About time

'Is this weird? Do you mind doing this?'

Special recognition has been paid to a senior foster mom from Maryland: senior because she’s 88 years old, and senior because she’s one of the most experienced long-term foster moms in the American foster home system. Since opening her home in Montgomery County in the 1980s, she’s fostered over 40 children, and was recently presented […] The post 88-year-old ‘Proud’ Foster Mom Retires After Raising Over 40 Children appeared first on Good News Network.

The post Black Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info by Matt Jackson appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Characteristics History How They Gained Popularity Formal Recognition Facts Do They Make Good Pets? The Black Sphynx is one of several colors of the Sphynx cat. The Sphynx is best known for their hairless appearance and wrinkled skin. They have large ears, as well as a muscular body, and they are known for being affectionate cats that do well with an attentive owner. The breed is relatively new and was first intentionally bred in the 1960s. They were bred in Canada and got their name from the Sphinx of ancient Egypt. Although the Sphynx is recognized by the International Cat Association, the Cat Fanciers’ Association, and the American Cat Fanciers’ Association, several pedigree cat associations do not officially recognize the breed because the hairlessness stems from a genetic disorder. Breed Overview Height:13 – 15 inches Weight:10 – 12 pounds Lifespan:10 – 14 years Colors:Black Suitable for:Loving families looking for a playful, attentive feline companion Temperament:Loyal, loving, playful, affectionate, energetic The Sphynx can come in several colors, including white, cream, gray, and black. While the most striking characteristic of this breed is that they have no coat, the Sphynx can, according to breed standards, have a coat of peach-colored fuzz over their whole body, and most Sphynxes have hair on the nose and around the ears. Black Sphynx Cat Breed Characteristics The Earliest Records of Black Sphynx Cats in History Although the name Sphynx conjures up images of ancient Egyptian cats, the cat is a new breed and was established in the 1960s. A random genetic mutation caused the birth of a hairless kitten. Several breeders used the hairless cat to produce more hairless offspring and the Canadian Hairless Cat. Then, they made their way over to the U.S., where they were bred with Devon Rex cats, who are also known for having very little hair. Any naturally occurring skin color is accepted as standard with the Sphynx Cat, which means that black is one of several colors. However, there is no clear record of exactly when the first Black Sphynx was bred or witnessed. Because it is a natural cat skin color, it is likely that Black Sphynxes were among some of the first to be bred. Image Credit: Anne, Pixabay How Black Sphynx Cats Gained Popularity The breed originally gained popularity with breeders who saw the hairless trait as an unusual, positive characteristic. The same unusual looks were likely the reason that the cat became popular with owners. The breed’s popularity was also helped by their playfulness and loving nature. However, many potential owners are put off by the lack of hair. Although the breed is hardy and no more prone to most conditions than other breeds, they’re vulnerable to some health conditions. Formal Recognition of the Black Sphynx Cat Although the Sphynx cats are recognized by some pedigree cat groups, they aren’t formally recognized by all of them. The International Cat Association formally recognized the Sphynx in 2005, after the Cat Fanciers Association did so in 2002. The American Cat Fanciers’ Association also recognizes the breed, but they have different standards. Image Credit: Marykor, Shutterstock Top 5 Unique Facts About Black Sphynx Cats 1. They Don’t Like The Cold It’s not that surprising for a hairless cat, but the Sphynx does not like cold weather. They don’t enjoy the natural warmth that other cats get from their coats, which means this breed not only struggles outdoors in cold weather but can get cold in an unheated home, too. 2. Sphynxes Need To Be Kept Indoors As well as struggling with a cold climate, Sphynxes are prone to sunburn and heatstroke because of the lack of hair. Because they don’t even have the natural physical protection that a cat coat offers, they need to be kept as indoor cats. Image Credit: Olga Shusters, Shutterstock 3. Sphynx Cats Come From Canada, Not Egypt The name Sphynx comes from the Sphinx statue in Egypt, which was based on a mythical creature with the face of a human and the body of a lion. However, the breed we now know as the Sphynx did not originate in Egypt but was intentionally bred in Toronto, Canada, in the 1960s before making its way over to the U.S. 4. They Are Very Social As well as being recognizable for their unusual appearance, the Sphynx is also known for being a loving, loyal, and affectionate cat, which makes them a great choice for a family pet. They’re people-friendly, get along with other cats, and typically get along just as well with strangers. 