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A Pat on the Back Statistically Improves Free Throw Numbers in Basketball–Demonstrating the Power of Touch

A Pat on the Back Statistically Improves Free Throw Numbers in Basketball–Demonstrating the Power of Touch

Yannick Morin
April 11, 2024

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🗓️ Did you know that April 11th is sometimes celebrated as "National Pet Day" in the United States? It's a day dedicated to appreciating and spoiling our furry, scaly, or feathery friends. Whether it's giving them extra treats, taking them for a walk, or simply spending some quality time together, it's a day to show our pets just how much we love them!

A Pat on the Back Statistically Improves Free Throw Numbers in Basketball–Demonstrating the Power of Touch

Sylvia Fowles shoots a free throw, Minnesota Lynx vs Washington Mystics game at Capital One Arena, Washington DC – CC 3.0. Lorie Shaull, Flickr

Physical touch has a remarkable impact on stress levels, according to researchers from the University of Basel. They discovered that a simple hug or pat on the back can significantly reduce stress, even boosting free throw performance in collegiate basketball. This finding sheds light on the wisdom of therapist Virginia Satir's famous quote about needing hugs for survival, maintenance, and growth. In basketball, where free throws can decide the outcome of games, the supportive touch of teammates has been shown to improve shooting accuracy, particularly after a missed shot when stress levels are high.

The study, led by Christiane Büttner and published in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise, analyzed videos of women's basketball games to explore the link between teammate touch and free throw success. They found that the more supportive touches a shooter received from teammates, the higher the likelihood of scoring. This insight not only highlights the importance of teamwork in sports but also suggests that physical encouragement could enhance performance in various team settings, emphasizing the significance of stress management in competitive environments. (Source)

Dog That Flunked Out of Police Academy Becomes a Hero in Taiwan’s Earthquake Response

Credit – Kaohsiung Fire Department

Roger, the golden retriever with a heart of gold, may have flunked out of the police academy for being too lively, but he found his true calling as a hero in Taiwan's recent earthquake rescue efforts. When the quake struck the island's northern region, causing devastation and claiming lives, Roger's boundless energy and independent spirit proved invaluable in locating a missing victim buried in the rubble of a national park landslide. Despite not fitting the profile for a typical drug-sniffing dog, Roger's exuberance and determination captured the hearts of the nation as he showcased the qualities of a top-notch rescue canine.

Chen Chih-san, captain of the Kaohsiung Fire Department's rescue dog unit, recognized Roger's unique talents, noting that while he may not have been suited for narcotic detection work, his restless and independent nature made him a perfect fit for rescue operations. Roger's playful personality even made headlines when he couldn't resist grabbing a reporter's microphone during an interview, adding to his charm and endearment. With retirement on the horizon after a distinguished career spanning multiple rescue missions, Roger's legacy as a beloved hero with a nose for saving lives will endure, bringing closure and comfort to families impacted by tragedy. (Source)

Astronauts Watched the Eclipse From ISS Space Station And Grabbed Some Cool Pictures and Video

The astronauts aboard the International Space Station had front-row seats to an incredible celestial show as they soared past the solar eclipse on Monday. From their vantage point 260 miles above Earth, they witnessed the path of totality cast darkness over the Northeastern coast of the US and parts of Canada. As the Moon's shadow, known as the umbra, swept across Quebec, New Brunswick, and Maine, the crew snapped intriguing photos capturing the rare phenomenon unfolding below. However, the fleeting nature of the event became apparent as the ISS whizzed by at a staggering speed of 17,500 miles per hour, leaving the eclipse behind in its cosmic journey.

Among the seven crew members aboard the ISS were NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Tracy Dyson, alongside cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, and Alexander Grebenkin. They joined other satellites in capturing unique images of the eclipse, offering a remarkable perspective of the Moon's shadow blanketing portions of Canada and the US. This extraordinary moment not only provided valuable scientific data but also showcased the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet and its celestial dance with the cosmos. (Source)

✨ Quote of the day

"I think the most important thing about music is the sense of escape." - Jennifer Love Hewitt

✨Chart of the day

Population Projections: The World’s 6 Largest Countries in 2075 (Source)

Hit the picture to supersize it and save your peepers a strain 👇

Source: visualcapitalist

📰 Want to know what else is going down in this Wild World of ours?

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🎭 Yo, peeps! Time for the joke of the day!

Source: Jordan Carver

📸 Feast Your Eyes on Today's Stunning Snapshot Series: The Ever-Gorgeous Zendaya

A fun fact about Zendaya is that she originally rose to fame as a Disney Channel star, appearing in the series "Shake It Up" alongside Bella Thorne. However, Zendaya has since transitioned into a multifaceted career, showcasing her talents as an actress, singer, and fashion icon. She's known for her diverse roles in both film and television, as well as her advocacy for inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Zendaya made history by becoming the youngest winner of the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in the hit HBO series "Euphoria."

Let's get right back to the main event we've all been waiting for: those smoking hot Zendaya Instagram pictures!