The post Don’t Get Dead ReeEStream 01-25-26 appeared first on SALTY.

Now THAT is how you perform the “Star Spangled Banner.” Ahead of the NFC Championship between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks, the home team decided to bring in a rising country music star who actually grew up in the state of Washington. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of him, and there’s an even better chance that you’ve sang “I SLEEP LIKE A BABY” at the top of your lungs. If you weren’t catching on already, I’m talking about Zach Top. The 28-year-old was born and raised in Sunnyside, Washington. In case you aren’t up to date on your geography, that state isn’t located in the southern U.S., where country accents are the most prevalent. It’s actually about as far north (and far west) as you can get. I only mention that because there’s a conspiracy theory that the “I Never Lie” singer might be lying about his country accent. But who cares when he sounds just like your favorite country music artist from yesteryear? Zach Top is the face of the neotraditional country movement, and he’s impressed with his musical ability so much that he got asked to perform the national anthem ahead of the NFC Championship that Seattle is hosting. Zach Top under theses arches! Don’t miss his national anthem ahead of the NFC Championship. pic.twitter.com/93PzNBcsdF — Lumen Field (@LumenField) January 25, 2026 They weren’t kidding when they said to not miss it. Just minutes before the game started, Zach Top stood out on Lumen Field and absolutely brought it with his rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner.” For those that weren’t familiar with his game, they are now. I guarantee that “Who is Zach Top?” was being Googled like crazy. Real country music fans already knew… and we’re seated for this bring-a-tear-to-your-eye national anthem: @Zachtopmusic performs the national anthem FOX pic.twitter.com/q52tYCO5Gy — FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 25, 2026 COME ON WITH IT. That “Star Spangled Banner” had everything. A big ol’ flag, a mesmerizing flyover, and Zach Top hitting every single note of the song that celebrates America. It very well might be the highlight of the NFC Championship game… and it happened before the football was even snapped. NFL fans and country music fans alike loved everything about it: Zach Top with a killer National Anthem performance — Joe Delgado (@joedelgado3rd) January 25, 2026 Zach Top NFC Championship national anthem?? pic.twitter.com/NsCklXzQZ6 — Jake! (@JakeAndBall) January 25, 2026 Never heard of Zach Top but I think I just heard the national anthem performed at the highest level. What a voice! — Phill2ERA (@Phill2ERA) January 25, 2026 Zach Top did an incredible job singing the National Anthem! That is why he’s one of the fastest rising stars in country music! — Ezra Vickrey #TooSweetCosplay #NationsCorner (@Deadman469) January 25, 2026 Zach Top every time he steps in front of a microphone pic.twitter.com/ZDwMPr81mD — Rocco Foust (@rjfoust0) January 25, 2026 Zach Top just gave the best National Anthem performance I’ve ever heard. God bless America and thank you Lord for playoff football. — Josh Brown (@RhubarbBrown) January 25, 2026 Zach Top! — Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) January 25, 2026 Zach Top should be the Super Bowl halftime performer, not a man in a dress. — Jake Franklin Football (@JakeFranklinFB) January 25, 2026 Hey… they said it. Not me.The post Watch: Zach Top Delivers An Instant Classic National Anthem Before NFC Title Game first appeared on Whiskey Riff.

