carried out at Princeton University showed that tall children study better than their peers, and when they reach adulthood they end up earning more money. So straighten your back — you have something to be proud of!

9. You can be funny

It turns out that a sense of humor and high intelligence are connected. In one piece of research, around 400 students took an intelligence test, after which they had to think up amusing captions for scenes from cartoons. Can you guess whose captions turned out to be funnier?

10. You’re curious

A professor of business psychology at one London university came to the conclusion that curiosity is an important characteristic in intelligent people. Curious people possess a more refined form of thinking, and in the long-term they are interested in discovering new things and developing as people.

11. You prefer disorder

Creative disorder is a concept that was established long ago, and there is research that even claims that it serves as a kind of "fuel" for those with a creative nature. So don’t frighten away your inspiration with a grand clean-up — leave things the way they are

12. You’re a real night owl

It sounds funny, but it turns out that people who love to stay up at night generally have a greater intellect than early birds. The ability to work and be creative at night, as is well known, was not given to us by nature. It’s for this reason that scientists reached the conclusion that intelligent people go to bed later because they’re striving to expand the limits of their abilities. If only we could survive on such little sleep!

                                                                                                        SOURCE : Bright side

Uses for Vinegar

Amazing Uses for Vinegar You Need to Know About

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “vinegar“ is ”Mmm...salad!" But we at Bright Side discovered that this healthy condiment has many other amazing uses and benefits. Not only can it replace the expensive cleaning products under your sink, it can also be used as part of your beauty routine.

White vinegar

White vinegar is one of those products that should be in every home since, in addition to being useful in the kitchen, it also has properties that make it excellent for aesthetic and cleaning tasks.

1. Kill weeds

White vinegar can be very useful to kill grass and any weeds that sprout and inhibit their growth. Apply it by spraying directly onto the leaves of the weeds.

2. Leave your hair silky

For smooth and silky hair, mix 1 part white vinegar with 2 parts water. Spray it all over your hair, let it sit for 10 minutes, and rinse.

3. Neutralize cigarette smoke odors

To neutralize smoke odors, pour vinegar into a bowl and put it in the place where you want to eliminate the bad smell.

4. Make nail polish stay on longer

Before applying the first layer of polish, dip your nails into half a cup of white vinegar for 10 minutes. You will notice that your nail polish will stay on longer

5. Leave your bathroom sparkling

Vinegar has whitening and antibacterial properties. Dilute 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, and apply with a sprayer onto the area that needs to be cleaned. It will shine like never before.

6. Remove stains from floors and carpets

To remove stains from floors, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 liters of warm water. To clean carpets, apply the vinegar on the affected area and then add a little detergent. Let it dry, and then rub with a brush and watch the spots disappear.

7. Remove sweat stains

Sprinkle a generous amount of white vinegar onto the affected areas of the garment, leave it for at least 10 minutes, and rinse. Your favorite shirt will look like new.

Apple cider vinegar

Besides being a great salad dressing, apple cider vinegar can also be used in your beauty regimen. To avoid allergic reactions, it is very important to dilute it with water. Apply it at night to avoid contact with the sun, as this can leave spots on the skin.

1. Remove age spots

It helps eliminate dead cells to leave the skin fresh and young. Add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to half a glass of water, and apply all over the skin with a cotton pad. Let it sit for 30 minutes

2. Fight acne and pimples

It removes excess fat from the face, prevents infections, cures post-acne scars, unlocks the pores, and allows the skin to breathe properly.

3. It’s a perfect facial toner

Moisten a cotton ball with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 2 cups of water. Apply to a clean dry face, avoiding the eye area, every night before bed. Do not rinse. Vinegar helps to balance the natural pH levels of your skin, remove impurities, and stimulate the circulation of blood.

4. Cure dandruff

Apple cider vinegar works wonders for dandruff. Mix 1 quarter cup of vinegar with 1 quarter cup of water in a spray bottle. Spritz onto your hair and scalp, wrap your head in a towel, let it sit for 15 minutes, and rinse. You can also add some vinegar to your favorite shampoo

5. Remove bruise marks

Soak a piece of clean cotton in undiluted apple cider vinegar, apply it directly to the bruise marks, and let it sit for an hour. Anti-inflammatory properties will help soothe injured skin, improve blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process.