5. They Are Considered Hypoallergenic People who suffer from cat allergies are allergic to a protein found in cat urine, saliva, and dander. Although no breed is entirely hypoallergenic, the Sphynx may cause less of a reaction and may be ideal for those with mild allergies. Does the Black Sphynx Cat Make a Good Pet? The Black Sphynx can make an excellent pet for the right owners since they are playful, affectionate, and energetic. However, they can be clingy and don’t like to be left alone for long periods. Therefore, they may not be the best pet choice for owners who go out to work all day or leave the house for extended periods. While they don’t need daily brushing, the Sphynx has some very specific care requirements. They need regular bathing and the use of a good-quality, gentle shampoo that doesn’t cause irritation. They are also somewhat prone to putting on weight, and owners must be especially careful about monitoring their diet. Image Credit: photosounds, Shutterstock Conclusion The Black Sphynx is instantly recognizable for their hairless body and black skin. They are friendly and loyal and get along with most people. Despite having a name inspired by a mythological creature from Ancient Egypt, the Sphynx was developed in Toronto, Canada, in the 1960s. While they are recognized by several cat fancier associations, some refuse to formally recognize them because the lack of hair stems from a genetic mutation. Some groups do not believe the mutations should be intentionally bred into the next generation of cats. Sources https://www.thesprucepets.com/sphynx-cat-4176530#toc-appearance https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/sphynx-cat-colors/ https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/cat-breeds/sphynx https://pethelpful.com/cats/Sphynx-Cats https://relaxmycat.com/blog/facts-about-sphynx-cats   Featured Image Credit: Olga Shusters, Shutterstock The post Black Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info by Matt Jackson appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post When Can Kittens Leave Their Mom? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Click to Skip Ahead Kitten Growth Process Rules Regarding Kittens Leaving Mom How to Wean Kittens Without a Mother FAQ Kittens are born helpless and blind—dependent on mom to get them through life. After the first several weeks, mom and onlookers alike will be shocked at how quickly they grow and become independent entities apart from their caretaker. If you have a litter of kittens or you’re wondering how to care for an abandoned litter, this article has valuable information for you. Generally, cats are dependent on their mother for at least 8 weeks and should be fully independent by 14 weeks. We will go over how the average kitten matures, special health considerations, and how you can help kittens in need. Kitten Growth Process Before you get to the goods, you might want to brush up on the early development of a kitten. What is it like for them between womb and adulthood? Let’s start at the top. Gestation Cats can go into heat at roughly 4-6 months of age. Afterward, they can become pregnant and will quickly do so if given any opportunity. Once they successfully mate, you can expect a litter of kittens in about 65 days. During this time, the mother should swell in the abdomen and her nipples might protrude and become much more noticeable. If you realize your cat might be pregnant, you might be reading this to know how soon you can rehome the kittens. Just be patient. Trust us! We have solutions for you below. Image Credit: AYDO8, Shutterstock Dental Development Like us, kitties get a set of deciduous or kitten teeth before the permanent teeth come through. Kittens get 26 deciduous teeth which they need to be able to eat food rather than milk or mush. The incisors are small teeth at the front which erupt around 2-4 weeks of age. Deciduous premolars are used for chewing and come through around 5-6 weeks of age. Kittens will get a full set of 30 permanent teeth by 7 months of age. Weaning Stages Once a kitten is born, they depend on their mother’s milk solely for the first several weeks. However, when they reach approximately 3 to 4 weeks of age, many owners start mixing a milk supplement with solids to deliver their first food in the form of a liquid or paste. They will go between this and their mother’s