In the past, becoming a celebrity was a difficult task, but with the creation of social media sites like Instagram, anyone from a fashion blogger to an everyday, genetically blessed person can achieve fame.

Essena O’Neill, an 18-year-old from Australia, was a regular teen who became an ‘Instagram celebrity’ by posting countless edited selfies, #fitspo, and outfit posts. Her Instagram account had half a million followers, her Youtube and Tumblr accounts had 200,000 followers, and her Snapchat had 60,000 followers. Despite reaching the pinnacle of success in the social media world, Essena was the most miserable she had ever been.

Last week, the fed-up teen decided she was done with social media, and even renamed her account Social Media Is Not Real Life. She deleted about 2000 of her photos, and changed the remaining photos captions to reveal what it took to get each photo, how much she was paid for each post, and how it began effecting her health and wellbeing.

“I found myself drowning in the illusion. Social media isn’t real. It’s purely contrived mages and edited clips ranked against each other. It’s a system based on social approval, likes and dislikes, validation in views, success in followers… it’s perfectly orchestrated judgement. And it consumed me,” Essena writes.

 Essena’s re-captioned photos reveal what really went on behind the scenes of each photo. Many required hundreds of photos, heavy makeup, and lots of editing to appear ‘perfect.’

NOT REAL LIFE – I didn't pay for the dress, took countless photos trying to look hot for Instagram, the formal made me feel incredibly alone. BEHIND THE IMAGE COMING SOON – www.letsbegamechangers.com

A photo posted by Social Media Is Not Real Life (@essenaoneill) on Jun 7, 2014 at 7:06pm PDT

I had acne here, this is a lot of makeup. I was smiling because I thought I looked good. Happiness based on aesthetics will suffocate your potential here on earth.

A photo posted by Social Media Is Not Real Life (@essenaoneill) on Jun 5, 2014 at 10:53pm PDT

She even decided to shed some light on the fact that almost everyone with a large following gets paid to post or write about certain products.

In this post, Essena got paid $400 by a brand to wear this dress.

Was paid $400 to post a dress. That's when I had maybe 150k followers, with half a million followers, I know of many online brands (with big budgets) that pay up to $2000 per post. Nothing is wrong with accepting brand deals. I just think it should be known. This photo had no substance, it was not of ethical manufacturing (I was uneducated at the time). SOCIAL MEDIA IS NOT REAL is my point. Be aware what people promote, ask yourself, what's their intention behind the photo?

A photo posted by Social Media Is Not Real Life (@essenaoneill) on May 26, 2014 at 12:16am PDT

NOT REAL LIFE – took over 100 in similar poses trying to make my stomach look good. Would have hardly eaten that day. Would have yelled at my little sister to keep taking them until I was somewhat proud of this. Yep so totally #goals

A photo posted by Social Media Is Not Real Life (@essenaoneill) on May 10, 2014 at 12:59am PDT

A 15 year old girl that calorie restricts and excessively exercises is not goals. Anyone addicted to social media fame like I once was, is no in a conscious state. Behind the image coming soon – essenaoneill.com

A photo posted by Social Media Is Not Real Life (@essenaoneill) on Dec 26, 2012 at 12:48am PST

Watch Essena’s last Youtube video to hear all the reasons why she decided to quit social media, and how people make money off of social media:

To read more about Essena’s message and her critiques on social media, visit her newly launched site Let’s Be Game Changers.

Are you getting sick of the inauthenticity and lies of social media like we are? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: essenaoneill/Instagram]

Most of us have been wearing sneakers our whole lives, but have never actually known what that peculiar extra shoelace hole is for.

This genius video tip explains just what the seemingly useless hole is for, and will change your life if you suffer from painful heel blisters.

Most people don’t realize it, but the extra shoelace hole near the ankle on the sneaker is actually for a shoe-tying method call the ‘lace lock’/’heel lock.’

Using the extra hole ensures the heel of the foot remains secure, and prevents chafing and blistering.