6. Relieve mosquito bites

Apple cider vinegar has antiseptic, anti-itching, and antibacterial properties that help get rid of itching and reduce swelling.

General recommendations on using apple cider vinegar on the skin:

• 1) Never apply pure vinegar — always dilute with water. Otherwise, it may stain or cause an allergic reaction on the skin. The recommended ratio is 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water.
• 2) Before using the mixture, stir the container well, as the ingredients are usually separated.
• 3) Before applying it to your face, check that it does not produce any allergic reaction. Apply a little on your hand, let it sit for a few minutes, and, if nothing happens, apply to your face.
• 4) The first time you apply vinegar to your face it is advisable to rinse it with warm water after 5 minutes. You can increase the time for the next applications.
• 5) Remember that these treatments should be done at night to avoid contact with the sun, which can cause sores on the skin.
• 6) You can put diluted apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle and use it as a refreshing lotion. Avoid contact with the eyes.
•                                                                                    Source : Bright side

4 Principles That Bruce Lee Used to Strengthen his Spirit

4 Principles That Bruce Lee Used to Strengthen his Spirit

Bruce Lee achieved global fame not only thanks to his acting and incredible martial arts abilities but also because of his reputation as a great philosopher. His views on life still inspire people around the world even today.

The martial arts master always carried a notebook with him in which he recorded all the important thoughts that came to him during the day. Recently, all of these records were restored and published online.

We at Bright Side were impressed above all with the thoughts Bruce Lee used to strengthen his spirit and body.

On willpower and emotions

• 1) Recognizing that the power of will is the supreme court over all other departments of my mind, I will exercise it daily when I need the urge to act for any purpose, and I will form habits designed to bring the power of my will into action at least once daily.
• 2) Realizing that my emotions are both positive and negative, I will form daily habits which will encourage the development of the positive emotions and aid me in converting the negative emotions into some form of useful action.

• On reason, imagination, and memory

• 
  • 
    
  • 1) Recognizing that my positive and negative emotions may be dangerous if they are not guided to desirable ends, I will submit all my desires, aims, and purposes to my faculty of reason, and I will be guided by it in giving expression to these.
  • 2) Recognizing the need for sound plans and ideas for the attainment of my desires, I will develop my imagination by calling upon it daily for help in the formation of my plans. Creative intuition opens the wellsprings within man, activates the inner light, and is free and limitless.
  • 3) Recognizing the value of an alert mind, and an alert memory, I will encourage mine to become alert by taking care to impress it clearly with all thoughts I wish to recall and by associating those thoughts with related subjects which I may recall to mind frequently.

  • On the subconscious mind and one’s conscience

  • 
    • 
      
    • 1) Reorganizing the influence of my subconscious mind over my power of will, I shall take care to submit to it a clear and definite picture of my major purpose in life and all minor purposes leading to my major purpose and I shall keep this picture constantly before my subconscious mind by repeating it daily.
    • 2) Recognizing that my emotions often err in their over-enthusiasm, and my faculty of reason often is without the warmth of feeling that is necessary to enable me to combine justice with mercy in my judgments, I will encourage my conscience to guide me as to what is right and wrong, but I will never set aside the verdict it renders, no matter what may be the cost of carrying them out.

    • Finally, on understanding life

    • • 1) You will never get more from life than you expect. Concentrate your thoughts on what you want and what you don’t want. Calmly observe what is happening inside yourself. No one can hurt you unless you allow them to. Inside yourself, at the psychological level, be no one.

Budget Jar Method

Try this superb ’budget jar’ to help you save money and manage your finances

The ’’jar method’’ is one of the most effective ways to manage your personal and family budget. All you need to do is just divide the money you’re planning to spend in near future into six jars. Each jar will be responsible for one sphere of your life. If you follow this method, you’ll never spend more money than you plan to again.

We at Bright Side would like to share this simple way that will help you organize your income and spend it wisely.

