In this season of giving thanks, there is one Democrat that the White House is particularly grateful for: Gretchen Whitmer. President Donald Trump and the Michigan governor, an oft-talked about 2028 presidential candidate, have developed a surprisingly productive and affable relationship, according to two White House officials and a Whitmer political aide. "Of the Democrats, she is the one who we have spent the most time with, who has reached out to us the most, who has wanted to work with us," said one of White House official, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. "From the Democrats, she is definitely the one who's most willing to get things done."

President Trump on Tuesday hailed Dallas County, Texas, for moving to paper ballots, as he ramps up his push to get rid of mail-in ballots and voting machines across the country. "Great news! Dallas County, Texas just went to all paper ballots. Many others are following suit. More accurate, totally secure with watermark paper, Faster and only 9% of the cost. All Republican governors should mandatorily do this. Save money and freedom. Lead the Democrats out of the corrupt ways," Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social. In September, the Dallas County Republican Party decided it would hand-count all Election Day ballots in its upcoming primary. However, the policy only applies to the Republican primary and only on Election Day. It does not change countywide procedures for the Democratic primary, early voting locations or the general election.

Senate Republicans don't see a bipartisan deal to extend enhanced health insurance premium subsidies coming together before the Christmas deadline, given the complexity of the issue and a growing fight over abortion, an issue that deeply divides both parties. There is a solid group of Republican lawmakers in both the Senate and House who don't want to see the enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expire at the end of the month.

Pete Hegseth, the US defense secretary, told soldiers under his command in Iraq to ignore legal advice about when they were permitted to kill enemy combatants under their rules of engagement. The anecdote is contained in a book Hegseth wrote last year in which he also repeatedly railed against the constraints placed on "American warfighters" by the laws of war and the Geneva conventions. Hegseth is currently under scrutiny for a 2 September attack on a boat purportedly carrying drugs in the Caribbean, where survivors of a first strike on the vessel were reportedly killed in a second strike following a verbal order from Hegseth to "kill everybody".

Many Millennials feel they got a raw deal in life. Their younger years were marked by the 9/11 attacks, the War on Terror, and the Great Recession. When they got older, if they pursued higher education, they faced skyrocketing student debt, and as adults, the cost of living has made buying a home nearly impossible for many. Add that to a chaotic, polarized political world, COVID-19, and One Direction breaking up in 2014—Millennials have a decent reason to say they’ve been given a raw deal.Once seen as the younger generation, Millennials are now aged 29 to 44, and if all the turmoil they’ve experienced has left them with a sour taste in their mouths or a list of unfulfilled dreams, there is reason for hope. Carl Jung, one of the most important psychologists who ever lived, believed that life begins at 40. In fact, a quote commonly attributed to him is: "Life really does begin at forty. Up until then, you are just doing research."Carl Jung believed that life begins at 40The interesting thing about Jung’s idea is that the satisfaction that comes in middle age comes from a place where younger people currently aren’t looking. The significant change occurs when people shift their focus from the outside world to the inside. Jung’s views on life after 40 were outlined by philosophy content creator Nick Kasmik in a recent Instagram post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nick Kasmik (@nickkasmik)“Around the middle of your life, [Jung] observed a natural psychological shift. The outward tasks of life give way to more of an inward movement. This movement initiates the process he calls individuation through which a person seeks integration rather than an expansion,” Kasmik says. “The psyche begins to turn into the inner world, drawing attention to the parts of the self that had been ignored or repressed, undervalued during those times in your 20s.”To put it simply: As people reach middle age, they are no longer as concerned with pursuits in the outside world, such as school, career, building an identity, and chasing new experiences. Instead, Jung says that when this shift occurs, we go through a process of individuation, in which we integrate the shadow parts of ourselves that we don’t show the world—with our public face or persona.What is individuation?“Individuation involves acknowledging the shadow, the hidden or unaccepted elements of your character. These elements are not to be condemned or eliminated from yourself, but recognized as belonging to the whole,” Kasmik continues. “Yung believed that the acceptance of the shadow brought psychological balance and moral strength. During this stage, many people begin to reorder their own values. Their attention moves towards meaning, authenticity, and more of an inner life.”So, instead of trying to expand your life, you become whole by embracing your entire self, not just the part you want to show the world. It’s like letting out a deep sigh and becoming a whole person for the first time. This has to be good news for some Millennials out there who have found the first four decades of their lives challenging. Mainly because most of the problems have come from trying to make your way in the outside world. Being able to turn inward, away from the pressures of the world, to reach a feeling of wholeness and authenticity has to bring an incredible sense of peace.Unfortunately, this phase of life, individualation, doesn’t just come in a flash, like a moment of enlightenment. Instead, it’s a process of introspection that requires brutal honesty and patience. But in the end, you get to find your true self. Not the persona you’ve built or the shadow you’ve hidden, but a comprehensive person that shows up in the world in a totally authentic way. However, according to Dr. Jolande Jacobi, a Swiss psychologist who worked with Jung, the process isn’t easy, but totally worth it. "This way to the broadening of the personality consists, as we have seen, in a gradual exploration of the contents and functions of the total psyche and of their effect on the ego,” Jolande explains. “It leads the individual to know himself for what he naturally is, as distinguished from what he would like to be--and probably nothing is more difficult for a human being."