There are two statements kids often make that decades of scientific research suggest are actually true: "It takes one to know one" and "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all." The big takeaway is that the things you say about other people are often seen as a reflection of you, too.Dr. Shadé Zahrai—an award-winning leadership strategist, Harvard-trained coach, and member of the Forbes Coaches Council—explained the phenomenon in a viral TikTok post that focuses on how to be more likable and seen as a good person by others. Her lesson, however, is a double-edged sword. @shadezahrai This habit makes you more likable (and a better human). #psychology #socialpsychology #socialintelligence #conversations #emotionalintelligence #leadership How to be more likable"Ever notice how people who speak kindly about others seem naturally likable?" Zahrai asked in the video. "There is something called the social transference phenomenon, and it is pretty fascinating. Research shows that when you describe someone's traits, people who hear unconsciously associate those same traits with you."(Note: Research dating back to 1998 refers to this phenomenon as Spontaneous Trait Transference, or STT.)"So when you highlight someone's optimism or compliment their trustworthiness, you're not just uplifting them, you're building your own reputation as optimistic and trustworthy," she continued. "And if you gossip or speak badly about others, those listening can't help but link those same traits back to you. Your words shape how other people see you." A woman sharing her ideas with friends.via Canva/PhotosIf you're hearing about STT for the first time, you might cringe when thinking about past gossip sessions at work or over drinks with friends. But it's also an invitation to be more mindful of how you talk about others. When you voice negative opinions out loud, they can reflect back on you. Conversely, it's the perfect excuse to start looking for the good in others and bringing it up as much as possible.What is Spontaneous Trait Transference?Research suggests that the human brain associates a communicator with the traits they assign to others, whether those traits are positive or negative, such as brilliant, rude, selfish, thoughtful, or trustworthy. For example, if you tell a story about your friend Stacey being disrespectful to a waiter, listeners are likely to view Stacey as rude and also associate that same trait with you, even if they know you are not typically that kind of person.In this way, the brain can be somewhat sloppy when assigning traits. As the listener processes the story, the idea of "rude" becomes top of mind and is quickly attached not only to Stacey, but also to you, simply because of your proximity. A man and woman enjoying a pitcher of beer.via Canva/Photos"The takeaway? Authentic compliments allow you to express admiration for others, with the positive traits you cite also being attributed to you," writes Wendy L. Patrick in Psychology Today. "The opposite, of course, is true as well."The big lessonsTalking positively about people makes you seem positive. Talking negatively about people makes you seem negative.Spontaneous Trait Transference is a reminder that the brain often makes hasty associations that are not always rooted in reason. The good news is that, when used to your advantage, it can be a win-win. You can focus on uplifting others rather than bringing them down, which will make you more likable, too.

It's never too late to start over, even as one enters their second and, dare we say, "third" acts of life. If something can be dreamed, it quite often can be achieved no matter how many obstacles and circumstances stand in the way. If nothing else, it certainly doesn't hurt to try.A user on Threads named Kari Bliss (@kari.bliss) posted, "Please show me the Gen X women who hit their 40s and 50s and decided to re-invent everything. Bonus points if you have a dog, a career, a hobby you take too seriously, or opinions about wellness."In just a couple of days, there were over a thousand likes on this post and nearly 700 comments. Gen X women were ready to share and many of their stories were beautifully hopeful. Of course, the idea of positive reinvention is unique for everyone, but just the mere fact that so many came forward to relay their inspiration was a win. So much so that the OP made a separate post to thank everyone. "The honesty, the pivots, the late starts, the second chapters… it was a gift to read. I’m really honored people showed up with their stories." A black and white photo by Anna Mullins.Photo Credit: Anna Mullins Via ThreadsAnna Mullins (@a_mullinsphotography) became a photographer. "Turned 55 and decided to fill my shoes with being a black and white photographer. A longing since I was a teenager. I’m 60 now and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. My work feeds my soul like nothing ever has. I’m working on a series called The Menopause Effect. Interviews and photography of Appalachian women who want to tell their stories. It’s been incredible."Some people have used roaring into a new life to effect change in terms of volunteering. "Never in a million years did I think I would move to Ukraine at 50 to spend my spare time delivering trucks to front-line units. But here I am." ~ @wolfpartyofoneHollie Rogain (@hrogin), along those lines, wanted to make a difference more locally. "Decided to run for local office in 2020. Became a mayor in 2022. Never in my wildest punk rock dreams did I think this would be something I’d want, much less do. Also, dogs." A Gen X woman becomes mayor of a town.Photo Credit: Threads, Hollie RoginYet another, (@wren.artcher) on the older end of Gen X, seems to feel super seen by the question. "I think the algo (algorithm) called me to your post. Older Gen X-er here who some might say that I reinvented myself. I decided to change from a boy into a girl. That's pretty much changed everything. Oh... and I have a dog in my life. She's pretty awesome."This Threader simply began appreciating themselves: "56th year just began… finally started living for myself unapologetically messy and magnificent. Terrified about the future but ready to conquer. Choosing myself with conviction."One Gen X had a calling from the art world. Sandra Ebejer (@sandra_ebejer_author) writes, "I’m 50. Just started painting last year. On a whim, I submitted one of my paintings to an art gallery and last week I got to see it hanging on their walls. (No dog, but I do have a cat who follows me around like he’s a dog…)" Sandra Ebejer's art hangs in a gallery.Photo Credit: Threads, Sandra EbejerAlison Corey (@fearlessforfiction) went from teaching kindergarten to writing novels, both extremely admirable careers. "Yep, that’s me! I’m 46. I was a kindergarten teacher for 15 years, then left my job after I started a blog. Now my blog is sold and I’m writing my first novel. Not sure where it’s all going to go but I get to write every day, and it’s such a joy! I love my pup, and taught myself to crochet this year."And another (@devaney_camburn) is Madrid-bound! "I’m moving abroad in about 10 weeks. Sold my house and belongings and leaving my 20-year career. I’m anxious and scared and nervous and overwhelmed but I also know I got this."

