The post Can a Feral Cat Be Domesticated? Read Before You Bring One Home by Melissa Gunter 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. It’s difficult for an animal lover to walk or drive down the street only to find homeless cats roaming around. In some neighborhoods‚ entire populations of cats are fending for themselves and have since they were born. These cats born without a home are known as feral cats. These cats have never had a bed to cuddle in or an owner to dote on them. When seeing these cats wandering around the neighborhood or down the street‚ you may ask yourself‚ can a feral cat be domesticated? Unfortunately‚ the answer to that question is a bit tricky. You’ll find experts out there who say domesticating an adult feral cat isn’t possible and to only try this with kittens. But you’ll hear stories of people claiming they’ve done it. Is the cat that’s been tamed truly feral or was it an abandoned cat that needed a bit of coaxing? What’s the difference? That’s what we’re here to learn. Let’s take a deeper look at feral cats‚ what they truly are‚ and whether they can ever be domesticated. What Is a Feral Cat? Not every cat you see that runs when you approach it is a feral cat. Unfortunately‚ this world is full of cruel people who do heartless things. Often‚ animals are the ones who suffer at the hands of these types of people. You’ll see cats wandering around‚ trying to find a meal‚ but they aren’t truly feral cats. In some cases‚ these cats have been abandoned or lost. While these cats may be scared of you‚ thanks to the situation they find themselves in‚ that doesn’t mean they are truly feral. As we already mentioned‚ true feral cats are born in the wild and have never been domesticated. Abandoned and lost cats have‚ at some point‚ been domesticated and in some instances‚ loved. A true feral cat hasn’t had human interaction. They know nothing but the fight to survive and are not very open to changing that outlook. Image Credit: Shino‚ Unsplash Can a Feral Cat Be Domesticated? If you think about it‚ our lazy cats lying on the sofa had wild ancestors. They weren’t always pets. So‚ how did those cats find their way to humans? They were domesticated. Knowing this makes people with big hearts want to try when it comes to feral cats. If there isn’t at least an attempt‚ we know the likely outcome. This hope of helping is why the question of whether feral cats can be domesticated comes up. Unfortunately‚ not every feral cat out there can be domesticated. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some that can be saved. Ultimately‚ you won’t know‚ especially when it comes to adult feral cats‚ until you try. One of the biggest reasons for large feral cat populations is out-of-control breeding. Feral cats have no owners to get them spayed or neutered. Instead‚ when a female cat goes through her heat cycle‚ all the males in her vicinity are going to be chasing her down. While many experts and organizations may tell you to steer clear of adult feral cats‚ they do seem okay with telling people feral kittens have a chance at being domesticated. Of course‚ the younger the kitten‚ the better. Saving a feral kitten from the street is a great thing. However‚ you should be prepared as they aren’t instantly going to take to life in a home. Even though they are young‚ human interaction is still new to them and they will need time to adjust. Image Credit: New Africa‚ Shutterstock Tips for Taming a Feral Cat If you want to throw caution to the wind and try to convince the beautiful feral cat in your neighborhood to become your friend‚ there are a few things you can try. As humans‚ we do have a few tricks up our sleeves. One of those tricks is something that all feral cats want: food. The life of a feral cat consists of nothing more than seeking out food‚ shelter‚ and safety. If you offer a bit of food‚ it may be hard for them to deny the easy meal. Don’t think this means they’ll jump right in your lap. You’ll need to set out food each day‚ allowing the cat to see you when you do it. This will help them associate you with something good. In the beginning‚ stay back and give the cats ample room to enjoy their meal. Every few days‚ however‚ move a little closer until eventually‚ the feral cat will allow you into its space. If you’re consistent and win over the cat in question‚ attempting to pet it is the next step. This is often where most fear sets in. Feral cats have never felt love or human touch. It’s natural for them to be afraid. Take it slow and allow them to sniff your hand if they’re willing. A cat may even allow touch and then run‚ leaving you to start the process all over again. Persistence is the key. Unfortunately‚ however‚ this isn’t always going to work‚ but if you’re determined‚ it’s worth trying. If the cat finally comes around and allows you close‚ never attempt to take the cat inside your home. Any feral‚ stray‚ or unknown cat should be seen by a veterinarian before you attempt to share your living space with it. Finally‚ if you succeed and the cat is given a clean bill of health‚ taking it into your home doesn’t mean it’s domesticated. Yes‚ they will be safer‚ but there will always be a bit of wildness in the cat. They may be friendly to you and avoid everyone else. The kitty