What happens in Vegas apparently does not stay in Vegas

Virtual reality goggles and headsets absolutely exploded in the late twenty-teens, with products like the HTC Vive and Oculus offering incredible ways to experience video and gaming. Now, scientists are using VR experiences to study how the brain reacts to pain by showing  participants breathtaking natural scenery while shocking them in the arm. Conducted at […] The post Virtual Reality Experiences Can Beat Painkillers for Relief, New Study Using Oregon Waterfalls Finds appeared first on Good News Network.

The silent majority in Washington, D.C., and across our nation is applauding. Even one crime is one crime too many. On Aug. 11, President Donald Trump, invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act passed by the United States Congress, declared a “crime emergency in the District of Columbia” and ordered the deployment of 800 National Guard troops, 200 of whom are earmarked to assist Washington law enforcement, to the city. The president named Attorney General Pam Bondi and Drug Enforcement Agency Administrator Terry Cole to work with the Metropolitan Police Department. The Washington Police Union is cheering. It cited major management and staffing shortages, including over 800 vacancies in the 3,100-officer department. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, an unapologetic law-and-order mayor, questioned the move as “unsettling and unprecedented,” underscoring her support for Washington statehood. Trump assailed the nation’s capital as “one of the most dangerous cities anywhere in the world.” He proclaimed it was Washington’s “Liberation Day” from “crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor.” He insinuated that juveniles were “randomly attacking” citizens and called for laws to allow minors as young as 14 to be prosecuted as adults and punished by unforgiving sentences. Data shows violent crime in Washington, declining by 35% in 2024 compared to the previous year—with homicides down 12% and robberies plunging 28%. But the numbers do not equate with safety. Since at least the 1980s, Washington has led the charts in homicides per 100,000 people. Second place has never come within shouting distance. That is why ordinary people are silently exultant. That is why you will never witness a full-blown demonstration in Washington protesting Trump’s directive. Democrats were undisturbed when California Gov. Gavin Newsom in November of 2023 cleaned up the streets and moved the homeless out prior to a meeting in San Francisco between Chinese President Xi Jinping and then-President Joe Biden. Trump’s action is indistinguishable. Washington frequently hosts foreign leaders like Xi. Ambassadors and foreign dignitaries populate the city. It is commonly the venue for summits and major public events or celebrations. The Constitution is unambiguous. Pursuant to Article I, Section 8, Clause 17, the District of Columbia is under the control of Congress, including the Home Rule Act. Trump acted under the aegis of Congress in declaring a crime emergency and summoning the National Guard—squeaky clean initiatives by any measure. Holding juveniles accountable for their crimes and offenses means that you teach them to take responsibility for their actions and accept the consequences of what they’ve done. Accountability teaches teenagers and kids integrity, honesty, good decision-making skills and respect for others, and it gives them a stronger sense of self-worth and true self-esteem. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS.COM We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post The Silent Majority Is Applauding appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Cleopatra was Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 BC, and the last active Hellenistic pharaoh. Yet for centuries, Cleopatra has been immortalised as history’s ultimate seductress, her reign as famous for alleged sexual exploits as for monumental political achievements.  In the latest episode of History Hit’s “Royal Sex” podcast mini-series, Dr Kate Lister is joined by renowned archaeologist and Egyptologist Dr Sarah Parcak to explore why. Prepare to challenge long-held myths and uncover the fascinating realities of one of history’s most powerful and controversial female rulers. Subscribe to Betwixt The Sheets A strategic mind beyond her years When people think of Egypt, two things often come to mind: Cleopatra and pyramids. Yet, as Dr Sarah Parcak reveals, understanding Cleopatra’s true brilliance requires looking beyond popular imagery. Dr Parcak explains that Cleopatra “fully understood who she was and the moment Egypt was in when the Romans invaded… and she knew what she had to do to make Egypt’s memory survive”. This last ruler of Ancient Egypt enacted a multi-thousand-year plan for her nation’s legacy, and “she nailed it”. Cleopatra was no mere seductress; she was an extraordinary politician, exceptionally intelligent, and fluent in as many as 8 or 9 languages (indeed she was the only Ptolemaic ruler known to have learned the Egyptian language). Deeply versed in mathematics and philosophy, her “piercing intelligence” and extraordinary presence allowed her to command conversations on complex subjects.  