milk for a few weeks. Eating Solids Once the kitten starts to eat solids, they won’t slow down! They will take pleasure in chowing down each time the dish hits the ground. You might notice that the kittens start to fight over the food; some of the more dominant kittens might start getting quite frisky and being a little stingy. As they get older the food can gradually become less liquid and have a bit more consistency about it. By around 6 weeks the kittens can be offered some dry kibble. Image Credit: Vanilin Ka, Shutterstock Socializing The socialization period occurs from 3-9 weeks in kittens. Socialization is imperative to each kitten’s development. They will have some much-needed time spent with mom, brothers, and sisters to ensure that they know how to behave. Socialization teaches kittens how to play properly and get along with others. So, it is a very crucial stage of development. Kittens should also be exposed to people, kids, grooming, and gentle handling during this period to ensure they are prepared for life as pets. They should so be exposed to different kinds of foods, places, car rides, and everything they will need to be familiar with in their lives. Socializing cats has some important behavioral benefits; it reduces fear and increases their bond with their owners. Self-Sustaining Eventually, you’ll notice by 12-14 weeks, if not sooner that the kitten is totally capable of self-sustaining. You won’t have to worry about the kitty needing mum—it is all put together in a nice little package and ready to come home. Mom will be totally hands-off by this point. Rules Regarding Kittens Leaving Mom If someone is trying to rehome a kitten, the little one needs to be at least 8 weeks of age, but ideally closer to 14 weeks. The reasons for kittens not being able to leave mum too early are behavioral. One study reported behavioral problems in kittens leaving their mother before 8 weeks of age and showed the behavioral benefits of staying with their mom until 14 weeks. If you have a single orphaned kitten, be mindful of “single kitten syndrome”. These cats don’t get enough socialization from their mother and littermates, which leads to some behavioral problems. They may not understand appropriate social behavior with other cats and humans. They may hurt others without meaning to because they weren’t taught to regulate their bites or scratches. If you can find another kitten so they can be raised together this is ideal. The 5 Tips on How to Wean Kittens Without a Mother If you have a litter of kittens that have been abandoned by their mother, you may have to intervene. If this is the case, then it is imperative you follow direct guidance from a vet to get the kittens in optimal health. Rushing the weaning process is a no-no. Whether the mother has lost interest in her litter or is nowhere to be found, it is so important you make the switch from formula to food slowly and at the correct age. Image Credit: Adina Voicu, Pixabay 1. Offer Formula for 3–4 Weeks, Then Start to Introduce Solids You can offer a kitten milk replacer to your kittens for at least 4 weeks using a bottle. When the time comes to add in solids after bottle-feeding for so long, you can slowly mush and mash kitten kibble or wet food until it is a rather slop-like substance. Ultimately, you’re looking for something that is the consistency of puree. Some kittens will take right to the plate, chowing down like a madman. Others will take a more confused approach, wanting to eat, but taking a while to get their bearings. If they seem uninterested you can put some on their nose as they will lick it off and enjoy the taste. Just remember—mix a small amount at first. You’re looking for baby food consistency. 2. Adjust as Needed As your kittens get the hang of it, you can give more solids and less milk—just be sure not to do so too quickly. Any diet changes could lead to gastrointestinal upset if they are introduced too quickly. The kittens should have all their baby teeth by around 6 weeks. At this point, they can chew kibble and meaty chunks so you can offer some more solid solids. 3. Monitor Kittens Eating Don’t let any kitten bully the rest. Make sure you monitor at first to make sure no kitten is hogging the food dish and they are all getting their fair share. Sometimes, if you have a particularly aggressive kitten, it’s best to feed the docile kittens elsewhere to ensure they get adequate nutrition. 