Heroes
Irish busker singing 'You've Got a Friend in Me" to boy with non-verbal autism is pure beauty
03.05.21
A video of a busker in Dublin, Ireland singing "You've Got a Friend in Me" to a young boy with autism is going viral because it's just so darn adorable. The video was filmed over a year ago by Terence Power, the co-host of the popular "Talking Bollox Podcast."
It was filmed before face masks were required, so you can see the boy's beautiful reaction to the song.
Power uploaded it to TikTok because he had just joined the platform and had no idea the number of lives it would touch. "The support on it is unbelievable. I posted it on my Instagram a while back and on Facebook and the support then was amazing," he told Dublin Live.
"But I recently made TikTok and said I'd share it on that and I'm so glad I did now!" he continued.
<p>The video stars Power's younger brother, seven-year-old Edward Gilligan, who has non-verbal autism.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="780f84095c80bc7178956f7ba4b98dd8"><iframe type="lazy-iframe" data-runner-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HxXSF6Jeqhk?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span>
<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">Irish street performer sings 'You've Got a Friend In Me' to put at ease an autistic child😍</small>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxXSF6Jeqhk&ab_channel=QuickSocials" target="_blank">www.youtube.com</a>
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</p><p>The busker in the video is Mick McLoughlin, a regular performer on the streets of Dublin. He's also blown away by how people have responded to the video.<br></p><p>"The reaction to this video has blown my mind," he said according to Dublin Live. "Edward is my pal and always will be. He is such an amazing kid and couldn't believe I saw him that day on the Luas." </p><p>The Luas is a light-rail system that runs through Dublin.</p><p>McLoughlin and Edward have met many times on the train and the viral moment was a reunion of sorts.</p><p>"I didn't do this to get attention I did it because Edward is my pal and I hadn't seen him I ages and seen him on the Luas I couldn't not sing to my pal," <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mickmcloughlinbusker" target="_blank">he wrote on his Facebook page.</a></p><p>"He sings to my brother any time he sees him in town," Power said.</p><p>The video is adorable because of the way McLoughlin and the boy interact while he's singing the song. Edward can hardly contain his joy, as he laughs at McLoughlin's spirited rendition of the Disney classic.</p><p>Even though Edward can't express himself verbally, you can tell exactly how he's feeling by hearing his laughter and seeing the big smile on his face. The video is a perfect way to show why people call music "the universal language."</p><p>"You've Got a Friend in Me" is the perfect song for two friends reuniting who haven't seen each other in a while. What seven-year-old kid hasn't seen "Toy Story" a hundred times?</p><p>The song was written by Randy Newman for the first "Toy Story" film in 1995. The song would go on to become a major musical theme in the film's three sequels.</p><p>McLoughlan has a YouTube channel where you can hear him sing a mix of traditional Irish songs. He also does a fantastic version of John Lennon's "Imagine."</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-youtube">
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<small class="image-media media-caption" placeholder="Add Photo Caption...">imagine John Lennon cover by Mick mc loughlin #mickthebusker</small>
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We're redefining what normal means in these uncertain times, and although this is different for all of us, love continues to transform us for the better.
Love is what united Marie-Claire and David Archbold, who met while taking a photography class. "We went into the darkroom to see what developed," they joke—and after a decade of marriage, they know firsthand the deep commitment and connection romantic love requires.
All photos courtesy of Marie-Claire and David Archbold
However, their relationship became even sweeter when they adopted James: a little boy with a
huge heart.
In the United States alone, there are roughly 122,000 children awaiting adoption according to the latest report from the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. While the goal is always for a child to be parented by and stay with their biological family, that is not always a possibility. This is where adoption offers hope—not only does it create new families, it gives birth parents an avenue through which to see their child flourish when they are not able to parent. For the right families, it's a beautiful thing.
