the bird on fire

The Bird is the Word: Sophisticated Schoolyard Shenanigans

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Chicken Craziness

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From chicken tenders to chicken sandwiches–Blogger Elizabeth comes through with the most recent chicken news. 

By Elizabeth Shay

This past week has been cluck full of news involving the common poultry that we know and love: chicken. Here are three recent chick-entertaining stories!

Chicken Nugget Shenanigans

For many Americans, McDonald’s chicken nuggets are a nostalgic piece of childhood. But, the chain is popular internationally as well. And, sometimes, you really, really, really, need to satisfy your craving and will do anything to secure the goods. Take Rudi Batten from England, for example. The 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years in jail according to authorities, for engaging in an armed robbery of a McDonald’s in Yate. Batten allegedly “took 50 pounds from a cash register before holding an imitation firearm to a store manager’s head and leading him to a safe” (Bristol Post). Then, he asked for the aforementioned chicken nuggets but had to settle for a double sausage McMuffin because at 7 a.m. the restaurant was only serving the breakfast menu. The day before the McDonald’s fiasco, Batten had also robbed a Miss Millie’s in the city, taking cash and fried chicken (WHDH in Boston). People do wild things for chicken!

Costco Chicken Sandwich

A Costco in Vancouver made waves with their entrance into the Chicken Sandwich War. The “Crispy Chicken Sandwich” made its debut on the food court menu at a Canadian Costco. The sandwich includes chicken and spicy mayo on a soft cheese bun, but is notably missing pickles. Costco fans have praised the new option, but some people are definitely missing the pickles. One thing to note is that Costco’s “Crispy Chicken Sandwich” is a whopping 810 calories, surpassing Popeye’s which has 699 and Chick-fil-A which stands at 460. Costco has not yet commented on whether the sandwich will make an appearance in the United States, so hopeful American shoppers just have to wait and keep an eye out!

Chicken Shortage

As demonstrated by the stories above, chicken is widely loved. However, according to CNN Business, the beloved bird is in short supply, and it turns out that Tyson’s roosters are partly to blame. Chicken volumes have been low because the roosters that the meat processor has been using for breeding are not meeting expectations. Donnie King, Tyson’s Chief Operating Officer and Group President of Poultry–yes, that’s a real position–said during an analyst call that “[They’re] changing out a male that, quite frankly,  [they] made a bad decision on.” This male is the reason for the “unexpected decline” in hatchings in this past year. Tyson made the decision to choose this type of chicken because of specific traits that improved the quality of offspring’s meat, but are switching back to the original roosters which lead to more eggs and higher hatch rates. Another reason for the decreased availability of chicken is actually the growing popularity of chicken sandwiches, causing restaurants to add chicken-based items to their menus. Finally, the Texas winter storm and Covid-19 outbreak negatively impacted production at plants. Maybe consider easing up on the chicken sandwiches for the time being.

That’s a wrap. I hope you have been thoroughly hen-tertained by the recent chicken news! 

Editor-in-Chief: Hannah Hall

Sources:

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/armed-mcdonalds-robber-demanded-chicken-5355997

https://whdh.com/news/armed-robber-who-demanded-chicken-nuggets-at-mcdonalds-during-breakfast-flees-with-mcmuffin-instead/

https://www.eatthis.com/news-costco-food-court-crispy-chicken-sandwich/

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/11/business/chicken-shortage-tyson-roosters/index.html

I Love Ice Cream

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This week Blogger Elizabeth wrote about her love for ice cream. Her flavors are tempting, but you might have to go to Vegas or Singapore to indulge. (Hint: One flavor has just come available at your local Trader Joe’s.)

By Elizabeth Shay, Food & Drink Editor

Chocolate. Cookie dough. Strawberry…. These are some of the most common flavors of my favorite dessert: ice cream. These flavors are popular, and rightfully so, but there are many underrated types of ice cream as well. Here are three flavors of ice cream that I believe deserve more appreciation.

Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip

Not to be confused with blackberries, black raspberries are a special variety of the more common red raspberry that is native to North America. Black raspberries are very difficult to find, as they are only available for a few weeks during midsummer. They are similar in flavor to their red counterparts, but are described as sweeter (Healthline). 

