Regina Sienra, Author at My Modern Met https://mymodernmet.com/author/regina-sienra/ The Big City That Celebrates Creative Ideas Wed, 10 May 2023 19:34:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://mymodernmet.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cropped-My-Modern-Met-Favicon-1-32x32.png Regina Sienra, Author at My Modern Met https://mymodernmet.com/author/regina-sienra/ 32 32 Whale Makes Sounds of Joy as It Gets Hugs and Kisses From Man Fulfilling Life-Long Dream of Meeting Them https://mymodernmet.com/whale-makes-happy-sounds-adam-ernster/ Wed, 10 May 2023 19:20:38 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=598724 Whale Makes Sounds of Joy as It Gets Hugs and Kisses From Man Fulfilling Life-Long Dream of Meeting Them

Is there anyone you would love to meet? And what if they were equally excited to meet you? This is exactly what happened to whale enthusiast Adam Ernster during a recent expedition in Baja, Mexico. After spending years documenting whales from afar, his dream of meeting the gentle giants finally came true. As much as […]

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Whale Makes Sounds of Joy as It Gets Hugs and Kisses From Man Fulfilling Life-Long Dream of Meeting Them
Screenshots of video showing man excited to pet a whale, who then hugs and kisses the whale

Photo: Screenshots from Instagram

Is there anyone you would love to meet? And what if they were equally excited to meet you? This is exactly what happened to whale enthusiast Adam Ernster during a recent expedition in Baja, Mexico. After spending years documenting whales from afar, his dream of meeting the gentle giants finally came true. As much as he enjoyed the experience, it seems Margarita the whale was just as enthused, as she seemed to make happy noises throughout the encounter.

A video posted by Silver Shark Adventures shows a thrilled Ernster getting to pet, hug, and even kiss a whale. “When you are the one usually behind the camera, [and] finally getting your dream moment with one of the most special animals that you live to document,” the whale-watching company captioned the video. “Safe to say, everyone onboard enjoyed watching [Ernster] get his life changing moment in the sun with Margarita[,] one of the most friendly whales we have ever encountered on our adventures with the grey whales.”

In the footage, Ernster smiles wide as he pets Margarita, before going in for a hug and a handful of kisses on the whale's barnacle-covered head. As affecting as the video is, there is another perspective from the moment that reveals that the whale is having the time of her life as well. In a video posted to Reddit, the original footage features the noises made by the whale, which can only be described as a “cetacean purr.”

According to the National Ocean Service (NOS), whales make noise to communicate, locate food, and find each other. “The three main types of sounds made by whales are clicks, whistles, and pulsed calls,” the NOS explains. “Whistles and pulsed calls are used during social activities. Pulsed calls are more frequent and sound like squeaks, screams, and squawks to the human ear.” Additionally, in a study published by The Journal of Experimental Biology, marine biologist Sam Ridgway reveals that fellow marine mammals like dolphins and beluga whales make “victory squeals,” or child-like noises when they’re happy.

In the whale-watching videos, Margarita seems to love the rubs so much that she even goes back to Ernster. “Known for displaying friendly and unpredictable behaviors, Margarita decides to return for more attention just as Adam thinks this encounter is done,” the Silver Shark Adventures shares alongside a clip of Margarita going back to Ernster's side of the boat. The man is visibly emotional as he gets to interact with the whale once more and say goodbye.

Ernster, an experienced whale videographer, captured his encounter with a longer video he uploaded to YouTube. Looking back at the experience, he wrote, “This beautiful interaction is a stark contrast to the past, where these gentle creatures were hunted to near extinction. Today, they show a unique curiosity towards the very beings that once threatened their existence.” He adds that a lot of care goes into these encounters. “The locals involved in this highly regulated experience work hard to protect the whales and their habitats, ensuring the health and abundance of these magnificent creatures for generations to come.”

Ernster also appreciated the opportunity to share this love for whales with others. The  more that people are aware of their beauty and friendliness, the more that can be done for them and their habitats. “As incredible as my experience was with the gray whales of Ojo de Liebre, watching others connect with these giants from the depths filled me with so much hope for the future,” he stated. “I’m fortunate to get to spend my days surrounded by wildlife of all sorts. It’s a privilege I will never ever take for granted. But to see people travel from all walks of life, from all around the world to experience THIS connection was surreal. It makes me more and more thankful for this little blue ball everyday.”

Adam Ernster, a videographer and whale enthusiast, had his dream come true of getting up close to these gentle giants of the sea.

The videos of the encounter not only shows how thrilled Ernster was to meet the whales…

…but also captures the whale making happy sounds as she gets some pets, hugs, and kisses from Ernster.

