from Alien.Wars:  TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge takes us behind the scenes of the action

UK prog trio Exploring Birdsong will play Manchester's Deaf Institute in June

Jack Asbury III is a dad and Spring Hill EMT by day and Batman when he is not working. The Spring Hill, Florida, man has donned the legendary cowl and cape since 2015. He first wore the costume to escort a girl with bullies who was afraid to go to class. After the escort, the story went viral. Jack has been featured on newscasts, podcasts, and in print in Time Magazine. Since then, he has become a perpetual Batman performer, wearing the costume for worthy causes all around town. He won’t be stopping anytime soon. @batmanofspringhill This is why. Until i cant put this suit on anymore. Thats when ill stop #zachbryan #eulogy #emotional #cosplayer #batman #visit #sad ♬ Eulogy by Zach Bryan – Zach Bryan Snippets Masked Miracles of Spring Hill, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was created to manage fundraising and bookings for Batman and several other superheroes who call Spring Hill home. The Spring Hill Spiderman often performs the same heroic deeds with and without Batman. The mission of these heroes is to provide comfort to children with disabilities and chronic illnesses and others who need a hero in their lives. Images from TikTok here and here. The organization aims to bring hope to children, especially those facing adversities. That includes any child needing help coping with struggles to experience the “magic of childhood.” In addition to Batman, other superhero performers call Spring Hill their base. In October 2023, Batman and Spiderman got coverage together in a local publication. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Spring Hill Spider Man (@springhill_spiderman) Unlike the real Bruce Wayne, Jack Asbury doesn’t have the advantage of unlimited funding to support the work of Batman. You can help by following the Batman performer on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and X. You can make donations and book appearances for events on the Masked Miracles website. In his role as a Batman performer, EMT, or dad, Jack Asbury is the true definition of a superhero. Please share. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Batman Performer Shares Bittersweet Reason He’ll Always Keep Putting On The Mask appeared first on InspireMore.

Texas A&M! Tennessee! The matchup is set

Conservatives often worry that liberals flee big cities and take their politics with them. The opposite seems more likely.

The Devil Wears Prada formed in 2005 in Dayton, Ohio. Known for their aggressive musical style and thematic lyrics, the band has released multiple albums, including Dear Love: A Beautiful Discord, Plagues, With Roots Above and Branches Below, among others. They have been a part of the metalcore scene for over a decade, gaining a strong following and participating in numerous tours, including stints on the Vans Warped Tour. The band has seen several lineup changes over the years but has maintained a steady presence in the genre. Mike Hranica Mike Hranica has been the lead vocalist and one of The post Complete List Of Devil Wears Prada Band Members appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.