The Archbolds knew early on that adoption was an option for them. David has three daughters from a previous marriage, but knowing their family was not yet complete, the couple embarked on a two-year journey to find their match. When the adoption agency called and told them about James, they were elated. From the moment they met him, the Archbolds knew he was meant to be part of their family. David locked eyes with the brown-eyed baby and they stared at each other in quiet wonder for such a long time that the whole room fell silent. "He still looks at me like that," said David.
The connection was mutual and instantaneous—love at first sight. The Archbolds knew that James was meant to be a part of their family. However, they faced significant challenges requiring an even deeper level of commitment due to James' medical condition.
James was born with
congenital hyperinsulinism, a rare condition that causes his body to overproduce insulin, and within 2 months of his birth, he had to have surgery to remove 90% of his pancreas. There was a steep learning curve for the Archbolds, but they were already in love, and knew they were committed to the ongoing care that'd be required of bringing James into their lives. After lots of research and encouragement from James' medical team, they finally brought their son home.
Today, three-year-old James is thriving, filled with infectious joy that bubbles over and touches every person who comes in contact with him. "Part of love is when people recognize that they need to be with each other," said his adoptive grandfather. And because the Archbolds opted for an open adoption, there are even more people to love and support James as he grows.
This sweet story is brought to you by Sumo Citrus®. This oversized mandarin is celebrated for its incredible taste and distinct looks. Sumo Citrus is super-sweet, enormous, easy-to-peel, seedless, and juicy without the mess. Fans of the fruit are obsessive, stocking up from January to April when Sumo Citrus is in stores. To learn more, visit sumocitrus.com and @sumocitrus.
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A college student who was fed up with his classmate has gone viral for calling out his own ignorance
08.08.19
You know that feeling you get when you walk into a classroom and see someone else's stuff on your desk?
OK, sure, there are no assigned seats, but you've been sitting at the same desk since the first day and everyone knows it.
So why does the guy who sits next to you put his phone, his book, his charger, his lunch, and his laptop in the space that's rightfully yours? It's annoying!
<p>All you want to do was walk in, sit down, get out your notebook and (try to) pay attention. But now? Now you've got to talk to a stranger about moving their stuff and there goes your day, already bogged down with petty annoyances.</p><p>Sound familiar? It should. </p><p>We've all got so much to do these days that interacting with people we see every day — not our friends, but our classmates, fellow commuters, co-workers, the people in line for coffee with us every day — can feel like a burden. </p><p>So, when these people do something we perceive as annoying, like putting their stuff on our desks, we don't have the time or the energy to assume their intentions or think about the lives they're leading. </p><p>But if we stepped out of ourselves for a second, we might just realize that we're all much more connected than we think, that our preconceived notions of others are usually just that — preconceived. And, often, inaccurate.</p><p>That's why this Twitter story about a guy who learned an important life lesson from a classmate he was frustrated with is going viral. </p><p>It's the perfect example of that "don't judge a book by its cover" adage we should have all learned in preschool but sometimes forget. And it starts the exact same way as this post — with a college student groaning on the inside as he sees someone's stuff on his desk. </p><div id="eee9e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="V1L9NG1565719086"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334328620011520" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Hey guys, I know I usually just post shitty jokes on my Twitter but bear with me because I wanted to share somethin… https://t.co/akgh4o7wNy</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334328620011520">1523280148.0</a></blockquote></div><div id="dabe2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="Z99REZ1565719087"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334330121510912" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">barely speaks English. The most advanced thing I've heard this guy say in English is "Wow, my muffin is really good… https://t.co/UeNtGqzktS</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334330121510912">1523280148.0</a></blockquote></div><br><div id="7a9f1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="O9K3WL1565719087"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334332935868416" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">I was ALWAYS annoyed with this guy. I'm thinking "Dude, you know I sit in this seat every day. Why are you always s… https://t.co/am1nNvLqNE</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334332935868416">1523280149.0</a></blockquote></div><div