Whale making sounds of joy
by u/user678990655 in interestingasfuck

Adam Ernster: Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Whale Makes Sounds of Joy as It Gets Hugs and Kisses From Man Fulfilling Life-Long Dream of Meeting Them

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Lithuanian Man Rowed Across the Atlantic Ocean From Spain to Florida in 121 Days https://mymodernmet.com/aurimas-valujavicius-lithuanian-rower-across-atlantic/ Wed, 10 May 2023 17:30:38 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=598737 Lithuanian Man Rowed Across the Atlantic Ocean From Spain to Florida in 121 Days

  Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida por Aurimas Valujavičius (@aurimas.keliautojas) For a young Lithuanian man named Aurimas Valujavičius, the phrase “the trip of a lifetime” means a history-making adventure. The 25-year-old recently became the third person in the world and the first Lithuanian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean in […]

READ: Lithuanian Man Rowed Across the Atlantic Ocean From Spain to Florida in 121 Days

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Lithuanian Man Rowed Across the Atlantic Ocean From Spain to Florida in 121 Days

For a young Lithuanian man named Aurimas Valujavičius, the phrase “the trip of a lifetime” means a history-making adventure. The 25-year-old recently became the third person in the world and the first Lithuanian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean in an unpowered single boat.

Valujavičius begun his trip in the southwestern tip of continental Spain on Boxing Day 2022. He set sail to Florida, which he hoped to reach in 110 days to break the world records for speed and distance. Unfortunately, weather conditions, currents, and logistical setbacks turned it into a 121-day trip.

Considering the traveling conditions, Valujavičius' rowing trip across the Atlantic is still very impressive. He was completely alone since his departure, with no support or backup boats following behind. “This is a lifetime experience when you can be with yourself like more than three months,” he told WSVN. “No people, no physical contact, nothing.”

On top of that, he rowed for 12 to 14 hours every day, stopping only to sleep and eat. As for food, he caught some fish along the way, but he mostly relied on tactical dry food and enjoyed eating peanut butter as a snack. He also filtrated his own water with a machine he had onboard. Due to the epic nature of it all, this daunting trek took two years of planning before he ventured out into the ocean.

Countering the physical isolation, Valujavičius documented his journey on social media, from cheerful selfies celebrating nautical milestones, to showcasing the calluses on his hands after months of rowing. He also posted screenshots of his navigation system, which marked his progress on a map of the Atlantic.

As proud as his fellow Lithuanians are of this feat in its own right, Valujavičius' trip across the ocean also commemorates another transatlantic endeavor. His boat is named Lituanica, after the plane flown by Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas in 1933. The aircraft took off in New York City and was bound to Kaunas, the second largest city in Lithuania, before it crashed after flying for 37 hours and 11 minutes.

Unlike that Lituanica, Valujavičius' vessel made it to its destination safe and sound; although, the final stretch featured some unique obstacles. “I guess Caribbean, Bahamas islands, there was a lot of navigating and so on, so yeah, it was tricky in parts,” he admits. He also had trouble finding a port that would allow him to dock on short notice. Once he had found one, getting there wasn't completely smooth sailing. “The last few hours were very difficult,” Valujavičius explains, “because it turned out that the port was somewhere else, and I had to row against the current for five hours.”

In the end, it was all worth it. He was received by a welcoming party that included family, friends, and journalists. Some members of the local Lithuanian community also joined the celebration, and were thrilled to see their fellow countryman succeed. “I think it’s the most challenging I can think about, so this is the biggest deal in my life ever, you know?” said Viktor Jutasi. Lena Laukavicius added, “It’s such a small country in the world and I think it’s going to be more well-known now. It’s a huge thing.”

As for Valujavičius, he is looking forward to resting, relaxing, and having some really good meals. Though he’d been on other big adventures, such as cycling through Europe and Indonesia, this excursion was unlike anything else. “This was another trip, but bigger in every sense,” he shares. “I’m tired and exhausted, but that’s always the case. You recover and move on.” And though it was a draining challenge, Valujavičius encourages others to push themselves and strive for their goals, no matter the size or difficulty: “Pursue your dreams—everyone has their own Atlantic Ocean.”

Aurimas Valujavičius recently became the third person in the world and the first Lithuanian to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean in an unpowered single boat.

He traveled from Spain to Florida in 121 days.

He was completely alone since his departure, and had to row for 12 to 14 hours a day.

In the end, it was all worth it. He was received by a welcoming party that included family, friends, journalists, and members of the local Lithuanian community, who were thrilled to see their fellow countryman succeed.