4. Monitor Growth Make sure you keep a close eye on the kittens’ weight. They should be gaining it pretty consistently. You may notice that there is one kitten bigger than the rest and one smaller than the rest—this is pretty standard as long as it isn’t an extremely drastic difference and they are all growing and gaining weight. Image Credit: Mohamad Hairi, Shutterstock 5. Provide Fresh Water When Appropriate Kittens can start drinking water as they get less fluid from their food. Basically, when they stop consuming milk and mushy paste, they will naturally drink water for hydration. This usually starts around 5 weeks. They must have a fresh, clean source of water available at all times. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Do kittens miss their mom and siblings? It is expected that kittens miss their mom and siblings after they depart. After all, this is the kitten’s family and they form close attachments and teach each other valuable information. It is normal for a kitten to miss their family for a few weeks before you see improvement. How long does it take for a cat to adjust? Luckily, the quicker you form a bond with them, the more they will adjust. Each cat is different, so some kittens will warm up right away while others will take a few weeks. Adult cats may take longer to adjust, even up to a few months. Image Credit: Kelley Varisco, Shutterstock How do you report illegal selling of underage kittens? You can call your local humane society for information on how to properly report for your area. Different places will have varying laws about the subject so it’s always best to go to the most accurate source of information first. Conclusion Now you understand that kittens should leave their mothers absolutely no sooner than 8 weeks old, but ideally, you should wait until about 14 weeks for optimal behavioral outcomes. If you have a motherless litter, make sure to keep them fed according to their age. If you need any help in the meantime, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional. Sources PetMD Cats.org RSPCA Veterinary Partner MSD Vet Manual Animal Law Kitten Coalition https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159108000051 Featured Image Credit: Yana Vydrenkova, Shutterstock The post When Can Kittens Leave Their Mom? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ by Ashley Bates appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

In 1892 Charlotte Despard, née French, was one of the first women to be elected a Poor Law guardian, responsible for the poor in the workhouses. A 48 year old widow, she was not afraid to stand up to the male establishment. Mrs Despard made herself unpopular by fighting corruption and misuse of funds, and rooting out those who did not care for the workhouse residents properly. A colleague remarked that she had: The supreme face of courage – never to falter when faced with overwhelming opposition A pioneer, she introduced school meals and medical checks for children in school, providing boots for children who had no shoes. A vegetarian, she fought for poor children to be fed nutritious vegetable soup rather than bread and gruel. Charlotte devoted her life to improving the lot of the poor, fighting for fairer working conditions and adult suffrage. Introduction to public life Always known as Mrs Despard, becoming a widow at the age of 44 precipitated Charlotte’s entry into public life. Dressed in habitual black – including the black lace mantilla and leather sandals for which she became famous – Charlotte was recruited for charity work by her Surrey neighbour, the Duchess of Albany. Charlotte was assigned to help arrange the deliveries of the carriage-loads of flowers sent to brighten the homes of the poor in Nine Elms, near Battersea, London, an area of extreme poverty. Before her husband’s death, Charlotte had sent flowers from her garden.  Now, she wanted to do more.  She wanted to right society’s wrongs. Wandsworth is in the centre and Nine Elms is in the top right corner of this South West district of London as shown by Charles Booth’s Map Descriptive of London Poverty, 1898-9. Using the key, the inhabitants of the area range from ‘Very poor, casual, chronic want’, through ‘poor. 18s to 21s a week for a moderate family’, to ‘mixed. some comfortable, others poor’ (Credit: Public Domain). Charlotte’s wealth and status as a widow gave her surprising freedom for the time. She left her beautiful home to live in a tiny flat in Wandsworth, taking up the fight for better lives for the poor, particularly women and children, by providing medical care, play and a hot meal for poor children on the streets at her home. Thus was born the first Despard Club, others followed. In 1900 Charlotte was interviewed by an investigator for Charles Booth’s survey of conditions in London. Then living in Nine Elms, an area deemed so rough that investigators were accompanied by police, the investigator reported that: Mrs Despard is one in ten thousand, and hardly anyone that I have seen in the whole course of the Inquiry has left so strong an impression of a strong and