id="b37f8" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="CT1A1A1565719087"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334334789832704" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">But today I came to class and was running a few minutes late. I'm standing outside because I had to send a quick te… https://t.co/AEZqFuDwDr</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334334789832704">1523280149.0</a></blockquote></div><div id="65350" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="JXHCY41565719087"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334336022896640" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">As I'm standing there on my phone another guy who was also late walks into the class before me and tried to take my… https://t.co/IfLRfNyPBi</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334336022896640">1523280149.0</a></blockquote></div><div id="1966e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="RVXXRG1565719087"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334337327370242" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">It was then that I realized this guy wasn't putting stuff on my seat to annoy me. He was saving me the seat every m… https://t.co/D6KzZecdqQ</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334337327370242">1523280150.0</a></blockquote></div><div id="82a6b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="WDGTU21565719087"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334338996658177" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">I ended up going into class and of course he cleared the seat and said "Ah, Tom. You here. Okay." And I did get a h… https://t.co/VOYPDnL2em</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334338996658177">1523280150.0</a></blockquote></div><div id="7a88e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="AZ42RQ1565719087"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334341131538432" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">The guy moved here from the Middle East to pursue a college education in America. He plans to go back after he gets… https://t.co/IUpWCCLtwN</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334341131538432">1523280151.0</a></blockquote></div><div id="ce92e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="XAKSXP1565719087"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334342473797632" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">I asked him how he liked America as well. He said he misses his family but it's exciting to be here. He also said "… https://t.co/2aSbFRRJOl</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334342473797632">1523280151.0</a></blockquote></div><div id="b691d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="I16YHZ1565719088"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet twitter-custom-tweet" data-twitter-tweet-id="983334343841075201" data-partner="rebelmouse"><div style="margin:1em 0">Moral of the story? Don't do what I do and constantly only think about yourself. It took me nearly the entire semes… https://t.co/z8gYObep25</div> — Thomas McFall (@Thomas McFall)<a href="https://twitter.com/thomas___mcfall/statuses/983334343841075201">1523280151.0</a></blockquote></div><p>If not for this one day running late, McFall may have never realized what his classmate was trying to do. And he may have continued to think of him as annoying, maybe telling others about "the weird guy who was always trying to take up my space"... when all the guy was really trying to do was be kind. </p><p>We all misinterpret the actions of others sometimes. It's easy to do that! </p><p>But if there's one thing this story reminds us, it's that it's important to stop and remember that while you're living your life, other people are living theirs, so assuming best intentions can do us a great favor. </p><p>That's why we should step outside of our bubbles and engage with the world on a regular basis. </p><p>You could make a new friend. You might brighten someone's day. </p><p>But most importantly, getting out of your own head, checking your own biases, and giving others the benefit of the doubt will make you a more compassionate person. </p><p>You don't have to engage with everyone you meet, but the next time someone smiles and offers you a high-five? </p><p>Maybe just take them up on it. </p><p><em>This article was originally published on April 16, 2018.</em></p>
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In a beautiful act of defiance, BYU's LGBT students lit up 'Y Mountain' in rainbow colors
03.05.21
The dark mountains that overlook Provo, Utah were illuminated by a beautiful rainbow-colored "Y" on Thursday night just before 8 pm. The 380-foot-tall "Y" overlooks the campus of Brigham Young University, a private college owned by the Utah-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as Mormons.
The display was planned by a group of around 40 LGBT students to mark the one-year anniversary of the university sending out a letter clarifying its stance on homosexual behavior.
"One change to the Honor Code language that has raised questions was the removal of a section on 'Homosexual Behavior.' The moral standards of the Church did not change with the recent release of the General Handbook or the updated Honor Code, " the school's statement read.