Once you create loops on both sides of the shoe, cinch the laces down, and pull the end of the laces down. Simply tie a normal knot to lock the foot in place.

Watch the entire video below to see exactly how to tie a ‘heel lock.’

What did you think those extra shoelace holes were for? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: Illumiseen]

Every November, men ditch the shaving cream, and put down the razors to take part in ‘No-Shave November,’ which is an annual event that raises awareness of men’s health issues and cancers. While more men will be growing out their ‘staches this month than ever, they aren’t the only ones who are able to grow out the mo.

If you’re looking for inspiration this ‘Movember,’ look no further than the animal kingdom.

11. The Handlebar

10. The Refined Lip Tickler

9. The Nose Warmer

8. The Hipster ‘Stache

7. The Bushy Old-Timer Mustache

6. The Guy Faux

5. The Charlie Chaplin

4. The Muttonchops

3. The Upside-Down Dali

2. The Pre-Pubescent Whisker

1. The Peach-Fuzz

Are you participating in this month’s ‘No-Shave November?’ Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: wallshub.com]

Adele’s new single, Hello, has taken the world by storm, so who better to narrate her video than David Attenborough, the world’s most famous and beloved wildlife film narrator responsible for narrating Planet Earth.

In the video, Attenborough appears as a guest on the BBC Radio 1’s Greg James show. When the host asks Attenborough to narrate the start of the music video, the critically acclaimed broadcaster does what he does best, and gets to work.

When the radio host explains his idea of Attenborough narrating Adele’s new hit, Hello, the 89-year-old, who is one of Britain’s national treasures, adorably asks “Really? Won’t Adele be cross at me?”

The radio host then had to remind Attenborough that most people in the U.K., and around the world, are pretty big fans of his, and that Adele would love this.

In one of his best lines, Attenborough narrates: “Battling against strong winds and the weight of expectation, she’s convinced that this is her time to strike. She, like all pop-stars, needs to hunt to survive.”

Watch the entire video below to hear all of Attenborough’s legendary narration.

Were you amazed by Attenborough’s narration talents? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: BBC Radio 1]

If you’re like most people, your phone is the first thing you look at when you wake up and the last thing before bed. Your social media habit may seem innocent, but all those hours spent scrolling with your eyes glued to the screen is actually messing with your brain.

Take a look at the 5 most shocking ways social media use is effecting our brains.

5. It makes you eat more.

If you’re social media feeds are drowning in ‘food porn,’ it might be subconsciously making you more hungry. Researchers have discovered that viewing pictures of delicious foods activates the brain’s reward center and caused the viewer to overeat. Another study in the journal Obesity found that even seeing food images can trigger hunger no matter if you just ate or not.

4. It weakens your ability to think independently.

According to a study done by HP Labs, social networks like Facebook or Instagram make people more open to peer pressure. The ‘like’ buttons, which are really just a ranking system, show which things are more popular to the masses. In the study, the subjects were more likely to change their minds about liking one thing over the other if the person saw what got more likes.

3. It makes you spend more money.

Have you noticed your spending habits have gotten a little out of control lately? It may correspond to your social media use, as heavy social media use was linked to lower self-control. According to Keith Wilcox, a professor at Columbia University, “Ultimately, the way you counteract this is by raising your self-awareness. It’s not about don’t spend time on Facebook, but just be aware of what it might be doing to you.” If you find yourself spending more than you like, realize that your social media use could be weakening your self-control.

2. It causes memory problems.

Browsing social media feeds can lead to and overload of stimulation and information, which makes it harder for your brain to file something important in your memory. Even typical sessions of social media use has been shown overload the brain. According to a study done by Stanford University, not only does the information overload impair memory, but it also makes it harder for people to pay attention and switch between tasks.

1. It messes with your self-esteem.

Despite allowing people to connect and interact no matter where you are in the world, social media has been shown to make you feel more lonely, jealous, and sad. Constantly being shown and reminded of other people’s achievements and vacations trigger these strong negative emotions. Hanna Krasnova, a researcher at Humboldt University in Berlin, explains “We were surprised by how many people have a negative experience from Facebook with envy leaving them feeling lonely, frustrated or angry.”

