It’s been too long since Disney has given its viewers a reason to complain. Take Thanksgiving weekend, when it actually pulled off a decent release. Moana 2 made $386 million at the global box office, breaking opening weekend records for an animated movie, and nobody on X seemed to have anything more than canned complaints about it. After watching the trailer, it looks like everything anyone could want from a Disney princess sequel: It’s as beautiful as the original, there are cute animals and cuter kids, and the storyline is probably a rehash of the first one (don’t fix what’s not broken, right?). As far as Disney princesses go, Moana has successfully made the tribe without ruffling anyone’s feathers — well, except that I can’t say “you’re welcome” without doing so in a sing-songy voice. Thanks, Mauwi. (READ MORE: The Penguin Glides as 2024’s Best Drama) Box office success and audience acclaim will not be the story of Disney’s live-action Snow White release, currently scheduled for March 2025. The film was already pushed back a year, although purportedly because of the SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 and not because of the controversy that it stirred up online (thanks Rachel Zegler). Perhaps Disney had hoped that giving it a little more time would cool tempers. If anything, it’s made the problem worse. Both the Right and the Left Boycott Disney’s Snow White This past December, Disney dropped the official trailer for Snow White, and it’s going to be a disaster. Putting aside the fact that Rachel Zegler looks nothing like anyone’s imagination of this particular fairy tale princess (which is something of a pedantic criticism, and certainly not worth boycotting a film over), Zegler was cast alongside Gal Gadot, who plays the evil witch. Anyone could have told you that, barring some serious work on the part of the wardrobe department, that wasn’t going to work. Gadot, famous for her role as Wonder Woman, is an absolutely stunning actress. Disney’s wardrobe department didn’t do its job, and the result is that when Gadot asks the mirror on the wall who’s the fairest of them all, the audience in the YouTube comments responds en masse, “You are.” As one YouTube commenter noted, “I wanted the queen to win in this version.” (READ MORE: MAGA Animal House) That’s not the only problem Gadot poses for Disney. The Israeli-born actress, who is a former martial arts instructor for the Israeli Defence Force, is, as one might expect, pro-Israel, and she’s been very vocal about it. Last year, she helped put together a screening in Los Angeles of a video compilation of the atrocities committed by Hamas on Oct. 7, and the left-wing mob has been calling for a boycott of Snow White ever since. Zegler, on the other hand, has posted slogans like “free palestine” on her social media. (One wonders how that is going down between Zegler and Gadot on the promotional tour.) That, together with Zegler’s blatant disregard and disrespect of the original fairy tale, has everyone else criticizing and boycotting the movie. Between the Right and the Left, it seems likely that no one will be sitting in theaters on March 21. In 15 years, when the conflict in Gaza is relegated to the history books, most of us could probably get past some of the politicization surrounding the film. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to get past the bad storyline and the film’s ghoulish looks. Snow White Remake Misses the Point of the Story The CGI dwarves are, to put it lightly, an eyesore (not to mention, they put the actors who could have filled the roles out of a job, so that’s nice) and the whole movie has a beige tint — the forest is beige, the cottage is beige, the castle is beige. It’s like the cinematographers made a universal decision to use a beige filter on their cameras and the result is, quite frankly, blah. In terms of storyline, Zegler promised audiences last year that, in Disney’s modern rewrite of the classic fairy tale, the princess wouldn’t be saved by the prince. Apparently, in the 21st century, Snow White is a girl boss. The problem is that fairy tales are not so misogynistic that there aren’t princesses who save princes. Take The Snow Queen, where Gerda traipses across the northern world to win back her friend Kai, or Beauty and the Beast, where Beauty softens the heart of her captor and saves him from his curse. In both of these cases (and in many other examples), there’s a theme. Rather than picking up swords, they engage in a much more mysterious kind of warfare, that of love. (READ MORE: Wicked Bewitches and Beguiles at the Box Office) There’s a reason princes get swords and princesses get hearts. Women have a particular gift for loving the unlovable. What they bring to the world is a beautiful softness that echoes the salvific love God had for men — corporations like Disney are not incapable of illustrating that beautifully, the animated Tangled does it well. That’s not to say women can’t pick up swords — Judith, after all, cuts off the head of a tyrant, and Joan of Arc led armies against the English — but Snow White isn’t supposed to be Joan of Arc, she’s supposed to be the maltreated princess awakened to love by a kiss. Simply put, Snow White isn’t the kind of story where the princess saves the prince. Instead, it gives men permission to love women because they are beautiful both inwardly and outwardly, and it tells women that accepting love will awaken them to a new and beautiful life. Coincidentally, that’s a message the modern world needs to hear. Disney’s Snow White seeks to betray that whole message. What Zegler and the executives at Disney are in the process of discovering is that our modern world is not yet so far gone that audiences don’t take note of and despise that betrayal. The post Disney’s Snow White Is Well on Its Way to Disaster at the Box Office appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

from X22 Report: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

by Michael Snyder, The Economic Collapse Blog: What kind of year is 2025 going to be?  If you ask 1,000 different people that question, you will probably get 1,000 different answers.  There are some that are very optimistic about the year ahead, but there are others that are very pessimistic about the year ahead.  In […]

Holy Shit, I remember 2000 like it was yesterday. What the hell happened to 25 years? This year is going to be damn exciting and the potential is amazing. The News was provided by the Bikernet Team including: Wayfarer, the Redhead, Bob T. Sam Burns, Laura, Barry Green, El Waggs, J.J. Solari, Amy White, Jenn and the rest of the crew. The Bikernet Weekly News is sponsored in part by companies who also dig Freedom including: Cycle Source Magazine, the MRF, Iron Trader News, ChopperTown, BorntoRide.com and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Screenshot THE NEW HOT CHOPPERS MAG IS OUT AND ABOUT– Choppers Magazine Issue 18 Regular price$14.00 Shipping calculated at checkout. Issue 18 Our final issue of 2024. Get a copy now before they’re all gone. Featuring: Sturgis – by Jerimiah Smith Sportster Showdown Winner – by Brad Redmond Tuff Love, Jake Braytons Shovelhead – by Tucker Adams Navajo Run/ Wagon Burner – by Ken Nagahara BBQ Run 7 – by Panhead Jim Saturday Sportster – by Mikey Revolt/Lowbrow Customs Jeff Bloedorn – by Ben Zales Jona – by Brian Bowan Smith and the Crew Sam Rapshutz – by Jerimiah Smith Jeff Leighton – by Greg Flack Clayton – by Billy Childress Death Co. – By Mikey Revolt/Lowbrow Customs NEW FROM THE CLINTEL FOUNDATION–The Frozen Climate Views of the IPCC is by far the most important publication in the history of the Clintel Foundation. The book came about through the cooperation of ten scientists and experts from the international Clintel network, including amongst others Canadian Ross McKitrick (known for his criticism of the hockey stick graph), Italian Nicola Scafetta (known for his work on the influence of the Sun on our climate) and Fritz Vahrenholt (known in Germany because of his book Die Kalte Sonne). In the book we analyze two parts (the Working Group I and II report) of the most recent IPCC report AR6. In thirteen chapters we evaluate by theme whether the IPCC did a good job. In short, we conclude that the IPCC has made several serious mistakes. These mistakes all point in the same direction: they make climate change ‘worse’.  