Why do we fall in #love? Zebra finches speed #date and prove that #birds love just like humans do. - http://clapway.com/2015/09/15/zebra-finches-speed-dates-humans123/

A new speed-dating experiment conducted by researchers with the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Germany, gives the phrase “love birds” a whole new meaning. According to the study, the results of which are now published in the journal PLOS ONE, birds can form relationships in the same way humans do: by choosing a partner based on attraction and compatibility, according to UPI.

LOVE IS TRICKY, LOVE IS BLIND

For some time, researchers have questioned why the process of “falling in love” exists. Evolutionarily speaking, the act itself isn’t very smart – “pairing off is an expensive process,” as the Christian Science Monitor points out. This is not only true in regard to monetary investment (dates are expensive), but also in terms of Charles Darwin’s whole “survival of the fitness” spiel. After all, why do we as a species spend so much effort on one person when we can just forgo the pleasantries, throw back a few drinks and mass reproduce, right?

According to scientists, one species of bird might offer some answers. Amazingly enough, zebra finches select mates based on “characteristics known only to themselves.” This means that once a finch finds that special someone, it will spend the rest of its life with that person – err…bird – in a happy, chirp-worthy marriage.

WHAT ZEBRA FINCHES REVEAL ABOUT LOVE

This particular study involved 160 birds, divided into groups of 20 males and 20 females. As part of the speed-dating experiment, the zebra finches were allowed to pair off with a counterpart of their choice. Following this event, half of birds were permitted to remain together, while members of the other half were split apart and forced to pair with another partner.

The birds who “freely chose” each other had successful families at a 37 percent higher rate than the arranged couple, according to the Christian Science Monitor. They also produced more eggs and the newborns had higher survival rates or were healthier in general.

Interestingly enough, although males gave an equivalent amount of attention to their mates, whether forced or chosen, females appeared less interested in their partners if the pairing was arranged.

“The mechanisms behind such behavioral compatibility,” researchers wrote, “in terms of willingness or ability to cooperate with certain individuals and in terms of coordination between partners need further study, in particular in the context of offspring provisioning.”

In any case, the study gives some credence to the idea that mate choice and compatibility does play a significant role in the reproductive success of a species.

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WE EXPERIENCE INTENSE LOVE JUST LIKE ZEBRA FINCHES DO… ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh73AjBjCN0

Zebra Finches on Speed Dates Love Like Humans Do

A heartwarming tale for a Sunday night. - http://clapway.com/2015/07/12/even-with-terminal-cancer-love-gives-patient-the-best-day-of-his-life-235/

Having terminal cancer is not easy to deal with, even when the disease is treatable and the chances to become healthy again are quite high. Being told your cancer is in a terminal phase, is an information that steals even the last drop of happiness from people.

But a recent gesture and the overall attitude of a man who faces this problem, should be considered to be a lesson for many people, who aren’t able to enjoy the happiest moments of their lives even though they are healthy.

The Terminal Cancer Didn’t Stop Him from Enjoying His Wedding

Keith Borum married Nina Scott in a ceremony held at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip while the hospital staff assisted this fast-organized wedding.

Keith Borum is dealing with terminal diagnosis due to having non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. At the beginning, his chances of survival existed, but after battling the disease for 18 months, the doctors told him that his cancer would be terminal.

Despite the Pain and Discomfort Given by Terminal Cancer, Keith Showed Happiness

The man told the hospital staff that he had hoped to buy an engagement ring for Nina, who has been his girlfriend for three years. Since he wasn’t in the position to do anything alone, the hospital staff had to give him a hand. The nurses gathered the money needed in order to make Keith’s dream reality.

In addition to the wedding rings, there were also donated flowers, as well as a wedding cake.

The ceremony was held in his hospital room while everybody was dressed in medical gowns, in order to protect Keith from getting an infection.

Even though Keith was in a difficult situation since the disease made him so weak that he couldn’t even walk, during the wedding, he was able to feel happiness, enjoying every moment, even making a couple of jokes.

Facing Terminal Cancer, Keith Had “The Best Day of His Life”

When asked how he was feeling, the groom said that it was the best day of his life.

Even if Keith’s marriage won’t last as long as everyone would hope, his attitude was more than a loving gesture towards his girlfriend. His gesture can be an example for everyone, of how to enjoy all the happy moments in life.

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How sweet. Filmin has love on the mind as well:

Even With Terminal Cancer, Love Gives Patient "The Best Day of His Life"

"In the morning, you wake up and wonder if it was all a dream. Your roommates tell you that no, it in fact was not. Then, your crappy Italian cell phone pings." - http://clapway.com/2015/06/15/fire-and-ice-an-italian-love-story/

Falling in love in Italy is every girl’s dream, right? It is the adventure of a lifetime. We willingly let our imaginations travel into the unknown experience of what falling in love with an Italian will be like. Well, unfortunately, if you’re not careful, it can go downhill fast.

At first, you’re having innocent fun. You go to a bar without any intention on falling in love. You have a few drinks with your best friends, travel companions and random hostel acquaintances. Pretty soon, the wine is going to your head and men worthy of falling in love with are everywhere.

Italian men are nothing if not passionate. They are just as set on falling in love as you probably are; except to them, love means more than a one night stand.

You see him; he sees you; your eyes meet; and, cue the fireworks. Amidst the music, the summer heat, and the atmosphere your bodies are drawn toward one another, like cheese is to wine; you know you were meant to be, even if it’s just for the night.

“Hello,” he says in his sexy, sultry, Italian accent. He also tells you his name, but you can’t remember how to pronounce it. He buys you another drink, one that you don’t need, and you start dancing. No one else matters because you are falling in love; that’s what you tell yourself at least.

The night progresses way too fast, and before you know it the bar is closing down. At this point, you both are glued to each other and have no intention on letting go. He walks you outside and before you know it, he is kissing you. He kisses your neck, your lips, and your collarbone. His hands wander everywhere, and he has no regard for the fact that you are in a public square, surrounded by cobblestone roads and various couples.

You manage to breathe while he tells you he wants to see you again tomorrow. Eagerly, you nod your head and reach for your cheap Italian cell phone. You put in his number, then call him to make sure he has yours. Your friends spot you and drag you away, leaving you to the comfort and safety of your warm sheets, dreaming of your Italian love.

In the morning, you wake up and wonder if it was all a dream. Your roommates tell you that no, it in fact was not. Then, your crappy Italian cell phone pings.

“I can’t wait to see you tonight,” the message reads. Even over text you can imagine his sexy Italian accent. And you spend all day waiting for the night to come so you can sneak back to your Italian love.

Fire and Ice: An Italian Love Story