Holiday traveling is upon us, and this year feels particularly…turbulent. It seems like getting to the airport super early, packing light, and even having little luxuries like TSA pre-check or global entry isn’t enough to handle the crowds, costs, and overall chaos that awaits. Luckily, there are still plenty of tried-and-true ways to make flights flow a little smoother. Recently a travel content creator (@emmahaswanderlust) asked for people to share airport hacks that “changed the way you travel forever.” She emphasized that she was looking for things a little more unique than “take layers because the lane gets cold!”and folks did not disappoint. From genius packing ideas to simple ways to avoid paying exorbitant airport fees, here are 20 hacks that real people swear by to make air travel a breeze. @emmahaswanderlust We love all the travel tips ?? ✈️ ? #traveltips #traveltipsandhacks #airporthacks #planehacks ♬ Chasing Cities - Tyron 1. “Take a free shuttle to any hotel. Get the Uber from there to avoid the airport upcharging.”2. “Compression socks are a game changer after a lot of airport walking and sitting on the flight.” 3. “My mom and dad split packing in their two suitcases. That way, if one is lost, they both have clothes! Too bad I’m single, lol.”4. “AirTag your bags—airline lost my bags and told me it was in France, I pulled up my AirTag and told them it was in London, and that’s how they found them.” 5. “Be bored in the airport. No scrolling, reading, etc. Save all the interesting activities/mind stimulation for the airplane to help the flight feel faster.” media0.giphy.com 6. “When you land, never use the first restroom you see – use the next one; everyone from your flight will jump in the first and you’ll end up waiting the same amount of time as going to the next.” 7. “I’m a big guy. The shoulder strap on my personal item is adjustable. I put it around my knees and adjust it so I don’t “man-spread” into my neighbor’s space if/when I fall asleep.”8. “I ALWAYS travel with brand new activity books for a boy and a girl so i can bring it to the mom of a screaming kid.” media1.giphy.com 9. “I once bought an item from the gift shop and have kept the bag since. Now, when I go to the airport, I use that bag for any of my oversized items, so they believe I bought them in the airport, and I don’t get charged for additional stuff on the plane.” 10. “Take food so you don’t spend money at the airport on food. I always make breakfast burritos before each flight.”11. “Order a neck pillow pillow case – stuff it with clothes. Extra “personal bag” & neck pillow in one.”12. “Take an old cell phone with you, download a bunch of movies and shows on it to consume your content on so you never have to worry about your cellphone that has service, tickets, etc dying.”13. “Take oranges on the plane. If there’s a smell you don’t like, tear the orange. The oils are a natural “air freshener” and it’s not as offensive as a normal air freshener or cologne/perfume.” media4.giphy.com 14. “TAKE PHOTOS OF EVERYTHING! Luggage? Photo. IDS and medications? Photos. PLANE TICKET?? PHOTO.”15. “CLEAN BEFORE YOU LEAVE! Clean your house, bedroom, wash and change your sheets and make your bed, prepare your house for when you come home, get all the chores out of the way so you can get home and just relax.”16. “If you feel nauseous on the plane, ask for an alcohol wipe, the smell can stave off nausea.” 17. “If you’re arriving on a late flight (like 10pm or later), have your ride pick you up at departures instead of arrivals. Far less crowded since less flights go out that late, less of a headache for you and your ride.”18. “I have a playlist for when I have to run to catch my next flight with songs like ‘I Need a Hero’ and ‘Eye of the Tiger.’ I start it right when my plane lands so I’m ready to rumble.”19. “I wear a light jacket with my keys, wallet, everything that needs to be scanned in those pockets. Easy off, easy on.” media2.giphy.com 20. “[I] put the keys to my home in my backpack in the front pocket…When I’m finally home and likely exhausted from traveling, I don't have to dig around to get inside my place.”And of course, let’s not forget to be patient, and be kind. It might not seem like a “hack” necessarily, but it really does make an already hectic time more bearable for everyone.