Some of our conclusions are frankly quite shocking. In one particular instance, the IPCC ignored almost all the relevant literature (on the subject of damages due to extreme weather) and leaned on just one (flawed!) study that presented the apparently preferred conclusion (i.e. a claimed rise in damage due to CO2). Order the book and support Clintel Not surprisingly, the book has been completely ignored by the mainstream media. So, we will have to remain patient and keep hammering on the findings in the book. Sooner or later, the IPCC will have to deal with our criticism because it is so devastating. The publication of the book was coordinated by Marcel Crok, the director and founder of Clintel, and the American author Andy May. The book is avalaible as paperback and as e-book. Meanwhile, we have translated the book into German, Dutch and Danish. For 35 euro’s (including international shipping) you can order a signed copy (by Marcel Crok) of the book. More support for this important project, which is far from finished for Clintel, is of course much appreciated. You can do this through a donation or you can become Friend of Clintel and receive a signed copy of the book as a welcome gift. THE PROPER WAY TO START DAYTONA BIKE WEEK– Since 1968! If you are going to be in Florida for Daytona Bike Week, make sure the AMCA Sunshine Chapter’s National Meet is on your radar! Free admission, Ride-In Bike show, loads of swap meet gold to dig through, and countless of vintage bikes to ogle over! Lowbrow is proud to be on one of the presenting sponsors for this event, it gets our seal of approval for sure! WINDVEST WISHES– Wishing you good times, good cheer and a memorable new year. All of us at WindVest Motorcycle Windshields want to thank you for your business, loyalty, and support this past year. Ride Safe into the New Year!! BRAND NEW– Bikernet Reader Comment! Bikernet Reader Comments for August 2024 https://www.bikernet.com/pages/Bikernet_Reader_Comments.aspx Honda has always played an important role in motorsports, viewing it as a springboard for technological advancements. We have also been a strong contender in endurance races, motocross, and trials worldwide. At Honda, we are committed to further enhancing this momentum as we strive for greater achievements. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.hondaracingindia.com/ –Hondaracing hondaracingindia2@gmail.com gurugram, haryana, India MAJOR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION– to Embrace CO2 Emissions and Benefits By Vijay Jayaraj Scientific advancement and agricultural technology have revolutionized food production, enabling humanity to feed more readily a ballooning population. And working behind these celebrated innovations is an unacknowledged but indispensable contributor to the world’s growing food security: rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The very molecule that has been wrongly branded as a doomsday gas has been contributing to increasing yields for essential crops like rice, wheat and soybeans. Food Security is Serious Business The 20th century’s Green Revolution demonstrated how scientific intervention – including the use of fertilizers – could dramatically boost crop yields. The late 1960s saw a huge turnaround in yields across the globe, thanks to Norman Borlaug’s high-yielding, drought-adaptive, disease-resistant varieties of food crops. Also driving higher crop yields has been an increasing concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere that began in the 19th century as the Industrial Revolution accelerated. The rate of increase rose further with global industrialization following World War II. C3-C4 Divide: Understanding the Difference Having an especially efficient photosynthetic pathway are C4 plants, which have a four-carbon sugar molecule produced during photosynthesis. These plants, which include corn and sugarcane, have an evolutionary adaptation from millions of years ago that was a response to an atmosphere relatively low in CO2. Thus, C4 crops are already operating near peak efficiency when it comes to CO2 utilization under suitable environmental conditions like that of the present era. In contrast, C3 plants that developed during a time in the distant past when CO2 levels where many times higher than today’s show dramatic responses to increased atmospheric levels of the gas. C3 plants, named for their three-carbon sugar molecule, have a relatively inefficient photosynthetic process. Their stomata – tiny pores on leaves that allow gaseous exchange – must remain open longer to capture sufficient CO2, which leads to greater water loss through transpiration. Higher ambient CO2 levels allow C3 plants to photosynthesize more efficiently while losing less water. The benefits of elevated CO2 aren’t merely theoretical, as proven in field studies that have confirmed laboratory findings. Read the entire commentary at the CO2 Coalition Website. SENATORS BLAST AUTOMAKERS’ FIGHT AGAINST RIGHT-TO-REPAIR– The bipartisan group of U.S. senators accused carmakers of hypocrisy over privacy and profits. A bipartisan coalition of U.S. Senators released a scathing critique of automakers for opposing right-to-repair laws and monetizing driver data, Ars Technica reported. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) sent letters to major automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Tesla, accusing them of prioritizing profits over consumer rights. “We need to hit the brakes on automakers stealing your data and undermining your right-to-repair,” said Senator Merkley in a statement to Ars. The letters call out the apparent contradiction in automakers’s claims that opening up vehicle data to independent repair shops poses cybersecurity risks, even as they profit from selling that same data to third parties like insurance companies. Automakers have argued that right-to-repair laws, which would provide third-party access to diagnostic and repair data, could compromise vehicle security. This debate has been particularly contentious in Massachusetts, where a state law mandating an open data platform for telematics received overwhelming voter approval. Last year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advised automakers not to cooperate with the law over cybersecurity concerns. The Senators dismissed these claims, citing expert testimony that cybersecurity threats stem more from unsecured, poor-quality software than from sharing diagnostic tools. They also pointed to a German court ruling that struck down similar arguments made by Mercedes-Benz, calling them an invalid excuse to block access to repair data. Elijah Nicholson-Messmer Autoblopg You can read the whole tamale on Autoblog. We’ve been down this road for decades with CARB and EPA regulations preventing us from modifying our motorcycles. If the election went the blue direction, these senators would have working on ICE bans like crazy. Nuts! —Bandit DEADWOOD ACTION–Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer   · Snowflakes may be falling, but we’re still cooking up a storm! Come warm up with our unique dishes and enjoy the winter wonderland with us. We’re open and ready to serve you some deliciousness! #WinterWonderland #SnowDayEats #OpenForBusiness #CozyCuisine #YummyInTheSnow –Alexa Jacobs HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM JASMINE CAIN–What a long strange journey it’s been… It’s closing time for 2024 and we’re going back over the year to just realize what all we accomplished this year, thanks to all of you! We gave away 10 guitars to fans that signed up and helped us spread the word about our music and music videos. That was a HUGE highlight for me. I love to see their smiling faces when we present the guitar to them. It’s just such an honor! We won big time on the new album! Even though the album didn’t drop until 2024, we still qualified for the NIMA & Josie Awards with the music videos and singles we released prior to Jan 1st this year. Next year we are eligible for them again with the album as a whole. We didn’t receive any hardware from NIMA Awards, but we did win Best Alternative Rock Band and Best Live Rock Performance this year. We got to celebrate with about 20 of our good friends, who all got tables and joined us for the big moment. Although we couldn’t attend the Josie Music Awards, we did win Rock Artist of the Year, and I decided to submit us to perform the awards for 2025 since we have yet to stand on that stage at the Grand Old Opry! It will happen soon! BIKERNET REACHED THE BORDER– Attached photos from the desert bordering the hostile nation of Pakistan…..a familiar tee-shirt….. Remember my ACL ligament injury in November. I too need a surgery and will probably try and have it in the first week of January 2025. Gave the motorcycle for servicing—felt so lightweight without luggage i did a double-take wondering if it’s my motorcycle and whether it’s an XPulse or something else. The XPulse