Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) blasted Democrats during an interview over the weekend for prioritizing funding for Ukraine while neglecting fixing the “invasion” that is occurring on the U.S. southern border. Rubio made the remarks during a Sunday interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union” while talking about bills to help fund Israel and Ukraine. “I don’t oppose giving them the help that they need‚ especially in the case of Israel‚” Rubio said. “And if you put the Israel thing up to a right now‚ it would pass. I don’t even know‚ maybe a couple of people would vote against it‚ but‚ basically‚ it would pass very quickly. The problem is‚ Israel is being held hostage so they could get Ukraine.” “I have to explain to my constituents‚ I have to explain to the people of Florida‚ I have to explain to the American people because I’m a U.S. senator‚ and my number one obligation is America. If America is not strong‚ we can’t help any of our allies‚” he continued. “And I will have to explain to them why the Senate is going to work all through Super Bowl weekend‚ which is fine with me. we’re going to make a big priority‚ except on something that’s critical to this country‚ which is the invasion that’s going on‚ on our own border‚ on our own border.” “According to a House committee and the documents and the statistics they put out — I think these numbers are low‚ but let’s just use them — 3.3 million people have been released into the country who arrived here illegally‚” he said. “Over 600‚000 of them either have criminal convictions or pending criminal charges against them.” “I mean‚ this is a huge problem and it has to be addressed and they put out a bill‚” he added. “They can call it whatever they want. It wasn’t a border security bill. It wasn’t tough. And‚ frankly‚ it was negotiated by three people. I don’t begrudge it‚ but I wasn’t involved in that negotiation. I didn’t even ask for a bill. I asked for the president to reverse the executive orders that created this crisis when he took over in January of 2021.” WATCH:

Reba McEntire wowed football fans when she tackled the Nation Anthem during the Super Bowl opener‚ but we aren’t surprised. Not only is she a phenomenal singer‚ but she’s was also well prepared. “I’ve been singing the National Anthem in the shower [and] when [me and Rex Linn] get in the car‚” Reba said during a Super Bowl performer panel interview‚ via EW. “He’ll say‚ ‘OK‚ sing it one more time.’ I said‚ ‘I think I know the words real good right now‚ so I’m alright.’” We agree—Reba knew what she was doing when she stepped on the field for the National Anthem‚ and it showed. If you missed her performance‚ you can watch it right here. .@reba sings the National Anthem at Super Bowl LVIII! #SBLVIII pic.twitter.com/yEQi89hYGg— NFL (@NFL) February 11‚ 2024 The moment she sang the first note‚ social media lit up with praise. Here are some of the best comments we’ve spotted so far. Reba singing “and our flag was still there” during the national anthem and pointing and the camera cutting to the Sphere lit up as the American flag is CAMP— Sam Stryker (@sbstryker) February 11‚ 2024 Reba singing the national anthem at the #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/cTVLEoUq6G— stan (@stan_mccutcheon) February 11‚ 2024 Reba rightfully thinks being asked to sing the National Anthem at the NFL Super Bowl was an honor. “I’m so excited‚” she said while talking to People. “You know‚ it’s not about me. It’s about everybody who has worked so hard to get to the Super Bowl‚ and my job is to bring the patriotism.”  “I’m going to be singing for not only the people who are going to be performing and playing on the field that day‚ but it’s for everybody who has worked so hard to ensure our freedom and try to have as much peace on earth as we can‚” she continued. “It’s not about me. I’m just the conduit and the water hose who gets to sing the song.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Reba Absolutely Rocks The Super Bowl National Anthem &; Fans Can’t Get Enough! appeared first on InspireMore.

