Funny Snake Memes

Snakes are one of the more popular choices in pet. They can range from small garter snakes, corn snakes and milk snakes to larger snakes, such as members of the python family or even boa constrictors or anacondas. But, of course, there are people out there who make funny memes that are just hilarious or hilarious and adorable. They can bring a smile to your face, a laugh to you or just brighten your day. Especially if you love animals. I especially love when people say snakes are dangerous and incapable of love. Then there are pictures out there proving snakes can be lovey dovey and cuddly and just plain adorable

I do love snakes; I think they are very beautiful creatures. I love the spots or colors they have. Absolutely gorgeous! Of course, it also helps to know how to differentiate the venomous from non-venomous species

Whenever I need a five minute breather at work, I'll go on Google and type in "funny animal memes" and just laugh. It gives me a five minute breather. Unless I'm laughing so hard I cannot breathe

10 Cultural Taboos to Avoid When Visiting Australia

Known as "Down Under" by a lot of people, Australia is one of the more popular places for people to travel. But, unfortunately, there are good, respectful tourists and then there are bad, disrespectful tourists. You can usually tell which group tourists fall into depending on what they say or do. According to MSN.com page Crazy Nomad, here are 10 cultural taboos to avoid when visiting Australia

Also, when in doubt, ask the locals. They are a treasure trove of useful information. By asking them what to do and what not to do, while explaining to them that you want to ensure you do things accurately and respectfully, you're showing respect for the cultural customs of that country and you're being a responsible, respectable tourist

This is on my travel bucket list. There are so many things I want to do and see if I get the chance to go to Australia

1. NEVER mock / make jokes about Aboriginal culture

-It's important to remember this: Remember whose country you're in. Making fun of / mocking the local Aboriginal culture is not just wrong, it's plain offensive. Aboriginal culture is a massive part of Australian culture and history, and as such, it would be bad to mock this. They have endured social injustices over the years, including "The stolen generations." This refers to Aboriginal children who were taken from their families. These children were put into households with non-indigenous people and denied access to their culture, language and more. When visiting Australia, ask questions about the culture, show a genuine interest in the history. For example, when visiting Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, don't touch the rock or climb on it. When you take time to ask curious questions, this shows you are taking an interest in the culture and showing an appreciation for the locals

2. Don't assume that everyone drinks alcohol or likes to casually party

-Australia does have a vibrant party scene, depending on where you're at. It's not safe to assume that everyone will be drinking at all hours of the day or partying. This can create stereotypes and make for some awkward situations. Many people in Australia refrain from drinking due to religious, cultural and personal reasons. Simply respect these choices that those individuals. Just because you're on vacation and want to drink does not mean you need to pressure someone into drinking. If you're unsure, ask that person. When you show that you are sensitive and understanding of various lifestyles, this will work out to your favor. It will put you in a good light with the locals and ensure that all interactions are open, inclusive and respectful

3. Don't mock / criticize Australia's love of sports

-In Australia, there are various sports that are widely loved by the population. Aussie Rules Football, known as AFL (Australian Football League) is one of the most popular sports. In addition to Aussie Rules Football, there's also cricket and rugby. Together, these sports hold a special importance to most Australians. Mocking them and/or criticizing them is wrong. Instead, engage in a conversation about said sports, ask questions. This shows that you are genuinely curious about the inner workings of that sport and shows respect for that sport. Even if sports are not your thing, asking curious questions to learn more about that sport shows you are respecting something that someone is passionate about. It helps you connect better with the locals and understand their traditions better

4. Avoid tipping excessively - it's not usual

-Australia is one country where tipping is optional. Workers earn good wages, so gratuities are not usually expected, like they are in the US. You can leave a small tip, which is appreciated. If you tip excessively, this will show that you are unfamiliar with local customs. Make sure to understand these local customs and respect these practices. By respecting these unique practices, your dining experience will become better. And, if in doubt, ask a local. The local residents provide a wealth of useful information that will result in success!!