People have been singing "O Holy Night" as a Christmas standard for well over a century, and yet most of us have only ever heard the first verse. In fact, it's likely that most people aren't even aware that there are two verses beyond the final "Oh, night divine," and fair to guess that most don't know the third verse contains a blatantly anti-slavery message. "O Holy Night" originated as a poem written by French leftist wine merchant, Placide Cappeau, before it was set to music by secular composer Adolphe Adam in either 1843 or 1847. The carol, known as "Minuit Chrétien" ("Midnight, Christians) or "Cantique de Noël" ("Christmas Hymn") in French, sings of Christ's birth and the visit of the three wise men in the first two verses. However, the third verse translates directly from French as such: — (@) The Redeemer has overcome every obstacle:The Earth is free, and Heaven is open.He sees a brother where there was only a slave,Love unites those that iron had chained.Who will tell Him of our gratitude,It's for all of us that He is born,That He suffers and dies. However, American music critic John Sullivan Dwight first translated the carol into English in 1855, and he chose a more poetic, emotional wording for the entire song. His version of the third verse goes like thisTruly He taught us to love one another;His law is love and His gospel is peace.Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,and in His name all oppression shall cease.Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,let all within us praise His holy name. @realityshowreject Aaaand it begins! #christmas #musichistory #funfacts #musicfacts "Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother and in His name all oppression shall cease" was quite the statement to make in the mid-19th century United States, where civil unrest over slavery would soon reach its peak. It's no wonder that Dwight, a Unitarian minister and staunch abolitionist, was keen to bring the song to the U.S. and share it in his magazine, Dwight's Journal of Music. According to America magazine, Dwight had written publicly about the “three or four millions of our human brethren in slavery” calling it “moral suicide” for the United States. Thus, his English version of the carol became a holiday favorite, particularly among Americans in the North in the Civil War years. However, back home in France, the song was having a moment with the Catholic church. Cappeau, the poet who wrote the lyrics, ended up renouncing Christianity and joining a Socialist movement. The composer, Adam, was of Jewish descent, and that combination wasn't exactly viewed as ideal for a song about the origins of the Christian faith. Additionally, official publications of Catholic music criticized the song's “militant tone and dubious theology.” It ended up being banned in churches for years, but that didn't seem to impact its popularity.The idea of "O Holy Night" being in any way "militant" in tone may seem confusing if you're only considering the English version. But again, Dwight took liberties with his interpretation in ways that don't fully reflect the direct translation from French. Here is how the familiar first verse directly translates from French compares to the way Dwight rewrote the lyrics in English (in parentheses): Midnight, Christians, it's the solemn hour, (O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;)When God-man descended to us (It is the night of the dear Savior's birth.)To erase the stain of original sin (Long lay the world in sin and error pining,) from Music And to end the wrath of His Father. (Til he appeared and the soul felt its worth.)The entire world thrills with hope (A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices)On this night that gives it a Savior. (For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!)People kneel down, wait for your deliverance. (Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!)Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer, (O night divine! O night when Christ was born!)Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer! (O night divine! O night, O night divine!)Perhaps it's not egregiously militant, but the direct translation does have a bit more of a "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" feel to it than the softer, more poetic American version. Why do we not hear the second and third verses of the song, though? Part of it might be the anti-slavery messaging not being widely accepted in the Southern U.S. It also might have to do with the song's length. This version of the carol that includes all three verses is seven minutes long: - YouTube youtu.be Whether we sing the whole song or not, "O Holy Night" remains a widely beloved classic, even topping ClassicFM's list of most loved Christmas carols in 2023. It is fascinating to know that there's so much more to it than the version we most often hear, though.