In the podcast you’ll discover how Cleopatra harnessed not just her intellect, but also her understanding of sexuality and fertility, deeply connected to Egyptian religion, to consolidate her immense power. The unlikely path to Pharaoh Was Cleopatra destined to be Pharaoh? Not necessarily – the throne was expected to pass to one of her brothers. However, even at a young age, Cleopatra displayed an “extraordinary aptitude and intelligence” says Dr Parcak, demonstrating a finesse for politics that her father, Ptolemy XII recognised and nurtured. Her experience in Rome as a child, strategically arranged by her father, also proved crucial for navigating international power dynamics and maintaining Egypt’s independence later in life. Eventually, she was crowned co-regent with her brother, Ptolemy XIII. Following a civil war that erupted from their falling-out, he died in the Battle of the Nile. She later co-ruled with her other brother Ptolemy XIV, who subsequently died under mysterious circumstances. Ultimately, her sheer force of will ensured she effectively reigned alone. Profile view of the Berlin Cleopatra (left); The Chiaramonti Caesar bust, a posthumous portrait in marble, 44–30 BC (right)Image Credit: © José Luiz Bernardes Ribeiro (left); Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (right) Debunking myths Cleopatra is inextricably linked to the myth of sex, particularly with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Yet, the podcast debunks many assumptions. You’ll hear why Cleopatra was almost certainly a virgin before meeting Caesar, despite rampant rumours. Her famously dramatic encounter with Julius Caesar, far from a mere seduction, was a strategic unveiling and, according to Dr Parcak, a profound “meeting of minds” between two brilliant political strategists. Their relationship quickly deepened, leading to love and the birth of their son. This “stunning, brilliant, younger woman” who could converse with him on every subject captivated Caesar, playing to his ego and cementing an alliance beneficial to Rome.  The Roman reaction to Cleopatra’s presence in Rome was mixed; some branded her a “whore”, while others were utterly captivated, inspiring an explosion in the cult of Isis. After Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra swiftly returned to Egypt, later initiating her famous relationship with Mark Antony. Though often portrayed as a wild fling, their bond was enduring and resulted in three children. Dr Parcak stresses that Cleopatra had very few documented lovers, challenging the notion of promiscuity perpetuated by Roman propaganda, which conveniently targeted this brazen, powerful woman. The Death of Cleopatra by Jean-André Rixens.Image Credit: Public Domain Tragedy and enduring legacy In the podcast, Dr Parcak explains how Cleopatra’s reign faced immense challenges, including widespread drought and famine (as well as from surprising sources) that may have influenced the lead-up to crucial battles such as the Battle of Actium. When Rome inevitably sought to absorb Egypt, and after Mark Antony’s death, Cleopatra made her ultimate, iconic choice, avoiding public humiliation by Octavian in Roman triumph. Her death, often depicted as an asp bite, was likely a swift, self-administered poison – a decision reflecting her innate understanding of her image and how it would secure Egypt’s lasting memory as Rome absorbed her kingdom. The podcast explores how, like other powerful queens including Catherine the Great and Marie Antoinette, Cleopatra became a victim of misogynistic narratives, her power often sexualised to discredit her. Yet, Dr Parcak argues Cleopatra deliberately curated her image, using her appearance not for promiscuity, but to embody Egypt’s power and continuity. Join Dr Kate Lister and Dr Sarah Parcak on Royal Sex: Cleopatra to navigate the intricate world of rumour, power, and passion that defined one of history’s most compelling rulers to uncover the true legacy of Cleopatra. Subscribe to Betwixt The Sheets