may spend most of its time hiding. Be prepared for any scenario if you decide a feral cat is the right friend for you. Image Credit: Joseph M. Arseneau‚ Shutterstock How You Can Help With domesticating feral cats being so hit or miss‚ and in some cases dangerous‚ you may want to help in other ways. Some cats simply aren’t tamable. If this is the situation you find yourself in‚ offering a bit of assistance to the kitties is your only option. This can be food‚ shelter you set up in the community to keep them out of the cold‚ or contacting trapping and releasing groups. These are programs where feral cats are caught‚ spayed‚ or neutered‚ then returned to the area they frequent. While this isn’t giving the cats a proper home‚ it does help control the population. Unfortunately‚ the life span for many feral cats is very short. These programs help stop kittens from going through the same cycle and suffering a sad fate. You can also help by donating to these trap-and-release programs so they can continue helping the feral cats in your area. Final Thoughts For cat lovers‚ it’s difficult to imagine that there are so many out there without a home. While some feral cats can be domesticated‚ not all of them can. You must remember this and not get discouraged. Instead of simply giving up if the cat you’re wanting to help doesn’t come around‚ think outside the box and do other things to help them live a better life. Sources WebMD Chewy The Spruce Pets Featured Image Credit: dimitrisvetsikas1969‚ Pixabay The post Can a Feral Cat Be Domesticated? Read Before You Bring One Home by Melissa Gunter 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 second season of Paramount+’s Halo is heading our way in less than month‚ and the streaming platform has unleashed another trailer to tease what’s in store for everyone’s favorite Master Chief. As the ominous synth music makes clear in this video‚ things aren’t great for humanity. The official synopsis describes just how dire things are: In Season Two‚ Master Chief John-117 (Pablo Schreiber) leads his team of elite Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant. In the wake of a shocking event on a desolate planet‚ John cannot shake the feeling that his war is about to change and risks everything to prove what no one else will believe—that the Covenant is preparing to attack humanity’s greatest stronghold. With the galaxy on the brink‚ John embarks on a journey to find the key to humankind’s salvation‚ or its extinction: the Halo. Halo stars Pablo Schreiber (American Gods) as Master Chief‚ Spartan-117 and Natascha McElhone (Californication) as Dr. Halsey. Additional returning cast members include Jen Taylor (Halo game series)‚ Bokeem Woodbine (Fargo)‚ Shabana Azmi (Fire)‚ Natasha Culzac (The Witcher)‚ Olive Gray (Half Moon Investigations)‚ Yerin Ha (Reef Break)‚ Bentley Kalu (Avengers: Age of Ultron)‚ Kate Kennedy (Catastrophe)‚ Charlie Murphy (Peaky Blinders)‚ and Danny Sapani (Penny Dreadful). New additions to the cast this season include Joseph Morgan (Vampire Diaries)‚ Cristina Rodlo (No One Gets Out of Here Alive)‚ and Christina Bennington (Midsomer Murders). The first two episodes from the new season will premiere on Paramount+ on February 8‚ 2024. In the meantime‚ check out the show’s new poster‚ which features Schreiber’s Master Chief on a pile of rubble carrying a body over his shoulder and looking extra determined to save humanity from alien annihilation.  

In sixteenth-century New Spain‚ witchcraft is punishable by death‚ indigenous temples have been destroyed‚ and tales of mythical creatures that once roamed the land have become whispers in the night. We’re thrilled to share an excerpt from Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares‚ a reimagining of Zorro featuring a heroic warrior sorceress and inspired by Mesoamerican mythology and Mexican history—out from Harper Voyager on February 20. In sixteenth-century New Spain‚ witchcraft is punishable by death‚ indigenous temples have been destroyed‚ and tales of mythical creatures that once roamed the land have become whispers in the night. Hidden behind a mask‚ Pantera uses her magic and legendary swordplay skills to fight the tyranny of Spanish rule. To all who know her‚ Leonora de las Casas Tlazohtzin never leaves the palace and is promised to the heir of the Spanish throne. The respectable‚ law-abiding Lady Leonora faints at the sight of blood and would rather be caught dead than meddle in court affairs. No one suspects that Leonora and Pantera are the same person. Leonora’s charade is tragically good‚ and with magic running through her veins‚ she is nearly invincible. Nearly. Despite her mastery‚ she is destined to die young in battle‚ as predicted by a seer. When an ancient prophecy of destruction threatens to come true‚ Leonora—and therefore Pantera—is forced to decide: surrender the mask or fight to the end. Knowing she is doomed to a short life‚ she is tempted to take the former option. But the legendary Pantera is destined for more than an early grave‚ and once she discovers the truth of her origins‚ not even death will stop her.     