O-ring damaged and leaking oil on right side of engine. I had disconnected the battery on the ancient design Enfield Bullet—so connected that and kicked it to life in the afternoon. It was alive. –Wayfarer NHRA PINGEL TOP FUEL MOTORCYCLE SEASON IN REVIEW– NHRA’s first Top Fuel Motorcycle season, run in 2024 at Joliet, Virginia, Brainerd and Concord. The season and its coverage sponsored by Pingel Enterprise In the world of Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle (TFM) drag racing, there are the Brothers McBride (rider Larry “Spiderman” and his mastermind crew chief / brother Steve), and there is everyone else. Amazingly, it’s been that way for over 25 years. That’s how long ago it was that Larry rode the first ever 5 second motorcycle quarter mile pass at Houston. And other than the occasional step back to take five steps forward, it’s been pretty much all-McBrides ever since. Their formula for all these years has been to bring a trailer full of nitro motors and break whatever it takes to shoot for records. “If you’re going to race me,” Larry once said about a team that wasn’t so aggressive in their approach, “You’re gonna have to work on your motorcycle!” But this was a new deal, the first year of racing for an NHRA championship in a Pingel sponsored series. And after blowing off the tire and giving up the first round of eliminations in the first-ever NHRA Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle season to Elmeri Salakari at Route 66 Raceway, the seriousness of their situation to claim this first NHRA championship with only three races left out of four must have become apparent to the McBrides. “We thought we’d try some new stuff to run to the 1000 foot and it bit us in the butt,” Larry said about that first weekend in Joliet. “We got behind the 8 ball in points. All it would take was one mistake and we would have lost the championship.” No such mistakes were made. From then on, the McBrides ran their Pingel-sponsored machine like the world’s baddest nitro bracket bike, maintaining a clear advantage while clicking off 4.80s to the 1000 foot seemingly at will to sweep the rest of the season. And guess what—they were racing entire weekends on one motor. The planned obsolescence and aluminum shattering hunt for ultimate performance was put on the shelf—for now, at least. McBride swept the rest of the series and took that well-deserved first NHRA championship. “We just got back to what we knew worked and just left it alone and let it run the number. The 1000 foot has definitely let our motors last, for sure,” said Larry, who is expecting more of a dogfight when the class returns in 2025. “Everybody started picking up. Mitch (Brown) and Bobby (Malloy) picked up drastically in the last race and I think you’ll see them pick up a lot more the second year. It’s gonna be a lot closer, I’ll tell you that.” McBride will also tell you how much that Donna and Wayne Pingel and their Pingel Enterprise performance motorcycle parts business mean to the class and motorcycle drag racing as a whole. “They really support Top Fuel Motorcycle and drag racing in general. They are one of the few companies that are all in with drag racing. They go all the way back to when it was IHRA, NMRA, Prostar and others. What they do for the sport is absolutely incredible. They’ve supported the sport from the grassroots level on up. “I would like to thank Pingel Enterprise, Drag Specialties, Vance & Hines Motorsports, Bill Miller Engineering, Trim-Tex, Web Cam, Worldwide Bearings, A.P.E., Final Swipe, Mickey Thompson Tires, Red Line Oil, Torrence Racing, Simpson Race Products, Goodridge Hose and Fitting, Belt Drives Ltd., B&J Transmission, Beringer Brakes, Boninfante Friction, Brocks Performance, BST Wheels, Cometic Gaskets, D.M.E., Ferrea Valves, Kibbelewhite, LA Sleeve, MPS, PR Factory Store, Valco, Dave Dunigan and Jimmy Brantley. “Also, my crew chief and brother Steve McBride, Chuck Stuart, Roland Stuart, Charley Lynch, and Braylon Rooker.” That first event win at Route 66 went to McBride customer David Vantine after Salakari’s bike failed to start for the final. Racing McBride in match races at Maryland International Raceway and then again at NHRA national events, Vantine seemed like the heir apparent to McBride’s winning legacy. But the Joliet win was the lone highlight for Vantine as his Vantine Nitrosports bike—tuned by Greg Pollard and Joe Taranto—lost first round at the next three races. The high cost and low results combined to gut punch Vantine and—even with a brand-new, long-awaited bike delivered to Virginia—caused him to email his team that the end was upon them. As it turns out, end may be a strong word for what’s going on at Camp Vantine. But the desire to simply be a competitor has left the building, and Vantine expects more. His accountant expects more. Team members have responded accordingly and the death of the program may have been prematurely announced. Although not really announced, since it’s been closely held news amongst the TFM family and you the reader are probably just hearing about it now. “Never say Never” is something Vantine might be comfortable going on record saying, and we’ll see what happens with this exceptional team as the successful Hamilton, New York businessman considers the advice of his “internal accountant, lawyers and outside accounting firm and officers of the company (Vantine Imaging).” A few years ago, the McBrides were considering another one step back, five steps forward move by switching to a FuelTech system. The weight savings alone on a nitro bike are considerable. But at their ages (Larry is 66 and Steve 68) with a sizable performance advantage already in hand, the brothers decided to shelve that plan and stick with tried and true. “We can already go faster than what we need to go and want to go with what we have,” noted Larry. Not so for slightly younger racer Mitch Brown (57), who co-owns his bike with Dennis Bradley. Their bike is FuelTech controlled and fired, with Pro Mod racer and Tulsa Dragway owner Todd Martin helping to program the beast. “The FuelTech system works great,” said Brown. “It’s so reliable and much more flexible than the old Racepak/magneto/EM box set-up. We have more opportunities with the ECU then we did with the EM box. The future is going to make the FuelTech system even more valuable with the new electronic all valve technology.” Brown went to the last three finals against McBride and was still in the hunt for the championship until midway through the last raceday at zMAX. “I’m very proud of our team,” said Mitch. “I thought we did an excellent job. I’m getting the bike down the track consistently and getting a little bit better each time. We had a good solid 4.91 run at Charlotte the last event of the season and we’re excited about running even quicker next season. “I’m also very proud of the class participants. I thought everybody put on a great show. We had good solid runs. The NHRA was very pleased and said they had a lot of emails and text messages about how much the fans loved the Top Fuel Motorcycles. “I would like thank the Pingels, NHRA, and everybody involved in making the 2024 season happen. We had a great time traveling to four tracks that we had never run at before and seeing new and old friends. Looking forward to doing it again in 2025.” Like Brown, Bob Malloy races a Sam Wills chassis with a FuelTech ECU. Malloy is the current record holder for NHRA Top Fuel Harley, a class that thrives at AMRA but petered away at NHRA when sponsor Mickey Thompson was acquired by Goodyear and funding dried up. The veteran rider of nitro Harleys started putting out feelers for a blown inline 4 ride, eventually landing on this bike originally built for veteran racer Terry Kizer. It’s the first supercharged, inline nitro bike ride for Malloy since he rode Elmer Trett’s titanium bike in 1986. “We raced each other in the final at IHRA Rockingham in the first ever race we went to,” remembered Malloy, who lost to Trett that day. He later raced John Sands’ injected nitro Honda before settling into the seat of his own, high-gear only, record-setting Top Fuel Harley. Malloy’s current NHRA bike (owned by Chuck Redfern) is a clone to Damian Muscat’s former Wills ride that just ran 5.80s in the quarter in Australia. “It’s taking me all year to get where I think it might have a chance to be competitive,” admitted Malloy, who also noted that the inline is “Way smoother” than his Harley. “My goal is to run with Larry, and my ultimate goal is run better than him,” continued Malloy, who’s backed up his talk in the past by claiming records on many combinations. “We ran 3.86, 3.84, and 3.83 to the