My Z News

Never let your guard down around a dolphin

Dolphins may be some of the smartest animals in the world, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t above stealing. They’re also not smart enough to know that iPads don’t work underwater… Read more: http://www.wimp.com/never-let-your-guard-down-around-a-dolphin/

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Gomer Pyle Sings “The Impossible Dream”

Since its debut in the 1965 Broadway musical Man of La Mancha “The Impossible Dream” has remained a favorite of vocalists and audiences alike. Everyone from Elvis to The Mighty Mighty Bosstones have covered it, but there’s one rendition that looms large over all the others, that of Jim Nabors from the 60s TV show Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. This performance, from the episode “The Show Must Go On”, aired November 3, 1967, features Nabors soaring voice accompanied by the Marine Corps Band. At the beginning of the clip Nabors’ Pyle has lost his voice right before a big performance. Just when all hope seems lost he finds inspiration at the steps of the Lincoln memorial. When you hear his final notes you’ll understand exactly why this performance has endured for 48 years. Nabors absolutely nails the song and makes it his own. Don’t forget to SHARE this incredible performance with your friends on Facebook! Read more: http://www.wimp.com/gomer-pyle-sings-the-impossible-dream/

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Stranger Gives The Literal Shirt Off His Back To A Homeless Man On The NYC Subway

Homelessness is a problem all over the world; no matter how wealthy the country is, there are still people who live every day without their basic needs being met. While people can be kind, like this man giving the shirt off his back or this guy finding a homeless man a home, homelessness still persists. In New York City, sleeping rough is incredibly rough. Research shows that lack of affordable housing is the primary cause of homelessness in the city; that means that many homeless people, including families, are working, yet still unable to afford accommodations. Each year, over 100,000 different people sleep in NYC municipal shelters alone; that figure doesn’t include the thousands of people who aren’t able to find space in those shelters each night. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/stranger-gives-shirt-homeless-man-nyc-subway/

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How Adopting A Rescue Dog Saved This Man’s Life

It’s a well-known fact that dogs are man’s best friend. Their loyalty, playfulness, and fun-loving attitudes are the reason millions of people around the world adopt them into their homes every year. Their unique ability to learn a variety of neat tricks, whether it’s rejecting kisses, or barking softly on command, also makes them an excellent choice for relieving everyday stress. Even if you’re not a dog person, it’s hard not to appreciate how amazing they are. While most dogs end up in homes, where they never have to worry about food or shelter, there are just as many that must endure a hard life on the streets or in the hands of an abusive owner. These dogs usually end up at adoption centers designed to improve their chances of being adopted into a better home. One such dog goes by the name of Peety. He was found alone in a backyard and sent to an adoption center where he was adopted by Eric — a middle-aged man who was on the verge of losing his life to obesity. Eric saw a lot of similarities between himself and Peety. They were both overweight, middle-aged, and dealing with a sense of not belonging because of their condition. Their similarities drew them closer together with each passing day until they were inseparable. Peety’s can-do attitude inspired Eric to go on regular jogs, which eventually led to him losing all his excess weight and regaining full control of his health. In the end, Peety saved Eric’s life.  H/T: Mutual Rescue Read more: http://www.wimp.com/how-adopting-a-rescue-dog-saved-this-mans-life/

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Rock Legend Freddie Mercury And Opera Great Montserrat Caball Take The Stage

When they hear the name Freddie Mercury, most people immediately think of the incredible voice behind classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Are The Champions.” This performance, however, is unlike any other. The Mercury that takes the stage in this video might not be the most frequently remembered, but he absolutely must be heard. Many might think that a rock legend and an opera star would make an unlikely and unmatched musical duo, but Mercury’s performance with Montserrat Caballé proves all the doubters wrong. So, how did this odd pairing come to be? It started when Mercury saw Caballé perform on stage at the Royal Opera House in London in 1983. As soon as she began to sing, he knew that he would love to collaborate. Years later, the two were brought together when Mercury was approached about writing a theme song for the upcoming Olympics in Barcelona and working with Caballé, a native of the city. Although Caballé might have been a bit dubious at first, she later explained that their pairing worked because “he was selling the voice. The technique was astonishing. No problem of tempo, he sung [sic] with an incisive sense of rhythm, his vocal placement was very good and he was able to glide effortlessly from [one] register to another.” The admiration was mutual; Mercury described Caballé’s voice as “the best in the world.” The result of their hard work, the album Barcelona, was released in 1988. Sadly, the two did not get to collaborate much further, as Mercury died not long after. If not for his unfortunate death, Caballé believes that he would have taken his love of classical music much further. “We talked about doing something together, more classical. We also talked about recording Phantom of the Opera, which he loved very much.”  H/T: Gega Chachava Read more: http://www.wimp.com/freddie-mercury-montserrat-caballe-how-can-i-go-on/