It can be deeply frustrating when an argument, debate, complaint, or negotiation goes off the rails. The fallout can include hurt feelings, mental exhaustion, and even damaged relationships, whether the disagreement happens in a business meeting or around the kitchen table. But one CEO and corporate communication expert suggests three questions he says can help bring a positive conclusion to almost any argument.Steven Gaffney has worked for more than 30 years as an advisor and communicator for Fortune 500 companies, helping leaders communicate plans and negotiate deals. He said that conversations inside and outside the boardroom can be disrupted and steered toward solutions when one person asks the other party three simple questions. - YouTube youtu.be 1. What would you suggest?Instead of trying to convince another person of your point, it may be more fruitful to give them the opportunity to suggest a solution to the shared problem or propose the plan they prefer. This can surface an option they already support, one the two of you can agree on or negotiate further. It can also redirect the conversation toward solution-finding, or help them realize they do not have a clear alternative and may be more open to yours.2. What would it take for you to agree?Gaffney said that when this question is asked enough times, the conversation naturally shifts toward finding a solution. It helps clarify what the other person wants, what concerns they have with a proposal, and what they ultimately want the outcome to look like. This provides direct insight into their priorities and allows those concerns to be addressed, which can reduce resistance by helping them feel heard.3. Can you live with it?There are times when one or neither person gets 100 percent of what they want. That is simply part of life. Asking this question aloud can surface minor hang-ups that may be blocking an agreement or compromise by encouraging self-reflection, both for the other party and for yourself. If you can "live with it," you have reached a point of agreement. If they can live with it, that is a success as well.The worst case is that someone cannot live with it, and that is fine. If that happens, Gaffney recommends starting the questioning over with "What would you suggest?" to move past a stopping point in the conversation and explore what other options might be available to both of you. @collegehumor Seriously, why can’t we just say the number out loud? #parody #comedy #sketch #collegehumor #business Professionals chime inCommunication professionals told Upworthy that they largely agree with the themes and intent behind Gaffney's three questions."Gaffney's three questions provide a framework that encourages contribution and ensures commitment," said Joel Simon, attorney at Simon Perdue Law Firm. "They create a structured path from uncertainty to clarity and action. I agree these questions work because they redirect dialogue from blame or debate toward collaboration and problem-solving. Each question encourages ownership, transparency, and commitment which aligns with negotiation principles I use daily, where resolving conflicts efficiently while preserving relationships is paramount."However, while Gaffney has a proven track record and the intent behind his questions is sound, not all of his contemporaries agree that his style of questioning is one-size-fits-all. Jennifer Martin, a communications expert and business consultant with 25 years of experience, said that while she appreciates Gaffney's direct approach, it may not be effective for everyone."Just like the world is not filled with only tech gurus and accountants, as leaders we have to be prepared to style-flex and communicate in the language of creatives, salespeople, people pleasers, and the just-the-facts types among others," said Martin. "This is why personality tests are so popular in business."Communication and workplace culture expert Dallin Cooper largely agreed with the broader intent of Gaffney's questions, saying they place people in an "outcome-focused mindset" that "creates introspection." That said, he also noted that the approach is not foolproof, particularly the final question."The key to de-escalating a conversation is to avoid defensiveness, and if you exasperatedly ask someone 'Can you just live with it?,' that often isn't going to end well," explained Cooper. "The delivery, the tone, and the wording of a question like that can make a huge difference in making it feel non-combative." @kyleinspires People who practice conversations predict social outcomes 44% more accurately #socialanxiety #introvert #communication #neuroscience #brain Like Cooper, Martin was also concerned with how the questions are asked. She suggested that, depending on the other person's personality, communicators may need to tailor their message in a way the audience can best receive. Some people respond well to direct bluntness, while others may require more finesse.Martin recommended approaching the other party with the intention of allowing them to express their point of view, while keeping the focus on understanding what they want in order to find a solution that fits."As all any of us really want is to be seen, heard, respected, and considered," she said."One thing these questions all have in common is that they are undeniably good questions to ask yourself," concluded Cooper. "They will help you understand why you're having the conversation, whether it's worth having, and keep you focused on a solution. All great things to ask yourself. And all good things to ask someone else if you ask them at the right time, and in the right way."