eighth mile, and that’s running with Larry. Now I gotta figure out the rest of it. We’re up against a lot of experience but we’ll keep plugging away at it. “The Pingels are wonderful people. They could have easily just helped Larry, and instead they’ve helped us all. And Larry’s wonderful. He’s done so much for the class singlehandedly. He could’ve kept all that funding himself. Larry’s also helped me tremendously. “Now we just need younger guys like Elmeri (Salakari) and GT (Tonglet) out here.” Despite ECU differences, these bikes are all the traditional roller-bearing crank, Suzuki GS-based, supercharged inline 4s that have dominated the class since the days of the late, great Elmer Trett. The other two bikes that saw action in ’24 are clean sheet designs. Sticking with the inline 4 layout but ditching the GS-based stud and bore spacing—and roller-bearing crank—for a Hayabusa-based layout and plain bearing design is the John Alwine designed ATF-1 powerplant fielded by Massachusetts racer Micah Fenwick. “We have a Racpak for data and EM to control the clutch,” said Alwine, who points to the bike’s fuel pump as it’s current limitation. “The bike currently has a small fuel pump and the fuel system is set up much like we had in the very early days with Korry.” That would be Korry Hogan, a near mythological figure in the sport who posted big numbers and even bigger crashes in a relatively brief career. Hogan retired while his brain and neck were still intact after one final wall-pounder at Valdosta. “So we have maximized the pump this summer,” continued Alwine. “The only real fuel control is at idle. The rest is full pump. No timing control at all.” Also different is the chassis, originally built for a Harley by the Race Vision shop. “Micah purchased it and Jeff Scott and myself cut the front half off and built new to fit a four cylinder in it.” So a program that seemed mothballed after Hogan’s retirement is very much alive, and Alwine is suitably proud. “The bike runs so straight and has good short times so far. The engine is running great as well. “We are talking about a larger fuel pump and some controls over the winter. It should run much like Korry’s 255 (MPH in the quarter mile) set-up. We just need to be cautious for a while longer until Micah is ready, then we can start stepping it up.” “Looking back at last year as my first time racing anyone in Top Fuel, it certainly was a great experience,” added Fenwick. “And although our team finished last in points, I feel we all learned a lot with each race. Even though we were only able to get one round win in the four-race series, we feel we’re headed in the right direction and hope to get a few more wins next year. All these guys are extremely tough to beat, we just need to go out and give it our best shot.” If the Alwine-designed bike is different, then the Jaska Salakari bike ridden by his son Elmeri is from another planet. But then again, the Salakari’s home country Finland sometimes seems otherworldly. There is much to be read about Salakari’s blown, dual overhead cam, 4 valve per cylinder, hybrid fuel “Harsh” V-Twin in Race Engine Technology magazine and elsewhere, so we’ll steer clear of too much detail here. But one look at this completely FuelTech-managed and fired, chain-in-frame beast, and you know it’s something else altogether. Salakari often refers to the bike as a KTM—how’s that for different in drag racing? Also different is the tragedy this team had to deal with when the rig they were using was smashed into while alongside the highway in Oklahoma on the way to the Virginia race. Elmeri was injured, but crewman Ari “Nitro Jesus” Lapiolahti was crushed between the truck and trailer, losing a leg and finger. After missing the Virginia race, the Salakari team relocated to Jonnie Lindberg’s shop in Brownsburg, raced in Brainerd, and even Lapiolahti was on-hand for the final race at zMAX. Coupled with the opening round Joliet win over McBride, the team’s mid-season tragedy was bookended with triumphs. For Elmeri, the highlight of the season was racing on NHRA tracks in front of NHRA crowds. “We started the season great, then the crash happened and everything went South,” said Elmeri. “It ruined the whole season for us. The frame bent and our last two races went bad because of it.” The team then put on a solid performance making exhibition passes at the AMRA Jim McClure Nationals at Rockingham. “Rockingham was great for us because we had a chance to test our new tuning program. Overall the season was amazing and we are looking for next season.” Elmeri noted that the bike is for sale. “We are looking to someone to buy it (for themselves to race) or someone to own it and me to ride it. “We have two more bikes here that we are putting together to send them to there (the US).” Whether the bike they raced this year sells or not, the Salakaris fully intend to race NHRA again in ’25. Malloy mentioned GT Tonglet, the former NHRA Pro Stock racer and member of the Tonglet motorcycle drag racing family. GT made a couple of successful launches (and then some) on Chris Hand’s legendary “Redneck Express” at the recent Man Cup finals in Valdosta. For a rider with absolutely no Top Fuel experience on a bike that hadn’t been on track in two years, the test really couldn’t have gone any better despite Hand not being able to get the fresh fuel at Valdosta that he was expecting. There are a lot of details left to be resolved in any such pairing for 2025, but the test proved two things: Hand’s bike is ready to race and GT is ready for licensing. Then there’s the new bike built by the McBrides for “Second in the 5s” racer Jim Brantley. Will the 69 year old Brantley ever race it in competition? Frustrated with the pace of development of his ProCharged traditional 45 degree Harley, Jay Turner is building a bike centered around two cylinders cut off the end of a Top Fuel car Hemi block and heads. Tak Shigematsu is said to be shipping his ProCharged bike—built by the late, great Don “DJ” Johnson—back to the US. And then there’s the ProCharged bike of Finnish racer Juha “Sushi” Hintukainen. So there are lots of available contestants that just need to make themselves available. “The 2024 NHRA Top Fuel motorcycle class was a great success,” said Donna Pingel. “The race teams worked very hard to be the winner, with the Larry McBride Team taking first place. We are very pleased with all the racers performance and look forward to the 2025 season.” Don’t we all! Story and photos by Eatmyink Motorsport Media’s Tim Hailey provided courtesy of Pingel Enterprise WASHINGTON DC NEWS FROM THE MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION–This week the 119th U.S. Congress will be sworn into office and later this month a new Administration will assume power. The next two years will be a critical time to advance the legislative priorities of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). The power of the MRF comes from our membership. With the support of State Motorcyclist Rights Organizations, Clubs, Independent Shops and individual members the MRF has been the voice of the street rider in Washington DC for 40 years. As we begin another year, we remain committed to our founding principles, guided by the knowledge that protecting our freedoms and liberties as bikers requires vigilance, persistence and passion. Ride Safe and Ride Free –MRF LIFESTYLE CYCLES DEAL OF THE WEEK— 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide for Sale Wicked Red • Used Motorcycles Stock # 13581 2018 Harley Davidson FLHX Street Glide with only 11,215 miles! The next generation of Harley motors stands out above the rest so do yourself a favor and come down to ride off with this ’18 Street Glide because you will not regret it! * 107 Cubic Inch Milwaukee 8 Motor * 6 Speed Transmission * Chrome Python Slash Cut Exhaust * Factory 47 Crash Bar * High-Flo Big Mouth Air Cleaner * Chrome Upgraded Shift Linkage * Navigation * Halo LED Headlight * Halo Running Lights * Smoked Front Windshield This bike is only $16,980.00 Plus license, $85.00 documentation fee, and local sales tax. NO HIDDEN FEES like some dealers. And we have no reconditioning or prep fees. This bike has passed Lifestyle Cycles rigorous 103-point safety/mechanical/structural inspection. Fill out an online application today. We have EZ FINANCING and EXTENDED WARRANTIES available! Lifestyle Cycles is located at 1510 State College Blvd, Anaheim CA,92806. Open 7 days a week. NOT LOCAL? WE HAVE SHIPPING AVAILABLE! Call today (714) 490-0155. NEW YEARS CHANGES AHEAD– You can transcend any challenge! “Identify your problems, but give your power and energy to solutions.”  –Tony Robbins Albert Einstein once wisely said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” How true these words resonate in our lives, especially when we find ourselves exhausted and seemingly unable to overcome the hurdles before us. What do you do when you’ve given your all, and it feels like it’s never enough? When the weight of challenges seems insurmountable? We’ve all been there, questioning if we can make it through another day. Today, I remember a dear friend, Ronnie Thomas, who left this world a few years ago. In our last conversation, weakened by cancer, he declared his intention to have a good day, regardless of the uncertainty of tomorrow. His resilience, even in the face of imminent departure, left a profound impact on me. Challenges, big and small, confront us daily. It’s in these moments that we discover our strength, our ability to confront and overcome any issue. When overwhelmed, exhausted, or gripped by fear and doubt, I pause. I remind myself that I am not alone. I draw strength from my Higher Power, the love of those around me, and the lessons learned from past triumphs. In moments of solitude, perhaps even in a bathroom stall (a humorous escape), I close my eyes, breathe deeply, and journey within to find the resilience needed to carry on. I cherish a card my wife gave me, titled “Don’t Quit,” a reminder that challenges bring growth and valuable lessons. Our experiences shape us; growth stems from living through them. My friend Ron Thomas, unaware of his impending departure, emphasized living fully in the present during our last conversation. Our growth as individuals is intricately tied to the challenges we encounter. Life’s experiences shape us into who we are today. Embracing 2024’s conclusion, I release anything that no longer serves my highest good, making way for a fresh start in 2025. Gratitude for all experiences, whether positive or challenging, becomes my compass. In the present moment, I affirm: “Today, I am awake to the infinite possibilities of life. I acknowledge that my path is divinely lit from within, and I rise above any challenge or adversity. The Power within me surpasses any external force. I welcome the passing of 2024 and embrace 2025 as the best year yet, living fully in the present.” I am grateful for challenges, for they propel me forward, bringing me closer to expressing more life and divinity. I open myself to any challenge, trusting in the Divine solution and guidance to flow and resolve it. No problem can rob me of my truth, peace, and serenity. With open arms, I accept the great things that come my way, and today, I am extremely grateful for living in the present. Love You All Namaste’ And So It Is How you meet your challenges makes all the difference between the promise of success and the specter of failure. Human nature is divided; it contains both darkness and light. You can choose to accept the darkness and lament it, or you can choose to expand the light until the darkness no longer dominates.  –Deepak Chopra –Yale HOLIDAY LOSS–Dear Bandit, My name is Andy May. I am a son of Bill May.   Today I regretfully write you to inform you that my father Bill May has passed away. I know he has been a longtime supporter of Bikernet and considered you a personal friend. I’m so sorry to have to inform you but he passed away on December 26. It was quick and no one else was hurt. He experienced heart failure in relation to his COPD. If you have any questions or need to reach out, you can contact me at 615-496-6957 –Andy May This is tough. I followed Bill’s bike and hotrod builds for decades. Recently, he took on the roll of the Extraterrestrial editor for Bikernet. This topic is exploding and we get a kick out of following it. Hell, less than a week ago we ran Bill’s last UFO report. He will be missed! –Bandit NEW TECH BIKERNET READER COMMENTS– Hello, Just wondering maybe the H-D company is on the wrong path with the overheating bigger and bigger M8 engines and all the water cooling and strange models. Harley’s always been about “old school “ bikes and the fine line keeping the H-D heritage. What do you think about this? Do you want to see more posts from Harley-Davidson – Repair Tips & Maintenance in Feed? –Michael Edgell Fabris Yes, we want to always embrace more performance info about all Harleys. –Bandit The thing is, whilst I love the older looking bikes, they needed to straddle the fine line between heritage and innovation, which I think they’ve done quite well. I think the problem is pricing. If I wanted to drop 40k, I’d go out and buy a car. –Gunnar Nilsson I agree, but I will add a caveat. I believe the factory can embrace history and embrace new technology. The new will always help the old. –Bandit It is not possible to make an easy air-cooled engine anymore, due to emission and sound regulation. And we, the Harley riders already have bikes and are 60+ and dying off. Young people entering the scene are few and there are plenty of used Harleys on… –Josh Cossin Old people are always dying off. That’s the name of the game, but while we were younger, we didn’t stop having babies. The younger audience will be even more interested in what Harley-Davidson represents. –Bandit I think it’s weird. They took out the entry bike (883) and replaced it with a carbon copy of a Vulcan 900. Then never refined the M8 but sold performance packages making the bike almost unusable mid RPM power. When a 114 M8 can’t hang off the l… –Doc Morgan I agree, regarding the Sportster. Watch, the Evo head Sportster will return. –Bandit I think it’s all the millennials and this younger generation all they want to do is stare at their phone all day they don’t want to ride a motorcycle. They weren’t started out on mini bikes they were started at on video games –Steven Burkholder Yep, but a percentage will want way more than phone screens. –Bandit AT LAST, WE RE-OPENED THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY– My wife wants me to wear a bracelet that belonged to her grandfather.  It says “Do Not Resuscitate.  It’s been months since I bought the book, How To Scam People Online.  It still hasn’t arrived yet. If you have a red wine stain on your carpet, get some white wine and drink it until you don’t care anymore.  One good thing about being wrong is the joy it brings to others. Even rarer than a doctor who can’t stand the sight of blood is a  lawyer who can’t stand the sight of money.  My wife and I decided to never go to bed angry. We’ve been awake sinceTuesday.  My wife said: “That’s the 4th time you’ve gone back for dessert.  Doesn’t it embarrass you?” I said: “No, I keep telling them it’s for you.”  My wife and I started role-playing in the bedroom. Her favorite is The Sexy Librarian, where I have to sit quietly while she reads a book.  Being old is when you don’t care where your spouse goes, just as long as you don’t have to go too.  I now know how it will all end for me, one of my kids will unplug my life support to charge their phone.  At a wedding reception, someone yelled: “All married people, please stand next to the one person that has made your life worth living.” The bartender was almost crushed to death.  I met my wife at a singles night. I was surprised because I thought she was home with the kids.  I want someone I can share my entire life with who will leave me alone most of the time.  Yesterday I bought a world map, gave my wife a dart, and said, “Throw this and wherever it lands, I will take you on vacation.” We’re spending 3 weeks behind the fridge. –El Waggs Certified Librarian Bandit’s Cantina STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM NEWS– Dear Board, As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to express my thanks for your support and leadership at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. This year has been one of growth, innovation, and progress — all of which were made possible by your dedication to the industry. Looking back, we have achieved a great deal. These accomplishments would not have been possible without each of you working alongside us. As we move into a new year, I am reminded of the timeless lyrics of Auld Lang Syne, which speak of the importance of cherishing old friendships and the memories we have made along the way. “For auld lang syne” or “for old times’ sake”- build the legacy! Cheers to a happy and successful New Year! –Heidi Executive director Wait until you see the art from Danial James. I had a conversation with Kirk Willard today regarding our first Museum Raffle fund raiser with Danial James art for the 87th. This is going to be exciting. We received another opportunity to move the Easyriders Streamliner