Were you aware how negatively social media was effecting your mental health? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: dribbble.com]

There’s no prettier sight than seeing the leaves on the trees magically change from bright green to red and gold. However, as soon as those leaves make their way from the branches to the ground, the magic fades and we’re reminded of the hours of raking ahead to keep the yard in tip-top shape.

Yet the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) actually recommends skipping the seasonal chore altogether. Take a look at the top four reasons why we should be leaving the leaves on the ground this fall.

4. It’s healthier for the soil.

A layer of leaves on the ground is natural, and when it comes to the garden, leaves are very beneficial to the soil. As the leaves break down, they form a natural mulch that suppresses weeds, and act as a natural fertilizer for the soil. Instead of buying costly chemical fertilizers come spring time, just let the leaves break down on their own.

However, a thick layer of leaves can starve the grass from oxygen, so if you’re concerned about the health of your grass, run the lawn mover over the leaves without the bag attached to finely mulch the leaves.

3. It reduces landfill waste.

According to the NWF, leaves and other yard debris make up 13 percent or 33 tons of the United States’ solid waste. Without enough oxygen while decomposing, the leaves release methane, which is a greenhouse gas.

2. It saves time.

This one is a no-brainer, but think about all the time you could save yourself from tidying up a yard that will only be covered in more leaves and snow. Instead of wasting your time and energy on the annoying seasonal chore, spend it outdoors enjoying the crisp fresh air.

1. It protects wildlife.

You might not think your backyard is home to a lot of wildlife, but the leaf layer is its own mini ecosystem in itself. Species like chipmunks, turtles, toads, salamanders, and insects live in or rely on the leaves. Other species like butterflies and moths live in the leaves during winter as pupae, which become a vital food source for the birds in the area during the spring.

Will you be leaving all the leaves alone this fall? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: www.bobvila.com]

Long distance relationships take a lot of work, but you’ll know you found your forever friend if your relationship stays strong despite the miles between you.

However, even the strongest of friendships will struggle when first adapting to the distance. Here are the top 7 tips for starting and maintaining a long distance friendship.

7. Use apps to your advantage.

Keeping up a long distance friendship can take a lot of time and effort. Most people, unfortunately, don’t have a ton of extra time to spend, and apps thankfully help streamline things. Apps like Miranda help you stay organized if juggling different timezones, and apps like Rabbit give you a place to share video, pictures, and even watch tv together with a live chat.

With all the help that apps provide, there’s really no reason why you can’t maintain a long distance friendship.

6. Never stop texting. No matter what the time difference.

At first you’ll feel like every interaction has to be some long update or story, but really the key is to send a short message whenever something pops into your head, or makes you think of them. Because of time differences, they might not see your messages right away, but they’ll usually respond within a few hours.

Life isn’t all about the big moments, thought they are important. Keeping your friend informed about the minute details like how you tripped up the stairs at work helps them feeling like they’re still a part of your life, and helps prevent feeling like you are drifting apart.

5. Send a handwritten card or some confetti to celebrate a milestone.

Even though you’re no longer physically in your friend’s life, you still have to find a way to be part of the milestone moments. Maybe they got a new job, got engaged, or have a birthday coming up, and since you can’t celebrate in person, it’s important to send a physical acknowledgment of the event.

4. Be upfront and honest when you’re upset.

You will still get in little fights, but your friend won’t have the physical indications to know if you’re upset about something. Instead of sending one-wordy texts, or have passive aggressive conversations, just be upfront about what’s bothering you.

You’re friend can’t fix anything if they don’t even realize something needs fixing.

3. Plan visits in advance to give yourself something to look forward to.

Whether you’re planning a trip to visit your friend in their home city, or vice versa, or meeting up in a half-way city, make sure to actually book the necessary tickets to the destination in advance. This gives you something to look forward to and plan together, but also solidifies the plan.

