The following article, Democrats Push Military Coup Against Trump, was first published on Conservative Firing Line. Recent rumblings by Democrats have us wondering what is up… and we have plenty of clues. First was the seditious video from six lying sacks in Congress. Then there was the uproar over Pete Hegseth and Trump ordering the strikes against drug boats (aka “innocent fishermen”). [Even Sen Rand Paul fell for that bs]. Now … Continue reading Democrats Push Military Coup Against Trump ...

As human beings, we grow and change throughout our lifetimes to varying degrees, but the changes from childhood through adolescence are often the most dramatic. But does that mean that who we are as young kids is irrelevant to who we are as adults? A 20-year study sought to explore that question with some fascinating results. The study, published in the American Journal of Public Health, showed that when children learn to interact effectively with their peers and control their emotions, it can have an enormous impact on how their adult lives take shape. And according to the research, kids should be spending more time on these skills in school.Kindergarten teachers evaluated the kids with a portion of something called the Social Competence Scale by rating statements like "The child is good at understanding others' feelings" on a handy "Not at all/A little/Moderately well/Well/Very well" scale. Sharing and cooperation are valuable skills at all ages.Photo credit: CanvaThe research team used these responses to give each kid a "social competency score," which they kept stored away in a file somewhere for 19 years, or until each kid was 25. At that point, they gathered some basic information about the now-grown-ups and did some fancy statistical work to see whether their early social skills held any predictive value.Here are 3 crucial findings they uncovered.1. Grades and test scores matter, but maybe not for the reasons we thought.Traditional thinking says that if a kid gets good grades and test scores, he or she must be really smart, right? After all, there is a proven correlation between having a better GPA in high school and making more money later in life.But what that test score doesn't tell you is how many times a kid worked with a study partner to crack a tough problem, or went to the teacher for extra help, or resisted the urge to watch TV instead of preparing for a test. In other words, the raw grade can't measure a kid's determination, motivation, clever problem-solving skills, and ability to cooperate.The researchers behind this project wrote, "Success in school involves both social-emotional and cognitive skills, because social interactions, attention, and self-control affect readiness for learning."That's a fancy way of saying that while some kids may just be flat-out brilliant, most of them need more than just smarts to succeed. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to spend a little more time in school teaching kids about the social half of the equation. Photo credit: Canva2. Skills such as sharing and cooperating pay off later in life.We know we need to look beyond GPA and state-mandated testing to figure out which kids are on the right path. That's why the researchers zeroed in so heavily on that social competency score.What they found probably isn't too surprising: Kids who related well to their peers, handled their emotions better, and were good at resolving problems went on to have more successful lives. What's surprising is just how strong the correlation was.An increase of a single point in social competency score showed a child would be 54% more likely to earn a high school diploma, twice as likely to graduate with a college degree, and 46% more likely to have a stable, full-time job at age 25. The kids who were always stealing toys, breaking things, and having meltdowns? More likely to have run-ins with the law and substance abuse problems.The study couldn't say for sure that strong or poor social skills directly cause any of these things. But we can say for sure that eating too much glue during arts and crafts definitely doesn't help. Social skills can be taught and learned. Photo credit: Canva3. Social behaviors can be learned and unlearned — meaning it's never too late to change.The researchers called some of these pro-social behaviors, like sharing and cooperating, "malleable" or changeable.Let's face it: Some kids are just never going to be rocket scientists. Turns out there are physical differences in our brains that make learning easier for some people than others. But settling disputes with peers? That's something kids (and adults) can always continue to improve on.And guess what? For a lot of kids, these behaviors come from their parents. The more you're able to demonstrate positive social traits like warmth and empathy, the better off your kids will be.So can we all agree to stop yelling at people when they take the parking spot we wanted? Learning to get along with others is a lifelong journey.Photo credit: CanvaThis study has some limitations, which its researchers readily admit. While they did their best to control for as many environmental factors as possible, it ultimately leans pretty heavily on subjective measures like whether a teacher thought a kid was just "good" or "very good" at a given trait.For example, another study released in 2022 showed that kids with poor sleep quality and "excessive daytime sleepiness" (Hey, I think I might have that!) demonstrated worse prosocial behavior. So what goes on at home clearly has a big impact that's tough for teachers and researchers to measure in the classroom. Another study published in 2025 found "modest associations" between school readiness skills, which included language, academic, executive functioning, and social-emotional skills, to adult attainment and occupational status.Still, the 19-year study paints a pretty clear picture: Pro-social behavior matters, even at a young age. And because it can be learned, it's a great "target for prevention or intervention efforts."The bottom line? We need to do more than just teach kids information. We need to invest in teaching them how to relate to others and how to handle the things they're feeling inside. That could look like taking time to help children label their emotions, encouraging cooperative work (the dreaded group project may be beneficial after all), or prioritizing teaching study skills and problem-solving and not just the material at hand. Of course, teachers are already up to their eyeballs in rigid curriculum standards and often don't have the time or independence to go off script, which is a problem in and of itself. But ignoring social skills in our curricula could have significant ramifications for our kids down the road.This article originally appeared nine years ago.