to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. We’re working on it. I will report in, shortly. –Bandit ADV Cannonball Rally–A mix of curated motorcycle roads and a checkpoint rally for the ultimate cannonball rally, ADV moto style. A new kind of annual adventure motorcycle event is in the works. It will take riders across the United States on amazing roads hand-selected specifically for riders. But this isn’t a tour – it’s a competitive GPS-based rally. Go for glory. Go for adventure. The 2025 ADV Cannonball Rally will take place October 6-14, 2025. This year it will start in historic Kittyhawk, North Carolina on the Outer Banks and ends in Redondo Beach, California at the famous Portofino Hotel & Marina – a staple finish line for many cannonball rallies throughout history. This unique 3,550-mile experience is open to motorcycles of all types, will include nine days of riding, and has GPS-based checkpoint competitions located at epic places. This coast-to-coast rally will have an emphasis on overland GPS navigation, endurance, preparedness, self-reliance, and rider skill. Aaron Pufal, the event’s organizer, says, “Each day, participants will leave the official hotel at specific times. Navigating by provided GPX tracks, competitors will ride on paved and optional unpaved roads to checkpoints, electronically earning points while experiencing a highly curated and painstakingly vetted motorcycle route.” Pufal, an experienced rally planner and ADV moto enthusiast believes there’s a secret sauce to a good motorcycle road, and this route is carefully crafted by motorcycle enthusiasts for enthusiasts. The event will take riders through iconic, amazing locations—all with remarkable riding roads as the backbone. “This route isn’t for the faint of heart,” Pufal states, “but riders will appreciate the hundreds of hours of planning and prerunning.” This isn’t a race; It’s a rally; and it’s self-supported. No team chase vehicles. No support crews. No whining. Riders must rely on themselves or any public resources available to any competitor to stay the course on the road to victory. The ADV Cannonball Rally is a friendly competition. Here, riders are scored on their ability to reach specific checkpoints. Bonus points are awarded for the first rider to arrive at the next official hotel each day of the rally. Special achievements and separate extreme checkpoints revealed throughout the event will allow the chance to get a leg up on the competition with some extra points. The event is scored via a GPS app. The rider with the most points at the end is the winner. Trophies will be awarded at the rally’s banquet for various achievements. The overall winner will have their name embossed on the ADV Cannonball perpetual trophy in perpetuity. Entrants can be as competitive as they’d like—go for glory, adventure, or a bit of both. No rally experience? There will be opportunities for learning and guidance before the starting gun is fired, ensuring entrants understand how the competition aspect works. Entries Are Limited: This event is open to the public. Anyone is welcome on any motorcycle. Current entries are exactly what you’d expect, big ADV bikes, but, we’d surely welcome the wacky, brave, or oddball entry! Currently, we have enough paid signups to proceed with the event but we are limiting the entries to 30 hotel rooms for the 2025 rally. Learn More: Complete info is available at the rally website, ADVCannonball.com. There, visitors will find the rules and regulations, interactive route map, FAQs, ADV Cannonball Podcast Links, and the official entry form. The ADV Cannonball Motorcycle Rally is sure to be an amazing journey. “Come have a good time,” says Pufal. “This is going to be for like-minded riders who are sick of sitting behind the computer and ordering accessories for their bikes—and definitely not for ADV Weenies.” We’re seeking: Press interactions, sponsors, and partnerships in the ADV-Biz and motorcycle social media. We feel the inaugural running of the ADV Cannonball is a great story that deserves to be told. Reach out to Aaron Pufal at RM@ADVCannonball.com +1-954-655-4625. [photo 12939] IS NET ZERO DYING? Zero means Zero Freedoms and ultimate control. We picked just one: Benny Peiser Benny Peiser, director of the Global Warming Policy Foundation for the last 15 years, gave a talk for the Clintel Foundation in The Netherlands in late November. Peiser gave examples from around Europe showing how the Net Zero agenda is crumbling down. He also talks about international climate policy after the Trump election. And who is going to pay for the promised 300 billion a year at the COP29 in Baku? As Benny said to me: “This is the first time in all those years that people start listening to us.” Is the Net Zero agenda really nearing its end? The talk can be watched on the Clintel Youtube channel. 2025 FREEDOM FOREVER, FOREVER RIDING FREE– This is going to be a massively turning-point year. I’m afraid I won’t stop share scientific studies and the fight against zero policies. This is a year to step up and get involved. I know it’s tough. Shit is flying at us constantly and that’s an issue to consider. Everything is more involved and complicated. And everything takes time. I just bought a new Apple Computer then traded my Samsung phone for a the I-phone 16. The car won’t connect. The speaker in the shop won’t work. The phone is a nightmare, but I’m learning and it all takes time. I’m working the news, pondering a Sturgis Museum report for the Laconia event magazine and finishing the World Report for Cycle Source Magazine. New years eve I fired the VLXAFL Knuckle for the first time. I discovered a short in my mini-electrical panel. Once solved, the S&S Knucklehead fired right to life. Whenever I fire a bike on a lift, I’m suddenly chasing vibrating tools. Kirk Willard drank Sturgis coffee during our conversation about the upcoming Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Raffle. We are making serious progress. Ah, at last some serious snow. I spent sometime working with the Fedex driver who slipped off the road. And my grandson, Frank Jr. sent me a recent piece of his skin art. I also received the latest Easyriders Magazine, featuring Frank’s classic Panhead Chopper. The issue is packed with Sturgis Rally action. Okay, so getting back to being involved. I get it, times are busy, but try to put the time to drink one beer aside to join your local motorcycle rights group, the MRF, and I would suggest joining or donating a few buck to the CO2 Coalition and once a week check in. You’ll be astonished. But you’ll also know what’s going on and be prepared. Let’s ride free and respect freedom this year. –Bandit The post THE WILD NEW YEARS DAY BIKERNET WEEKLY NEWS for January 1st, 2025 appeared first on Bikernet Blog - Online Biker Magazine.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) said during a press conference on Wednesday night that the Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in front of Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas earlier in the day was carrying a variety of explosive materials. Police said that the vehicle pulled up in front of the hotel moments before it detonated, killing the driver, who police are not identifying until they are 100% certain of their identity. Investigators found that “the truck’s bed contained gasoline tanks, camping fuel, and large firework mortars” when the vehicle exploded. Police said that the truck was rented in Colorado through Turo and that Tesla was able to trace the route it took through its charging stations. “No suspect information will be released until confirmed,” police said. “This is a joint investigation with federal, state, and local authorities.” Investigators were working to determine if the intentional detonation was “an act of terrorism,” but they believed that it was an isolated incident and not part of a larger plan. BREAKING: Surveillance footage of the Cybertruck exploding in front of the Trump Tower in Las Vegas appears to show explosives detonating within the vehicle. EVs do not simply explode. pic.twitter.com/zXnTKVM4b6 — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) January 1, 2025 Law Enforcement Officials are claiming that because the Suspect used a Tesla Cybertruck in their Attack earlier today against the Trump Hotel & Casino on the Las Vegas Strip, which has 1.4mm Body Panels and 1.8mm Door Panels, the Explosion only caused Minimal Damage; with even… pic.twitter.com/3aBWrA8hfC — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) January 2, 2025 Cybertruck blew up in front of Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Those are our luggage by the door and that’s where we were when it happened. pic.twitter.com/KaVZXfGLNK — ayackle (@kaaaassuu) January 1, 2025