Jar 1: basic necessities (55% of your budget) Money in this jar is intended for covering daily expenses and paying bills. It will also cover your costs for rent, transport, taxes, and food.

Jar 2: entertainment (10% of your budget) You can spend this part of your budget for purchases that you don’t buy regularly. For example, you can buy a bottle of expensive wine or go somewhere for vacation. Spend this money as you wish!

Jar 3: long-term savings (10% of your budget) This is a guarantee for your future financial independence. You’ll use money from this jar for investing and creating passive income sources. You shouldn’t spend these savings until you get complete financial freedom. And even in this case, it’s better to spend only the interest that you receive from these savings and not the savings itself.

Jar 4: education (10% of your budget) Money in this jar is intended to further your education and personal growth. Investing is a great way of allocating money, and you are the most valuable asset. Always keep that in mind. Use this money to buy books, educational CDs, or courses — it will pay off later.

Jar 5: private reserves (10% of your budget) These savings can be used for large purchases. Spend this money when you want to buy a flat screen TV, an annual gym membership, or a car. This is your reserve fund that you should constantly replenish.

Jar 6: charity and gifts (5% of your budget) Spend this money when you need to buy gifts for birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. You can also donate this money to cancer aid associations, animal shelters, or just people who need help.

Five effective ways to stop anxiety attacks

Five effective ways to stop anxiety attacks

Anxiety has become the number one mental health issue in America. Generalized anxiety disorder affects millions of people worldwide, and the number keeps growing at an alarming rate. But here is the good news — there are many techniques you can use to manage anxiety effectively. We have five tips for you that will help you cope when you’re feeling anxious and stressed. These techniques are also good for anyone who wants to improve their quality of life.

Anxiety is fear of the future. Humans developed the ability to anticipate events in the future, and this evolutionary tool gives us advantages over other species and allows us to solve problems even before they appear.

However, this ability can play against us. We feel anxious when our mind is constantly focused on the future. People usually suffer from anxiety attacks at night, before bed, as this is the time when the unwanted thoughts we’ve buried all day come to the forefront. Intrusive thoughts like, ’What will happen tomorrow?’ and ’What can I do to resolve this situation?’ enter our minds, making it hard for us to fall asleep.

1. Combat anxious thoughts.

Anxiety feeds on itself. If you allow negative thoughts to grow, you’ll end up going insane. Anxiety can build up like a snowball rolling down a hill, and you are the only one who has the power to stop it. First you should learn to intercept negative thoughts. This means identifying them when they occur. When you find yourself feeding and fueling your intrusive thoughts, ask yourself, ’Is this really likely to happen?’ Stop thinking about the past and the future, and try to visualize what your life would be like if you had no worries.

If this doesn’t work, make a list. Write down what’s on your mind and what you’re doing about it. This writing exercise will help to rationalize the problems and find their real dimensions. In other words, it will not allow them to continue growing and turning inside your head. You can also write down your goals and how you’re going to achieve them.

2. Meditate and breathe.

This is the most common advice to combat anxiety, and it is one of the most effective. If you have regular anxiety attacks, consider taking a meditation class. Acquiring this habit will help you to reduce stress and greatly improve your quality of life. If you have infrequent anxiety attacks and meditation is not your cup of tea, try breathing techniques. These can be very helpful for relaxing before sleep, but they can also be used anywhere whenever you feel stressed. Your body will thank you for this.

3. Releasing feel-good brain chemicals.

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins and serotonin, two enzymes that your brain associates with feelings of pleasure and well-being. They heat up your whole body and allow the tension in your muscles to ease. Physical exertion is also a good way to focus on the here and now.

4. Try these natural remedies.

Herbal remedies, particularly herbal teas such as valerian root tea, lavender, and camomile, will help you reduce anxiety and irritability and fall asleep faster.

5. Avoid caffeine.

Caffeine has been shown to increase anxiety levels and provoke panic attacks in people with panic disorder. Caffeine is a stimulant that can lead to nervousness, irregular heartbeat, and agitation. It will also keep you awake, leading to more anxiety. Consider it carefully before reaching for your next caffeinated drink