5. NEVER confuse Australian and British cultures

-Their accents may sound similar, but they are not the same. Never, for one second, assume that Australian culture and British culture are the same. Yes, they do share historical ties, but that's where the similarity ends. Australia has a wonderfully unique cultural identity that the residents take high pride in. Simply assuming that the cultures of both Britain and Australia are the same shows you are dismissive and unaware. Australia has its own slang, traditions and a unique laid back way of life. Knowing the difference between British culture and Australian culture will help you build a rapport with the locals and, thus, earn their respect while also avoiding insulting their national pride

6. NEVER makes jokes about deadly wildlife - it's a hot button issue

-People do make frequent jokes about the deadly wildlife that exists in Australia. "Everything that can kill you lives in Australia." Australia does have wonderfully diverse and, yes, deadly wildlife that is native to this large country. But, deadly wildlife can live anywhere, not just Australia. Making jokes about it will come off as insensitive, offensive and just plain wrong. Those who live in areas where these deadly creatures live might be offended by the jokes; they have to contend with these creatures on a daily basis and know what risks they pose. Instead, ask curious and respectful questions about these forms of dangerous wildlife. Adopting this mindset will not only keep you from making a major cultural faux pas, it will also help give you an education into the unique biodiversity of the land known as "Down Under." And if you're still curious about the unique wildlife, visit any one of the fantastic zoos in Australia. The staff will provide a wealth of information about the interesting insects and animals that call Australia home

7. Do not discuss hot button issues like immigration or politics

-Politics, religion and immigration are hot button issues to avoid at all costs, no matter where you go. It's especially wise to avoid discussing these issues in Australia. If these topics do arise in conversation, keep an open mind. Be open to different points of view. Don't make assumptions or pass judgement. By keeping an open mind, you are showing respect to that other person and making them feel their opinion is also valued. It also helps show that other person that you understand the diverse social and political landscape of Australia

8. NEVER litter / disrespect the environment

-Australia is known for its rugged landscape and beautiful environments, which provide homes, food and more to the wonderfully diverse animal and insect life. Those in Australia take deep pride in their gorgeous landscape. By littering, you are disrespecting the environment. It's not only frowned upon to litter, but illegal. Dispose of your litter in proper ways, such as waste baskets or bins. Take part in eco-friendly ways of disposing of litter, such as recycling and avoiding single-use plastics. This shows you are being a responsible tourist, helping to keep the environment clean and also helps you show respect for the local values. Not only that, you will make a positive impact

9. Avoid being overly informal in professional settings

-While it's known that a laid-back lifestyle is common in Australia, there's a time and place to be laid-back and there's a time and place to not to be laid-back. It can come off as disrespectful if you're being overly casual in what seems like a professional setting. Until you are told / invited to use first names, it's better to address someone by their title or surname. Ensure you dress appropriately and maintain a polite, professional form of communication in the workplace. This will show that you respect / understand their professional requirements. This will help you build relationships and show awareness of the unique culture of Australia, especially in formal settings. And, if you're unsure, ask. Ask how someone would like to be addressed. Let them know that the reason you ask is to ensure you do things the right way. Asking always works and shows you want to ensure you do things respectfully

10. Avoid mocking / overusing Australian slang

-Australia is known for its unique slang. Mocking it or overusing it can be seen as disrespectful. Listen to how the locals speak and adopt the slang occasionally. This gentle hand approach shows you respect the locals culture without looking as though you're trying to fit in too hard

Fun Facts About Kentucky

This state is just south of Ohio. In fact, all you have to do is cross the Ohio River and you're in Kentucky. This state is known as the Bluegrass State. It's because of the specific species of grass that grows here that has a bluish-green tinge to it. But there are quirky, interesting and unique facts about this state that even born and raised Kentuckians may not even know

https://www.google.com/search?q=fun+facts+about+kentucky&sca_esv=e3144f6254eef5eb&source=hp&ei=HZe9Z8ajA56XwbkPwO6VqQk&iflsig=ACkRmUkAAAAAZ72lLZL_9B9MzrzdmWUkI8FwKtXBqgwY&oq=fun+facts+about+&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IhBmdW4gZmFjdHMgYWJvdXQgKgIIBDIIEAAYgAQYsQMyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgARI9-AGUIO-Bliu0AZwAXgAkAEAmAFooAGBCaoBBDE1LjG4AQPIAQD4AQGYAhGgApAKqAIKwgIKEAAYAxjqAhiPAcICChAuGAMY6gIYjwHCAhEQLhiABBixAxjRAxiDARjHAcICCxAAGIAEGLEDGIMBwgILEC4YgAQY0QMYxwHCAg4QLhiABBixAxjRAxjHAcICERAuGIAEGNQCGMcBGI4FGK8BwgILEAAYgAQYkgMYigXCAggQLhiABBjUAsICCBAuGIAEGLEDwgILEAAYgAQYsQMYigXCAg4QLhiABBjHARiOBRivAcICCBAAGIAEGMkDwgIOEAAYgAQYsQMYgwEYyQPCAggQABiABBiSA8ICDhAAGIAEGLEDGMkDGIoFmAMY8QWkcdWvQFdgvZIHBDE2LjGgB5Rt&sclient=gws-wiz