Life will always be hectic, and something will always come up that will make you want to cancel or delay the trip. But if you set everything up in advance, you’re both way less likely to cancel the plans.

2. Send creative care packages.

When I got sick in college, my long distance best friend sent me a care package of cookies. The small gesture took me completely by surprise, and it made me feel so much better.

It doesn’t have to be their birthday to send a small care package, and no matter how small or silly the package, the gesture will show your friend how important they are to you.

1. Schedule a catchup date on Skype once a week.

Of all the tips, this is the number one thing you have to do to maintain a long distance friendship with your best friend. This one-on-one time is important for catching up on the week’s events, and staying current in life’s ups and downs. Because of how busy work can get, it might be best to schedule your Skype date for later in the week when things start calming down.

What have you done to maintain a long distance friendship? Share your tips with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: Gigihadid/ Instagram]

We’ve all been told not to stare at the sun, but when you see this video you’re going to want to. Despite being dependent on the Sun, very few of us have actually seen what the giant star at the center of the Solar System looks like up close.

Thanks to NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), which observes the sun 24/7 by capturing images in 10 different wavelengths, we can see what the Sun actually looks like up close in an astonishing ultra HD video.

NASA’s video of the sun was made in 4k resolution, which is about eight times the resolution of HD video. This stunning clarity allows us to see the Sun in a way we’ve never seen it before.

In order to get one minute of this footage, a team of media specialists needs to work about 10 hours.

Watch the entire video below to see what the sun really looks like up close.

Can you believe how incredible the footage is? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: NASA Goddard]

Labrador Retrievers are known for their water-faring abilities, but even with the webbed paws, what this puppy managed to survive is astounding.

Members of the RYCC Savoia sailing club were enjoying a nice day out on the boat off the coast of Italy in the Gulf of Naples when they spotted an exhausted puppy paddling toward the boat. According to the club’s director, Massimiliano Cappa, “We approached, we were sailing and maneuvering was not easy. He was visibly exhausted, his legs almost paralyzed by the cold. He trembled and wept.”

When the sailors noticed the lost puppy swimming a mile from shore, they called for him to swim to the back of the boat where they were able to scoop him up out of the cold sea.

Once he was safely aboard, the group helped to dry the dog off, and wrapped him in a blanket to warm up.

The crew had no idea how long the tiny puppy had been swimming in the chilly water, but once they made it back to land, the rescuers found out that a puppy named Noodle had slipped out of his leash and fell overboard on a ferry ride from Naples to Ischia with owner Mario Di Meglio.

Meglio immediately reported it to the crew, but they refused to stop since Noodle had probably already drowned. The sailors finally found Noodle a half hour later, and he was returned safe and sound to his owner.

Watch the entire video below to see the incredible moment a group of sailors spotted and saved a Labrador puppy lost at sea.

Can you believe how lucky Noodle was to be found by these sailors? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: RYCC Savoia]

It seems like someone forgot to tell this playful Husky that cats and dogs don’t usually get along. Despite the two animals’ long history as enemies, the husky just wanted someone to play with, and didn’t care if that someone was a cat.

In the video, a persistent Husky tries everything he can think of to get a cat to play, but the reserved cat is skeptical of the energetic dog.

This Husky tried everything to get the timid cat the play with him. He even tried mimicking the cat’s movements, which didn’t work like he had hoped.

Realizing his previous attempt only freaked the cat out more, the dog decided to lay on the floor to get the cat to play with him.

Watch the entire video below to see all the ways this Husky tries to get a cat to play.

Can you believe how persistent this Husky is? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: ]

Recently, social media sites like Instagram have come under fire for presenting inaccurate, damaging, and often unattainable realities. And while this is all true, the platform is home to more than just vapid Insta models. While these artists are presenting altered versions of reality, their talents are 100 percent authentic.

Take a look at the top 11 artists you should be following on Instagram.