gracious life. Finding political allies Charlotte referred to her work with the Poor Law as her apprenticeship. Frustrated by the slow pace of reform in society, Charlotte joined the Independent Labour Party but when little had changed by the 1895 general election she decided that ‘party politics held out no hope’. Charlotte joined the Social Democratic Federation (SDF) and adopted its Marxist teachings thinking that socialism was an ally of women. She soon realised that it was not. The SDF made clear its hostility to the enfranchisement of any women before every man had the vote. Angry, Charlotte joined the Women’s Liberal Federation, forming a women’s suffrage group whose aim ‘was to make the vote the first plank in the women’s movement.’ She soon discovered they were ‘Liberals first and suffragists second’. This, to her, was unsupportable because her opposition to the Boer War was far more extreme than the Liberal Party’s, and she had forsworn the politics of capitalism. When the group decided to affiliate to the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, whose policy was to secure the vote on the same terms as men (they would have to be property owners), Charlotte resigned from the group. For her, the purpose of suffrage was to help the poor, women in the workhouses or receiving poor relief. Seeing that women needed to fight against the patriarchal, capitalist system she joined the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) set up by Emmeline Pankhurst. Women’s suffrage After the constitutional split in the WSPU (caused by differing attitudes regarding approaches to violent/non-violent protests and autocratic leadership) Charlotte was instrumental in the founding of the Women’s Freedom League (WFL), becoming its first president and editor of The Vote. She was firmly behind the non-violent militancy of the suffragists, leading the tax resistance policy and the boycott of the 1911 census. She went to prison for her cause, as did her close friends Kate Harvey and Maud Gonne. Charlotte Despard and Anne Cobden-Sanderson outside No. 10 Downing St prior to being arrested on 19 August 1909. Halftone postcard print (Credit: Public Domain) Charlotte was a powerful speaker. On the eve of the general election in December 1910 she spoke to a full hall in Newtown, Wales while Lloyd George spoke across the street to a small half-empty hall. As a ‘doer’, Charlotte never turned down an invitation to join a committee. She was involved with many organisations including the Women’s International League, the No-Conscription Fellowship, the National Campaign for Civil Liberties, the Theosophical Society, the London Vegetarian Society, the Battersea Labour Party, the Women’s Labour League, the Home Rule for India Committee and the Women’s Peace Crusade. She was a social reformer – she fought for votes for women but also for votes for all men, and better working conditions for all. Although most suffrage activity was suspended during WW1, the WFL continued. It formed the National Aid Corps to help those in need and set up the Women Police Volunteers, who acted as special constables and made welfare visits to soldiers’ families. Charlotte brought in large supplies of dried milk and distributed milk and milk puddings to stave off famine. Field Marshal Sir John French, Commander in Chief, in France (Credit: Public Domain) She also became a real embarrassment to her brother, Field-Marshal Sir John French, the commander of the British forces, directly in conflict with Charlotte’s pacifism. After the war Charlotte went back to her Irish roots and moved to Ireland to fight for Sinn Féin and an independent Ireland, becoming president of the Women’s Prisoners’ Defence League. Her brother was then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, opposing Irish home rule, and so the conflict between the siblings continued. Legacy? Arguably if Charlotte had not stood against the British government over home rule for Ireland, she would have been honoured as suffragettes Millicent Fawcett and Emmeline Pankhurst have been. Although not nearly as well-known, Charlotte has two roads and a public house in London named after her, and the suffrage organisation she co-founded – The Women’s Freedom League – existed until 1961, long after the other suffrage organisations had disappeared. Even today some of her activities would be considered amazing – she travelled to Canada, Hungary, Russia and elsewhere. She stood for Parliament and was active up until just before she died, aged 95. She died in Ireland, lonely and poor, having used all her wealth to try and help others less fortunate. Mrs Despard and the Suffrage Movement by Lynne Graham-Matheson and Helen Matheson-Pollock is published by Pen and Sword Books.