Aurimas Valujavičius: Facebook | Instagram
h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Lithuanian Man Rowed Across the Atlantic Ocean From Spain to Florida in 121 Days

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Ed Sheeran Surprises Fans With Impromptu NYC Performance Atop a Car https://mymodernmet.com/ed-sheeran-surprise-performance-atop-a-car/ Tue, 09 May 2023 19:20:54 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=598584 Ed Sheeran Surprises Fans With Impromptu NYC Performance Atop a Car

  Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida por Ed Sheeran HQ (@edhq) Singer Ed Sheeran has had quite a week. On May 4, the British musician won his years-long copyright case after being accused of copying Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” Just a day later, he released his sixth-studio album titled […]

READ: Ed Sheeran Surprises Fans With Impromptu NYC Performance Atop a Car

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Ed Sheeran Surprises Fans With Impromptu NYC Performance Atop a Car

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Ed Sheeran HQ (@edhq)

Singer Ed Sheeran has had quite a week. On May 4, the British musician won his years-long copyright case after being accused of copying Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” Just a day later, he released his sixth-studio album titled (aka Subtract). Since he had even stated he would quit music altogether should he lose the trial, the latest developments surely have him celebrating, and reinforcing his bond with his creative practice. That's why it's almost fitting that he chose to revel with his fans in a unique setting.

As part of his album release campaign, Sheeran's team set up a pop-up shop in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City. While fans could take in the visuals from the record, enjoy photo-ops, and acquire merchandise, getting an acoustic performance from the singer wasn't on the cards.

On the Saturday after his album release, Sheeran showed up to the site, where fans had lined up for the shopping experience. With guitar in hand, he climbed atop a parked car, and turned it into an impromptu stage for a surprise show. Not only did his fans marvel at the chance to see him perform in such a unique setting, but passersby also got to enjoy a tiny show from one of the most popular singers in the world. Sheeran performed half a dozen songs, including his 2014 hit “Thinking Out Loud” and his latest single, “Boat.” He then posted a video of the surprise show, which has earned over a million likes on Instagram.

Happy for the opportunity to sing stripped down versions of his songs to his fans, Sheeran repeated the impromptu performance in two other cities that also hosted a pop-up experience for his album release—Dallas and Los Angeles. As if taking into account the tongue-in-cheek comments about the now-likely dented roof of the Volvo he used as a stage in New York, he switched vehicles for following performances. “The Volvo took too much weight yesterday, so I got an ice cream truck for the Dallas pop up,” he wrote on Instagram. For his LA showcase, he went even bigger, booking a sightseeing bus for the occasion.

While his fans surely appreciated this chance to see him up close, his actual tour promises something much more ambitious than him and his acoustic guitar. Sheeran is currently on tour, playing both stadiums and medium-sized venues that could pass for intimate settings given the size of his fanbase. If you want to know if he’ll be stopping at a city near you, you can visit his website. You can also check out his latest album on Spotify and stay up date with Sheeran by following him on Instagram.

To celebrate the release of his latest album, Ed Sheeran climbed on a parked car to give a surprise acoustic performance in New York.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

Happy for the opportunity to sing stripped down versions of his songs to his fans, Sheeran repeated the impromptu performance in Dallas…

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

…and in Los Angeles, where he booked a sightseeing bus for the occasion.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos)

Ed Sheeran: Website | Instagram | Spotify
h/t: [People]

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READ: Ed Sheeran Surprises Fans With Impromptu NYC Performance Atop a Car

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Simone Biles Gets Married to Football Player Jonathan Owens https://mymodernmet.com/simone-biles-marries-jonathan-owens/ Tue, 09 May 2023 17:30:49 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=598562 Simone Biles Gets Married to Football Player Jonathan Owens

  Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida por Jonathan Owens 🏈 (@jowens) Congratulations are in order for Simone Biles. The 24-year-old athlete, widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, just got married to football safety Jonathan Owens. Biles and her now-husband split the celebration into a couple of events—first, in a […]

READ: Simone Biles Gets Married to Football Player Jonathan Owens

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Simone Biles Gets Married to Football Player Jonathan Owens

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Jonathan Owens 🏈 (@jowens)

Congratulations are in order for Simone Biles. The 24-year-old athlete, widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, just got married to football safety Jonathan Owens. Biles and her now-husband split the celebration into a couple of events—first, in a civil ceremony at the Harris County Courthouse in Houston, Texas, and then a full-fledged destination wedding in Cabo, Mexico.

Biles and Owens first announced their engagement back in February 2022. The gymnast then shared a picture of Owens on one knee with the caption, “THE EASIEST YES. I can’t wait to spend forever & ever with you, you’re everything I dreamed of and more! let’s get married FIANCÉ.”

The decorated athlete has shared details of the road to her wedding day with her followers on Instagram, from her bachelorette party in Belize—a place dear to her heart as she holds Belizean citizenship through her mother—and her bridal shower to her dress fitting, featuring an encounter with Galia Lahav, who designed both her wedding dresses.