I press my hand against his mouth. “I’m trying to save your life. Look around‚ alteza. How are we to survive with you shouting away our location? Now‚ are you going to be quiet?” He nods‚ and I uncover his mouth. “Listen‚ they’ll see you coming long before you can stop them. You’ll have to run after I lead them away. They won’t notice you while their attention is on me. Do you understand?” “That’s it‚ then. The problem is solved. I will simply go on my way and leave you here.” He scoffs. “What kind of man do you think I am?” “A dead one if you don’t do as I say.” I can’t think straight‚ and if things go on this way‚ we’ll both be dead before I figure out how to get us out of this mess while our hearts are still beating. The most important thing is to keep my wits. To start with‚ Prince Felipe needs to shut up. “I’m sorry‚ alteza.” I choke him out in about fifteen seconds and wait until he convulses and snores. Time for his siesta. Buy it Now As I get up and brush myself off‚ I look upward; the fog rolls low over my head. The prince was right. The archers must be hiding in the trees. They can see us‚ but we can’t see them. A large figure lunges at me from the fog. I throw my hands up. “I surrender!” I repeat it in Spanish‚ Nahuatl‚ and in broken Purepecha‚ but my attacker rages toward me‚ hair whipping around. I sprawl backward‚ then his red-painted face is up in mine. He’s taller than I am‚ and a good hundred pounds heavier. And he isn’t wearing any covering. “Stop!” I say‚ struggling in his grasp. I don’t want to hurt this man. “Listen to me! Please‚ no more blood!” He acknowledges my words but although he seems to understand‚ he still sees me as an enemy. The warrior slaps me hard across the face with the flat of his palm. My cheek blazes hot‚ and the pain in my leg rebounds intensely. His hands wrap around my neck‚ squeezing my flesh. Stars sparkle across my vision. No one’s coming to save me. I’m on my own. “Please‚ stop!” I try to shout‚ but I’m at the mercy of a man who whose people have been shown none. Inés’s words ring in my ears. Your power lies in your ability to remember who you are when they try to make you forget. Each second is an eternity as fear engulfs me‚ debilitating my mind and body. Remember who you are when they try to make you forget. My ribs heave up and down‚ but no air comes. Dizziness. Remember who you are. Trapped. No way out. Remember. I’m a sorceress. I say it over and over in my head. I look up‚ but Tonatiuh is shadowed by the low clouds‚ so I desperately try to draw tonalli from the earth‚ the trees‚ the wind‚ the leaves‚ anything and everything. Absorbing just enough‚ I flatten my palms against his chest and blast him against a tree. “Leave‚” I say‚ my breath rushing out‚ “before I decide my face is the last thing you’ll ever see in this world.” The warrior comes at me in a rage. I can bring this fight to the ground. I can put him on his back but choking him is out of the question; he has a neck like a tree trunk. Even if I’m more agile‚ more skilled‚ he’s bulky enough to crush my bones beneath his weight. I remember His Sleeping Highness is hidden under a pile of leaves. My fingers search for his weapon‚ find the hilt‚ and manage to plunge it into the soft flesh of my attacker’s lower abdomen. He barely groans at the impact of the Spanish fashion accessory‚ protected by layer on layer of flesh‚ but I can weaken him and cause pain. In a desperate effort‚ I go for his groin. Stab‚ stab‚ stab. Blood sprays as the dagger wrenches free‚ splashing down the front of my dress. He’s too shocked to struggle‚ to even know what’s happening. Finally‚ I drag the dagger across my attacker’s throat. A hand goes to my cheek‚ swiping away tears. “Go to Tonatiuh‚ warrior‚” I say. I let the bloody dagger fall to the ground‚ trembling‚ making sense of it all. He’s gone. I killed him. For a moment‚ it grows eerily quiet. Standing just within the margins of the forest‚ I look up to see our remaining guards beginning to emerge with caution. I feel myself shaking‚ knowing how this is going to end. They’ll be dead within thirty seconds. Then the archers will come after the prince and me. I might not have the mask of Pantera‚ but I have the next best thing. On this foggy morning‚ with the mist of battle dripping off me‚ and the stench of fresh blood in my nostrils‚ I have to shift. I want to. I strip behind a tree and hide my clothes. I move my body into position—on all fours‚ head down‚ feet and hands flexed‚ back arched. I chant a prayer to honor the god of sorcery Tezcatlipoca‚ asking to be able to shift on demand as I am… out of practice. I’ve become so accustomed to my human form. Then‚ a second prayer‚ to not let me fail‚ hoping I am a true Nagual. It’s been so long since I’ve prayed to the teteoh I don’t know if they will even answer‚ but I am desperate. Help me. Shift‚ Leonora. Focus. You can do this. Shifting will use up nearly all my tonalli‚ and I’m uncertain if I will have any left to fight with‚ much less shift back‚ but I can’t show the rebels my face. Not my human one. Come on‚ come on‚ come on. I ignore the echo of Master Toto’s voice in my head‚ telling me not to do this‚ for I cannot do this alone. I lack control already‚ but when I lose control completely‚ I am dangerous. But Master Toto is not here. If he were here‚ he’d understand. He’d know I have no other option. This is not a game. This is my life. I will live by