If you see this beautiful purple thing washed ashore on the sand this summer, DO NOT touch it

For those fortunate enough to have some disposable income earmarked for a summer getaway (yes, vacations are becoming quite the luxury these days), here’s a crucial heads-up: keep your eyes peeled!

There exists a stunning purple specimen that occasionally washes ashore on beaches, and let me tell you, it’s not something you want to handle or, for that matter, taste!

Believe it or not, there have been instances where influencers have deemed it fit to sample these venomous “adorable” entities.

As alluring and exotic as they may seem, Portuguese man-of-war pose a significant threat to human well-being.

These sea dwellers resemble captivating blue or purple-hued bubbles bobbing on the water’s surface, adorned with lengthy, dark purple tentacles trailing beneath them.

However, it’s precisely these tentacles that make encounters with Portuguese man-of-war perilous, as they’re brimming with venom and proficient at administering a painful sting.

Whether encountered in the water or on the shoreline, these creatures should be steered clear of, as they retain their sting-inducing capabilities even days after being washed ashore, regardless of their apparent state of decay.

A brush with these deceptively charming organisms can lead to a range of ailments, including cardiac distress, fever, shock, painful inflammation, allergic reactions resulting in breathing difficulties, paralysis, and in rare instances, death.

In the unfortunate event of a sting, forget about the age-old myth of urinating on the affected area! Instead, seek immediate professional medical attention.

Urinating can actually exacerbate the situation. Opt instead for a cold compress to alleviate swelling and discomfort.

A Wrestler’s Choice: Sticking to His Beliefs

Making sacrifices for your beliefs and sticking up for what you believe in is admirable. The 18-year-old Colorado native and former high school wrestler Brendan Johnston is all too familiar with this. Brendan made a risky choice in 2018 that essentially put a stop to his high school wrestling career. He declined to compete in two state tournament matches against female opponents, citing personal and religious convictions as his justification.

In recent years, the question of whether it is fair to compete physically between adult males and adult girls has gained more and more attention. Many people think it’s unjust to expect men and women to compete on an equal footing because they are fundamentally different from one other, both biologically and in other ways.

Brendan objected to the thought of going up against Skyview High’s Jaslynn Gallegos in the state tournament’s opening round. He also declined to take part in his consolation match against Valley High’s Angel Rios in the third round as a senior at Colorado Springs’ Classical Academy. An interview with KDVR provided a Christian explanation of Brendan’s choice. He said he felt it was too violent and physically uncomfortable to wrestle with a girl. He added that his background and religious beliefs had influenced how he saw women’s roles and distinctions from men.

It’s critical to remember that Brendan’s choice has repercussions. He finished sixth in the tournament while Jaslynn and Angel finished fourth and fifth, respectively, as a result of not wrestling the two females.

While acknowledging Brendan’s decision, Jaslynn voiced her disappointment at not being able to challenge him. Her gender doesn’t define her ability; she views herself first and foremost as a wrestler. She is aware, nevertheless, that social judgments can still hinder her.

Brendan made a contentious decision that sparked debates and dissenting views. How do you feel about Brendan’s choice not to engage in a wrestling match with a female? We would be delighted to hear your opinions.