I first had black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream at a Graeter’s Ice Cream store at Caesars Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Graeter’s is a Midwestern-based ice cream chain, founded in 1870. I was drawn to the vibrant mauve color of the ice cream sitting on the other side of the cool glass case, took a chance, and fell in love. This flavor, when done right, is perfectly sweet and creamy. Graeter’s remains my favorite brand that makes black raspberry chocolate chip ice cream, although the grocery store tubs never taste quite the same as my first experience in Vegas. Graeter’s is pretty much nowhere to be found at our local grocery stores, so if you are looking to try this flavor, Talenti makes a decent alternative.

Black Sesame

Black sesame seeds are primarily produced in Asian countries. These small, flat, oily seeds are grown in the fruit pods of the Sesamum indicum plant, which has been cultivated for thousands of years (Healthline). In addition to containing more nutritional value than their white counterpart, black sesame seeds also have a stronger flavor and more crunch. The flavor profile of black sesame seeds is characterized as being earthy and nutty, with a smoky, almost peppery flavor and a hint of bitterness. These seeds are no longer being used solely as a garnish, and are being incorporated into a variety of desserts, including cakes, donuts, ice creams, and more (Los Angeles Times). 


Our local Creamistry ice cream shop in Palm Desert featured black sesame ice cream while they were still in business. This was one of my favorites out of all their offerings. I have not actively searched for this particular flavor of ice cream in grocery stores in the desert, but there are many brands that create black sesame ice cream which are available in Asian grocery stores. 

Ube

Ube is a purple yam that originates from the Philippines. It has an even sweeter, more mellow taste than its orange relative with undertones of nuttiness and vanilla. Ube is a staple in Filipino desserts and has made its way into mainstream U.S. culture over the last three years. A large factor in ube’s popularity is its vibrant purple color that lends itself well to photography–especially important in a world addicted to social media (Real Simple).


I believe that ube ice cream deserves more recognition in the United States. My love for this flavor began after first trying soft serve ube ice cream from a McDonald’s in Singapore. Ube ice cream can be widely found in Asian grocery stores. Trader Joe’s has since come out with a line of ube-flavored products, including a mochi pancake and waffle mix, and, of course, ice cream! These products are seasonal items, so be on the lookout at your local Trader Joe’s to see when they are back in stock. Wait! I just checked. They are in stock right now! Go!

Have you tried any of these flavors of ice cream? What flavor do you think is underrated? Let us know in the comments!

Editor-in-Chief: Roman Rickwood

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-raspberry-vs-blackberry

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-raspberry-vs-raspberry#what-they-are

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graeter’s

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/black-sesame-seeds-benefits#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2006-mar-01-fo-blacksesame1-story.html#:~:text=Black%20sesame%20seeds%20%2D%2D%20earthy,and%20panna%20cottas%20and%20doughnuts.

https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/popular-ingredients/what-is-ube

What Would You Do…for Free Food?

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We all love free food. But, how far would you be willing to go for it? 

By Elizabeth Shay, Food & Drink Editor

Tattoos have been around for more than 5,000 years and have been rising in popularity in the past 25 years. According to pewsocialtrends.org, 15-38 percent of Americans have some type of long-term body art (HuffPost). People get tattoos for a variety of reasons, from the serious (self-expression and cultural tradition) to the not-so-serious (rebellion and…free food?) 

Farmer Boys is an Inland Empire-based fast food chain that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Since 1981, Farmer Boys have made a name for themselves through amazing burgers, all-day breakfasts, charity fundraising, and unique promotional stunts. The chain even changed its name to “Farmer Girls” during Women’s History month (Patch). Now, continuing the chain’s unconventional legacy, dedicated (and I mean really dedicated)  superfans have a chance to win free food for a year. The catch? All one has to do is get a permanent tattoo of one of three offered Farmer Boys-related designs.  The chain is partnering with The Honorable Society tattoo studio in west Hollywood and Rockin’ Ink Tattoo in Las Vegas to offer the 2”x 2” designs for free to those 18 and older (Press-Enterprise). 