We’re a sucker for a good end-of-the-year wrap-up. There is nothing quite like starting the new year while reflecting upon what the last year gave us. Not only do we enjoy looking at our memories, but there is also something fun about seeing what our friends, family, and favorite celebrities have been up to for the last year. The royal family had a difficult 2024 with both Kate Middleton and King Charles battling cancer. But their health struggles didn’t stop either of them from living their lives as fully as they could under the circumstances. As a mother of three young children, Kate Middleton handled her difficult diagnosis with strength, grace, and a positive attitude. Princess Kate and Prince William, shared their year in review in an Instagram photo dump, and the pair appear ready to take on all 2025 has to offer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales) Princess Kate Looked Happy In The Photo Dump She did take a step back from her royal duties to focus on her health in early 2024 but returned in the fall, much to the delight of many. William and Kate packed a lot into the last year, including time with family and foreign dignitaries, service to the community, and even a selfie with Taylor Swift. Seeing Kate Middleton well again made many people happy. One royal enthusiast wrote, “Wishing all of the family a very happy 2025. But especially wishing our beautiful future Queen Kate, a healthier New Year. You’ve been so inspirational Kate, and carried yourself with beautiful and dignity. I hope you realise how loved you are xx.” This person hopes 2025 is good to the royal family. “Grateful for all you do. Wishing you healing, recovery, and continued precious moments with your family. Wishing you all the best in the new year!” This story’s featured image is by Samir Hussein/WireImage. The post Princess Kate Shares Precious 2024 Photo Dump That Gives A New Glimpse Into Her Royal Life appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the iconic setting of Carnegie Hall, a remarkable initiative is taking shape, one that seeks to bridge the stark gap between the industry’s diverse musical talent and its predominantly white leadership. The B-Side, a program specifically developed to empower young people of color, provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn about the multiple facets of the music industry, such as legal contracts and studio production. This program is a direct response to minorities’ underrepresentation in music management and executive positions, intending to develop a new generation of industry executives who reflect the diversity of the musicians who frequently top the charts. A week-long immersion in the heart of the music industry Bri Bernard, for example, describes The B-Side as a transforming trip rather than merely an educational encounter. Bernard, a young woman from the Bronx, was one of 40 trainees chosen for the program’s trial in the spring of 2023. “It was my first time working in a truly professional studio,” she shared, reflecting on her visit to Stanley Brown’s Pulse Music Studio. “That was simply awesome.” Bernard and her peers spent a week seeing key music venues, like the Louis Armstrong Museum, and receiving hands-on training from entertainment lawyers, union officials, and experienced musicians. Donald Garner, popularly known as “Dr. G” by the students, emphasized the significance of these interactions: “Research and anecdotal evidence tells us about the lack of representation young people have, especially people of color, in terms of breaking into the industry.” The program’s immersive nature not only gives vital exposure but also catalyzes participants’ creative and professional development. Diversity deserts in music management While musicians of color routinely top music charts, their representation in management and administrative positions is disturbingly low. Ayanna Cole, the director of Carnegie Hall’s Social Impact Programs, cites a USC Annenberg study from 2021 that revealed a significant inequality in sector leadership. Even though nearly half of all musicians in popular songs are from underrepresented groups, the survey found that 100 percent of top executives at the nine largest music businesses were white, with only one female executive among them. “Put differently, there were 17.7 white male executives to every one Black female executive,” the research stated, emphasizing the critical need for initiatives such as The B-Side. By focusing on the business side of the music industry, The B-Side confronts the “diversity desert” head-on. Students learn about contracts, royalties, marketing, and other important facets of the industry, giving them the knowledge and confidence to navigate and eventually lead in these areas. Cole stressed that “we really considered research around the lack of diversity in the music industry” when establishing the program, which now lasts four months and is expanding. Beyond music: preparing for industry challenges The B-Side curriculum includes more than just technical skills. Recognizing the special issues confronting underrepresented groups, the program begins and ends with classes on power, gender, and identity. “It’s important to learn about ways to keep yourself safe in any industry,” says Cole, “but in particular when you think about the ideocracy of the music industry with its big personalities and powerful celebrities.” Cole’s personal background as a former Emmy-winning television producer influenced her approach to the program. Cole, who was “almost always the only woman of color on the production side,” recognizes the challenges that young people of color confront in creative sectors. Her dedication to leveling the playing field shines through in every facet of The B-Side, from the involvement of parents in the program to the stipends provided to cover participants’ expenditures. “It is important for the parents to know that there are lots of viable careers in the creative sector,” she says, ensuring that families grasp the industry’s larger opportunities. From participants to pioneers: the impact of The B-Side The impact of The B-Side is already visible in the accomplishments of its members. One student felt so motivated by the curriculum that she released her debut single soon after completing it. Another participant leveraged the connections formed during a studio visit to sign an artist to a label. Bernard’s goals have shifted dramatically, with her major changing from music composition to sociology in order to investigate the systemic disparities she has witnessed in the industry. “The numerous opportunities to work in music that The B-Side showed me blew my mind,” Bernard says. “Before coming into Carnegie, I believed that there was one way to make it in the industry, and that was the path I had to follow. I have since encountered so many inspirational people and experiences that I wouldn’t have explored without the courage that The B-Side instilled in me.” Bernard, who is now a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is still creating projects that combine art, activism, and academia. Her work, which includes the “Tales of Black Motherhood” project and a music production for a play addressing the links between the caste system and institutional racism, exemplifies the depth and range of options that The B-Side has provided her. As The B-Side continues to expand, success stories like Bernard’s highlight the program’s significance. Carnegie Hall is not just assisting individuals by providing young people of color with the tools, information, and support they require to thrive; it is also paving the path for a more diverse and equitable future in the music industry.   In today’s “Best Of” roundup, we honor the transformative ideas in Education that shaped 2024. From reimagining learning spaces to empowering educators and students, these stories offer a blueprint for a brighter, more inclusive future. The post Helping young people of color navigate the music industry with Carnegie Hall’s The B-Side first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