11. @alexameadeart – Alexa Meade

Behind the scenes of Alexa//Sheila making Head Trip. #latergram

A photo posted by Alexa Meade (@alexameadeart) on Dec 29, 2014 at 4:15pm PST

10. @thegaybeards

Who lights up your night sky? Add us on snapchat: thegaybeards 🌟

A photo posted by The Gay Beards (@thegaybeards) on Sep 4, 2015 at 4:33pm PDT

9. @danielarsham – Daniel Arsham

HAPPY HALLOWEEN. FYI this work is not supposed to be scary. 😈

A photo posted by Daniel Arsham (@danielarsham) on Oct 31, 2015 at 4:38pm PDT

8. @missconniehoole – Connie Hoole

🍬🍭The candy man can cause he mixes it with love and makes the world taste good🍭🍬 Happy #nationalcandyday world! #thecandyrainbow #candyminimal #bandofun

A photo posted by Connie Hoole (@missconniehoole) on Nov 4, 2015 at 11:03am PST

7. @Garancedore – Garance Doré

An illustration I did for @lavalleevillage about the white shirt, one of my favorite essentials! Check my interview on their site. #thewhiteshirtmanifesto #lavalleevillage

A photo posted by Garance Doré (@garancedore) on Sep 30, 2015 at 2:07pm PDT

6. @samanthajhahn – Samantha Hahn

#dailydrawing #fashionillustration #watercolor #adrawingaday #samanthahahnillustration

A photo posted by Samantha Hahn (@samanthajhahn) on Jun 12, 2015 at 6:48am PDT

5. @florianbertmer – Florian Bertmer

WIP #amidemon #notofthisworld #coliseum #doomriders #danzig #florianbertmer #bertmer #art #illustration

A photo posted by Florian Bertmer (@florianbertmer) on Apr 14, 2015 at 2:51pm PDT

4. @seblester – Seb Lester

Thrilled the @v_and_a_shop is selling my metallic silver Shakespeare 'Voice' print. I'm a big fan of The V&A: goo.gl/zyzP8b

A photo posted by Seb Lester (@seblester) on Jun 12, 2014 at 4:53am PDT

3. @13thwitness

💦💦💦

A photo posted by 13thwitness (@13thwitness) on Aug 23, 2014 at 8:31pm PDT

2. @Witchoria – Victori Siemer

Whale, hello there!

A photo posted by Victoria Siemer (@witchoria) on Feb 20, 2015 at 5:56pm PST

1. @dr_woo_ssc – Brian Woo

🌜🌞

A photo posted by dr_woo_ssc (@dr_woo_ssc) on May 20, 2015 at 1:42pm PDT

What artists do you follow on Instagram? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: Samantha Hahn]

The bond between dogs and their humans are truly special because it’s a completely unselfish and unconditional companionship. Some bonds are so close, that even a temporary goodbye is unbearable.

For this dog named Daisy, even parting with her human companion for a few short hours while he goes to school is too much for her. Everyday, Gabriela drops off her son off at school with Daisy riding along in the backseat. Everything is fine until her brother gets out of the car and she cries uncontrollably as she watches him from out of the car window.

Daisy purposely sits on top of her brothers backpack to try and stop him from leaving.

But like every other day, her plan doesn’t work as she hoped. As her human companion leaves for school, Daisy can’t contain her cries while she stairs out the window.

Watch the whole video below to see Daisy’s adorable reaction when her companion leaves her to go to school.

Can you believe how upset Daisy gets? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: gaby1626]

Mondays are arguably the worst day of the week. It’s the start of the work week, which means early mornings, long work days, and having five full days until the weekend. But Mondays are also an opportunity to start fresh, and with the right attitude, you can harness this opportunity to commit yourself to your work or a new project with full force.

If you’re finding it difficult to get motivated this Monday, take a look at these 15 quotes that will inspire you to have a successful week.