I asked some of Palm Valley’s own students whether they would be willing to demonstrate their loyalty to a restaurant in exchange for free food for a year by committing to getting inked. Here’s what they said:

Marianne: “If it was for life, that would be a different story. But for a year? Not worth it.”

Roman: “Yes, because you could go multiple times a day…Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner…I’d probably get one for Chick-fil-A.”

Caroline: “I would get one on my lip for Starbucks!”

Jesse: “Oh, totally. I’d get one of Del Taco ‘cause I go there all the time.”

I invite you all to answer. Would you go so far as to put a permanent piece of artwork on your body in the name of free food? Comment below!

Second Editor-in-Chief: Sara Habibipour

Sources:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/psychology-of-tattoos_b_2017530#:~:text=People%20get%20tattoos%20for%20many,tattoo%20parlors%20are%20open%20late

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmer_Boys

https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/get-inked-farmer-boys-tattoo-eat-free-year

https://www.pe.com/2021/04/21/dine-909-get-a-farmer-boys-tattoo-earn-free-burgers-for-a-year/

Devil Dolls

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Taking inspiration from horror classics and everyday objects, in our Build-Your-Own-Monster series, Blogger Elizabeth envisions a horrifying monster that is certain to keep you up at night.

By Elizabeth Shay

Dolls. The common children’s toys tainted by pop culture and horror movies. From Chucky to Anabelle…these names cause us to conjure up creepy images in our minds. The fear of dolls is so common that a word has been created to describe this affliction: pediophobia. “Pediophobia is a type of phobia . . . or an irrational fear of something that poses no actual threat” and affects more than 9% of adults in the US (Healthline). 

When Editor Erik tasked us with building our own monster, I drew inspiration from movies as well as from the work of artist Shawn Coss to create my monster, a personification of pediophobia. 

Appearance


The monster appears to be simply a giant doll that stands at an imposing eight feet tall. However, much like Russian nesting dolls or Oogie Boogie from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, the large doll nests smaller creatures inside. The outermost doll is a sentient being, but like parasites, the small dolls exist within the body cavity of the big doll, controlling its actions. The doll on the outside is a classic porcelain doll, much like Chucky or Annabelle, as the hard material provides protection to the dolls on the interior. The miniature dolls are of various styles. Artist Shawn Coss illustrated 31 phobias, including pediophobia, and the drawing provided inspiration for my monster and what I imagine to be some of the internal dolls.

Characteristics

My monster only comes out in the cover of darkness. Like the people inside the Trojan Horse, the little dolls emerge from their host doll in order to cause mischief and mayhem amongst unsuspecting people. Inside the homes of innocent families, the dolls are responsible for the mysterious and unexplained noises that seem to come from within the walls or in the unexplored attic above. They move around in the pitch black night, stealing and destroying whatever they can find. These animated dolls capture lifeless dolls and bring them back to the host where they are instilled with evil magic that turns them conscious so that the cycle of fear and destruction can repeat.

Thankfully this monster is just a figment of my imagination, but the phobia that it is based on is all too real, frightening adults and children alike. If you have dolls around, you might want to sleep with one eye open after reading this post. There are hundreds of different phobias that describe and encompass an infinite number of specific objects and situations (Healthline). Do you have any phobias? What might a monster that personifies that fear look like?

Build-Your-Own-Monster Editor: Erik Bearman

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/pediophobia#:~:text=Pediophobia%20is%20a%20type%20of,that%20poses%20no%20actual%20threat.&text=Thinking%20about%20or%20seeing%20a,a%20type%20of%20anxiety%20disorder.

https://www.boredpanda.com/31-phobias-feartober-shawn-coss/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

Massive Mochi

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Keeping consistent with her love of writing about food, blogger Elizabeth Shay writes about cooking the world’s largest mochi to begin this week’s theme of “World Records You Think You Could Break.”–Theme Editor Jake Sonderman

By Elizabeth Shay

From colossal pizzas to humongous cups of coffee, my favorite World Records involve supersized foods and drinks. Breaking such records requires a lot of time, money, and creative thinking. Instead of trying to create a 10,000 foot sushi roll, I think that I could set the bar for the world’s largest mochi, which has not yet been recognized!

