Former NBA player Charles Barkley slammed the Democratic Party in a recent rant about the its losses in the 2024 elections and the subsequent blame-game that it has played in trying to explain why it came up short. The 61-year-old commentator, who is a staunch defender of transgender rights, made the remarks during a recent episode of “The Steam Room” podcast with his NBA on TNT co-host Ernie Johnson. He started his rant by congratulating President-elect Donald Trump on his election victory and wishing him success for his upcoming term in office. “I just want to say this to the Democrats, which I’m an independent who voted Democratic, do me this favor: Shut the f*** up!” he said. “When you win, you get to say what you want to,” he continued. “When you lose, you need to shut the hell up.” He chided those who were making excuses by saying things like, “Oh, President Biden, they didn’t get out of the race soon enough,” or “Kamala didn’t do this.” “We lost because we had no game plan,” he said. “We still haven’t solved the immigration problem, have no viable answers, never addressed inflation.” MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ He also slammed the Harris campaign and the Democratic Party for focusing its efforts on “bringing all these stupid stars out to rally the vote.” “Hey, I love Beyonce. What is bringing her out? That ain’t gonna make me vote a certain way,” he said. “Cardi B. I like Cardi B, that ain’t gonna make me vote a certain type of way.” “You guys lost because y’all stupid,” he added. Barkley added that he does not believe that “everybody who voted for Trump is racist,” and although he is not a fan of Trump, “he’s the president” and “I’m gonna have to respect the office.” WATCH: Sir Charles Barkley on 2024: “I just want to say this to the Democrats…Do me this favor: shut the f**k up! When you win, you get to say what you want to. When you lose, you need to shut the hell up.” pic.twitter.com/6PCCY3riMD — Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) November 20, 2024

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Andrea Levitt, 82, was feeling lonely when she met Angelo Williams, 16, at a cookies-and-tea gathering in New York City. Her son and his family had moved away, leaving her days quieter than she wanted. But Angelo’s sense of humor instantly lightened her spirits. “I remember being at the table with Angelo, and he was so funny, it completely got me out of my depression,” she says. And the best part? They discovered a shared passion for basketball, rapidly bridging the decades between them. Angelo was likewise impressed. “We really just hit it off,” he says. Their conversations ranged in topics, covering everything from Andrea’s youth experiences meeting celebrities to Angelo’s anecdotes about his family. Their friendship began through Dorot, a charity organization whose name translates to “generations” in Hebrew. For decades, Dorot has brought together young people and older folks, fostering partnerships that benefit both parties. A cure for loneliness: the power of connection Loneliness is more than just an unpleasant feeling; it is a public health issue. According to US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s 2023 advisory report, loneliness raises death risk to the same degree as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. The pandemic exacerbated this situation, making many elders even more alone. Programs like Dorot address this issue straight on. For Andrea, they’ve filled a vacuum created by her family’s relocation. “It’s been great to get out and meet teenagers like Angelo,” she says. However, the benefits extend beyond simple friendship. Donna Butts, executive director of Generations United, highlights the importance of developing intergenerational ties in bridging societal differences. “When you think about the way we create communities—policies, services, infrastructure—they’re often segregated by age,” says Butts. She defines this as “artificial silos” that separate generations. “Breaking those barriers is essential, especially as the U.S. demographics shift.” Building bonds across screens and tea tables While in-person activities such as as Dorot’s cookies-and-tea parties foster connections, technology is also helping to bridge generations. Dana Griffin founded Eldera in 2020, a platform where older people tutor children ages 6 to 17 via weekly Zoom sessions. The initiative originated as a response to COVID-19 isolation, but it has since evolved into a meaningful opportunity for the elderly and children to interact. Griffin shows how virtual meetups provide older people with a feeling of purpose. “They shower, they brush their hair, they get dressed up,” she says. “When they feel valuable to a kid, it often changes their whole day.” According to Eldera’s findings, these associations