-The world's largest Toyota plant outside of Japan resides in Georgetown, Kentucky

-Kentucky was the first place that Thomas Alva Edison introduced the lightbulb to

-In Henderson, Kentucky, in 1887, the first Mother's Day was held

-In the Appalachian Region of Kentucky, bluegrass music got its start

-Bardstown, Kentucky is called the Bourbon Capital of the World for the massive number of bourbon distilleries, from Jim Beam in Clermont, Kentucky to Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey and more

-The massively successful Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) got its start in Corbin, Kentucky. It started out being sold out of a gas station, but when Harlan Sanders realized he was selling more chicken than gas, he decided to make a restaurant to sell his chicken. And the rest is history

-Kentucky is known as the "horse capital of the world"

-Cumberland Falls is one of the very few places in the US where you can witness a "moonbow"

https://library.louisville.edu/ekstrom/gov_states/kyfacts

Chewing gum was invented in Louisville, Kentucky in 1873 by a pharmacist named John Colgan

Cave City, Kentucky features a hotel whose rooms are shaped like Native American teepees. This Wigwam Village was built in 1937 by Frank A. Redford

Kentucky is home to more resort and state parks than any other state

https://www.movoto.com/guide/ky/kentucky-facts/

Duncan Hines, the creator of the famous cake mix named after himself, was born and raised in Bowling Green, Kentucky

There is a continuously burning underground coal fire in Breathitt County, Kentucky called the Lost Mountain Coal Mine. It's been abandoned for over 40 years and it's burning for nearly that long, if not longer

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https://www.visitlex.com/guides/post/14-fun-facts-about-central-kentucky/

Quite a few famous names come from Kentucky. Actors George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Josh Hutcherson, actress Jennifer Lawrence, boxer Muhammad Ali, bluegrass musician Ricky Skaggs, country musician Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, Naomi Judd

Multiple big names in bourbon production are located in Kentucky. Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam, Four Roses, Buffalo Trace, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey. They are part of the iconic "Bourbon Trail"

https://funworldfacts.com/kentucky-america/

Originally, the only inhabitants of Kentucky were the Cherokee, Chickasaw and Shawnee people. Now people in those tribes only make up 0.2% of Kentucky's population

Kentucky is the second largest producer of tobacco after North Carolina

Kentucky also holds the record for highest percentage of cigarette smokers, with 28.8% being men and 27.8% being women

This fact is not fun at all. It's actually scary and sad. It's known to locals as the Beverly Hills Fire. This nightclub, called The Beverly Hills Supper Club, burned to the ground on 5/28/1977, taking 165 lives with it, either directly at the club or as a result of their injuries. This club was located in the Kentucky city of Southgate, overlooking I-471. This fire was said to be one of the region's most devastating fires, thought to have been caused by faulty electrical wiring in a small room called the Zebra Room. Over 2000 people were crammed into the building that night, due to various events, such as musician Tommy Davidson performing in the Cabaret Room, the main large entertainment area. Or a local choral group holding a dinner there in one of the rooms on the second floor, along with several weddings and receptions taking place in the garden rooms outside. The building was well over safe capacity for people. And because of this fire, fire inspectors mandated that signs posting the capacity for rooms be posted in buildings along with updated fire safety

https://thefactfile.org/kentucky-facts/

Harrodsburg was the first permanent settlement in Kentucky. Established in 1774 as Fort Harrod, the settlement was named after the man who was supervising the construction, James Harrod

Kentucky is the second largest provider of hardwood after Florida. The reason being that 48% of Kentucky is covered with forests

Kentucky has a mountain. Called Black Mountain, it rises to a staggering height of 4,145 above sea level. To climb it, you must sign a waiver. It's located near Paducah, at the most southwestern tip of Kentucky

There are more than 11,000 elk roaming in Kentucky. This means Kentucky is home to the largest population of elk on the eastern coast of the United States

The best baseball museum outside of Cooperstown, New York is the Louisville Slugger Museum