15. “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear–not absence of fear.” —Mark Twain

14. “Your problem isn’t the problem. Your reaction is the problem.” —Anonymous

13. “Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne

12. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” —John D. Rockefeller

11. “To be successful you must accept all challenges that come your way. You can’t just accept the ones you like.” —Mike Gafka

10. “You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them.” —Michael Jordan

9. “If you’re going through hell keep going.” —Winston Churchill

8. “Fortune sides with him who dares.” —Virgil

7. “There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.” —Ray Goforth

6. “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” —Vidal Sassoon

5. “Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” —John R. Wooden

4. “Do one thing every day that scares you.” —Anonymous

3. “There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” —Ella Wheeler Wilcox

2. “Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” —Wayne Dyer

1. “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly.” —Proverb

Are you feeling inspired to take on the week after reading quotes from some of the world’s most successful people? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: charterforcompassion.org]

Wine has always gotten all the credit as the most health-friendly alcoholic beverage, but science has proved that champagne may be just as good for your health.

Take a look at the top 5 health benefits from drinking champagne:

5. Champagne is a mood booster.

According to Tran Ky, MD, co-author of The Healing Power of Champagne, the alcoholic beverage naturally contains trace elements that boost your mood when consumed in moderation. To get an extra mood-boosting punch, pair champagne with fish for dinner, which are rich in omega-3s and also improve your mood.

4. Champagne is easy on the waistline.

Unlike other calorie-heavy alcoholic drinks, champagne has about 80 calories per glass, which is more than both white and red wines. The bubbles in champagne have been shown to make you drink slower and feel full faster, which will help prevent you from drinking all of your calories.

3. Champagne is good for the heart.

Red wine is touted as the best drink for a healthy heart, but champagne is actually just as good. Champagne is made from both red and white grapes, and so contains the highest amount of an antioxidant called resveratrol that prevents damage to blood vessels, lowers bad cholesterol, and prevents blood clots.

Champagne also contains polyphenol antioxidants. These antioxidants slow the removal of nitric acid from the blood, which lowers blood pressure. This reduces the risk of heart problems and strokes.

2. Champagne improves short term memory.

Studies have shown that over time, champagne consumption improves short term memory because of certain proteins that it contains. Three years after regular consumption of healthy amounts of champagne, a person can have as much as 200 percent more of the memory-promoting protein in the brain compared to those who don’t drink champagne.

1. Champagne prevents dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

A study published by researchers at Reading University found a compound in Pinot noir and Pinot meunier grapes that helps prevent brain diseases. Drinking champagne up to three times a week may also improve spatial memory, which allows you to recognize surroundings, as well as perform complex calculations and tasks.

Will champagne be your new drink of choice? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: www.3news.co.nz]

Over the years, the Star Wars films have captivated the hearts and minds of millions of people around the world. For 32-year-old Daniel Fleetwood, his life-long love of the franchise began when he was just 8 years old.

As other Star Wars fans have been excitedly awaiting the December 18th release date of the newest film, Daniel has been worrying whether or not he’ll live long enough to make it to the movie’s release, as he has spindle cell sarcoma, which is a cancer that effects the connective tissues.

Daniel was originally diagnosed in 2012, but as of September 2nd, doctors gave him two months to live. Despite making it past those two months, he doesn’t believe he’ll make it to the release date.

“Judging by how progressive the disease has gotten in the past two months,” Daniel explained to NBC News’ Houston affiliate, “I really don’t think I’ll be able to make it.”

Originally, Daniel and his wife Ashley were interviewed by NBC Houston’s Keith Garvin to see if anything could be done to let Daniel see the movie before it was too late.

“He still has … that love and I think that it’s a beautiful thing,” Ashley said. “Even if it’s just a movie, that’s magic for a lot of people.”

Once Star Wars fans learned of Daniel’s story, they started an online campaign to get Disney to allow Daniel to get an early screening of the film. The campaign gained momentum and the hashtag #ForceForDaniel went viral last week.