can grow to be extremely significant. Many teenagers retain mentor relationships throughout college, spending an average of two hours each week consulting with their elder advisors about anything from roommates to dating. Youth benefit greatly from having someone other than their own family to confide in. “They really need to talk about everything,” Griffin says. Learn, share, and grow together These partnerships are more than just ways to relieve loneliness or mentor others. There is also potential for reciprocal learning. Angelo acknowledges that he first joined Dorot’s summer internship program expecting he’d be the one delivering assistance. Instead, he finds himself learning from Andrea and others. “You get to learn a lot about somebody else and also keep their stories with you,” he says. Andrea agrees. “I find that I have things in common with them, and we can have some really good discussions,” she adds. Griffin believes that these ties remind older people of their significance in a world that often underestimates them. “When a kid chews them out for being five minutes late to Zoom, they feel seen,” she jokes. Breaking down age barriers as a team effort Programs like Dorot and Eldera are developing new kinds of communities, challenging old concepts of age segregation. “Older adults are more likely to be white, and younger people are more likely to be of color,” Butts observes. Connecting these groups is critical for increasing mutual understanding and investment in one another’s futures. Andrea and Angelo’s friendship continues to grow. The two intend to go to a basketball game together soon, demonstrating how these activities foster not only friendships but also enduring memories. A model for the future Programs like Dorot and Eldera demonstrate that uniting generations is not just heartwarming, but also revolutionary. These partnerships help to alleviate loneliness, encourage empathy, and create spaces where wisdom and youth can coexist and thrive. As Griffin puts it, “These relationships remind older adults of their worth and teach younger generations lessons they can carry forward. Everyone benefits.”The post Cross generational friendships: how teens and elders are transforming their lives first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Christine Yu, an award-winning sports journalist, is challenging the current quo in a male-dominated fitness sector that includes everything from research papers to gym regimens. As the author of Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes, Yu pushes for a new strategy that takes into account women’s specific requirements. “Your body shouldn’t be considered a limitation,” Yu emphasizes, noting that women and men have fundamental physiological differences impacting exercise performance. She presents three important, women-specific exercise ideas below to help any woman approach fitness in a healthier way. 1. Make strength training a priority First and foremost, Yu advises against skipping the weights. Strength training is one of the most effective workouts for increasing longevity. It’s a method of maintaining muscular mass, which Yu claims is a predictor of both health and longevity. Unfortunately, many women are still hesitant to engage in strength training due to societal expectations to avoid “bulking up.” “Girls aren’t encouraged to go to the gym and lift,” says Yu, whereas boys’ sports teams often promote gym time from a young age. However, the benefits are too substantial to overlook. Strength training is more than just growing muscles; it also promotes bone health, which is especially important as we age. Muscle is known as the “organ of longevity,” and for good reason. Strengthening your muscles early on provides the groundwork for improved health over time, reducing bone loss and increasing resilience to injury. So, if you’ve been putting off strength training, think about starting with simple workouts recommended by experts. Don’t worry—you won’t “bulk up” overnight. 2. Eat enough to power your workout (and your life!) When it comes to diet, Yu’s advice is surprisingly straightforward: eat enough. “The most important thing is to make sure that you’re eating enough,” she stresses. “When you don’t have enough fuel—not only to support daily activities of life but to support your exercise—you dig yourself into this hole in which you don’t have enough energy.” Without enough nutrition, Yu continues, your body may seek to preserve energy by shutting down non-essential functions. This can cause irregular menstrual cycles and have an impact on gastrointestinal health, cardiovascular health, and even emotional well-being. Furthermore, underfueling affects exercise performance, which is counterintuitive for those looking to enhance their fitness. “You’re not going to adapt to your training, you’re not going to