Biles and Owens officially got married on April 22 in a modest courthouse ceremony. “We had to get married ‘legally’ here in the U.S. since our wedding will be a destination wedding,” Biles explained, according to Vogue.  The gymnast posted a picture of both walking out of the door as husband and wife with the caption, “I do. [O]fficially [O]wens.” At the same time, the football player shared his own post with the caption, “My person, forever.”

As beautiful as the wedding day was, the celebrations continued over the whole weekend. The newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Owens flew down to Mexico for a beachside ceremony followed by a party at sundown. About the festivities, Owens wrote: “The perfect evening. The wedding was amazing and most importantly, my wife looked STUNNING. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate The Owens!! This weekend is one we’ll never forget.”

Simone Biles, widely considered the greatest gymnast of all time, recently got married to football safety Jonathan Owens.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Jonathan Owens 🏈 (@jowens)

They first got married in a civil ceremony at the Harris County Courthouse in Houston, Texas.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Simone Biles (@simonebiles)

Then they had a full-fledged destination wedding in Cabo, Mexico.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Simone Biles (@simonebiles)

Simone Biles: Instagram
Jonathan Owens: Instagram
h/t: [Vogue]

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READ: Simone Biles Gets Married to Football Player Jonathan Owens

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Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear https://mymodernmet.com/lost-teddy-bear-replaced-by-build-a-bear/ Mon, 08 May 2023 17:30:40 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=598105 Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear

The story of a 4-year-old who lost her highly significant teddy bear has taken a positive turn. The toy, which contains a recording of her late mother's last heartbeat, was accidentally donated by her family to a Goodwill in Tazewell, Tennessee. They realized their mistake when the girl asked to bring her bear to school. […]

READ: Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear

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Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear Rainbow Sparkle Teddy Bear alongside a note from Build-a-Bear, replacing a little girl's toy

The story of a 4-year-old who lost her highly significant teddy bear has taken a positive turn. The toy, which contains a recording of her late mother's last heartbeat, was accidentally donated by her family to a Goodwill in Tazewell, Tennessee. They realized their mistake when the girl asked to bring her bear to school. At that point, the girl’s father hastily returned to store. Sadly, it was too late, and the bear had been sold. Hoping to bring it back home, the family, the store, and their local radio station WRIL launched a campaign to alert people about the teddy bear.

“We are [in] search of a [tie-dyed Build-a-Bear] that was accidentally donated. This bear is the only thing of a departed mother that a little girl has,” reads a note posted by the store. “Please, if you have it, return [it] to this store so we can reunite them. You will be reimbursed.”

The family first shared a couple of pictures of rainbow teddy bears via the radio station, but a short video later revealed the actual appearance of the missing bear. With this new piece of information, some eagle-eyed commentors spotted that the toy's exact model was a Rainbow Sparkle Bear from Build-A-Bear, potentially narrowing the search. The footage also featured audio of the heartbeat—originally captured over a year ago, making some wonder if a new bear could be made using that sound.

The news traveled far and wide, eventually reaching Build-A-Bear itself. After reaching out to the radio station for any identifying information they could use to provide a replacement, the company browsed their warehouse for a matching toy.

“The staff at Build-A-Bear were heartbroken to hear the news about the missing Rainbow Sparkle Bear,” a spokesperson from Build-A-Bear told Today. In hopes of cheering up the little girl and her family, the company announced that it will replace the bear. Most importantly, it will feature a recording of the heartbeat provided to the station by the girl's grandmother.

“While we remain hopeful that the original bear is located,” a spokesperson for Build-A-Bear has said, “it is our sincere wish that this new teddy bear will provide a bit of comfort for the child and the family at this time.”

As the search continues, the local Goodwill, WIRL, and the family have expressed their gratitude for the overwhelming support throughout this period. “We extend our gratitude to Build-A-Bear Company and WRIL Radio for their efforts in providing a matching Rainbow Sparkle bear with the heartbeat of the 4-year-old child’s late mother placed in the new bear,” said Cynthia Dodson, communications director of Goodwill in Knoxville. “Goodwill Industries-Knoxville is grateful for the outpouring of support in trying to locate the original bear that was accidentally donated. The new bear has been reunited with the family.”

The story of a 4-year-old who lost her teddy bear embedded with a recording of her late mother’s heartbeat has traveled far and wide.

The news eventually reached Build-A-Bear, who has now announced they will replace the bear. Most importantly, it will feature a recording of the heartbeat provided to the station by the girl's grandmother.

Rainbow Sparkle Bear from Build-a-Bear

h/t: [Today]

All images via Build-a-Bear and Goodwill Knoxville.