Transylvania University in Lexington is extremely selective about the students they choose to admit. Chartered in 1780, it never grew into a massive university. It's considered to be the oldest university west of the Allegheny Mountains

1877 seen the highest railroad bridge over navigable water opening. The Nicholasville High Bridge in Jessamine County is 1,125 long and 275 feet

While Kentucky features many lakes, only three are natural. The rest are man made

Post-It Notes were invented in Kentucky by complete mistake. Spencer Silver, an employee at 3M, was trying to create an adhesive for use in aerospace technology in 1968. While his invention failed, it resulted in a new creation. The new result was that his adhesive didn't leave sticky residue on anything. Post-It Notes originated in Cynthiana, Kentucky

Kentucky bourbon was invented by Elijah Craig, a Baptist minister. He created the drink in 1785

https://lextoday.6amcity.com/city-guide/live/interesting-facts-lexington-kentucky

Clark County, Kentucky, the the neighbor to the east of Lexington, Kentucky, is said to be home of the popular snack Beer Cheese

In Lexington, Belle's Cocktail House is named after local madam Belle Brezing. She ran a high class brothel in the Victorian days, using the Mary Todd Lincoln home as her brothel. It's said she was the inspiration for Gone with the Wind character Belle Watling

Belle Brezing

The first African American congregation in Kentucky was established in 1790. It was the First African Baptist Church. It's also the third largest African American congregation in the US

-Lexington has a yearly tradition of reenacting the Michael Jackson video "Thriller." Around Halloween every year, people gather in the downtown area to recreate the famous dance scenes

https://www.factretriever.com/kentucky-facts

Louisville is home to the Kentucky Derby, one of the largest and most popular horse racing events in America. It's also one of the oldest continuously running events in America

Mammoth Cave is the longest running cave system in the world. It runs for 400 miles underneath Kentucky

The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial features a sundial that, in shadow, touches the name of each person on the date they died

All Chevrolet Corvettes since 1981 were manufactured in Kentucky

Because of climate change, Kentucky and neighboring states have seen an increase in tornadoes

16 Nutty Facts About Squirrels

People either love squirrels or hate squirrels. These adorable little critters always make an appearance in gardens, especially if bird feeders are present. They are highly intelligent, but also goofy at the same time. Their antics make one giggle. According to MSN.com writer Shaunacy Ferro, here are 16 nutty facts about our furry friends of the forest in honor of National Squirrel Appreciation Day, which is on January 21 of every year

1. Squirrels are amazing jumpers

-These little critters can really jump. According to a study done by researchers at the National University of Singapore, plantain squirrels can jump more than 8 feet from a tree stump to a feeding area. Flying squirrels can travel farther, because of the flap of skin between their hands and feet, acting as a sort of sail, allowing them to glide

2. Squirrels are organized

-A study done in 2017 found that squirrels are more organized than most humans. They store nuts based on type. They were given a mix of nuts consisting of walnuts, pecans, almonds and hazelnuts and the squirrels used in the study took time to place each nut type in its own spot. It may have even been discovered that they separate nuts based on size

3. Squirrels can be forgetful, and it's their forgetfulness that helps grow new trees

-Tree squirrels are extremely important for the growth of new trees. While they take care to plant nuts in specific spots, they will tend to forget where they buried them from time to time. This forgetfulness has an important result-new trees. The acorns they bury result in new oak trees growing and more acorns for squirrels

4. Squirrels help truffles grow

-Truffles are a type of mushroom that grows underground. Unlike other mushrooms who spread spores through the air, truffles spread their spores through animals picking up the spores and carrying them and eventually depositing the spores elsewhere. Most squirrels eat truffles and when they relieve themselves, the spores come out on to the forest floor and start growing

5. Squirrels are one of the few mammals that can come down a tree head first

-Squirrel's ankles can rotate 180 degrees, allowing them the fantastic feat of going down a tree head first. They can rotate their paws to go up the tree just as fast

6. Several towns are battling it out for "Home of the White Squirrel"

-White squirrels are pretty rare, as are black squirrels. Squirrels tend to be a popular mascot for a lot of towns. There are various cities fighting to be known as the "Home of the White Squirrel." Those cities include Brevard, North Carolina, Kenton, Tennessee, Marionville, Missouri, Exeter, Ontario, Canada. Olney, Illinois is the city with the highest population of white squirrels. Local law states it's at least a $750 fine from the local police for killing one of these furry critters. They even have the legal right of way on roads. Even the city keeps a census on the creature. As of 1997, local government decided that cats were a threat to these majestic creatures and urged local residents to keep their cats from running loose. 2002 saw a 100 year White Squirrel Celebration. This involved a monument being created and even a "squirrel blessing" by a local priest. The police wore special squirrel-themed patches for the event