recover well, you’re not going to perform well,” Yu notes. Rather than suggesting a specific diet, Yu advocates prioritizing consistency and appropriate intake throughout the day to minimize energy deficiencies. She explains that even a 300-calorie deficit—roughly the size of a snack—can make a difference. “Just make sure you’re getting enough food in your body to support what you’re doing,” she says. 3. Rest and recovery are part of the process Strength training is important, but so is understanding when to recover. Recovery enables the body to mend and adapt, making it an important part of long-term fitness achievement. “At my age, I do need to make sure I’m hitting the gym and strength training; I do need to make sure I’m hydrating and paying attention to my nutrition; [and] I do need to make sure that I’m resting and recovering because my body needs more of that time,” Yu shares. It’s tempting to push yourself through every workout, especially if you see results, but pushing your body too hard can lead to damage. “If I do want to continue doing these things in the long term, I do have to be patient,” Yu says. Injuries often require more recovery time than if you’d simply incorporated rest in the first place. Stretching, foam rolling, and acupuncture are all fantastic strategies to enhance muscle healing and ensure your body’s long-term strength. The bottom line: embrace your journey Yu’s takeaway message is simple but effective: listen to your body, respect it, and don’t rush the process. “Respect your body where it is,” she declares. A balanced approach to strength training, good nutrition, and recovery can make a significant difference in your fitness journey. So take it one day at a time, and remember that the ideal fitness routine is one that works for your specific body.The post 3 essential exercise tips every woman should know, according to a sports journalist first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'We’re going to send a very clear message'

Finally! The NFL sides with us on something

'Brand of politics that breeds'

The decision emerged after it became evident that McMahon would not be selected for the role of Commerce Secretary

They gave a community cat and her five kittens a new beginning, and one of them quickly stole the spotlight. One of them is unlike the othersJennA few weeks ago, a community cat, Bella, and her five kittens were brought to Metro Animal Care and Control, in need of a foster home.Her kittens were less than a week old, their eyes still closed and ears folded. Bella cradled them in her arms, tending to them with absolute devotion as she awaited a safe place.Lindsay, a volunteer, jumped at the chance to foster them. Out of the five kittens, one was unlike the others. Bella and her kittensLindsayBella had four brown tabbies (Button, Enoki, Porcini, and Shiitake) and a gray one named Oyster. Though he was just palm-sized, his loud voice commanded attention, and his hearty appetite quickly turned him into one of the chunkiest kittens.With four siblings competing for milk, he ensured his belly was always full, wiggling through the nest until he secured the prime spot. LindsayBella relaxed in the foster room, spending most of her time caring for her kittens in their cozy "igloo."Trusting and affectionate, she'd run to greet her foster mom at the door, her purr starting the moment she felt a chin scratch. "At only one year old, she is a baby herself and deserves the most wonderful home after raising these five little meowshrooms," Lindsay shared. LindsayAs Oyster grew, his inquisitive and adventurous side started to shine. While still finding his footing, he wriggled to the edge of the bed, attempting a daring escape. But in the midst of it, he was overtaken by the need for a nap."He made it about halfway out of the igloo before giving up and going to sleep." LindsayOyster loved lingering by the edge of the igloo, always plotting his next "jailbreak." Mama Bella cuddled up to her intrepid but sleepy gray baby, showering him with snuggles and purrs.As the kittens got the hang of using their legs, their personalities emerged. They began rolling around, wrestling each other in "slow motion." Oyster and BellaLindsayOnce the kittens graduated from their igloo, they explored every corner of their playpen. Lindsay introduced a comfy new "cave," which quickly caught Oyster's attention. While his siblings dozed off in a pile on a blanket, he nestled into the cave on his own."Mama Bella discovered the cave too. She's almost too big but made it work somehow. Of course, the kids tried to follow her in there, and it got even more snug." Oyster enjoyed his nap in the "cave"LindsayWith a devoted mom and a kind human, the kittens blossomed into plump bundles of energy.Despite being a bit unsteady on his feet, Oyster continued to challenge