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READ: Lost Teddy Bear With Last Recording of Little Girl’s Mom Is Replaced by Build-A-Bear

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Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K https://mymodernmet.com/father-son-coffee-dates-louis-roberts/ Mon, 08 May 2023 16:35:18 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=597440 Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K

  Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida por Maria Roberts (spinach4breakfast) (@mariaroberts) For many kids, entering school or pre-k can be daunting. Not only is it the first time they spend time away from their parents, but it’s also a whole new experience, requiring them to adapt to a completely new environment […]

READ: Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K

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Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K

For many kids, entering school or pre-k can be daunting. Not only is it the first time they spend time away from their parents, but it’s also a whole new experience, requiring them to adapt to a completely new environment and routine. For a little boy named Luca, this transition was especially hard. The boy’s father, Louis Roberts, had an idea to hopefully ease Luca’s transition to school life each day. On top of making everything much smoother, it started a cute tradition that they'll cherish for years.

“Luca is very routine-oriented and when he's about to do something new, that's the uncomfortable piece for him,” Roberts told Good Morning America. “So we sort of made a couple of different stops on the way to school just to ease his way into it—one of those stops being at this coffee shop that was right around the corner from us.”

That's when their pre-school coffee dates were born. Every morning, father and son sit at the the coffee shop around the corner of their place for 15 or 20 minutes of quality time before heading to pre-k. “Lou never missed a day unless he was traveling for work,” Maria, Luca's mom, wrote. “They started this routine because Luca was having a hard time transitioning to preschool, and although I wish the first few weeks were easier, I am so happy they have this really special tradition.”

Their little coffee dates have become such a staple that the staff at their coffee shop, bwè kafe, have their drinks ready by the time they show up. “We actually don't even need to make the order anymore,” Roberts says.  “They have my, you know, large cold brew [and] what they call a ‘babyccino,' which is just steamed milk and like a little to-go coffee cup.”

As fun as their father-and-son coffee dates are, they may even get merrier with the addition of another family member. “My daughter goes to Pre-K three next year so I'll have two of them to do it with, so maybe it'll take on a new life,” says Roberts. In addition, Luca has been having coffee dates at the same establishment with his mom on Fridays for over three years. “It's still my favorite way to have uninterrupted time together,” she admits.

It seems that both mother and father have managed to help their kids adapt to change and deepen their bond in a more social setting. “Now that we do it, I can't imagine not doing it,” said Roberts.  “It's actually the best 15 or 20 minutes of my day.”

A little boy named Luca was struggling with the transition of entering pre-k. Hoping to ease this process, his father, Louis Roberts, came up with a plan.

Roberts explains, “We sort of made a couple of different stops on the way to school just to ease his way into it—one of those stops being at this coffee shop that was right around the corner from us.”

Now, father and son sit at the the coffee shop every morning for 15 or 20 minutes of quality time before heading to pre-k. “Now that we do it, I can't imagine not doing it,” Roberts admits. “It's actually the best 15 or 20 minutes of my day.”

h/t: [Upworthy]

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READ: Father Takes Son on 15-Minute Coffee Dates Every Day to Help Him Adjust to Going to Pre-K

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This Cool-Looking Incense Burner Looks Like a Waterfall Coming Out of a Dragon’s Mouth https://mymodernmet.com/dragon-waterfall-incense-burner/ Mon, 08 May 2023 14:45:54 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=596802 This Cool-Looking Incense Burner Looks Like a Waterfall Coming Out of a Dragon’s Mouth

Incense can truly transform the vibe of a room. Whether you use it for aromatherapy, meditation, or simply because you love the smell, incense can elevate a regular space into a relaxing environment. But did you know that incense can also add to the aesthetic of the place it is burning in? While there are […]

READ: This Cool-Looking Incense Burner Looks Like a Waterfall Coming Out of a Dragon’s Mouth

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This Cool-Looking Incense Burner Looks Like a Waterfall Coming Out of a Dragon’s Mouth
Dragon waterfall incense burner

ZenMood | $63.27
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please read our disclosure for more info. All images via ZenMood on Etsy.

Incense can truly transform the vibe of a room. Whether you use it for aromatherapy, meditation, or simply because you love the smell, incense can elevate a regular space into a relaxing environment. But did you know that incense can also add to the aesthetic of the place it is burning in? While there are plenty of incense holders and burners in the market, there's a particular design that looks like it’s straight out of a folk tale.

The Dragon Waterfall Incense Burner takes the smoke emanating from the incense cone and, instead of letting it evaporate into the room, transforms it into a waterfall that comes out of a dragon's mouth. The mythical creature seems to be posed around the teardrop-shaped burner, as if guarding it. The consistency of the smoke allows it to fall from one pit into the other throughout the vessel, creating a steady flow.