choice‚ not chance. His voice roars louder‚ but I drown it out. He raised me. He trained me. He dismissed me. Now I curse him for interfering. Moments pass but nothing happens. Sweating‚ I try harder to focus. Nothing. I feel a tickle in my throat‚ and I grunt‚ but then nothing. Please‚ Tezcatlipoca. Let me not fail. If I fail‚ I’m dead. If I fail‚ Prince Felipe‚ the king’s son‚ is dead. The consequences would not only be detrimental to the interests of Spain‚ upsetting the balance of power. There’s no telling what King Carlos‚ already mourning the loss of his beloved Isabela‚ would do if he came to learn his only surviving son‚ inheritor of his crown‚ has been murdered by rebels. As I pray‚ my skin starts itching intensely. I take a deep breath and give in to the shift. A panther’s heart is smaller than a human’s. For the heart to shrink‚ it first has to stop beating. All the panther’s other organs are smaller too‚ so while my human heart is dying‚ my liver and kidney are also failing. My throat‚ gullet‚ and vocal cords are tearing and reforming. The damage alone can kill you. But the animal drags you through the Nine Hells and keeps you alive and conscious‚ enduring every second. My skin stretches. It feels like someone is inflating my entire body‚ and it itches like the pox everywhere. The sensation deepens‚ and I try to block the pain. I’m being flayed alive. My muscles twist and snap. Knee and ankle joints reverse. Fingernails lengthen into claws. I can take the pain now because anger has consumed me. You cannot run away from who you are‚ Leonora‚ Master promised. Your nature will betray you. Master was predictably sage. Nature always wins. The Panther is my animal companion. We share the same soul‚ and I cannot fight who I am. I feel every second of the shift. By the time the fur starts to grow‚ everything hurts‚ everything is swollen‚ and I’m feral enough to murder a village. It’s over. The Panther is alive. I don’t need to see my reflection in water to know what I look like. Black coat. Different-colored eyes‚ one brown‚ one green. A sleek body some seven feet long. Once I told Inés that there’s no such animal as a black panther because any panther found in the New World is simply a black jaguar. We have spots‚ like tawny jaguars‚ but they are harder to see because of the dark fur. I blink. The colors of the forest have changed to shades of gray. I lift my nose and swivel my ears to the back of my head‚ instantly alert. After shifting‚ my already keen senses sharpen. I see better‚ smell better‚ and hear better. I have plenty of strength in my shoulders‚ so I’m able to take Prince Felipe by his jacket and drag him far enough away to hide him from the archers. I have to be careful because I have extremely sharp teeth‚ which could easily pierce through his skin. The arrows have stopped firing‚ but I’m not in the clear yet. I scan the woods‚ looking this way and that‚ catching glimpses of expertly crafted arrows‚ hatchets‚ and armor. The archers come down from the trees and out of the fog. A few dozen cluster around; men with nude‚ red-painted bodies. I’m the only one who can end this. With a growl‚ I leap from the bushes‚ claws extended‚ landing on all fours and exposing myself fully to their view‚ sides heaving‚ catching my breath. Before‚ I saw them as dangerous foes. Now I see people—people who can kill‚ yes‚ but who can also be killed. Their leader is young‚ his face rigid with fury‚ a man I would hesitate to lock eyes with‚ let alone cross. When he speaks‚ I don’t understand. There are over a hundred Indigenous tongues and even more dialects. A trained Nagual can suppress most of their instincts when in animal form. I can listen to the other archers spout angry words at each other without pouncing. But I’ve been human for too long. I’m not strong enough to resist. The Panther is at the front of my mind. If they run‚ I will chase. If I chase‚ I will kill. Usually‚ when you come across a jaguar‚ it is already too late. The ambush emerges from nowhere‚ and the cat is already on you. Some of the archers‚ confused about seeing a jaguar in the forest‚ slowly start to retreat. I hiss. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. The leader holds up a hand‚ instructing his men to stay put. But all it takes is for one person to make a sudden movement. By then it’s too late‚ and no one wants to be the last one left behind. The archers make a run for it. It happens in an instant. I claw my way to freedom‚ ripping innards from squirming bodies as screams fill the air. The leader manages to escape. For a moment‚ a dismal silence prevails. Then the sounds of the forest slowly resume‚ indifferent to the blood that has been shed. I pick up speed‚ darting around trees. Leaves crunch under my paws. Wind ruffles my fur‚ chilling‚ invigorating.; I’m not as fast as I should be⁠—my bad leg holds me back—but the more I run‚ the lighter I am‚ the less pain I feel. Straining every muscle‚ I keep running‚ too fast to think‚ to even realize I’m barely touching the ground‚ and I trip and roll over my own hind legs. I tumble to a halt and shake myself off‚ then throw open my jaw to roar. There is no greater feeling in the world than to be as one is. This is what true Naguals must come to realize within