It's not uncommon for parents to have differences of opinion about the way their kids' school chooses to do things. But sometimes the baffling decisions schools and teachers make can leave us rubbing our eyes and unsure if we're losing our minds.In 2017, Stephen Callaghan's daughter Ruby came home from school. When he asked her how her day was, her answer made him raise an eyebrow. Ruby, who was in the sixth grade at her school in Australia, told her dad that the boys would soon be taken on a field trip to Bunnings (a hardware chain in the area) to learn about construction.The girls, on the other hand? While the boys were out learning, they would be sent to the library to have their hair and makeup done. Ruby's reply made Callaghan do a double take. What year was it, again? The days of boys taking shop while the girls take home economics are supposed to be long gone. mad little girl GIF Giphy Callaghan decided to write a letter to the school sharing his disappointment — but his wasn't your typical "outraged parent" letter."Dear Principal," he began. "I must draw your attention to a serious incident which occurred yesterday at your school where my daughter is a Year 6 student.""When Ruby left for school yesterday it was 2017," Callaghan continued. "But when she returned home in the afternoon she was from 1968."The letter goes on to suggest that perhaps the school is harboring secret time-travel technology or perhaps has fallen victim to a rift in the "space-time continuum," keeping his daughter in an era where women were relegated to domestic life by default."I look forward to this being rectified and my daughter and other girls at the school being returned to this millennium where school activities are not sharply divided along gender lines," he concluded.Dear PrincipalI must draw your attention to a serious incident which occurred yesterday at your school where my daughter Ruby is a Year 6 student.When Ruby left for school yesterday it was 2017 but when she returned home in the afternoon she was from 1968.I know this to be the case as Ruby informed me that the "girls" in Year 6 would be attending the school library to get their hair and make-up done on Monday afternoon while the "boys" are going to Bunnings.Are you able to search the school buildings for a rip in the space-time continuum? Perhaps there is a faulty Flux Capacitor hidden away in the girls toilet block.I look forward to this being rectified and my daughter and other girls at the school being returned to this millennium where school activities are not sharply divided along gender lines.Yours respectfullyStephen Callaghan Stephen Callaghan and his letter Images via Twitter When Callaghan posted the letter to Twitter (since deleted), it quickly went viral and inspired hundreds of supportive responses.Though most people who saw his response to the school's egregiously outdated activities applauded him, not everyone was on board.One commenter wrote, "Sometimes it is just ok for girls to do girl things."But Callaghan was ready for that. "Never said it wasn't," he replied. "But you've missed the point. Why 'girl things' or 'boy things'... Why not just 'things anyone can do?'"Though he's exaggerated the point, the point still stands. In the 1970s, girls were known to be expelled or even arrested for wearing uniform pants instead of their assigned uniform skirts. They also often had no option to participate in metal or wood shop and were compelled to take home economics. And, of course, many of the top universities at the time would not even consider women applicants. Callaghan later commented that he didn't think the school's plan was as malicious as all that, but noted the incident was a powerful example of "everyday sexism" at work.Callaghan says the school hasn't responded to his letter. (Yes, he really sent it.) At least, not directly to him.Some media outlets have reported that the school claims students are free to opt in and out of the different activities. But, as Callaghan says, gendering activities like this in the first place sends the completely wrong message. It's not much different than telling kids that pink is for girls and dinosaurs are for boys. It ends up limiting everyone. — (@) In response to the outpouring of support, Callaghan again took to Twitter."At 12 years of age my daughter is starting to notice there are plenty of people prepared to tell her what she can and can't do based solely on the fact she is female," he wrote. "She would like this to change. So would I."This article originally appeared eight years ago. It has been updated.