#forcefordaniel help my man get his last wish, to see a screening of Star Wars before cancer takes him. @bad_robot pic.twitter.com/XCuYD0KlpY

— Ashley Fleetwood (@pandorashley) October 29, 2015

The campaign got so big that even Star Wars actors Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, and Mark Hamill tweeted out their support for Daniel’s cause.

Finally, Daniel’s wish came true, as he was sent an unedited version of the film, and was even called by J.J. Abrams, the film’s director.

Can you believe Disney granted this man’s dying wish? Share with us in the comments below.

[Update: Daniel passed away on 11/10, just days after seeing the unedited film. Rest in peace Daniel.]

[Featured image credit: MSNBC]

Whether or not you believe in fate, it’s clear that this war veteran and neglected Pit Bull were meant for each other.

After two tours of duty in Iraq, Chad Fleming was left with both physical and emotional scars. Along with the multiple operations on his knee after a Humvee explosion, Fleming experienced emotional trauma that has left him with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Mikko on the other hand, is a 2-year-old Pit Bull/ Bulldog mix who lived in a shelter most of his life, and was terrified of people. He also had a lot of emotional scarring after being left in an impound. He was scheduled to be put down, but was saved at the last minute by Ruff Start Rescue, which helps to rehabilitate stranded, neglected, and abandoned animals.

Six days after being rescued, Fleming and Mikko have already formed an incredible bond.

“I knew immediately that there was a connection there between us,” Fleming said. Mikko has helped Fleming’s PTSD by taking away a lot of his anxiety away and providing companionship.

That companionship has also brought out the best in Mikko, as he’s quickly learned to trust again.

“You’ve got to put time into them and that’s what I was willing to do,” Fleming said. “He knows it and he’s been a big teddy bear ever since.”

Watch the entire video below to see how this veteran and this Pit Bull are helping to heal each other.

Can you believe how much these two have helped each other? Share your thoughts with us in the comment below.

[Featured image credit: CBS Minnesota ]

The first ever Starbucks opened in 1971, and since then the company has seen a lot of growth and change. While there seems to be a Starbucks coffee shop on every corner today, even the most loyal patron will be surprised by some of the company’s history.

Take a look at the 8 most surprising facts about one of the world’s largest coffee stores.

8. There are over 87,000 possible drink combinations.

You may only stick to only a few of the items on the menu, but the company offers 87,000 options. Not every drink order appears on their menu, but with all the modifiers and customization options that customers can choose from, Starbucks can make a huge variety of drink orders.

7. There are 22,000 stores in 66 countries.

Yet, there are still no Starbucks in Italy.

6. One Starbucks Venti coffee has 415 milligrams of caffeine.

You’d never imagine that a cup of coffee could have as much caffeine as an energy drink, but a Venti size cup of coffee has about the same amount of caffeine as five cans of Red Bull.

5. The largest cup size, called the Trenta, contains more fluids than the human stomach can hold.

In 2011, Starbucks released the Trenta size, which is the company’s extra large cup size. The cup is so large that it can hold 30.9 ounces of liquid, which is .5 ounces more than the average human adult’s stomach can hold.

4. Every store follows the 10-minute rule.

In an effort to give customers better customer service, Starbucks requires that their stores open and close 10 minutes before and after the official store hours. This keeps patrons from having to wait outside until the shop opens, and lets the end of the day stragglers get their last caffeine fix before the store closes.

3. Starbucks spends more on healthcare for their employees than on coffee.

Starbucks spends approximately $300 million on healthcare for employees. In 2008, Starbucks was looking to cut expenses, and instead of taking money from the health insurance expenses, CEO Howard Schultz chose to shut down 600 stores as he refused to dilute employees’ benefits.

2. Starbucks pays college tuition for all employees.

Starbucks started a program that provides college tuition for all employees, both full-time and part-time, for those without a degree. Employees can study whatever they choose within Arizona State University’s online program, and the employees are not required to stay with Starbucks after earning a degree.