<p>"Same-sex romantic behavior cannot lead to eternal marriage and is therefore not compatible with the principles included in the Honor Code," it continued.</p><p>The clarification to the Honor Code came after a section banning "all forms of physical intimacy that give expression to homosexual feelings" was removed. LGBT students saw it as a signal that the university was softening its strict anti-LGBT policies. The removal inspired many to take photos of same-sex kisses in front of university landmarks and others to come out of the closet because they believed they were safe.</p><p>"That day felt like a betrayal for a lot of LGBTQ students," Bradley Talbot, a gay student who organized the event, said according to the<a href="https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2021/03/05/lgbtq-students-byu-light/" target="_blank"> Salt Lake City Tribune. </a>"It was traumatic. So this was a day for us to reclaim that and try to turn it into something positive."</p><div id="ef865" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="7b9b0611efa964aa1cd024c678388291">
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<div style="margin:1em 0">There are an estimated 4,357 LGBTQ+ students at BYU. Tonight is for all of them.❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤 https://t.co/kkzuXkvC8L</div> — calvin burke (@calvin burke)
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<div style="margin:1em 0">Grateful for the great work being done at BYU to help LGBTQ students feel loved, valued and welcome 🌈 https://t.co/cYG8UgpwlH</div> — Papa Ostler (@Papa Ostler)
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<div style="margin:1em 0">Light 'em up, BYU. https://t.co/Mp5oz683Ct https://t.co/oOnb1v0ctC</div> — Joshua Rush (@Joshua Rush)
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</div><p>"If BYU won't show their love to us, we're going to make sure our love is visible to them," Danny Niemann, a senior and gay student at the school, said before climbing the hill to light up the "Y."<br></p><p>After the group of LGBT students turned off the lights and headed back down the mountain, they were met by police cars from the university, but no arrests were made. On the trailhead they were greeted by supporters who blasted "Born This Way" and "I Kissed a Girl" from their car speakers.</p><p>The university wasn't impressed by the display.</p><div id="dc08f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0429ca9694b4a92eefdb93b0aece1c7c">
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<div style="margin:1em 0">The Y is BYU property and any form of public expression on university property requires prior approval.</div> — BYU (@BYU)
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</div><p>The LDS Church has a long history of being anti-LGBT. All homosexual or same-sex sexual activity is forbidden by The Church and it believes that god doesn't approve of same-sex marriage.<br></p><p>Therefore, all homosexual members are presented with three unhealthy lifestyle options. They can either attempt to change their sexual orientation, marry someone of the opposite sexual orientation or live a celibate lifestyle. </p><p>The lighting of the "Y" was applauded by Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds, a former BYU student and member of the LDS Church. Reynolds has a long history of supporting pro-LGBT causes.</p><div id="e6950" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d1b1d55c6f28cecd15cfe015de8e5e12">
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<div style="margin:1em 0">hey @BYU this is an opportunity for you to celebrate your LGBTQ students. they do make up ~13% of your student body… https://t.co/7SwUXIdyyW</div> — Dan Reynolds (@Dan Reynolds)
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</div><p>The church has softened some of its anti-LGBT positions over the last few years. In 2019, it reversed a 2015 decision that classified people in same-sex marriages as "apostates." It also allowed children from LGBT marriages to be baptized.<br></p><p>The LDS Church has a long history of bigotry, but LGBT members should find some solace that it has changed with the times, albeit decades too late. From the mid-1800s until 1978 it prevented most Black men from being ordained to the church's lay priesthood, barred Black men and women from participating in the ordinances of its temples, and opposed interracial marriage.</p><p>The priesthood is bestowed upon "worthy" males and allows them to perform the work of god.</p><p>In 1978, President Spencer W. Kimball, received a "revelation" that allowed Black men to be part of the priesthood.</p><p>In 2013,<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2013/mar/05/mormons-black-priests-ban" target="_blank"> the Church admitted</a> its stances were motivated by bigotry.</p><p>Maybe the church can have a similar revelation that mirrors the times and will allow LGBT people the same rights as straight Mormons. </p>
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