his siblings in rough-and-tumble play. Arching his back and skittering sideways, he tried to appear twice his size as he prepared to pounce. LindsayThe wilder the romping, the deeper the kittens crash, often ending up in a purring cuddle pile.Oyster has a mind of his own, always marching to the beat of his own drum. While the brown tabbies line up on one side to nurse, the little maverick stakes out his spot on the other, blazing his own trail. Oyster always marches to the beat of his own drumJenn"They were 5-6 days old when we got them. Six weeks old now, and we'll probably have them 2-3 more weeks before they're ready for adoption," Lindsay told Love Meow."Mama Bella has the patience of a saint. The kittens agreed her tail is the best toy. She's the sweetest, gentlest girl and would make an amazing pet for anyone who wants nothing to do with that chaotic kitten energy." LindsayWith a loving foster home, this beautiful family is thriving as the kittens enter their rambunctious phase. Bella is almost ready to retire from motherhood and enjoy being the center of attention in a loving home. JennShare this story with your friends. More on Bella, her kittens, and Lindsay's fosters on Instagram@loveandlittlecats and Metro Animal Care and Control @nashanimalcare. Thanks to Jenn @nashfosterkittens.Related story: Cat Thought to Be a 7-week-old Kitten When Found Along the Road but Turns Out She's Much Older

No, the Jerusalem Cross is not a symbol of white supremacy or Nazism.Under normal circumstances, this statement is self-evident. Everyone — literally everyone — knows the cross is first and foremost a Christian symbol. But these aren't normal circumstances.'Deus Vult' and the Jerusalem cross are uniquely Christian media with over 1,000 years of use among Christians.In the days following Pete Hegseth's defense secretary nomination, bad-faith critics have attacked Hegseth for two specifically Christian tattoos on his body. The first, on his right bicep, is a tattoo of the words, "Deus Vult," which in ecclesiastical Latin means "God wills it." The second tattoo, located on his chest, is of the Jerusalem cross.The Jerusalem cross is a large cross surrounded by four smaller crosses in each of the "quadrants" created by the larger cross. Some believe the five crosses represent the wounds Jesus Christ suffered on the cross while others believe the large cross represents Christ and the smaller four crosses represent the four Gospel authors. Still others believe the symbol represents the gospel message spreading to the four corners of the world. A Jerusalem cross on the cover of a copy of the Book of Common Prayer.Image source: Chris Enloe/Blaze MediaIt is important to remember that "Deus Vult" and the Jerusalem cross are uniquely Christian media with over 1,000 years of use among Christians. And yet, Hegseth's critics — or, more broadly, critics of President-elect Donald Trump, conservatives, and Christians — are now trying to associate "Deus Vult" and the Jerusalem cross with so-called Christian nationalism, the Christian "far right," white supremacy, and Nazism.The absurdity of the accusations reached a hysterical climax on social media over the weekend.A man named Matthew Stokes went viral when he promised to pay $5 to "any standard evangelical over the age of 40" if they could prove to him that "the Jerusalem cross was a normal symbol of their faith upbringing." — (@) It turns out that Stokes has a lot of money to disburse because his post went viral when thousands of people did exactly what he requested.The end result is that Stokes proved the exact opposite outcome than the one he intended: The responses that his post generated proved the Jerusalem cross is not only a normal Christian symbol but that it's an ecumenical one too.Presbyterians use it. Publishers use it. Catholics use it. Lutherans use it. Communion wafers are imprinted with it. Coptic Christians use it. Episcopalians and Anglicans use it. It's used in jewelry. The Greek Orthodox use it. Vestments use it.The Jerusalem cross is clearly a ubiquitous symbol among Christians of all churches and denominations. Attempts to tarnish it as a symbol of racism or Nazism not only fail, but they're actually an attack against all well-meaning Christians who display their faith allegiance through symbols like the Jerusalem cross. The attacks, as Vice President-elect JD Vance said, are "disgusting anti-Christian bigotry." Christians are not Nazis. Christians are not white supremacists. Christians are not racist.Fortunately, the "anti-Christian bigotry" that Vance identified will no longer exist within the Defense Department under Hegseth's leadership."They can target me — I don’t give a damn — but this type of targeting of Christians, conservatives, patriots and everyday Americans will stop on DAY ONE at DJT’s DoD," Hegseth promised.