7. Squirrels could aid in research for strokes

-It might sound like something out of a fantasy, but it's becoming a reality. Since ground squirrels hibernate in the winter, and their brain functions during that time, scientists have been using this as a research to form new drugs to reduce the brain damage caused by strokes. When ground squirrels hibernate, they can lower their body temperature to as low as 26.7 degrees Fahrenheit. During this period, squirrels' brains undergo cellular changes to help adjust with reduced blood flow. Scientists are researching drugs that could mimic that process, only in the human brain, preventing cells from death when blood flow to the brain is reduced during strokes

8. Squirrel fur might have been how leprosy was spread in the Middle Ages

-In the 9th century, it was thought squirrels spread leprosy. Scientists believe that Vikings, who often had squirrel furs, helped unintentionally introduce the disease into other parts of Europe

9. Squirrels can do more damage than hackers

-There is a website called Cyber Squirrel 1 that documents every record of a squirrel or other animals causing mayhem to power services. This site goes back as far as 1987. There have been more than 1100 squirrel-related power outages across the world. In a 2016 survey concerning public power utilities, wildlife was the top cause for power outages. With most power companies, squirrels are the number one suspect

10. Squirrels heat up their tails to fend off predators

-California ground squirrels have an interesting way of fending off would-be attackers. Like cats, squirrels can puff up in defense mode. Squirrels will wave its tail at a would-be attacker to show its strength. When these attackers can sense the heat coming off of them, they back off

11. Squirrels are the best way of determining if a forest is healthy

-Scientists look at the local squirrel population to determine if a forest is healthy. Forests depend on seeds, spores and more to grow and support a good ecosystem. High populations of squirrels tell scientists that a forest is doing excellent, and providing more than enough food for not just squirrels, but other animals as well. Dwindling squirrel populations tell scientists that there is something wrong, whether it be logging, fires or other forest-changing events

12. Squirrels are liars

-Gray squirrels can deceive both humans and other squirrels. When burying their food, they will keep an eye on the area, and "pretend" to bury something and then pat the dirt down. This fools other squirrels into thinking there is food there, when there is really nothing. The squirrel will actually have the food in its mouth to bury in another spot. It's called tactical deception

13. Squirrels were once America's most popular choice of pet

-Most states require a permit to keep squirrels as pets, since they are wild animals. Once upon a time, it was commonplace to have a squirrel as a pet. Warren G. Harding, one of the Presidents of the United States, kept a squirrel named Pete. He would bring Pete to White House meetings, where members of the cabinet would bring nuts. Pet squirrel ownership has dwindled due to exotic animal laws

14. Just one squirrel can attract more squirrels

-In the 1800s, American cities rarely saw wildlife. In the summer of 1856, a gray squirrel escaped from its cage inside a New York apartment and earned a write up in The New York Times. The paper's article stated several hundred people gathered to stare at the tree where the squirrel was located and they tried to entice it down. It took a police officer to disperse the crowd. Unfortunately, the fate of the squirrel was not mentioned

15. Squirrels were used to teach compassion in the 19th century

-The mid-1800s seen squirrels being introduced into city parks. It was a chance for city dwellers to witness wild life at its most unique. It also taught young boys a lesson. Observing / feeding wild squirrels was seen as a way of turning boys away from cruelty. Ernest Thompson Seton, founder of the Boy Scouts, said in a 1914 article that cities should have "missionary squirrels" for boys to learn how to befriend them. He thought this was a great way to have boys learn compassion and sympathy. Feeding squirrels was also considered an act of charity. It was thought that, even if you couldn't provide charity for a human being, providing charity for the squirrels was a good way to give back

16. Squirrels hate tax season too

-Not present in big cities, most of the US was once overrun with squirrels. In Ohio, the main breed of squirrel is Eastern Gray Squirrel. Once there was such a large population of squirrels that they caused farmers to want to hunt them to reduce the numbers. 1807 seen the Ohio General Assembly adding squirrel bodies on top of their taxes. Taxpayers had to submit a minimum of 10 squirrel pelts to the town clerk a year. 