Record Requirements

As of 2011, Guinness created the policy that all giant foods or records that involve large amounts of food must be either donated, consumed, or sold for consumption for the record to be recognised as official (todayifoundout). This segues into the next stipulation that giant foods must be edible and generally resemble the original food or drink that it is modeled after. 

What is Mochi?

Mochi is a Japanese rice cake made of mochigome (a short-grain glutinous rice), water, sugar, potato starch or cornstarch, and sometimes flavorings. Mochigome is made into flours called Shiratamako or Mochiko, which differ in texture and processing methods (Wikipedia). Mochi is a very important food in Japanese culture and is tied to the importance of the staple crop–rice–as well as the practice of thanking the Shinto gods for a bountiful harvest. Mochi is known for its sticky, stretchy, soft, and chewy texture; it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. There are 16 common types of mochi, including mochi ice cream which has become popular in the United States (byfood).

How is Mochi made?

The process of making mochi at home today is simple. It can be done in a microwave using only three main ingredients for the most basic mochi. The Shiratamako and Mochiko flours are sold in stores, so you don’t have to worry about grinding rice at home. 

  1. Whisk together the sweet rice flour with water to form a smooth batter. 
  2. Then strain the mixture and whisk sugar into the strained batter. 
  3. Next, microwave it for three minutes, mix, and return it to the microwave for another two minutes. 
  4. After stirring once again, you should have a smooth and shiny dough. Line a flat surface with parchment paper and generously sprinkle potato starch or cornstarch on it.
  5. Scrape the still warm dough onto the surface, and cut it into the desired size with a starch-dusted knife.
  6. Finally, shape the dough into the desired shape and serve warm or chilled for 20 minutes (Masterclass).

This is the most basic recipe. Mochi can be enhanced by adding flavors and fillings such as green tea or red bean paste.

Beating (setting) the Record

As of right now, there has not been an internationally recognized giant mochi. Compared to other foods with many ingredients, mochi is actually a very cost effective supersized food creation to attempt. I would likely create large batches of dough and combine them, rather than trying to attempt it all at once. If I had access to more money and factory or industrial facilities and equipment, this task would be much easier! With my limited resources, I predict that I could begin by setting the record with a humble five-foot mochi. This would be easily broken, but I think that it would be fun to try!

What giant food record do you want to set or break?

World Records You Think You Could Break Editor: Jake Sonderman

Sources:

http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2016/07/happens-big-food-made-break-world-records/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mochi

https://www.byfood.com/blog/travel-tips/the-beginners-guide-to-mochi

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/mochi-recipe#sweet-japanese-mochi-recipe

Foods From Far-Off Worlds

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Alternate Realities mean many different things to our on-site bloggers. Some take a fantastical interpretation, while others venture into more concrete topics. Writer Elizabeth decides to take inspiration from YouTube’s Good Mythical Morning’s “Alternate Universe Snacks Taste Test” and discusses her favorite parallel universe snacks. –Alternate Realities Editor Hannah Hall

By Elizabeth Shay

Good Mythical Morning (GMM) is a YouTube series hosted by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, which first aired in 2012. The channel posts daily videos, and now has 17 million subscribers and over 7 billion views (Wikipedia). When Hannah proposed the theme of “Alternate Realities,” I was reminded of a series that the GMM channel creates: Alternate Universe Snacks Taste Test. Here are three of my favorite snacks from the GMM parallel world.


Freezin’ Cold Cheetos

You know Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, the concerningly red-orange snack that stains your fingers when you eat them? In another universe, they don’t exist and are replaced by their counterpart: Freezin’ Cold Cheetos. These chips are a bright, icy-blue color and instead of hot spice, are marked by minty coolness. 

Freezin’ Cold Cheetos have not been created yet, but if you are feeling adventurous and want a variation from your typical chip, consider trying Sweetos (sweet Cheetos) or international flavors such as Strawberry and Avocado!