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Maymo The Beagle Gets A Stuffed Gorilla

The beagle you are about to see is clearly a very well-trained beagle. If you would like a hound dog this calm and well-mannered … be prepared to make it your full-time job. That being said, even if you don’t get the best-behaved pooch in the world, adopting a beagle will likely bring you a tremendous amount of joy. Their lovable personalities and joie de vivre will brighten every single day you’re together. Maymo isn’t just any old beagle though, having gone viral time and time again, with over 60 million YouTube views to his name. It’s no surprise with videos as adorable as this one. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/maymo-beagle-gorilla-best-friends-montage/

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Teen Salsa Dancer Impresses His Partner

Most teenagers are terrified at the thought of asking a girl to dance. Middle school dances are not the place you’ll find any graceful partner dancing. There are a lot more kids at the concession table than on the gymnasium dance floor. This 14-year-old, however, is far from afraid to dance. The teenage salsa prodigy is full of confidence when he approaches an older woman at a concert and asks her to salsa. The woman politely obliges, but clearly did not expect what happened next. The young boy takes the lead and shows off a dazzling display of dancing prowess that wows his partner and those around him. The stunning routine starts to pull focus from the band as fellow concert goers turn their attention to the new dancing king and queen. His partner keeps up just as well as the pair dance in impeccable tandem. You would think that the two have done this before, but, as you can see from her expression after a stream of stunning spins, she had no idea what she was getting into. Originating in New York, salsa music and dancing are rooted deeply in Puerto Rican and Cuban culture. While it is not uncommon for Latino families to teach salsa to their adolescent members, it’s not often you see someone so young show off such dancing prowess. All this spinning and twirling has me thinking, maybe I need to start taking some lessons. Don’t forget to SHARE this talented dancer with your friends and family! H/T: Pauly Paredes Read more: http://www.wimp.com/teen-salsa-dancer-impresses-his-partner/

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This Guy Jumped Off The Golden Gate Bridge And Survived To Tell His Story

Suicide is one of the most taboo subjects in American society. Rather than talk about it, many of us would rather avoid the conversation entirely. This has led to an incredible stigma about suicide that makes it difficult for people to reach out for help. Many people with suicidal thoughts are afraid to talk about it because of how people might judge them, which only increases their plight. Kevin Hines knows more about this than most people. When he was younger, his mental illness went untreated until he chose to end his life, by jumping off the Golden Gate bridge. Through luck, or fate, or some kind of miracle, Kevin survived the fall, becoming one of only a handful of people to do so out of the thousands who have fallen. Most choose such a definitive way to end their own life don’t get the chance to reflect on it, and Kevin is using his unique perspective to reach out to others, writing books, creating films, and giving talks on not only destigmatizing a taboo topic, but also how to seek help when you yourself have these thoughts. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/man-jumps-golden-gate-bridge-survives/

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Female Captain Refuses To Give Up During Grueling Training Session

Given the fact that so many shows and movies portray joining the armed services as a “last resort” career option for young people, you’d think that just about anyone can join the armed services. While that’s not entirely wrong – the military does welcome anyone and everyone to join up – joining up is just half the battle. The attrition rate for new recruits tends to be pretty high, particularly in more specialized branches of the armed forces. If you manage to survive basic training and become a full-fledged soldier, rising through the ranks is even more grueling. To earn elite status, you have to put your mind and body above and beyond what most people are capable of.  In this clip, we see U.S. Army Captain Sarah Cudd of Public Health Command in Fort Knox. She was one of 46 candidates to earn the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge, which is given to military medics who complete a set of brutally difficult written and physical tests. The last test is a 12-mile march while equipped with heavy fatigues, a large pack, and a rifle. Mere feet from the finish line, Cudd collapses from exhaustion. What her fellow soldiers do next is a typical example of what makes the men and women of the armed services so great. Remember to SHARE this inspirational moment of endurance with your family and friends. H/T: Joe Lovell Read more: http://www.wimp.com/female-captain-refuses-to-give-up-during-grueling-training-session/

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Mailman Defends Himself From Daily Turkey Attacks

The unofficial motto of the United States Postal service states that “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” but it never made any mention of wild turkeys. Nonetheless, a brave, anonymous postman in the Falmouth, Massachusetts area is not letting a local gang of turkeys interrupt his route despite the fact that he is harassed by them on a daily basis.  While hampering a federal employee in this way is a perfectly “fowl” thing to do, I’m glad to see that this mailman is no bird-brain. He’s gotten used to standing his ground against the turkeys, to the point that he’s even got a pole that he brings with him on this particular stop that helps him keep the belligerent birds at bay. Most mailmen worry about being chased by dogs, but this poor guy has to deal with a bunch of angry wild turkeys. On the bright side, I’ll bet he has the best stories. Read more: http://www.wimp.com/mailman-defends-himself-against-hilarious-daily-turkey-attacks/

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