Be Bear-Smart When Going Camping

It's only natural that when you go camping in the wilderness, that you're bound to encounter local wildlife. Especially bears. Bears can be dangerous because of their fast speed at which they can run, their long, sharp claws and their immense size. Here are some tips on how to stay bear-smart when camping.

According to the Ontario government's Bear Wise program, here are some tips they recommend on camping with bears in the area

Know your bears!

-Educate yourself on the various species of bear. There are numerous species of bear, from grizzly bears to polar bears to black bears and more. Depending on the region of the world you're in, you're bound to have at least one species of bear native to that area! In the US and Canada, there are three major species of bear: grizzly, black and polar.

Black bears aren't always black

-The only reason people call this particular species of bear black bears is because their fur is mostly black. This is the most common species of bear and is most often found in mountainous regions, like in parts of Canada and even in places like Gatlinburg, Tennessee. These bears can be black, blue-black, dark brown, cinnamon colored or even white

Grizzly Bears

-Mostly found in Western Canada and the United States, grizzlies are much larger than black bears and are more aggressive. They come in a wide array of colors, from blonde to dark brown

Polar Bears

-The fuzzy Alaskan and Northern cousins to the black bear and grizzly bear. These bears are particularly found in cold regions and are known for their fuzzy white fur. They are also said to hunt humans

Preventing Encounters

-The best tip to stay safe is to avoid encountering these large animals if you see them in the wild. Stay away from them if you see them. It's okay to take pictures of them, as long as you are doing it at a distance to where they don't feel you are threatening them

Never surprise a bear

-This could be a fatal decision. When hiking, make noise when walking through the woods. This alerts bears in the area that you are coming. Bears will only attack if they feel threatened. Otherwise, they will turn and run. Bears don't like to be surprised. Making noise gives them time to make a getaway

Make noise

-Sing, use a bear bell, do anything to make noise. Making noise will let wildlife, especially bears, know you are coming, and they will run away. Purchase a "bear bell" to attach to you, your children or dog so they make noise when they move

Travel in groups or hike with friends

-Never travel alone in the wilderness. Bears are far less likely to approach a large group of people. Travel in groups for safety

Keep a safe distance

-Maintaining a safe distance not only keeps you safe, but it also allows the bear to stay safe. It will tell the bear that you are not a threat to them. If you see bears out in the wild, stay at least 100 feet away. You can take pictures or use binoculars, but do not approach the bear!

Keep a clean campsite!

-Bears love nothing more than food. If you have a messy campsite with food containers strewn about, then it's only natural that bears are going to smell the food and come to investigate. Bears have a highly strong sense of smell. Do not store food in your tent. Maintain a clean campsite and put food in a tightly locked cooler

Hang up your food

-It might sound strange, but if you use bear-resistant bags to hang food up in a tree, hang it up at least 4 meters off the ground and and 1 meter away from the trunk. While bears are good climbers, they won't be able to climb that high

Keep your dog tethered on a leash

-It's only natural that a dog will want to chase wildlife. Anyone who has walked a dog in a park can attest to their dog wanting to chase squirrels. Out in the wilderness, especially if you are camping in bear country, it's important to keep dogs safe by keeping them tethered on a leash or harness. A dog roaming freely could incite a defensive attack on the bear's part, or the bear could chase the dog back to their owner

Don't bother a bear!

-This is not a good idea. If you see a bear in the distance, simply stay away. Bears are dangerous and unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened. Simply leave the area and give the bear its space

Stay calm

-The last thing you want to do in a bear situation is panic. Staying calm tells the bear you are not a threat to them. Hearing you talk to them in a calm, clear voice that is not yelling, but calmly talking will tell them you are not a threat to them

Take shelter if you can

-If you have to, take shelter inside a vehicle or building if you encounter a bear

Do not run!

-If you think that, for one second, you can out run a bear, you're fatally mistaken. Bears can run at incredibly fast speeds. And with the weight of muscle behind them, that makes them even faster! They can run up to 50 km/hour and they respond to quick movement. The best way to escape the situation is to remain calm and back away slowly, keeping your eyes to the ground. Like any animal, if you look a bear directly in the eyes, they may take that as a challenge

If the bear is calm, keep quiet

-If you're yelling, then the bear is going to react to that. If you're calm, then the bear is going to react to that. If the bear is calm, quiet and not showing any sort of aggressive behavior, such as clawing at the ground, moaning or growling, the best option would be to avoid spooking the bear. Speak softly and calmly to the bear as you slowly back away. This will tell the bear you are not a threat

If the bear becomes aggressive...