Solids and liquids turning to gas can create surprising motion, and in the California desert, moving rocks proved that melting ice could do it too.

This extremely lensed galaxy provides a unique view into the very early universe.

During the pandemic, there was a large spike in the number of girls entering puberty at a very young age, a recent study from Italy showed.“Precocious puberty,” as the condition is known, is defined as the development of secondary sexual characteristics — breasts, pubic hair, larger testicles, a deeper voice, etc. — before the age of 8 in girls and 9 in boys.Tallow balms are easy to make at home — I make one with tallow, olive oil, and rosemary from my garden.Entering puberty that early can lead to significant complications. As well as being associated with reduced stature and other physical problems, studies have found links with emotional and behavioral issues including substance abuse, social isolation, truancy, and sexual promiscuity.Growing up too fastIt’s generally reckoned that girls suffer from precocious puberty at a much higher rate than boys: something like 0.2% as opposed to 0.05%, although there may be quite wide national variation. It’s not known why girls suffer at such a higher rate, but there could be a deep survival mechanism at work — perhaps one that allows girls to mature faster and reproduce earlier under particular conditions (war, scarcity, extreme stress).The researchers behind the study looked at data for 133 diagnosed cases of precocious puberty in Italian girls between January 2016 and June 2021. While they found 72 diagnosed cases in the four years before the beginning of the pandemic, they found 61 cases between March 2020 and June 2021, a rate of four new cases a month. That’s about three times the rate before the pandemic.The average age of sexual development has been getting lower and lower for decades across the West — maybe by as much as three months per decade for girls since the 1970s — but clearly, the number of cases observed during the pandemic was way outside that general trend.Fat and unhappySo what was going on?The researchers found a clear link between the increase in cases and weight gain, which is a known risk factor for precocious puberty. Fatter children are more likely to enter puberty sooner.The pandemic was a disaster for children’s health all round. Trapped inside, away from their friends for months at a time, bombarded with terrifying propaganda, left with nothing to do but watch TV or play video games or scroll TikTok while their parents answered Zoom calls in the next room, children got fatter — a lot fatter. Obesity rates went through the roof, and so did rates of mental health problems: anxiety, depression, suicidality.All that blue light from screens probably didn’t help either. Rat studies have shown that chronic blue-light exposure can bring forward puberty, believe it or not, because of changes to patterns of hormone release.Sanitizer insanityAnother factor, the researchers think — and you may find this surprising — was the “increased use of hand and surface sanitizers.”Remember how much people were sanitizing their hands and even home deliveries? In many cases, especially out in public, people were cleaning their hands after every social interaction and every time they walked in and out of a room.I made a point of never using the hand sanitizers on offer, because I know they contain big doses of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, chemicals that interfere with the body’s natural hormone balance and can have all sorts of unpleasant effects, from reducing testosterone levels to interfering with sexual development in the womb or during puberty.It’s an unfortunate truth that the young are especially vulnerable to these chemicals, and if they interfere in processes that can only happen once — like sexual differentiation in the womb, “mini-puberty” in early childhood, or “big” puberty in adolescence — the effects can be irreversible. Not good.A very nasty chemicalOne such chemical commonly found in hand sanitizers is triclosan. Triclosan is a very nasty chemical, not least of all because it can dramatically increase the absorption of other endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA. So if you coat your hands with triclosan-laden sanitizer and then touch, say, a plastic toy or a piece of thermal paper, you’ll get a mega dose of harmful chemicals, right into your blood.It’s not just hand sanitizer, though. Pretty much all modern personal care products contain endocrine disruptors, and for this reason they represent one of our most persistent sources of exposure to harmful chemicals. Research has shown that women are at particular risk, because they use so many personal care products. One study claims college-age women in the U.S. use an average of eight personal care products a day that contain known endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Some women in the study were using as many as 17 a day!RELATED: Blaze News investigates: BPA is no longer the stuff of baby bottles, but it still might be a big problem Photo by Rich Sugg/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty ImageCold turkeyThe simplest way to reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals is to stop using products that contain them. Research shows that if women go cold-turkey on their favorite personal care products, levels of harmful phthalates, parabens, and phenols in their urine decrease by as much as 45% in just three days.Of course, you still need to keep yourself spic and span, but giving up chemical-heavy supermarket soaps and scrubs doesn’t mean you can’t wash, thankfully. A lot of products can be replaced with tallow-based alternatives.Fat of the landTallow is rendered animal fat, usually beef fat. If that sounds disgusting to you, it shouldn’t. That’s how soap used to be made, using natural rather than artificial fats, and as with so many things, the old ways are better.Being animal fat, tallow has a chemical profile that’s very similar to human fat and contains various natural substances, including vitamins and cholesterol, that are nourishing for the skin. Modern soaps tend to strip the skin of moisture and nutrients and dry it out. They also destroy the colonies of beneficial micro-organisms that live on our skin and protect us, acting as a first line of defense against harmful pathogens entering the body.A personal favoriteYou don’t have to smell like beef, either, unless you want to. Tallow products can be fragranced with natural substances like rosemary oil or lavender.Tallow balms are easy to make at home — I make one with tallow, olive oil, and rosemary from my garden — but there’s a growing number of companies that make high-quality tallow products as well.My favorite is North Idaho Tallow Company. The company's tallow sugar scrub — a mixture of tallow and cane sugar, with natural fragrance — is just the ticket after a heavy workout, when you need to wash away the sweat and effort and come up looking sparkling. As well as offering soaps, balms, lip balms, and beard care products, the company also sells tallow-and-beeswax candles, which are so much better than paraffin ones.Visit idahotallow.com.

Jasmine Who? Rev. Al Sharpton’s Name Blunder Steals the Show at Crockett’s Racist Rant Fest

Japan is paying tribute to more than 3 million war dead as the country marks its surrender 80 years ago, ending the World War II, as concern grows about the rapidly fading memories of the tragedy of war and the bitter lessons from the era of Japanese militarism.

Days before the leaders of Russia and the U.S. hold a summit meeting in Alaska, Moscow's forces breached Ukrainian lines in a series of infiltrations in the country's industrial heartland of Donetsk.This week's advances amount to only a limited success for Russia, analysts...