Giant Deborah

Traditional Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies are unheard of by those living in a parallel world. Instead, the delicious treat is bigger and better. Literally. Little Debbie becomes Giant Deborah Oatmeal Creme Pie, and pies become a singular pie in the alternate world. As for this fictional snack, it gets a thumbs up from me. Who wouldn’t want to double, or more than double, the fun with a supersize version of a sweet treat!

Cursed Charms

Finally, instead of the cheerful Lucky Charms cereal that kids know and love, the other world contains something a little more…gloomy. Forget the bright colors of Lucky Charms marshmallows. Instead, open a box of Cursed Charms, characterized by a distinct black color and complete with an ominous scroll containing a curse. I can’t speak to the taste, as this hasn’t been brought to our dimension yet, but I think Cursed Charms would be a hit around Halloween season. 

It is always fun to explore the possibility of differing universes and consider what could be. There could be an alternate version of yourself reading this article at this very moment! But would you try any of these special snacks that just might be your parallel self’s favorite treat?

Alternate Realities Editor: Hannah Hall

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Mythical_Morning

Amazing Architecture: Marina Bay Sands

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Blogger Elizabeth wrote about the Marina Bay Sands Resort, located in Singapore. Recently it has garnered a lot of attention, and since its creation in 2010 it has been featured in many motion pictures as well as advertisements. It is a design like no other with three beams that consist of hotel rooms holding up the restaurant and activity part of the resort. The top portion looks like a boat.–Editor Roman Rickwood 

By Elizabeth Shay

One of the most breathtaking modern architectural feats I have seen in my travels is the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore. Most recently Marina Bay Sands was featured in the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians–a film which brought international attention to the beautiful country. This building is definitely a sight to see. My mom is a Singapore native, and travels there were common in my childhood. Now that I am older, I can properly appreciate the culture. I am excited to write about just one of the iconic structures that Singapore boasts. 

Background

Opened in 2010, the resort consists of a hotel, convention-exhibition centre, mall, theatre, “celebrity chef” restaurants,  floating crystal pavilions, art-science exhibits, and a casino. The casino is the world’s largest atrium casino, with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines. The resort was designed by Moshe Safdie, who says that he was inspired by decks of cards. The main feature of the resort is the three hotel towers, each 55 stories tall and connected by a three-acre (130,680 square foot) roof terrace, the Sands SkyPark.

Design and Construction

The three towers have broad bases that narrow towards the top. Each tower has asymmetrical legs, which presented significant difficulties in construction. While the buildings were being constructed, substantial temporary structures for support and real-time monitoring were required. 

The SkyPark connecting the hotel was pre-constructed in 14 separate steel sections before assembly atop the buildings. The park contains the world’s longest elevated swimming pool, with a vanishing edge (infinity pool). The SkyPark also has rooftop nightclubs, gardens and even a public observatory deck. An impressive design element is the cantilevered (horizontal structural element supported only at one end) segment 23 feet off of the north tower. Four movement joints, each with their own unique range of motion, are located underneath the main pool to help withstand the natural motion of the towers over time. The towers are subject to wind as well as gradual settlement into the earth, so engineers, thinking ahead, constructed and installed customized jack legs to “allow for future adjustment at more than 500 points beneath the pool system,” and ensure proper functioning of the infinity pool (Wikipedia).

Attractions

The ArtScience Museum is shaped like a lotus and has a retractable roof that creates a waterfall of collected rainwater when closed in the daytime and laser shows when opened at nighttime. 

The Shoppes is the major shopping mall of the Marina Bay Sands Resort, almost 1,000,000 square feet in size and containing over 300 stores and restaurants from celebrity chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Wolfgang Puck! There is even a canal that runs through the shopping mall, with rides available to guests and shoppers.

There are also two crystal pavilions, one of which is home to the largest Louis Vuitton boutique in the world. Not to mention, the pavilion is constructed on a floating island, connected to the mall by an underwater tunnel!

Conclusion

These are just some of the amazing things that the Marina Bay Sands resort has to offer. It is truly the most impressive piece of architecture I have experienced in my travels so far. If you’re ever in Singapore, this is definitely a must-see. 