themselves. They are none other than themselves‚ and the Nagual Path leads to the nature of one’s self‚ the real self. This was the essence of my training. When the high runs its course‚ I start worrying if Prince Felipe was savaged in my absence. My shift back to human form is torturous. I yank on my clothes and‚ to my astonishment‚ my horse returns to me. He has an arrow lodged in his rump‚ but he seems impervious to it. Such a beast! As I withdraw the arrow‚ I say a prayer to the god of animals. “There‚ there‚ amigo. That’s what a good prayer to Tezcatlipoca gets you.” I press my forehead to his. “From now on‚ you will be Valiente. You are a warrior‚ a brave one.” When I find him‚ His Royal Highness is breathing slowly‚ and in odd bursts. I wake him. Prince Felipe groans. “Where… am I?” “They’re gone‚” I say dismally. “We’re safe.” For the time being. Raising himself on his elbows‚ he pushes sweat-dampened strands of hair back from his forehead. “You’re hurt‚” he says‚ looking at my bloodied dress. I shake my head. “It’s not my blood.” As he stands‚ he brushes dirt and leaves from his sleeves and notices his jacket‚ torn by my fangs. “What—?” he mumbles‚ trying to make sense of it all. They’re gone because I killed them. I’m a murderer. As Nahualli‚ I made a vow to follow the Nagual Path‚ swore my life to it‚ promised to walk in the nepantla—the middle—for the earth is slippery‚ and there is the always-present risk of falling from the path. There can be no life in a world without balance. This day‚ I lost control. I betrayed my oath.   Excerpted from Sun of Blood and Ruin‚ copyright © 2023 by Mariely Lares.

Terry Bisson‚ the sci-fi and fantasy writer who wrote the 1990 award-winning short story‚ “Bears Discover Fire‚” as well as “They’re Made Out of Meat‚” passed away on January 10 at age 81. Bisson was born on February 12‚ 1942 and grew up in Kentucky‚ which ultimately became the setting for “Bears Discovers Fire‚” which won the Nebula‚ Hugo‚ Sturgeon‚ and Locus award for that year. Bisson’s first novel‚ Wylrdmaker‚ was published in 1981. He went on to publish several additional novels‚ with the last one‚ Any Day Now‚ coming out in 2012. He also wrote several books set in popular franchises—such as 2002’s Star Wars: Boba Fett: The Fight to Survive and the novelizations of The Fifth Element and Galaxy Quest. He also wrote a series of NASCAR children’s books under the pen name T.B. Calhoun. Bisson was primarily known‚ however‚ for his short stories‚ and for writing Locus magazine’s “This Month in History” series‚ the latter of which ran for over two decades. In “This Month in History”‚ he would write two-to-three sentence entries about an event happening at some specific date in the future. Over the years he wrote over a thousand future histories. His work and his life was also chronicled in an October 2023 profile in The New Yorker. In 1962 he married Deirde Holst and had two sons and a daughter with her. They divorced in 1966 and went on to live in New York and then in various communes before returning to New York in 1975‚ where he served as editor and copy chief at Berkley and Ace until 1985. During that time he married Judy Jensen‚ with whom he raised two daughters and a son. The couple moved to San Francisco in 2002‚ where he started the reading series “SF in SF.” Bisson his survived by his wife‚ Judy‚ as well as his children and grandchildren.

A title that has caught the attention of many gamers recently is Palworld‚ as it seamlessly blends the lovable elements of Pokemon but combines them into a third-person shooter. Now‚ players interested in the title are eager to dive in‚ but there are still some lingering questions about how much the game is going to cost. Palworld Cost Palworld is going to be one of the most interesting titles that is going to be released in the early portion of 2024‚ and for good reason. The game has an incredible amount of potential on the surface‚ and players are excited to see if its gameplay components will hold up. However‚ with the cost of living rising each day‚ players will want to know if Palworld is going to break the bank‚ and thankfully‚ we can confirm that it won’t. Pocketpair‚ the developers behind the title‚ has released an FAQ detailing some of the notes around the launch‚ and they’ve noted that it’s going to be priced at $29.9...

The No Land Beyond is a classic Exotic from the days of the first Destiny. It was introduced through The Dark Below expansion and shook up the game by being the first Sniper Rifle to go into the primary slot. But as other classic exotics return to Destiny 2‚ we have to wonder if No Land Beyond will ever make a comeback. Well‚ let’s talk about it. Will the No Land Beyond make a comeback? It’s hard to see the No Land Beyond coming back to Destiny 2 without some serious changes to its design. After all‚ it was introduced during Destiny’s formative years. Weapon slots have entirely changed since then‚ and Kinetic Sniper Rifles are by no means a rarity anymore. We’ve also got plenty of slow-firing powerhouse weapons that functionally perform the same job. So‚ again‚ it’s hard to see Bungie having much reason to bring the weapon back without radically changing its purpose. But this is a gun I’ve wanted to see return for years. It ha...