Anyone who has spent time around someone growing a whole new human knows this universal truth: their cravings are as mysterious as they are powerful. One minute everything is normal. The next minute there is an URGENT need for super-specific, slightly bizarre, borderline disturbing food combinations you have never witnessed in the wild. But again…when a body is creating another body from scratch…can we really question what fuel is required to do so?And if you think that weird pregnancy cravings only exist in movies, check out this story. media3.giphy.com A soon-to-be father recently went viral after placing what might be the most bewildering pizza order of the year. Maybe the decade. Possibly of all recorded history.The order: one large pizza with triple pepperoni, extra cheese, banana peppers, light jalapeños, half chicken, half mushrooms, half caramelized onions, half olives, and light sauce. Because no one likes a soggy everything pizza. If you’re wondering how many "halves" can fit on one pizza, you’re in good company. That was a major question in the comments. "But which halves go with which halves?????" one person exclaimed. Restaurant Warriors (Public) | Facebook www.facebook.com Another questioned: "Is it a whole half with chicken, mushrooms, caramelized onions, and olives? Or is it half with chicken, the other half with mushrooms, the half with the chicken with caramelized onions, and the other half with olives? I mean, that could go a million different ways…"But even more entertaining than the toppings was the message typed into the order notes:"Bro, yes, I know this looks insane," the husband admitted, trying his best to be polite. But then he explained, "I’m the dude who has a very pregnant wife." And truly no further explanation was required, but he continued. "I’m done questioning what she wants. I’m scared of her and honestly you should be, too." The sincerity in this is undeniable. He then ended his message rather heroically, saying: "I promise this is the order. Thank you and godspeed."One man’s plea is the internet’s laughterReactions to this husband’s request were as delightfully varied as his wife’s pizza order."Bro didn’t order pizza…he submitted a cry for help," one person quipped. Another joked, "Happy wife, keep your life."Others were onboard with this order, as well as the price."That pie sounds fire."Ew GIFfrom Olsen Twins GIFs "Ok but 17.99 for that? Honestly a steal."Another person called the request for light sauce "the ultimate plot twist," which prompted several to hypothesize that this might have been to avoid pregnancy heartburn. So maybe there’s a method to the madness! But overwhelmingly people united around one sentiment: this man is trying his best. "I know he’s your husband, but you gotta marry him again."Cheers to this fella and his wife, and godspeed indeed.