Architectural Achievements Editor: Roman Rickwood

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marina_Bay_Sands

Latin Phrases to Live By

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Editor Sara Habibipour chose as her theme for the week “Mottos We Live By.” In these times of uncertainty, she says, sometimes you just need the right words.

Need some advice? Look no further. Blogger Elizabeth turns to Latin quotes for inspiration. After all, everything sounds better in Latin.

By Elizabeth Shay

I have always been interested in the Latin language. It’s so aesthetic and sounds so sophisticated. Also, some pretty profound things have been said in Latin (some of which made an appearance in my college applications). I’m sure they’ve been said in English as well, but they look and sound way cooler in Latin. Here are eight of the quotes I live by, Latin edition.

  • Disce quasi semper victurus vive quasi cras moriturus 

Learn as if you’re always going to live; live as if tomorrow you’re going to die

Live, Laugh, Learn, Love; YOLO.

  • Acta non Verba 

Actions not words

This is one of the quotes that made an appearance in my college application. It’s all about follow-through, about doing–not just saying. I strive to live by this phrase and hope others in my life do as well.

  • Noli foras ire, in teipsum reddi; in interiore homine habitat veritas 

Don’t lose yourself, return to you, inside of you lives the truth–Augustine

Essentially, this is the quote “be true to yourself” (but a better version because it’s in Latin).

  • Ab alio expectes alteri quod feceris 

Expect to receive such treatment as you have given–Seneca

This is the golden rule at its finest.

  • Aequam memento rebus in arduis servare mentem 

In adversity, remember to keep an even mind–Horace 

Keep calm and carry on even in times of trouble.

  • Multo autem ad rem magis pertinent quallis tibi vide aris quam allis 

It is much more important what you think of yourself, than what others think of you–Seneca

Who cares what others think? You’ll be much happier when you brush off others’ negativity and focus on what makes you happy and self-fulfilled.

  • Sapere aude 

Dare to be wise–Horace

This is the other quote that was incorporated into my college application essays; I want to learn as much as I can in my lifetime, and knowledge is power–take it from Horace.

  • Experientia docet 

Experience teaches

This one nearly goes without saying. Everything you go through in your life is a learning experience. If you’re not learning, you’re rolling in your mistakes.

If you’re ever feeling fancy, drop these quotes into conversation and impress your friends and family. What are some words you live by?

Sources:

“351 Cool Latin Quotes – Wise words every man should know.” @ manintelligence.com

Motto Editor: Sara Habibipour

Say Goodbye to Regrets

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This week, bloggers are discussing “Missed Opportunities.” Blogger Elizabeth moves beyond personal missed opportunity to how we can all move past regrets in life and embrace the positive.

By Elizabeth Shay

There are times in our lives when we look back to the past at missed opportunities. The predominant emotion that we feel when reflecting on missed opportunities is regret. It can be hard to recover and thrive after a missed opportunity, but sometimes they can be a blessing in disguise. Here are three tips to help you live your best life without regrets and grow from your experiences:

Acknowledge that regret is normal…

All emotions have a function for survival, including regret. Our brain uses regret to tell us to take another look at our choices. Regret stems from counterfactual thinking, or the human tendency to create possible alternatives to life events that have already occurred (Wikipedia), and the easier it is to envision different outcomes, the more likely we are to regret life opportunities (Psychology Today). 

Identify the positives…

Sometimes things happen for a reason. Your missed opportunities could be a blessing in disguise, as cliched as that sounds. Instead of dwelling on what you may have missed out on, reframe your thinking into the positive. Brainstorm and consider things in your current life that you are grateful for that may not be a part of your life had you taken a different path. This will allow you to move forward (Inc).

Look to the future…

Rather than remaining bogged down with the weight of the past, search for the next opportunity awaiting you in the future. Recognize what is important to you and what your goals are, and now that you have experience and a clear vision, you will be able to capitalize on opportunities as they come. At the same time, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you never know where those spontaneous decisions could lead. The road on the journey of life is not always clear; there is no map to reach our final destination. So why not experience all that you can along the way?