After not hearing anything regarding Season 3 of Diablo 4‚ we finally have some news! Continue reading to know exactly when news about Diablo 4 Season 3 will come! New info about Diablo 4 Season 3 incoming! While many Diablo 4 fans – including myself – have found themselves anxious about any type of update or piece of information about Season 3. And while a couple of images have announced the arrival of The Gauntlet‚ and we all know that Season 3 will be released on January 23‚ what we have all experienced is equal to radio silence. However‚ Blizzard has finally unveiled a little teaser about Season 3. And yes‚ this is technically an announcement of the announcement‚ but I think we can all say that we are ready for what’s coming! Image: Blizzard Entertainment Blizzard will announce more information about Season 3 on January 16. While this might not be a Campfire Chat in which we receive a lot of information regarding upcoming seas...

Palworld features a big open world to explore‚ yes‚ but in this article‚ we’re talking about file size‚ not world size. So what is the file size of Palworld and can you preload to prepare for launch? Palworld install size‚ explained According to the Palworld Steam page system requirements‚ the Palworld file size is around 40 GB. The storage requirement asks for at least 40 GB of available space‚ but my experience with storage requirements and actual install sizes tells me that Palworld will be more like 30 GB when fully downloaded. Related: Is Palworld on Xbox Game Pass? For example‚ Baldur’s Gate 3’s Steam page system requirements state that you need at least 150 GB of available space to play the game. I am up-to-date with BG3 updates and the file size is a little over 140 GB. This is the case for most games; the storage requirement is usually slightly higher than the actual install size of the full game. Can you preload Palw...

Children are not property to be exploited; they are gifts from God—and what do you do with a gift? You cherish it‚ grow it‚ and protect it. Yet‚ in a world marred by moral decay and power imbalances‚ the most vulnerable among us‚ children‚ often fall prey to the darkest desires of influential figures. The Jeffrey Epstein case‚ among others‚ lays bare a troubling pattern: a fascination among certain powerful individuals for underage boys and girls. This is not a new phenomenon; history is replete with instances where those in positions of power‚ be they priests or potentates‚ have succumbed to this heinous proclivity.  But why? The answer perhaps lies in the corrupting nature of power itself. As Lord Acton famously said‚ “Power tends to corrupt‚ and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In the case of the exploitation of children‚ power becomes a vehicle not just for corruption but for the perversion of the most sacred trust. Let us consider priests‚ traditionally seen as moral guides and protectors of the flock. When they succumb to such vile desires‚ it is not only a betrayal of their sacred duty but an affront to the very tenets of faith and morality they are meant to uphold. Similarly‚ when influential figures like Epstein and his band of unknown powerful figures‚ most of whom are men‚ engage in such acts‚ it reflects a gross abuse of power and privilege‚ a twisted assertion of dominance over the most defenseless. This reprehensible behavior is not just a violation of law but a moral abomination that should be met with the severest of punishments. In this context‚ the call for the death penalty for child predators might seem a fitting retribution. The argument is straightforward: Such an act is so fundamentally against the natural order‚ so damaging to the very fabric of society‚ and so irreparably harmful to the victims that only the most extreme form of punishment would suffice. As we grapple with these dark realities‚ we must remember that the true measure of a society is found in how it treats its most vulnerable. In safeguarding our children‚ in nurturing their growth and in fiercely defending their innocence‚ we uphold not just a legal duty but a moral imperative. For‚ in the words of Charles Dickens: “In the little world in which children have their existence‚ there is nothing so finely perceived and so finely felt as injustice.” Children‚ the purest embodiment of innocence‚ should be the cherished treasures of our society‚ protected from the snares of those who would do them harm. However‚ as cases like Epstein’s tragically illustrate‚ often the mighty have the most depraved of desires‚ exploiting the defenseless and leaving an indelible scar on the tapestry of humanity. Why do such abominations occur‚ especially among the powerful? The intoxicating nature of power distorts the moral compass‚ leading some to exploit the innocent in a perverse display of control. This is not only a breach of legal boundaries but‚ more critically‚ a profound moral failure. As Edmund Burke wisely noted‚ “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Thus‚ it becomes imperative for society to act decisively. The psychological and societal impact of these crimes is catastrophic. The betrayal of a child’s trust can fracture the foundation of their world‚ often leaving lifelong emotional and mental scars. Beyond the individual tragedy‚ such violations erode public trust in institutions and figures of authority‚ undermining the social fabric that binds communities. In facing this grim reality‚ our justice system must be unyielding in its pursuit of those who prey on children. While some advocate the ultimate punishment‚ the death penalty‚ we must tread cautiously. The pursuit of justice must be balanced with the principles of fairness and the potential for rehabilitation. As Alexander Pope eloquently put it‚ “To err is human‚ to forgive divine.” Our approach must reflect a balance between the gravity of the crime and the principles of a just and humane society. The solution lies not only in punishment but in prevention and education. It requires creating environments where children are informed‚ empowered‚ and encouraged to speak out. We must cultivate a culture that prioritizes the welfare and protection of children above all else. The exploitation of children by the powerful is a stark reminder of the moral and ethical failings that can permeate any society. Our response must be resolute‚ not only in punishing the guilty but in safeguarding the innocence of the young. Through vigilant protection‚ education‚ and moral guidance‚ we can strive to build a world where the innocence of childhood is not just a fleeting moment but a lasting legacy treasured and protected by all. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS.COM The Daily Signal publishes a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Heritage Foundation. Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or stat The post Unforgivable Sin: On the Exploitation of Innocence appeared first on The Daily Signal.

FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—Law-abiding Americans increasingly are convinced that their government views them as an enemy‚ perhaps even a “domestic terrorism threat.” A newly unearthed video may confirm those fears. Bureaucrats in numerous federal agencies apparently tag-teamed with the Southern Poverty Law Center‚ an organization that demonizes conservatives and Christians‚ including groups such as Alliance Defending Freedom and Moms for Liberty‚ in order to raise money and silence political opponents. The federal bureaucrats reached out to the SPLC‚ which conservatives criticize as a far-left smear factory‚ as they planned to combat “the domestic terrorism threat.” I’ve long raised the alarm about the SPLC‚ which gained its reputation by suing the Ku Klux Klan into bankruptcy and then weaponized that program against conservatives. Today‚ the center maintains a “hate map” plotting mainstream conservative and Christian groups alongside KKK chapters. It pressures the government to crack down on these groups and urges the charity and tech sectors to blacklist them. The Video In the fall of 2021 after President Joe Biden took office‚ SPLC President Margaret Huang bragged in a donor meeting that many agencies in Biden’s administration had approached the center to craft a domestic terrorism strategy. “I think there’s no question that we are unparalleled in our abilities to track and monitor the hate and extremist groups in the country‚ and I can tell you that we’ve had many agencies in the new Biden administration reaching out to solicit our expertise and our knowledge and information to help shape the policies that the new administration is adopting to counter the domestic terrorism threat‚” Huang said in a fundraising event video exclusively provided to The Daily Signal by an attendee who wishes to remain anonymous. This video should send shivers down Americans’ spines. If what Huang told donors is true‚ it proves what so many conservatives have suspected—their own government views them as a domestic terror threat. Branding Conservatism ‘Hate’ As I wrote in my book “Making Hate Pay: The Corruption of the Southern Poverty Law Center‚” critics long have noted that the SPLC exaggerates the prevalence of hate with its “hate map‚” scaring donors into ponying up cash and smearing ideological opponents. In addition to truly vile groups such as the KKK‚ the SPLC puts nonprofit law firms that protect religious liberty‚ such as Alliance Defending Freedom‚ on the “hate map.” ADF has won numerous cases before the Supreme Court‚ most notably Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission and 303 Creative v. Elenis‚ both cases involving Christians who faced government sanction for refusing to use their art to celebrate same-sex weddings. The Southern Poverty Law Center’s map also includes conservative Christian groups such as the Family Research Council‚ Liberty Counsel‚ and D. James Kennedy Ministries; Roman Catholic organizations such as the Ruth Institute and Remnant TV; and parental rights groups such as Moms for Liberty and Parents Defending Education. The SPLC brands conservative Christians “hateful” for opposing its LGBTQ agenda‚ and it brands parental rights groups “hateful” because they oppose its education agenda. The SPLC also puts immigration reform groups such as the Center for Immigration Studies‚ the Foundation on American Immigration Reform‚ and the Immigration Reform Law Institute on its “hate map.” The map also includes organizations that warn against the threat of radical Islam‚ such as the Center for Security Policy and the David Horowitz Freedom Center. These moves align with the Biden administration’s priorities on LGBTQ activism‚ racial lessons in schools‚ lax enforcement of immigration law‚ and overlooking the threat of radical Islam. They also align with Biden’s rhetoric about “MAGA extremism” that “threatens the very republic.” Indeed‚ the Biden administration has worked with the SPLC in the past few years. Biden’s History With the SPLC Biden and his team hosted SPLC leaders and staff at the White House at least 11 times since Jan. 20‚ 2021‚ and Biden nominated an SPLC attorney‚ Nancy Abudu‚ to a federal judgeship. Last year‚ the FBI’s Richmond office used the SPLC’s “hate group” list to target “radical-traditional Catholics” in a rightly infamous memo. According to the SPLC’s logic‚ the entire Roman Catholic Church arguably should be listed as a “hate group” because the SPLC cited the Catechism of the Catholic Church in branding the Ruth Institute a “hate group.” Just this week‚ the White House touted Vice President Kamala Harris‘ meeting “with voting rights leaders.” Among the leaders the White House highlighted was Seth Levi‚ the SPLC’s chief strategy officer. The SPLC decided to add parental rights groups to its “hate map” last June‚ two years after the Biden administration