Sometimes love, whether it's platonic or romantic, cannot be heard—only experienced. Such is the case for Thomas, a non-verbal 20-year-old young man, and his dear friend Sofia, who is 23.In a beautiful clip posted by t4autism on behalf of Thomas AKA Cubby, we see these two souls reunite at a bowling alley after having not seen one another for two weeks. Sofia and Thomas sit next to each other—one knee touching. They lean in, still keeping a dash of personal space. Their eyes gaze into one another's in a way that no words could truly capture. They each briefly smile when she looks up at his baseball cap. She gently touches it and then pushes it off. She smiles, and his gaze never wavers. See on Instagram The camera briefly turns around to Thomas's proud mother, who simply gives the "I know, right?" look. The chyron reads, "After two weeks without seeing each other. Nonverbal. Profound Autism," while the song "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri underscores the moment. Hashtags on the post include: "Happy, love, autism, parents, joy, mom, papa, girl, boy, adulting, T4Autism" and perhaps best of all…"telepathy."At nearly half a million likes, over 20,000 people took the time to comment on this video alone, many from people who claim to be neurodivergent themselves. One commenter writes, "This is literally the most beautiful thing I witnessed all year. She looks like a Disney princess, he's handsome. Her presence is soothing his overstimulation." Another notes, "They're not nonverbal, we just can't hear them."This Instagrammer was downright poetic: "She spoke two million and 42 words her own way. He listened to and heard each one." See on Instagram Upworthy had the honor of speaking with Thomas's mother, Shannon Lowe. She shared that Thomas was diagnosed with profound autism at the age of two. "Our journey has been a roller coaster of highs and lows," she said. "As a family, we've worked hard to find a tribe that truly understands our dynamic."Of Thomas and Sofia, she notes, they "share a beautiful bond and great affection for one another."She also opens up about what profound autism is and the impact it can have on families: "I wish the world understood that profound autism is a very different level of autism. It requires one-on-one care and often comes with self-injury behaviors. Unfortunately, we do not have many champions for this particular diagnosis. We lack legislation, resources, and support. Here in Fort Worth, we currently have a 17-year waitlist, and most of these families are led by single mothers—because only 18% of fathers stay, which adds even more trauma to an already stressful situation."But she doesn't give up. She uses her social media platforms, including her YouTube channel T4Autism, to educate, vent, and exemplify that love knows no bounds. She even wrote a children's book entitled "Profound Love: Profound Autism," which she describes as an "invitation to see beyond diagnosis, beyond silence, and into the extraordinary ways love reveals itself—wordless, boundless, and profoundly real." Mother talks about constant pivots made for autistic child. www.youtube.com, T4Autism On the book's Amazon page, the description reads in part: "Though Thomas does not speak, he expresses joy, affection, and connection in ways that transcend language. His leaps of excitement, radiant smiles, and warm presence remind everyone around him of the purest form of love.As Thomas, his family, and their three beloved dogs navigate daily life, their world expands when they meet Sasha and Sofia—two extraordinary young people also living with profound autism. Through shared walks, laughter, and simple moments, an unexpected and beautiful bond blossoms between Thomas and Sofia. Step by step, hand in hand, they discover a connection deeper than words—a love that speaks through smiles, gestures, and presence."

"Weird Al" Yankovic: Grammy-winning parody-song master, multi-platinum singer-accordionist, genuinely nice dude. For decades, devoted fans have marveled at his warmth and approachability—rare qualities for an artist and celebrity of his stature. And now hundreds of them have gathered to swap stories in a particularly heartwarming Instagram comment section. Their meeting spot is a post by Katelyn Sue, who runs the social media account 1980s.nostalgia. Starting in September 2025, the influencer posted a series of photos and videos showing an emotional pre-concert meet-and-greet with one of her lifelong inspirations. The clips are beautiful, showing the pair chatting casually, sharing a tender hug, and Yankovic signing some merch. "'Never meet your heroes' doesn’t apply to this man," she wrote. See on Instagram "I started listening to Weird Al when I was 8," Katelyn Sue tells Upworthy. "There’s a joke with my generation that we have to go through the obligatory Michael Jackson phase in second grade because so many of us did. In the midst of my Michael Jackson phase, I would watch his videos over and over on my mom and dad’s computer in their room. One day while I was watching Michael Jackson videos, my dad showed me [Yankovic’s] 'Eat It' video…and then 'Fat.' I think being in the wheelchair and also just being a really quirky kid, I was hyper aware that I was different from