The charm of this incense burner was shared in a video posted to Reddit, where it earned over 54,000 upvotes. Seconds after the cone is placed atop the incense holder, the smoke starts to “pour” out of the dragon, creating a hypnotic scene. If watching it unfold on a screen is enthralling, imagine adding the intense aromas of incense to that vision. It's sure to encourage a sense of calm and help you unwind at the end of the day.

To ensure this incense burner works as depicted in the video, it's important to take into account the external factors needed. The effect of the smoke flow won't run in a drafty room or one with a fan on; on the other hand, a room with very still air will make it overflow at the bottom, so balance is key. Should the latter happen, Redditors recommend wiping it right off to prevent build up. For a better effect, others advise chilling the burner to make the smoke cold and help it circulate as intended.

If you love this dragon incense burner, you can get your own at ZenMood's Etsy shop.

The Dragon Waterfall Incense Burner takes the smoke emanating from the incense cone and transforms it into a waterfall that comes out of a dragon's mouth.

This incense burner
by u/33Fanste33 in oddlysatisfying

The consistency of the smoke allows it to fall from one pit into the other throughout the vessel, creating a steady flow.

Dragon waterfall incense burner

ZenMood | $63.27

Seconds after the cone is placed atop the incense holder, the smoke starts to “pour” out of the dragon, creating a hypnotic scene.

Dragon waterfall incense burner

ZenMood | $63.27

h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: This Cool-Looking Incense Burner Looks Like a Waterfall Coming Out of a Dragon’s Mouth

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TikToker Pays $50 for a Rare Vintage Chair That Could Be Worth $50,000 https://mymodernmet.com/justin-miller-tiktok-frits-henningsen-chair/ Sun, 07 May 2023 14:45:09 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=592532 TikToker Pays $50 for a Rare Vintage Chair That Could Be Worth $50,000

Thrifting can lead to some seriously impressive finds. For the luckiest buyers, selecting second-hand can mean landing a treasure that might not look like much but is worth hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. This was the case for a man named Justin Miller. In February 2023, the 33-year-old paid $50 for a vintage chair […]

READ: TikToker Pays $50 for a Rare Vintage Chair That Could Be Worth $50,000

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TikToker Pays $50 for a Rare Vintage Chair That Could Be Worth $50,000
screengrabs from tiktok showing man who buy a vintage chair for $50 and could be sold for $50,000

Photo: Screenshot from TikTok

Thrifting can lead to some seriously impressive finds. For the luckiest buyers, selecting second-hand can mean landing a treasure that might not look like much but is worth hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. This was the case for a man named Justin Miller. In February 2023, the 33-year-old paid $50 for a vintage chair he found on Facebook Marketplace. Confident about his knack for spotting special items, he figured there was something about the chair—but the actual value of the piece could be higher than anyone expected.

Miller, who has years of experience as a design producer for TV shows, spends hours every day perusing Facebook Marketplace. One day, he saw a listing for a grand wingbacked chair. Figuring it could be worth some money due to its unique appearance, he did some research. According to the viral Tiktok in which he recounted the experience, a quick Google search revealed that it was a Frits Henningsen chair and similar pieces had sold for thousands of dollars.

The chair had been listed by a woman tasked with selling the unwanted items of a Beverly Hills couple in exchange for a part of the profits. While she initially set out to do a yard sale, a passerby informed her that sales of the kind weren't allowed in the neighborhood. Prioritizing getting rid of everything quickly over making big bucks, she listed the objects on Facebook Marketplace with a same-day pick-up.

Miller did ponder about disclosing the value of the chair with the seller, as he didn't want to feel like he was taking advantage of someone. However, the woman was completely aware of the chair's value. “This chair's worth a lot—just so you know,” she told him.

Since his apartment is too small for the chair, he took it to his storage unit and began the adventure of figuring out how much it could go for. “It would look so good in my home but money talks, so I'm selling it,” he said on TikTok. After his original findings, his followers brought up even more information about the chair. It turns out that only 50 pieces were made and actor Kirsten Dunst owns one—as seen on the Architectural Digest tour of her house. Miller had also said he was thinking of having the worn-out leather repaired but was told to wait until a valuator had taken a look at it, as a bad restoration could significantly decrease its value.

Miller then reached out to the auction house Sotheby's, who gave him a very promising response. The company wanted to feature it in its Important Design auction in June, which includes some iconic pieces of furniture from the last 100 years. Given the nature of the sale, Sotheby's doesn't know yet how much it would sell for, so it gave him an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000—hoping it would skew to the higher end given the rarity of the piece. However, just to be sure, it has a reserve set for $28,000, meaning that's the least it could go for. Following fees and taxes, Miller is hoping to get about 50% of the profits. For now, the biggest concern is getting it shipped to New York.