1. Starbucks provides tuition for veteran’s spouses and kids.

Starbucks just announced that they would be extending the tuition benefits to spouses and kids of veterans who work for the company. The company will provide tuition for a spouse and one child to attend Arizona State University’s 4-year online program. Today, Starbucks has hired more than 5,500 veterans and military spouses, and made a commitment to hire at least 10,000 by 2018.

Were you surprised by these Starbucks facts? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: Starbucks]

This Veterans Day, we honor all the men and women who have served in the armed forces for this country, and thank them for their profound courage, strength, and determination.

Here are the top 9 movies to watch this Veterans Day as a reminder of all their incredible courage and sacrifice.

9. The Hurt Locker

This 2009 award winning film follows a bomb disposal team and the atrocities they faced each day during the War in Iraq.

8. American Sniper

American Sniper is a biographical war film that portrays the story of Chris Kyle, the most lethal sniper in U.S. military history. After Chris serves four long tours of duty in Iraq, he struggles to return to civilian life, and is haunted by his experiences.

7. Fury

Fury follows an Army sergeant played by Brad Pitt who leads a Sherman tank, and its five-man crew during WWII in April 1945 as they attempt a dangerous and outnumbered mission behind enemy lines.

6. Born on the Fourth of July

This 1989 classic war drama follows Ron Kovic, played by Tom Cruise, as he enlists in the Marines and serves two tours in Vietnam. After being paralyzed in battle, Kovic returns home and becomes a critic of the war when he feels betrayed by the country he fought for.

5. Full Metal Jacket

This 1987 classic war film follows Private Davis as he is sent to Vietnam as a journalist. During his time in Vietnam, he witnesses the dehumanizing effects the war has had on his fellow recruits.

4. Black Hawk Down

Black Hawk Down received two Academy Awards for its portrayal of the atmosphere in Somalia in 1993. The film follows U.S. soldiers that fight to stay alive after a helicopter is shot down behind enemy lines in Somalia.

3. Unbroken

This moving 2014 war drama focuses on the true story of Olympian Louis Zamperini who spent 47 days drifting in a raft in the ocean with two other crewmen before finally being caught by the Japanese and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.

2. We Were Soldiers

We Were Soldiers follows Mel Gibson’s character as it tells the story of a major battle during the Vietnam War.

1. Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan, one of the most famous and awarded war drama of all time, follows Captain John Miller as he takes his men behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan. As they search, the team is faced with horrors of war, and each man discover strength and courage in the face of adversity.

How will you be honoring all the courageous veterans this Veterans Day? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: DreamWorks Pictures]

This adorable Golden Retriever is in love with her teddy bear, and her owners know that she can’t stand being without it. Her owners decided to see just how much she loves her toy by setting up some cameras to watch her track down the teddy bear, and attempt a rescue.

In the video below this determined dog tracks down her favorite toy’s scent and rescues it from the washing machine.

The smart Golden finally tracks down her teddy bear, and finds it sitting in the washing machine.

She cautiously approaches the machine, and pauses before putting her entire head into the washing machine. With her teddy bear in sight, she swallows her fear, and quickly plucks it free.

Watch the whole video below to see how this adorable dog rescues her teddy bear.

Can you believe this dog was able to find her favorite toy and rescue it from the washing machine? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credits: simon bromfield]

Social experiments like the one below use fake circumstances to garner incredibly raw reactions. It’s easy to do the right thing when someone is watching, but it’s interesting to see people’s true morals when they think no one is watching.

In this social experiment, Johal decides to test the honesty of strangers by pretending to be blind, and asking random people on the street if the lottery ticket, which he knows has won $500, is a winner or not.

At first, Johal goes to an affluent neighborhood to test the honesty of people on the street.

When asked if the lottery ticket is a winner, the people either run off with the ticket, or tell him it’s not a winner and take it from him after realizing he’s blind and all alone.

Then Johal visits a poorer neighborhood, and asks the same question. Surprisingly the people who are most in need are the most honest people, and congratulate him for winning.

Watch the entire video below to see the surprising reactions from the strangers.

What would you have done in this situation if you thought no one was watching? Share with us in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: Johal]