Emmeline Pankhurst, a prominent British political activist and Women’s Rights campaigner, is known for her unwavering dedication to the cause of women’s suffrage. Over a span of 25 years, she tirelessly fought for women to have the right to vote through various methods, including demonstrations and militant agitation. Her determination and passion for gender equality left a lasting impact on British history. In her pursuit of women’s suffrage, Pankhurst employed controversial tactics that were both praised and criticised. Her approach of direct action, including acts of civil disobedience, was seen as radical by some and earned her both admirers and detractors. However, her unwavering commitment to the cause and her ability to mobilise women across the country played a pivotal role in raising awareness and garnering support for women’s suffrage. How did Pankhurst’s early life shape her lifelong ambition to gain voting rights for women? Early life Emmeline Pankhurst was born in Manchester in 1858 to parents who were both keen social reformers and activists. Contrary to her birth certificate, Pankhurst claimed that she was born on 14 July 1858 (Bastille Day). She said that being born on the anniversary of the French Revolution had an influence over her life. Pankhurst’s grandfather had been present at the Peterloo Massacre in 1819, a demonstration in favour of parliamentary reform. Her father was a passionate anti-slavery campaigner who served on Salford Town Council. Her mother was actually from the Isle of Man, one of the first places in the world to give women the vote in 1881. She was an avid supporter of the women’s suffrage movement. Pankhurst’s upbringing in such a radical household helped inform her as an activist. From a young age Pankhurst was encouraged to participate in politics. At the age of only fourteen she accompanied her mother to hear suffragist Lydia Becker give a speech. Becker solidified Emmeline’s political beliefs and encouraged her to join the fight for women’s suffrage. Portrait of suffragist Lydia Becker. Image credit: Susan Isabel Dacre (1844-1933), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Family and activism In 1879 Emmeline married a barrister and political activist, Richard Pankhurst, and soon bore him five children. Her husband agreed that Emmeline should not be a ‘household machine’, so hired a butler to help around the home. Following her husband’s death in 1888, Emmeline established the Women’s Franchise League. The WFL aimed to help women achieve the vote, as well as equal treatment in divorce and inheritance. It was disbanded owing to internal disagreements, but the League was an important step in establishing Pankhurst as a leader of the women’s suffrage movement. It proved to be the beginning of her radical political activities. The WSPU Dissatisfied with the progress being made towards female suffrage, Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903. Its famous motto, ‘Deeds not Words’, would come to be a fitting slogan for the group’s actions in the years to come. The WSPU organised protests and published an official newspaper, the aptly titled ‘Votes for Women’. The union was successful in mobilising women around the country who sought an equal say in elections. On 26 June 1908, 500,000 demonstrators rallied in Hyde Park to achieve this end. As the years drew on and women’s suffrage seemed no closer, the WSPU increased its militant tactics. Their demonstrations grew larger and altercations with the police turned more violent. In response to police brutality in 1912, Pankhurst organised a window smashing campaign across the commercial districts of London. Escalating tactics Many women, including all three of Pankhurst’s daughters, were imprisoned for their participation in WSPU protests. Hunger strikes became a common tool of resistance in prison, and jailers responded with violent force-feedings. Drawings of women being force-fed in prison were circulated in the press and highlighted the plight of suffragettes to the public. The WSPU’s tactics continued to escalate, and soon included arson, letter-bombs and vandalism. Mary Leigh, a WSPU member, threw a hatchet at Prime Minister H. H. Asquith. In 1913 Emily Davidson died when she was trampled by the King’s horse at the Epsom Derby, whilst attempting to place a banner on the animal. More moderate groups, such as Millicent Fawcett’s National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, condemned the militant actions of the WSPU in 1912. Fawcett said that they were the ‘chief obstacles in the way of success of the suffrage movement in the House of Commons’. Pankhurst (wearing prison clothes) described her first incarceration as: ‘like a human being in the process of being turned into a wild beast.’