Some of his followers were skeptical about the tale as Miller had not shown pictures of the chair after the purchasing it, along with the incredible story. Well, he shut down all of those comments by posing with the piece for a video announcing the chair would ship to New York soon.

Asked about what he will do with his profits, he said, “It's not enough to buy a house or something big like that. I think I'm just gonna buy me something little to remember the experience, probably some home decor I have to have in my home, and then the rest I'll just put it in the bank.”

To stay up to date with Miller and any new developments regarding the famed chair, you can follow him on TikTok.

Justin Miller paid $50 for a vintage chair he found on Facebook Marketplace, thinking it could be worth some money due to its unique appearance.

@miztermiller Can’t believe I just found this amazing designer chair on Facebook Marketplace for $50! Could be worth $100,000 🙃 #homedecor #interiordesign #diy #homerenovation #thrifted #vintage #thrifthaul #facebookmarketplace #antiques ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay

According to the viral Tiktok in which he recounted the experience, a quick Google search revealed that it was a Frits Henningsen chair and similar pieces had sold for thousands of dollars.

@miztermiller Replying to @minnymau5 UPDATE on the $100k chair, and answering some questions! #homedecor #interiordesign #diy #homerenovation #thrifted #vintage #thrifthaul #facebookmarketplace #antiques #sothebys ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay

Miller then reached out to the auction house Sotheby's, who told him it wanted to feature the chair in its Important Design auction in June, which includes some iconic pieces of furniture from the last 100 years.

@miztermiller Replying to @v86b Answering all your burning questions about my infamous chair. #homedecor #interiordesign #diy #homerenovation #thrifted #vintage #antiques #sothebys #thrifthaul ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay

Sotheby's gave him an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000, hoping it would skew to the higher end given the rarity of the piece. However, just to be sure, it has a reserve set for $28,000—meaning that's the least it could go for.

@miztermiller Replying to @dazonic For everyone who thought I was lying about owning the chair, here ya go. She heads to NYC soon for June’s big auction! #homedecor #interiordesign #diy #thrifted #antiques #sothebys #thrifthaul ♬ Only You X Playdate – ded4$$

Mizter Justin Miller: TikTok
h/t: [Insider]

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READ: TikToker Pays $50 for a Rare Vintage Chair That Could Be Worth $50,000

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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Celebrate the Promotion of Their Soccer Team Wrexham AFC https://mymodernmet.com/ryan-reynolds-promotion-wrexham-afc/ Fri, 05 May 2023 17:30:11 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=598092 Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Celebrate the Promotion of Their Soccer Team Wrexham AFC

  Ver esta publicación en Instagram   Una publicación compartida por Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds) Ever since actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC, a Welsh soccer team in the fifth tier of the English football league system, they've had one goal—take it to the Premier League, the cream of the crop. Now that […]

READ: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Celebrate the Promotion of Their Soccer Team Wrexham AFC

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Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Celebrate the Promotion of Their Soccer Team Wrexham AFC

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds)

Ever since actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham AFC, a Welsh soccer team in the fifth tier of the English football league system, they've had one goal—take it to the Premier League, the cream of the crop. Now that the season is over, Wrexham AFC has been crowned as the winner, earning a much coveted promotion. From the moment the team mathematically reached the championship, Reynolds has been expressing his excitement and sharing some moving footage of the celebrations on Instagram.

The win marks Wrexham's first league title in 45 years.  Considered to be the third oldest soccer team in the world, Wrexham AFC has had a rough time over the last few decades, as management issues and debts further prevented the team from doing well and rising to the top before the arrival of Reynolds and McElhenney.

What does the victory of Wrexham AFC mean? To fully grasp it, you’ll need to understand how English soccer works. Unlike the most popular American leagues, the champion of a league does not emerge from a play-off round; it wins by earning the first spot on the table, where positions are allocated via a point system—three points for a win, one for a draw. That's why Reynolds and McElhenney were able to celebrate before the tournament was over; their win over Boreham Wood on April 24 secured a big enough lead over the second place, Notts County. The club amassed a record-breaking tally of 111 points.

Also unlike major American sports, a tier system gets teams promoted by winning their league tournaments and relegated from a certain league if they end last. Since Wrexham AFC played and won the 2022-23 National League, the fifth tier, they've earned a spot on the fourth tier, the English Football League Two, for the next season. To make Reynolds' vision come true, they must conquer the subsequent leagues on the pyramid to reach the Premier League, the top level.

While this dream seemed far-fetched when Reynolds and McElhenney purchased the team in 2020, Wrexham AFC has taken a huge step with this victory. Being promoted after only three seasons since they took over is no small feat, and both actors have expressed their pride and joy about this throughout the celebrations.