already had begun to target concerned parents. In 2021‚ the National School Boards Association sent Biden a letter comparing parents who protest school district policies to domestic terrorists and urging Biden to use the Patriot Act against these parents. Documents later revealed that the White House had worked with the school board group to draft the letter. The Justice Department issued a memo based on the letter‚ urging an investigation of parents. The school board association later apologized for the letter and the DOJ rescinded its memo‚ but the incident revealed Biden’s approach to concerned parents. Biden’s administration released a domestic terrorism strategy in June 2021‚ after consulting “extensively with a wide array of experts across the U.S. government as well as with leaders in Congress‚ state and local governments‚ academia‚ civil society‚ religious communities‚ and foreign governments.” According to Huang‚ the SPLC’s president‚ that consultation involved her organization. The Irony of Using the SPLC to Combat Terrorism The Biden administration use of the Southern Poverty Law Center to combat domestic terrorism is ironic‚ because the SPLC “hate map” inspired a terrorist attack in 2012‚ an SPLC lawyer faces domestic terrorism charges‚ and the SPLC long has covered for Antifa rioters who caused the most destructive riots in history in the summer of 2020. In the 2012 incident‚ a terrorist gunman used the SPLC’s “hate map” to target a conservative Christian nonprofit‚ Family Research Council‚ in Washington‚ D.C. The man aimed to shoot everyone in the building‚ and he would have succeeded were it not for a brave security guard who received permanent injuries in foiling the attempt. The SPLC condemned the attack‚ but has kept Family Research Council on its map ever since. Last March‚ an SPLC attorney was arrested at a riot in Atlanta involving Molotov cocktails‚ and he now faces domestic terrorism charges. The Southern Poverty Law Center has taken other key hits to its credibility. In 2018‚ the SPLC formally apologized to a Muslim reformer‚ Maajid Nawaz‚ who dared to criticize radical Islamist terrorism. The SPLC had branded him an “anti-Muslim extremist‚” and it shelled out $3.38 million to settle his defamation lawsuit. In 2019‚ the SPLC fired its cofounder and its president resigned amid a racial discrimination and sexual harassment scandal. During that scandal‚ a former employee came forward‚ saying the organization’s “hate” accusations are a “highly profitable scam.” After the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7‚ the labor union that represents SPLC staff described Israel’s military response in Gaza as “the violent imperialist desecreation of a people—the beginnings of a genocide.” Other SPLC staff appeared to help organize a massive anti-Israel protest in Washington‚ D.C.‚ and two senior staff members signed a statement condemning Israel as an “apartheid state” and Israel’s war in Hamas-ruled Gaza as an attempted genocide. Despite these and other scandals‚ many on the Left have continued to praise the SPLC and to use it as a weapon to silence conservative opponents. When Rep. Mike Johnson‚ R-La.‚ became speaker of the House‚ leftist groups cited the SPLC to attack Johnson over his history at Alliance Defending Freedom. Companies such as Amazon‚ Eventbrite‚ and Vimeo have used the SPLC to exclude conservative groups. Congressional Republicans and organizations such as The Heritage Foundation’s Oversight Project have demanded answers from the Biden administration about how closely it worked with the SPLC on targeting parents and “radical traditional Catholics.” Now‚ Huang’s comments likely will embolden those efforts. (The Daily Signal is The Heritage Foundation’s news outlet.) The FBI‚ which appears in the Biden strategy document on domestic terrorism‚ told The Daily Signal‚ “We don’t have any comment on specific remarks‚ and as this was a White House product we refer you to the White House for who they may have engaged in the process.” The bureau neither confirmed nor denied Huang’s suggestion that it reached out to the SPLC for advice. The Defense Department‚ the Justice Department‚ the Department of Homeland Security‚ and the State Department—all mentioned in the Biden administration’s strategy document on domestic terrorism —did not respond to The Daily Signal’s request for comment for this article. Neither the White House nor the SPLC responded to a request for comment. Have an opinion about this article? To sound off‚ please email letters@DailySignal.com‚ and we’ll consider publishing your edited remarks in our regular “We Hear You” feature. Remember to include the URL or headline of the article plus your name and town and/or state.   The post EXCLUSIVE: Biden Admin Approached Anti-Christian SPLC to ‘Help Shape’ Policies to Counter ‘Domestic Terrorism Threat’ appeared first on The Daily Signal.