In a pioneering study‚ scientists from Nanyang Technological University‚ Singapore (NTU Singapore)‚ investigated the potential of the Zophobas atratus worm‚ also known as the superworm‚ to combat the global plastic pollution epidemic. Aside from serving as nutritious bug appetizers‚ these darkling beetle larvae have a fascinating talent concealed within their gut flora. Developing the ‘super gut’ The project focuses on duplicating the superworm’s unique intestinal environment on a large scale‚ intending to address the difficulty of efficiently processing common plastics. Associate Professor Cao Bin from NTU emphasizes the significance of their approach: “Our method eliminates this need by removing the worm from the equation. We focus on boosting the useful microbes in the worm gut and building an artificial ‘worm gut’ that can efficiently break down plastics.” Superworm diets: plastic plastic plastic To create the artificial “super gut‚” researchers fed three sets of superworms different meals of common plastics—high-density polyethylene (HDPE)‚ polypropylene (PP)‚ and polystyrene (PS)—for 30 days. A control group had a more conventional meal of oats. The microbiomes of the plastic-consuming worms were then isolated and cultured with synthetic nutrition and the three polymers. Artificial guts: the plastic degradation station The results were impressive: as compared to the control group‚ the lab-grown guts had a larger abundance of plastic-degrading bacteria‚ each of which performed better with the specific substance they were fed. Dr. Liu Yinan‚ the study’s first author‚ emphasizes its relevance‚ saying‚ “Our study represents the first reported successful attempt to develop plastic-associated bacterial communities from gut microbiomes of plastic-fed worms.” The future of ‘super gut’ While acknowledging that the study is a proof of concept‚ the researchers are optimistic about scaling up the artificial ‘super gut.’ They see the possibility of modifying this novel technique to treat certain materials‚ providing a more diverse approach to plastic waste management on a broader scale. The emphasis has now switched to studying the molecular biology underlying the superworm’s robust gut activities‚ with the ultimate goal of designing bacterial populations for commercial plastic breakdown. Sustainable and replicable solutions The team’s success is based on the method’s stability and replicability‚ which pave the path for long-term solutions to the fight against plastic pollution. Dr. Liu Yinan notes‚ “Through exposing the gut microbiomes to specific conditions‚ we were able to boost the abundance of plastic-degrading bacteria present in our artificial ‘worm gut‚’ suggesting that our method is stable and replicable at scale.” The creation of the artificial ‘super gut’ represents a huge step forward in the quest for effective plastic waste management. Researchers are providing promise for a cleaner‚ more sustainable future by leveraging superworms’ inherent plastic-degrading skills and converting them into a scalable solution. Source study: Environment International—Establishment of plastic-associated microbial community from superworm gut microbiomeThe post Plastic-eating power of “Superworms’” inspires super waste management solution first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Winter can be harsh on our skin‚ leaving it dry and irritated. Our skin‚ a marvelous sensitive organ and crucial protective barrier‚ requires special attention during these dry months. Instead of looking for complicated treatments‚ why not resort to natural therapies that may already be in your kitchen? Let’s look at four natural components that can boost your skincare routine‚ keeping your skin nourished‚ vibrant‚ and robust. Avocado Avocado isn’t just for toast; it’s also an amazing skincare ingredient! Avocados‚ which originate in Central and South America‚ provide an easy DIY option for hydrating dry skin. Avocados are like a tropical vacation for your skin because they are high in vitamins and have a wonderful oiliness. Grab a ripe one‚ mash it up‚ and slather it on your skin for 20 minutes‚ then rinse well to complete your DIY spa moment. Embrace this ancient skincare elixir to soothe and renew your skin. Calendula Calendula‚ a versatile herb with numerous advantages‚ has been used in herbal therapy for millennia. From dry skin to small scrapes and burns‚ this plant will be your skin’s closest friend. Mix it into lotions‚ creams‚ or ointments‚ and let this flowery wonder work its magic. Apply three to four times each day for best results. It’s like a comforting hug for your skin—gentle‚ calming‚ and always available when needed. Coconut Coconut oil‚ a tropical wonder‚ is a natural treatment for a variety of skin issues‚ ranging from dryness to irritation. Coconut oil‚ with its antiviral and antifungal characteristics‚ is a multipurpose skincare treatment. It’s not just for cooking; it’s your ticket to avoiding dryness‚ itching‚ and winter skin problems. Take a small amount‚ rub it into your skin‚ and feel the tropical vibrations. It’s like treating your skin to a vacation without leaving your bathroom! Oatmeal Oatmeal‚ which is widely available in food stores‚ provides a natural remedy for a range of skin issues. Oats have calming properties that can help with irritation‚ dryness‚ and even insect bites. Embrace oatmeal’s versatility in skincare products‚ or try a DIY method for a pampering skincare routine. Add it to your bath for a relaxing soak‚ or make a paste for a spa day at home.  Transform your skincare routine with these natural products‚ which combine the power of ancient treatments with botanical miracles. As you brave the harsh winter weather‚ let avocado‚ calendula‚ coconut‚ and oatmeal be your companions in battling dryness‚ itching‚ and discomfort. By combining these elements into your everyday routine‚ you not only nourish your skin but also embrace the simplicity of natural solutions.The post Revitalize your skin: 4 natural ingredients to combat dry skin this winter first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'Better have your big boy pants on'

'The active scene is at Lakewood Church on the SW Fwy service road'

Seismic

Faces formidable competition

Chiefs fans are likely rejoicing at the news

Warnings from industrial executives and elected Republicans