Before continuing to dream big, both club owners are reveling in the win. After sharing a moving hug—captured by no other than Paul Rudd, who happened to be Reynolds' guest—Reynolds then shared a picture of him kissing the trophy. Since the feat deserved a full-blown party, Reynolds, McElhenney, and the players paraded on open-top buses in the streets surrounding Wrexham AFC's stadium, The Racecourse Ground. It has also been announced that Reynolds will take the players to Las Vegas, as he promised them earlier should they win the promotion.

Reynolds and McElhenney previously shared their experiences as soccer club owners on the first season of the documentary series Welcome to Wrexham. If the latest developments are any clue, season 2 will depict their thrilling, movie-like path to victory.

Wrexham AFC, a Welsh soccer team owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, was crowned as the winner, earning them a coveted promotion.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds)

From the moment the team mathematically reached the championship, Reynolds has been expressing his excitement and sharing some moving footage of the celebrations on Instagram.

 

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

 

Una publicación compartida por Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds)

Ryan Reynolds: Instagram | Twitter
Rob McElhenney: Instagram | Twitter
Wrexham AFC: Instagram
h/t: [Mashable]

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READ: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney Celebrate the Promotion of Their Soccer Team Wrexham AFC

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Ingenious Measuring Cup for Instant Ramen Makes Cup Noodles Even Easier to Prepare https://mymodernmet.com/cup-noodles-measuring-cup/ Fri, 05 May 2023 14:45:18 +0000 https://mymodernmet.com/?p=597220 Ingenious Measuring Cup for Instant Ramen Makes Cup Noodles Even Easier to Prepare

カップヌードル専用の計量カップを作りました。これがあれば、必要最低限の水でお湯が沸かせます。 pic.twitter.com/B5uNjX9lGA — カップヌードル (@cupnoodle_jp) April 24, 2023 Instant ramen is beloved around the world for its immediacy, affordability, and taste. On top of being cheap, almost anyone is within a reasonable distance to purchasing and stocking up on the self-contained and filling meal. And the preparation? Just add boiling water and wait for a […]

READ: Ingenious Measuring Cup for Instant Ramen Makes Cup Noodles Even Easier to Prepare

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Ingenious Measuring Cup for Instant Ramen Makes Cup Noodles Even Easier to Prepare

Instant ramen is beloved around the world for its immediacy, affordability, and taste. On top of being cheap, almost anyone is within a reasonable distance to purchasing and stocking up on the self-contained and filling meal. And the preparation? Just add boiling water and wait for a few minutes. It couldn’t get any easier…or could it? Nissin, the creators of Cup Noodles (better known as Cup Noodle in Japan), seem to have come up with an invention to further simplify the process—a measuring cup shaped like a Cup Noodle. And for diehard fans of the iconic instant meal, it’s an item they didn't know they needed.

In late April, Cup Noodle Japan posted a picture of their latest creation to Twitter. It’s branded like a regular Cup Noodle; except, the quirky container is made of a clear material. What makes it stand out is that the units of liquid measurement aren't in the metric or imperial system. Instead, the three marks correspond to the three Cup Noodle sizes available in the Japanese market: Cup Noodle Mini, regular Cup Noodle, and Cup Noodle Big.

If you eat instant noodles often, you may be wondering about the actual use of this measuring cup. After all, the styrofoam containers have a line inside indicating how much water is needed for the noodles to be properly cooked. Nevertheless, not everyone has a hot water dispenser at hand—especially when away from home or in a hurry—so the measuring cup hopes to shut down the guesswork of  how much water you need to boil. No more undercooked noodles!

It is not immediately clear whether Nissin will actually produce and sell these measuring cups, but the reaction from their followers has been overwhelmingly positive. The original tweet has earned more than 140,000 likes, and people have replied with messages about how they always boil too much water. People anre also begging the company to actually release the cups. Whether as a handy tool or a novelty collector’s item, the measuring cup would likely be a hit.

Nissin, the creators of Cup Noodles, seem to have come up with a measuring cup to further simplify the preparation process of their instant ramen.

If you eat instant noodles often, you may be wondering about the actual use of this measuring cup. After all, the styrofoam containers have a line inside indicating how much water is needed for the noodles to be properly cooked.

Instant Ramen Noodles in a Cup with Beef Flavoring

Photo: bhofack2/Depositphotos

Well, not everyone has a hot water dispenser at hand—especially when away from home or in a hurry—so the measuring cup hopes to shut down the guesswork of  how much water you need to boil.

Nissin Cup noodle on sky background. Selective focus.

Photo: eevl/Depositphotos

Cup Noodle Japan: Website | Twitter
h/t: [Sora News 24]

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READ: Ingenious Measuring Cup for Instant Ramen Makes Cup Noodles Even Easier to Prepare

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