Sources Referenced:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-mindful-self-express/201205/the-psychology-regret

https://www.inc.com/young-entrepreneur-council/change-your-mindset-stop-dwelling-on-past-mistakes-with-these-7-tips.html

View at Medium.com

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counterfactual_thinking#:~:text=Counterfactual%20thinking%20is%20a%20concept,%22counter%20to%20the%20facts%22.

Missed Opportunity Editor: Erik Bearman

Shark Tank Rising Stars

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Shark Tank businesses are everywhere: DoorBot, Bombas socks, Scrub Daddy, etc. These businesses invade our culture even when the “Sharks” don’t pick them for investment. So, when Editor Jake said, “Tell me about up-and-coming businesses,” Elizabeth thought immediately of the businesses that vie for investments on Shark Tank.

By Elizabeth Shay


Shark Tank, the critically acclaimed, multi-Emmy Award-winning show, has become a go-to for my family over quarantine. The show features a panel of investors called “sharks,” to whom entrepreneurs pitch their products or companies, hoping to secure an investment. Some of the most successful products that have appeared on Shark Tank include the Scrub Daddy sponge, Bombas socks (Investopedia), and the DoorBot–what became the Ring video doorbell! Fun fact, the sharks actually rejected the DoorBot, which was sold to Amazon for $1.1 billion in 2018 (Mental Floss). 

Here are three companies and products that have recently been pitched on Shark Tank.

The Chirp Wheel


Founded by Tate Stock when he was pursuing his degree in economics at Brigham Young University, the Chirp Wheel helps relieve back pain without doctors, drugs, or surgery. It stretches, strengthens and releases tension in the muscles surrounding the spine. By relaxing muscles throughout the body, the wheel helps with headaches and neck pain (All Shark Tank Products). Shark Lori Greiner invested $900,000 to be paid back over the course of 18 months, for a 2% stake in the company (Meaww).

SparkCharge

While electric cars are increasing in popularity, what’s stopping many people from converting is something known as “range anxiety.” Charging stations for electric vehicles have become more common, yet they are still few and far between, especially in rural or less populated areas. That’s where SparkCharge comes in. The SparkCharge is a compact, portable electric car charger. This charging rate is actually eight times faster than the standard wireless charging stations. As of right now, SparkCharges are only being sold to roadside assistance providers, but the company hopes to introduce a product for consumer purchase in the near future (All Shark Tank Products). SparkCharge secured a whopping $1,000,000 in funding from Marc Cuban and Lori Greiner, for a 10% stake in the company (split 50-50 between them). The deal also included 2% advisory shares for Cuban and Greiner, and a seat on the company board (Buffalo News).

GarmaGuard

GarmaGuard is a garment and fabric cleanser that eliminates odor molecules. There are other air and fabric fresheners on the market, but these trap odor molecules, temporarily masking them. Such products usually include harsh chemicals that can be irritating or even toxic. GarmaGuard is vegan, cruelty free, biodegradable, and contains no abrasive chemicals (All Shark Tank Products). This product also was tested and proven to kill the COVID-19 virus, but was awaiting official certification. Shockingly, no sharks invested in the company, but I believe that GarmaGuard will be successful and benefit from the publicity that comes from being featured on a popular show. 

If you have a product in need of investors–Dog-Poop Cone? Pimple-Popping Toy? Drum Pants?–consider marketing it to Shark Tank.

Sources Referenced:

https://abc.com/shows/shark-tank/about-the-show

https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/082415/10-most-successful-products-shark-tank.asp

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/546955/shark-tank-most-successful-products

https://allsharktankproducts.com/sharktankproducts/season-12-products/

https://meaww.com/shark-tank-chirp-wheel-publicity-daymond-john-lori-greiner-douchebag-deal-money-abc-show-hulu-pitch

https://buffalonews.com/news/local/sparkcharge-secures-1-million-from-shark-tank-investors/article_67e1685e-120f-11eb-b677-3fb4adab1d29.html

Up-and-Coming Businesses Editor: Jake Sonderman