My Z News

Memorial Day is fast approaching. This is the time of year when we honor those who have given their lives for the continued freedom of our country. Much has changed since Memorial Day was first celebrated following the Civil War. Many hold different ideals regarding the respect of our armed forces, our flag, and even the Constitution. One thing is clear, however – true patriotism is easy to recognize. Here, Danielle Davila filmed her children and their friends playing near her home at Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina. A bugle begins to play ‘Retreat,’ which signifies the retirement of the Marine Corps colors, and we see that a love for our country is alive and well in these children.  All five of the friends cease their play and stand quietly at attention, as is the courteous response prescribed. It is truly a moment that should create in each of us a sense of awe. It should bring to mind that we are all part of something bigger, something to which we could proudly pledge our allegiance. These children call us to love what is dear, not only in our homes, but also in our bond together as Americans.  Whatever your political views, or thoughts on Supreme Court rulings, we all enjoy our freedom as we see fit. It is because of the Marine Corps, and all of our armed forces, that we can have those choices. Let us join with these big-hearted heroes and honor those who serve, who served, and those who gave all to protect our country. Be sure to SHARE this inspirational story with your friends and family. H/T: Danielle Davila Read more: http://www.wimp.com/kids-on-a-playground-stop-to-honor-military/

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Auctioneers have a skill set that’s incomparable to almost any other job, except maybe that of a rapper. The ability to rapidly shout out the names of bidders and the amount of money they’re bidding might not immediately bring to mind the greats of hip-hop, but when you set it to a beat the similarities become apparent. Thankfully you don’t have to have any production skills to find out for yourself. The Internet has already made proof for you. Behold the glory of the cattle auctioneer rap song. Jay-Z might not have to worry about this gentleman as competition for now, but if he sees this video and decides to go all in on the rap game we see a bright future ahead of him. Cattle ranchers need rap idols too. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/cattle-auction-rap-song/

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We all have elderly people in our lives. Maybe they are family members you visit for a few hours each week or neighbors you see sitting on their porches, but either way, they aren’t that different from 98-year-old Mary Tony. Like many senior citizens, she suffers from intense loneliness. While her days are filled with engaging activities and good friends at a local senior center, her evenings are quite different. Voyager, a production house in Brooklyn, New York, recently created a short film called “Junk Mail” that is an intimate look at Mary’s life. Some parts might make you laugh, others are sure to make you cry, but it’s something that everyone should take the time to watch. While the elderly might be old, they should not be forgotten.  Read more: http://www.wimp.com/junk-mail-startling-truth-elderly-lives/

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Everyone knows the story of the first Christmas, even little kids. But what would happen if you had those kids tell the story from their own memory? One church wanted to find out. Mobberly Baptist Church asked a group of kids to explain the Christmas story as best they can. As one might expect, it was hilariously adorable.  To make things even better, the Mobberly Church asked some adults to re-enact the children’s account of the story word for word. The adults do their best to act serious through the voice of the children but even they can’t hide their amusement. If only every story was told through these children. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/little-kids-tell-the-story-of-christmas/

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Advertisement What does it take to make a good judge? There’s obviously years and years of school and work experience that go into it, along with a supreme knowledge of the law and the people in his district. But maybe there’s something more, something intangible. Sometimes judges need a type of wisdom that can’t be found in a textbook. When a judge displays this kind of decision making, it can truly change the hearts and minds of citizens.  Judge Cicconetti​ of Painesville, Ohio is one of these kind of judges. He recently was face to face in a courtroom with Alyssa Morrow, who had pleaded guilty of animal abuse. Alyssa admitted to leaving her dog locked up in a dirty house for a week, without providing the dog any type of food or care. The dog, named Moose, was found by neighbors in horrible condition. Moose was starving, dehydrated and his fur was falling off.  When Judge Cicconetti heard the details of this case, he wanted to make sure Alyssa served a punishment that adequately fit the crime and neglect she committed. He told her, “I’m going to let you have a choice here, and the choice is I want you to live like Moose, and in order to do that I want you to go down to the county dump, to the landfill, and I want them to find the stinkiest smelliest god-awful odor place they can find in that dump and I want you to sit there for 8 hours tomorrow, to think what you did to that dog while you smell the odor. If you puke, you puke.”​   This is what happened next:  Advertisement This is Moose. She was abandoned by her owner, Alyssa Morrow, who left her in a dirty house for over a week. The dog was found starving and in terrible condition. When Judge Cicconetti heard the case, he gave Alyssa a very unusual punishment.  Alyssa was forced to spend 8 hours at the county landfill cleaning up filth. She said the experience was so disgusting she would have rather been put in jail. Advertisement Meanwhile, Moose made a full recovery and was given to a loving family. It’s safe to say Alyssa learned her lesson that day. Thanks to the unusual thinking of this judge, she will think twice next time she considers neglecting an animal. For more on this story, you can view the video below.  Via: Little Things Read more: http://www.wimp.com/judge-gives-creative-punishment/

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Technology, to most of us, usually goes something like this: “Oh my goodness! That’s amazing! This is the future!” which is then followed almost immediately by us taking some great leap forward for granted. Think about how vastly different our lives are with smartphones. Just 10 years ago, this world was a very different place. There’s another way technology gets used that many of us don’t often think about – improving the lives of those of us who are sick or suffer from a disability. Whether it’s new medical technology, advanced prostheses, or faster, safer ways to get around, technology has helped so many. Expedia, working with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, decided to try something a little different. They designed a special virtual-reality room that allows children too sick to travel to experience the world in ways most of us can only dream of. From wild horses roaming the prairie to undersea adventures, this technology is giving kids trapped in a hospital a whole new kind of freedom. H/T: Expedia Read more: http://www.wimp.com/expedia-sick-children-travel-virtual-reality/

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“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is one of the most beloved movies of the ’80s. The film has permeated every aspect of popular culture since its release and now it has even inspired an 8-bit remake. Who knew that the story of Ferris Bueller works just as well when told in the style of old-school video games? All of the most iconic scenes from the movie are present in this recreation, including the famous “Twist and Shout” scene. If you like what you see, the Youtuber Cinefix has a whole series of 8-bit movie recreations that include “Jurassic Park” and “Titanic.” Read more: http://www.wimp.com/eight-bit-ferris-bueller/

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As we celebrate a weekend that culminates in Memorial Day, may we remember the true meaning behind this holiday. It is intended to give us pause to show respect for the heroes who have given their lives in the defense of our country and our freedoms.  Corporal Hargis understands service and honor. In 2013, he was injured during a nighttime operation in Afghanistan when a woman detonated an explosive vest. Four soldiers in his unit lost their lives, 11 others were wounded, and Joshua lost both of his legs.  A week later, Joshua was still in bad shape. A group of fellow Rangers, doctors, and nurses were there when he was awarded the Purple Heart. All in attendance believed that Corporal Hargis was unconscious during the proceedings, until he stunned them by raising his arm in salute. His wife, Taylor, caught the patriotic moment on film. When she posted the image she wrote, “Despite his wounds, wrappings, tubes, and pain, Josh fought the doctor who was trying to restrain his right arm and rendered the most beautiful salute any person in that room had ever seen.” Five months later, back home in the U.S., Josh participated in a Warrior Walk to honor those who still stand in harm’s way. His example of patriotism, optimism, and respect are a beacon to all of us who love our country. We salute you, Corporal! Be sure to SHARE this amazing story with your friends and family. H/T: Samuel Cernuto Read more: http://www.wimp.com/the-salute-seen-round-the-world/

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