. Image credit: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons The WSPU and World War One Unlike other women’s rights organisations, the WSPU were uncompromising in their sole aim of achieving votes for women. Pankhurst refused to allow democratic votes within the group itself. She argued that this meant the WSPU was not ‘hampered by a complexity of rules’. The WSPU halted their activities during World War One and supported the British war effort. They considered the Germans to be a threat to all humanity. A truce with the British government was announced, and the WSPU prisoners were released. Christabel, Emmeline’s daughter, encouraged women to become involved in agriculture and industry. Emmeline herself travelled Britain giving speeches in favour of the war effort. She visited the United States and Russia to advocate opposition against Germany. Success and legacy In February 1918 the WSPU finally achieved success. The Representation of the People Act gave women over the age of 30 the vote, providing they met certain property criteria. Pankhurst is arrested by police outside Buckingham Palace while trying to present a petition to George V in May 1914. Image credit: Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsImage Credit: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons It wasn’t until 1928, the year in which Pankhurst passed away, that women were granted electoral equality with men through the Equal Franchise Act. This historic achievement marked a significant milestone in the women’s suffrage movement and was a culmination of the relentless efforts of Pankhurst and numerous other activists who fought tirelessly for gender equality. Regardless of differing opinions on her methods, there is no denying the significant impact Pankhurst made in advancing the cause of women’s suffrage in Britain. Her unwavering determination, leadership, and advocacy efforts helped to raise awareness about gender inequality and laid the foundation for future progress in achieving electoral equality for women. Her legacy as a pioneering figure in the fight for women’s rights continues to be recognised today.

Viva Raw voluntarily recalls five products of dog and cat foods due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination, which is a potential health risk to both people and pets, on Monday, July 01.

Biden Is 'The Most Accomplished President in My Lifetime'

When NASA first began launching rockets into space – barely half a century after the first airplane took flight – it encountered what it calls the "pogo problem".During the launch of Saturn V rocket's first stage burn, part of the uncrewed Apollo 6 mission, the rocket experienced oscillations along its length, like springs going up and down on a pogo stick."Pogo occurred when a partial vacuum in the fuel and oxidizer feed lines reached the engine firing chamber causing the engine to skip," John Uri of NASA's Johnson Space Center explains. "These oscillations then traveled up the axis of the launch vehicle resulting in intense vibration in the Command Module and causing some superficial structural damage to the Spacecraft Lunar Module Adaptor (SLA). Had a crew been onboard, they would have experienced severe vibrations and even possible injury."The problem had occurred in previous rocket launches, including Titan II used for the Gemini program. Though it might not sound like a huge deal, and crews carried in the Command Module could have been perfectly safe, it led Marshall Space Flight Center Director Wernher von Braun to conclude that unless it was solved "we just cannot go to the Moon.”NASA created a Pogo Working Group to examine the problem and come up with solutions, concluding that they should "detune" the engine and change the frequency of the vibration by filling prevalve cavities on the liquid oxygen feed lines with helium."Injecting helium into those lines prior to ignition would effectively work as a shock absorber to prevent the oscillations from traveling up and down fuel and oxidizer feed lines," Uri explains.This worked well enough, and soon NASA was able to send astronauts to the Moon. However, the pogo effect continued to pose problems for the space agency, notably during the near-catastrophic Apollo 13 mission."During the second stage burn, two episodes of pogo occurred on the center J-2 engine as expected from previous missions, but the third occurrence diverged severely and acceleration at the engine attachment reached an estimated 34 g’s (the accelerometer went out of range) before the engine’s combustion chamber low-level pressure sensor commanded a shut down," NASA explains in a report on pogo in spaceflight. "It was estimated in the post-flight investigation that only one more cycle of amplitude growth could have been sustained without catastrophic structural failure."Following this second incident, the least of Apollo 13's problems, NASA installed a pogo suppressor on all subsequent Apollo missions. After this, pogo was not experienced, though a small buzz occurred for a few seconds during second-stage burns.