A new study from York University in Toronto, Canada sheds light on the substantial consequences of social media detox on people’s self-esteem and body image. The study, led by psychology professor Jennifer Mills, included 66 female undergraduate students and sought to investigate the consequences of a week without using social media. Mills, along with co-authors Olivia Smith and Lindsay Samson, separated the participants into two groups: one that continued to use social media as normal, and the other that avoided all social media platforms throughout the study. The researchers assessed baseline levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction before and after the intervention, using screen time monitoring to validate participants’ adherence to the program. The impact: revealing the astonishing effects on self-esteem and body image The study found a significant difference in self-esteem and physical satisfaction between the two groups. Mills expressed surprise at the magnitude of the findings, stating, “We had effect sizes that were larger than I’m used to seeing in this line of research, so that suggests that it is a robust or strong effect.” The considerable increase in self-esteem and body image among those who avoided social media demonstrates the profound impact of digital platforms on people’s mental health. This study provides solid evidence of the benefits of lowering social media usage, showing the possibility of a positive shift in one’s self-perception and body image. Understanding the vulnerability: why body image matters, particularly for young women Catherine Sabiston, a professor of body image and mental health at the University of Toronto, underlines young women’s vulnerability to negative body image. She explains that the transition to adulthood is a vital stage for identity building, making people vulnerable to societal pressures and artificial beauty standards promoted by social media. Poor body image impacts people not just psychologically, leading to low self-esteem and an increased risk of depression and anxiety, but it also has physical consequences, influencing nutrition and substance use patterns. Practical solutions: tips and strategies for using social media to boost mental health In reaction to social media’s ubiquitous influence on mental well-being, experts argue for practical solutions that promote positive online experiences while boosting mental health. Here are some useful tips: Set limits: Set limits on social media usage and gradually reduce screen time to create a healthier relationship with digital platforms. Use smartphones’ built-in screen time tracking features to measure usage and establish daily limitations. Curate your feed:  Take charge of your social media experience by curating your feed with positive and uplifting information. Unfollow accounts that promote unrealistic beauty standards or elicit negative emotions, and instead seek out those who inspire and encourage you. Practice mindfulness:  Incorporate mindfulness techniques into your everyday routine to increase self-awareness and emotional resilience. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness-based activities can help you ground yourself and reduce stress. Strengthen social connections:  Prioritize meaningful connections with friends and family who encourage and support you. Develop offline relationships and participate in events that encourage social connection and community involvement. Practice self-care:  Set aside time for activities that nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Take up hobbies, exercise regularly, and prioritize self-care techniques that improve overall well-being. People can regain control of their digital lives and prioritize their mental health by applying these tactics in an increasingly interconnected society. Source study: Body Image—Out of the loop: Taking a one-week break from social media leads to better self-esteem and body image among young women     In today’s “Best Of” roundup, we honor the transformative ideas in Education that shaped 2024. From reimagining learning spaces to empowering educators and students, these stories offer a blueprint for a brighter, more inclusive future.  The post Students drop social media: how a weeklong detox improves self-esteem and body image first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

For four years, orcas have been ramming and sinking luxury yachts in European waters, perplexing scientists. These intelligent, gregarious creatures have demonstrated a new, destructive behavior that has confused scientists and boat owners alike. However, current research suggests an unexpected explanation: mere child’s play. A playful misunderstanding Following a lengthy examination, a team of biologists, government officials, and marine sector representatives concluded that the orcas’ acts were not motivated by aggressiveness or territorial disputes. Instead, these actions are driven by young orcas’ innate playfulness and curiosity. The approximately forty severely endangered Iberian killer whales that eat only large fish have benefited from the region’s extraordinary recovery of bluefin tuna in recent years.  “In addition, climate change could be playing a role,” the experts stated. The year-round abundance of tuna in the Gulf of Cádiz indicates that orcas no longer need to hunt as actively, leaving them more free time to indulge in playful behaviors or ‘hobbies’. Juvenile orcas at play The study concentrated on a core group of 15 orcas, mostly male juveniles and teens, who were identified as the major participants in these encounters. These young orcas, known as “the most curious and exploratory” of their species, have acquired a tendency to collide with boat rudders. This behavior, which was initially harmless, has increased as the orcas have grown larger and stronger. Notably, no orcas over the age of 25 have been spotted engaging in these behaviors, indicating that this is a young tendency. “Killer whales are known to play with other objects or animals in their environment to the point of damaging them,” the investigators noted. This behavior is consistent with similar patterns reported in other orca populations, such as those in Washington, USA, where individuals have been known to ‘play’ with harbor porpoises, even hurting them. Cultural transmission and fads Orcas are well known for their ability to adopt and disseminate behaviors within their social groupings, similar to how viral fads spread among people. In 1987, for example, a female orca in the Pacific Ocean was sighted carrying a dead salmon on her head, a practice that swiftly spread to her pod and two others before disappearing. Similarly, the present trend of boat-bumping may be viewed as a passing fad. “Different populations often have distinct dietary specializations that are maintained by cultural transmission, and these ‘ecotypes’ typically have a variety of persistent behavioral traditions,” the authors said. Examining ephemeral traditions in other well-studied cultures may help us understand the orcas’ recent interactions with boats. The human perspective While orcas’ actions may appear fun from their perspective, they have devastating implications for people. Since 2020, the Atlantic Orca Working Group (GTOA) has documented 673 incidents between orcas and watercraft, with at least four boats sinking. Just a few weeks ago, orcas repeatedly struck the 49-foot yacht Alboran Cognac in the Strait of Gibraltar, sinking it after the passengers and crew were rescued. The rise in these kinds of encounters has forced authorities to issue warnings. The Spanish marine rescue service SASEMAR has cautioned boat owners not to venture too far from shore and to avoid lowering anchors in high-risk areas. “In an ideal world, there would be a simple strategy for mariners to follow when killer whales interact, which would avoid vessel damage and harm to the whales,” the scientists said. Unfortunately, such a strategy does not currently exist. Moving forward Experts agree: these encounters are not hostile in nature. It does not ring true to refer to them as ‘attacks’. Instead, they should be viewed as playful, sociable actions. The researchers found, “The singular agreement amongst the experts at this workshop is that the interactions between Iberian killer whales and vessels are not aggressive. The interactions have more elements consistent with fad behavior or play/socializing than aggression.” While the tendency is likely to fade in time, boat owners and authorities remain cautious. The objective is that sustained research and surveillance will reveal new insights into these playful sea monsters, thereby reducing hazards and promoting cooperation between humans and orcas.     In today’s “Best Of” roundup, we honor the transformative ideas in Education that shaped 2024. From reimagining learning spaces to empowering educators and students, these stories offer a blueprint for a brighter, more inclusive future.The post Orcas are smashing boats. Researchers finally think they know the truth behind this trend first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.