Even knowing that most of what we see on Instagram is manipulated to look aspirational, it can still be easy to scroll through and feel like we are somehow doing life wrong. Take for instance the barrage of Christmas home decor content we get right around now, the stuff that feels like it’s pulled right out of a Hallmark movie or Ralph Lauren ad. On some level we know that most houses don’t look like this (and still manage to conjure up holiday magic), and yet we can’t help but compare. See on Instagram That’s why it’s always a nice mental reset when someone shows off their very non-aesthetic, lived-in, messy, unequivocally average home. Megan Archer, a self described "overwhelmed mother of two,” (well, "overwhelmed mum of two," technically) recently gave such a tour. For starters, Archer’s Christmas tree featured a crushed Chocolate Santa from the prior year as an ornament, along with a Halloween decoration that keeps finding its way back to a branch. You won’t find Christmas gifts hiding in a closet (no room) but they are on top of a dress with a blanket over it. “Wondering how big it has to get before the children ask about it,” Archer quipped. The rest of the mess seemed to be non-seasonal: piles of toys, pajamas, drying socks all throughout the house, stickers in the most random of places since Archer dreads the days when her kids’ suddenly find such things “uncool,” a “mystery” bag filled with items long forgotten about hanging on a door, and of course, a “corner of doom” with items Archer dares not inquire about. But the true star of this show was the kitchen table, completely covered with random items. For, as many of us know, the kitchen table is never just a palace to eat. It’s also where families work, and, more importantly, shove stuff that's not immediately needed (because anything is a shelf if you’re brave enough). Archer’s table hosted grocery items not yet put away. “Hope you enjoyed the tour, You are normal, I hope you have realized,” she concluded. See on Instagram Archer's video got a huge (and emotional) response from people in the comments, who were both relieved and inspired. “My house was like this growing up and I had the best Mum ever. She was always playing with us or setting up crafts, our art was everywhere and it wasn’t a big deal that toys were all over the house because we lived there.”“All of this feels so real! And a good reminder that a lot of what we see on here is carefully curated. I'd rather have a home that was clearly lived in and full of love than a show home!”“A lovely welcoming home where children are not constantly barked at to ‘put that away’, ‘look at all the mess you’ve made’. Sounds like a very relaxed and loving home. This is a blessing, not a failure❤️”“This is our home too. 5yr old and 3yr old sen child my favourite is our corner of doom which i recently decluttered to put our Christmas tree in ? ❤️”“The crushed Santa is hilarious and your chaos makes mine feel normal, thank you!!”“Pajamas live on our sofa too until we all get back and put them back on/ or I throw them in a wash basket to be put away in 3 weeks ??”So if you’re feeling bummed that your home doesn’t boast a pristine holiday spread, or never manages to look put together any day of the year…don’t. You’re in good company. Sure, get inspo from the ‘gram, but remember that real life is messy. A “perfect” home helps you contain that wonderful messiness, that’s all.

Crosby remained humble. The post The songwriter David Crosby thought was miles ahead of everyone: “Way better than everybody I know” first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

"I didn’t even know that until he told me.” The post The song that inspired Pink Floyd’s entire prog-rock direction: “A catalyst” first appeared on Far Out Magazine.