Ask any European about their perceptions of American culture and people, and they'll likely say the United States has some quirks. From apartment buildings to giving strangers compliments to our large portion sizes, the differences can feel innumerable, including how Americans travel by car across the country.A curious British Redditor asked Americans whether they "actually consider a 3-hour drive 'short'?" They explained, "I'm from the UK, and growing up, visiting my grandparents (who lived 3 hours away) was a massive yearly event. It felt like a serious expedition."They added that Europeans and Americans have very different perspectives on what qualifies as a "long" or "short" car ride. - YouTube www.youtube.com "I keep seeing Americans say they drive 3-4 hours just for a weekend visit or even a day trip," they wrote. "Is this an exaggeration, or is my European brain just not comprehending the scale? How do you not go insane driving that long regularly?"To help Europeans understand, one American Reddit user kindly explained how the geography of the U.S. differs from that of Europe:"The U.S. is also, geographically, much bigger and more spread out, especially as you head west. The original states (New England and the upper part of the Mid-Atlantic) are more like Europe, where you can drive a few hours and get to a completely different (though similar) place, whereas there are some southeastern, midwestern, and western states where you can drive for 3 hours and still see your house from there." The size of America versus Europe.Image via Reddit/caseycookeAnother major difference is that American cars are built for longer trips. One Redditor added:"We tend to buy cars more suited for longer distance highway travel too. Very small hatchback type cars popular in the UK and other European countries are generally terrible for that. They get tons of road noise and vibration and are super fatiguing to drive long distances. Our best selling vehicle, the Ford F150 is a road trip champion."Beyond that, roads in the U.S. are also designed for long hauls, especially when compared with those in the UK and elsewhere in Europe. Another Redditor noted: "I think a major difference is that America has the space to build a lot of road infrastructure. The States have had automatic gears and cruise control in their cars as standard for years and years. The roads in the UK are smaller and have been built around things, way more bendy and twisty. Manual gears were/ are more common as well, although that's slightly changing with modern cars here. Think driving for 3 hours is just feels slightly different in these countries for these reasons."To further explain what Americans consider a "long" or "short" drive, others chimed in with their own experiences and perspectives: Driving in the United States.Photo credit: Canva"3 hour daily commute? Way too long haha. 3 hour drive to a destination spot? SUPER short haha." "My husband is about to drive about 30 hours (2,000 miles) from the East Coast to Colorado to help his mom out. He'll stay for a week, and then drive back with some stuff that's too expensive to ship. And he doesn't even mind it. Many times, he's driven 6 hours to attend a meeting. Drive out after work one day, stay overnight somewhere, meeting in the morning, stay for lunch, head home. I think the car can find its way itself by now." "I used to drive 12 hours straight to work twice month, there and back home weeks later. Did that for 7 years. The craziest part of all that is that 90% of all that driving was done going across one state: Texas." "3-4 hour one way would be maybe once a month thing for me. 90 minutes can be any day." "Most Americans do not think of a 3 hour drive as something particularly long or unusual. I know many who don't think twice about driving 500 miles a day. Personally I feel like about 350 miles a day is my limit."