-...then get noisy. Bears don't like noise. If they are exhibiting aggressive behavior, bang pots, make any kind of noise. This will make you seem scary and hopefully scare the bear off

Make yourself big

-It sounds strange, but if you make yourself seem bigger, the bear will be impressed with your size and decide it isn't worth the risk of injury to itself. This is only recommended if the bear is showing aggressive behavior

Don't climb a tree

-As mentioned before, in the tip about hanging food from a tree, bears are excellent climbers. Despite the popular myth that climbing up a tree will protect you from bears, it won't work. Bears are excellent climbers and will follow you right up the tree

Don't play dead

-This is an urban myth that doesn't work. Like the concept of climbing up a tree to avoid bears. Playing dead will not deter a bear. Authorities firmly believe that if you are attacked by a bear, the best option is to fight back as good as you can

When you encounter a mother bear with cubs

-The only time "playing dead" will work is in situations where you encounter a mother bear with her cubs. She is clearly not out looking for food. She will leave you alone as long as you leave her alone. Roll into a fetal position to protect vital organs

Bear Spray - Use as Needed

-When camping in bear country, it's a good idea to have what is called "bear spray". It's important to know how to use it. It can deter bears from coming closer or even attacking

41 Memoirs Everyone Should Read

In relation to World Book Day, Reader's Digest came up with a list of 41 memoirs they believe everyone should read at least once.

Some of these may not be everyone's cup of tea; it entirely depends on who people want to read about

1. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

-If you're a fan of the alternative pop group Japanese Breakfast, you'll love the memoir (released in 2021) about Michelle Zauner. She grew up American born, but of Korean ancestry in Oregon, where there were not many other children of Asian descent. She bonded with her family over the meals of her culture in her grandmother's apartment and battled with her mother's expectations to pursue music as a career. After hearing her mother was diagnosed with terminal-stage cancer, Michelle returned home to act as caregiver and come to terms with various things her mother has passed down

2. Spare by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex

-Released on Jan. 10, 2023, this memoir is about one of the Dukes of Sussex, Harry. He's also one of the sons of the late Princess Diana Spencer. This is an honest look at the ups, downs and everything in between that shaped him as a person. He talks about his childhood, his military service in Afghanistan, and more recent happenings such as becoming a husband and father. The title is inspired by the phrase "an heir and a spare", referencing his status as King Charles's second son and dealing with the grief of losing his mother at a young age

3. Solito by Javier Zamora

-This story is about a 9 year old named Javier. He grew up in El Salvador, raised by his loving aunt and grandparents. One day, he decides to set out on a journey, 3,000 miles away, to join his parents in America. He is alone, but he joins a group of other migrants who use a "coyote" (professional people smuggler), who promises the group it will only take two weeks. Javier makes the trip successfully, and considers the migrants in his group as extended family. His journey actually took two months, as he recalls thirst from the hot deserts, fear of being caught, love and kindness. He eventually grew up to be a poet

4. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

-Despite the suggestive title, it does contain a bit of dark humor. It seems the relationship between Jennette McCurdy and her mother wasn't as rosy as one would think. This memoir, which came out in 2022, details the life of the actress best known for teen-type shows like iCarly and Sam and Cat. She writes with striking honesty about her abusive mother, overbearing mother, whose only request was for her to become a movie star. Also add in eating disorders, addiction and her mother's premature death from cancer, which only added difficulty to the life of Jennette McCurdy. She quit acting to pursue therapy and released this hilarious memoir about trauma, healing and the need to discover your own independence

5. Departure Stories: Betty Crocker Made Matzoh Balls (And Other Lies) by Elisa Bernick

-Elisa Bernick mixes hilarious stories of growing up as a Jewish girl in a white Christian Minnesota suburb in the 1960s and 1970s, trauma from various generations, a family run by an unhappy wife along with recipes, jokes, scrapbook pieces, memories together to paint a picture of a dysfunctional family

6. The Yellow House by Sarah Broom

-In New Orleans, the home in which Sarah Broom was raised was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. She puts forth personal history and memories, such as being the youngest of 12 children, in her 2019 memoir

7. All the Way to the Tigers by Mary Morris

-Mary Morris took a trip to India and while there, got the chance to see Bengal tigers out in the wild, open and free. In her 2020 memoir, she calls them "the truly last wild things." This book mixes history, natural science, the significance of tigers and philosophy, personal dealings with Morris's past. She also notes how important tiger conservation is