other kids my age. Not many eight-year-olds then shared the same quirky interests that I did, and I think I felt like kind of a loner. Not only did I think the videos and songs were hilarious, it was comforting as the weird kid to watch his videos and feel like I wasn’t alone in being different and that it was okay. He definitely was one of the first people to make me feel like being weird isn’t bad."How "Weird Al" helped one diehard fan persevere through a dark time Katelyn Sue started her public social-media accounts at age 14, frequently posting about her love of the '80s and childhood heroes Yankovic and Paul "Pee-wee Herman" Reubens. But at first, she wound up getting "severely bullied" for it. "I was called 'a freak,' 'mentally ill,' all kinds of things," she says. "I shut that part of myself completely out." At age 20, her mental health reached a breaking point, and in an attempt to escape her "dark thoughts," she clicked on her YouTube app and randomly found Yankovic’s video for childhood favorite "Like a Surgeon." "Long story short," she says, "that video is the reason I came back to myself. I wanted to meet him in 2022 when he was in my area, but it was too fresh. I decided to buy the tickets this tour and tell him what he had gotten me through."Katelyn Sue was so "starstruck" during the meet-and-greet that she could barely remember everything she wanted to say. But she did manage to remark "You’re my childhood hero" and "Can I give you a hug?" She also requested that he doodle his own image so she could get it tattooed. "I almost chickened out, but I finally decided to tell him that he’s the reason I was able to start being my authentic self again and how much his music had gotten me through," she adds. "It was truly the most magical thing I’ve ever experienced." See on Instagram The video of their meeting went viral—Katelyn Sue says it’s been "seen by" John Mayer, David and Patricia Arquette, and Cheri Oteri—and that reaction has been overwhelming in a good way. "There are an insane number of comments talking about their interactions with him and how it made their day, even if it was a short interaction," she says. Indeed, you can’t scroll for more than two seconds without spotting another sweet reply—from ordinary fans, celebrities, even former Yankovic collaborators. "He is really this guy," wrote actor Steven Weber. "Genuinely decent. Everything you’d want him to be." Stand-up comedian Matt Braunger chimed in, "I met him backstage when I opened for Aziz Ansari in like 2007(?) and he sends me a bday card every year (amongst other cool things he’s done as a friend). An absolute prince of a performer and person ❤️"Here are some other wonderful comments: "I’ve met Al several times and even have his autograph tattooed where he signed my arm. He is exactly what you’d hope he’d be like!""Awww ? I got to work with @alfredyankovic when he performed in the Nightmare Before Xmas live with Danny Elfman and Paul Reubens and can confirm that he was totally kind, warm and gracious the whole time. He even made a video greeting for the son of my boyfriend (at the time) who was a huge fan. He was gushing about it for ages! He’s a lovely human being ☺️""I've met weird Al several times. He is the kindest most giving person I've ever met. When you're talking to him he actually pays attention to you and doesn't just scribble his name and then have you walk away""Weird Al was a semi regular for a bit at a coffee shop i worked at. This is genuinely how he is. He always took pictures, always looked people in the eye and took time to actually speak with them.""He’s a delightful man!""Waited 3 hours to *possibly* meet him and he wanted to meet EVERYONE in line. He was so nice.""My kid got to interview him in 2016 (he was nine at the time.) Then, at the concert he (son, not Weird Al,) had a diabetic episode and got sick. We were leaving and security insisted we meet him before going. He let us go ahead of everybody else waiting to meet, and treated my son with total respect and warmth. 10/10 celebrity meeting. Could have hoped for more."I actually met him for an interview after we filmed his live performance. So exceptionally sweet. He looked at me with a smile and said: 'Oh yeah, I saw you with the camera!'""I met Al back in 2011 and of the 100’s and 100’s of celebs I met or interacted with living out in California, he was by far one of the most genuine and memorable. Truly a person who seems so grateful to be appreciated by his fans. He made a very personal moment out of our meeting and it solidified why I’ve been a life long fan"For Katelyn Sue, the story didn’t even end with that emotional meet-and-greet—she was able to meet Yankovic again in October at the GalaxyCon event. "[H]e told me he had seen the post, and that definitely made me extremely emotional," she says. "I had hoped he saw it for no other reason than I wanted him to see the comments talking about how much he has helped people through and how many people he truly inspires to just be their weird selves." See on Instagram

Branching out of psychedelia. The post The band Roger Waters and Eddie Van Halen both called the best first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

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