8. Dimestore: A Writer's Life by Lee Smith

-Lee Smith is a Southern writer who took a vacation from writing novels and instead wrote a letter about her Appalachian upbringing. This is an honest, open eyed look into a way of life that no longer happens. This book, published in 2016, will give you a look into the life of the author and the world in which she grew up in

9. Threading My Prayer Rug by Sabeeha Rehman

-The author, Sabeeha Rehman, and her husband immigrated to New York 40+ years ago from Pakistan. They were both placed in an arranged marriage. When they set foot in New York, the culture shock was intense, to say the least. While remaining a devout Muslim, she was able to make friends with her neighbors while maintaining her faith. Not only did she raise a family, but she also advocates for interfaith understanding. This book debuted in 2017

10. Educated by Tara Westover

-Grit and resilience are two words to describe this 2018 book. Tara Westover was raised by survivalists in the mountains of Idaho and the only expectation of her by her parents to eventually become an obedient wife who doesn't question a thing. She fought to get an education. Despite the odds and various setbacks, she was able to make it to Harvard and earn a PhD from Cambridge University

11. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

-Paul Kalanithi is a neurosurgeon and a new father. He was only 36 when he got the bad news: he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. He goes from saving lives one day to losing his own the next day. In this 2015 memoir, he asks the most important question: What makes life worth living? Where do we find meaning? What do you do when your life has no future and ordinary goals no longer make sense? There was no cure for his cancer and he died in 2015. Despite his death, this book remains alive for the world to read

12. Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning by Cathy Park Hong

-This 2020 memoir in essay form is an important lesson about race, in particular Asian Americans. Cathy Park Hong is the daughter of Korean citizens who immigrated to a new land, and Hong explores the topics of family and friendship, shame and self doubt

13. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest by Cheryl Strayed

-Published in 2013, Cheryl Strayed felt her life was slipping from her at only 26. Her mother died, her marriage dissolved and she was depending on drugs to get her from day to day. With the mindset that she had nothing to lose, she decided to embark on a hike on the perilous Pacific Crest Trail, which is 1,000 miles long. She was completely unprepared for the hike, but it changed her in so many ways

14. On the Move: A Life by Oliver Sacks

-Oliver Sacks was a neurologist who wrote dozens of books. Prior to his 2015 death, he released this book, which gives readers an insight into the years before his death

15. Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

-Jesmyn ward explores institutional racism and poverty in this 2013 memoir. She recounts how five black men died within five years in and around the Mississippi community where they all were raised and living. One of the men was the brother of the author while the others were from the community. This book explores addiction and economic struggles

16. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

-After losing her father, naturalist Helen Macdonald processes her grief by adopting a hawk. Specifically, a goshawk she named Mabel. The wild tendencies of the bird mirror Macdonald's own feelings at the time. She details the goings on of her and her bird in this 2016 memoir

17. Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson

-Cicely Tyson, who passed away in January 2021, had released a memoir only days before. She was able to break racial barriers in a time when roles in acting were not plentiful for black actresses. She took roles that presented black women with realistic dignity. She won an Emmy, Oscar and Tony before her death at 96 and was able to inspire generations of people

18. Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

-If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be a scientist, read this 2016 memoir. Hope Jahren is a paleobiologist who specializes in plants and trees. She gives an insight into the work in the lab and field

19. Boy, Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith and Family by Garrard Conley

-The author was only 19 when his parents found out his secret: that he was gay. They pushed him to attend inpatient gay conversion therapy with the hope of making him heterosexual (straight). Released in 2016, this open, honest look shows the journey Garrard made as he came to terms with his sexuality and standing up for his own self. It sheds light on a dark practice that probably still goes on to this day

20. Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

-Susannah Calahan was a newspaper journalist who, at age 24, thought she was going insane. She would have uncontrollable outbursts and delusions that could be terrifying at times. Initially, her doctors thought she was abusing alcohol while others believed she was suffering a severe mental breakdown. There was hope when a doctor who took the time to treat her discovered the reason behind her unusual behavior. She was diagnosed with a rare but treatable autoimmune disorder called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. With her family by her side and her own perseverance, she was able to not only recover but also put together the pieces of a medical jigsaw puzzle that could have ended differently. This 2012 memoir went on to become a successful movie