The post Grey Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info by Chris Dinesen Rogers 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 Popularity Formal Recognition Facts Everything about the grey Sphynx cat screams for attention, starting with the animal’s hairless appearance. Relatively big ears and eyes also complete the look for this vocal feline. However, they aren’t hairless as their looks may suggest. Some refer to their fine down as “chamois leather” because of its texture and feel. While the breed standard recognizes all patterns and colors, grey is somewhat rare. Breed Overview Height:6–9 inches Weight:7–14 pounds Lifespan:10–15 years Colors:Grey, black, white, blue, cream, brown Suitable for:Active families looking for a people-oriented cat Temperament:Intelligent, affectionate, energetic, sweet There’s much to love about the grey Sphynx. They love being around people and freely show their affection. It’s easy to see why the breed is the 10th most popular, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). The animal’s looks and personality are a winning combination with pet owners. This feline will make their presence known to everyone in or visiting the household. Grey Sphynx Cat Characteristics The Earliest Records of the Grey Sphynx Cat in History All hairless breeds didn’t begin or end with the grey Sphynx. Other unrelated cats exist, including Russia’s Don Sphynx. There are also other anecdotal accounts of earlier examples. The grey Sphynx’s story begins in Ontario, Canada, with a genetic mutation resulting in a hairless cat named Prune. It set the stage to breed cats with this trait. This quest involved enthusiasts from Toronto and Minnesota. As word of this hairless feline spread, other breeders got involved, making it the goal of European and North American enthusiasts. Genetics added to the challenge. Hairlessness is a recessive trait. Each parent must contribute a copy or allele for it to present visually. If one parent doesn’t have it, the offspring have hair. Infertility was another complication in developing the breed. Early mortality is another issue. A UK study found that the Sphynx had the shortest life expectancy of any cats tested.1 The dedication of the early enthusiasts was critical for the breed’s survival and subsequent popularity among pet owners. Breeders used Devon Rex cats as part of the breeding programs, making the two related. How the Grey Sphynx Cat Gained Popularity Cats have two main jobs: mouser and companion. The grey Sphynx undoubtedly has instincts of the former. However, the breed’s development also encouraged traits to complement the latter. The result is an ongoing animal with high intelligence and curiosity. Instead of running when someone knocks at the door, this kitty rushes to see who is visiting their home. The Sphynx’s personality helped propel the kitty’s popularity. They are the antithesis of the aloof cat. This pet is quite people-oriented, which selective breeding encouraged. The breed has earned its place in the hearts of cat owners worldwide. Image Credit: Vital Hil, Shutterstock Formal Recognition of the Grey Sphynx Cat Official cat registries put the welfare of the animal above all else. That rests with the genetic diversity and viability. A small gene pool means a greater risk of undesirable traits or hereditary and congenital conditions passing on to the kittens. Developing the breed meant bringing new animals with the hairless trait into the mix. It also relied on the persistence of enthusiasts to continue their efforts. Their efforts paid off, with formal recognition by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe) in 2002. The International Cat Association (TICA) recognition soon followed in 2005. Each organization created breed standards, which further added development. Of course, seeing the grey Sphynx in the show ring earns more recognition and fans. Top 3 Unique Facts About the Grey Sphynx Cat 1. Research Has Shown that the Sphynx Is One of the Least Fearful Cats Some personality traits are heritable, and the grey Sphynx is living proof as one of the least fearful felines. 2. Scientists Have Found the Sphynx Has a Greater Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Selective breeding sometimes comes with a price. For the Sphynx, there is a greater risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and mitral valve dysplasia (MVD). Image Credit: SuJo Studios, Shutterstock 3. The Grey Sphynx Isn’t Hypoallergenic Just because the cat doesn’t have hair doesn’t mean they are hypoallergenic. That’s true with the gray Sphynx and other felines. The offending allergen exists in the animal’s saliva, making it impossible to avoid. Does the Grey Sphynx Cat Make a Good Pet? The grey Sphynx is a sweetheart. These cats are affectionate, inquisitive, and intelligent, making them different from many feline breeds. They aren’t the independent cats many may think of these animals. They can entertain themselves, but they also thrive on human interaction. Note that separation anxiety is a concern for pets left alone a lot, so we don’t recommend this cat for individuals who aren’t home much. All pets are a commitment, and this breed has some health issues that require monitoring. We recommend getting cats from reputable sellers who conduct pre-breeding screenings. DNA testing can identify some potential problems. You should also stick with breeders who offer a health guarantee to protect both you and the cat. Regular veterinary is imperative because of these heritable issues. You may find it challenging to find a grey Sphynx because of their relative rarity. However, your search isn’t for naught. They are lovable animals worth the effort. Understanding your commitment as a pet owner is essential. These cats can become true family members, especially if they have things their way. Conclusion The grey Sphynx is a fascinating animal and the undying product of the dedication of enthusiasts. The breed has its issues, but they are nothing an engaged pet owner can’t handle. They have the energy and curiosity to make having one in your home one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Just make sure you can keep up with the cat’s activity level and chattiness! Sources https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drumroll-please-the-cat-fanciers-association-cfa-is-elated-to-reveal-the-top-15-pedigreed-cat-breeds-that-had-everyone-purring-in-2023-302063129.html https://web.archive.org/web/20130226130801/http://beeblebroxsphynx.com/health/about-the-breed/history https://rvc-repository.worktribe.com/output/1760672/life-tables-of-annual-life-expectancy-and-risk-factors-for-mortality-in-cats-in-the-uk https://acfacat.com/Breed%20Standards/SPHYNX.pdf https://fifeweb.org/app/uploads/2023/10/SPH.pdf https://tica.org/phocadownload/sx.pdf https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/11/7/1991 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1760273412001038 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5891966/ https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/can-cats-have-separation-anxiety Featured Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock The post Grey Sphynx Cat: Pictures, Care, Traits & Info by Chris Dinesen Rogers 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.

Saturn’s energy budget has been found to be severely unbalanced. The extent of the difference between energy in and energy out has surprised planetary scientists, even though the cause has been known since Kepler. An analysis of the imbalance has suggested it contributes to the planet’s giant storms, and raised questions about whether something similar occurs on other gas giants.Every planet has an energy budget, the balance of the radiation it absorbs from the Sun, and what it emits back into space. These are not exactly equal, since the planets also have internal sources of energy from the decay of radioactive elements. However, in most cases, the internal source is quite minor.However, a long-term balance can be made up of temporary imbalances, where a planet heats up or cools down for a while. Earth is doing that now through human intervention, but Saturn has also been found to have unexpectedly large imbalances in the course of its orbit.“This is the first time that a global energy imbalance on a seasonal scale has been observed on a gas giant,” said Prof. Liming Li from the University of Houston in a statement. “Not only does this give us new insight into the formation and evolution of planets, but it also changes the way we should think about planetary and atmospheric science.”Artist's impression of Cassini close to Saturn's ringsImage Credit: University of HoustonLike every planet, Saturn’s orbit is not perfectly circular, and indeed it is more elongated than that of most of its peers, although far more rounded than most comets. Inevitably it absorbs more heat when it’s closer to the Sun than when it is further away – unlike Earth, it doesn’t have a mix of oceans and continents with their very different heat absorption to complicate things.Eventually, the extra heat absorbed during the closer part of its orbit must be radiated away, but an analysis of radiation collected by Cassini and Earth-based telescopes has found that can take quite a long time. Although storms are not as visible on Saturn as Jupiter, since the color contrast they create is much smaller, they can be large and long-lasting. The authors of this study think this is related to the energy imbalance. For example, a storm in Saturn’s northern mid-latitudes in 2010-2011 emitted more heat than the areas around it, possibly because a build-up in heat needed to be released somehow.Perhaps surprisingly Saturn's energy output varies more smoothly than the input. Since Cassini dived into Saturn, Earth-based telescopes' measurements were usedImage Credit: NASA/JPLThis discovery raises two big questions: why has it taken so long to realize this, and is the same true of the other gas giants?A few factors answer the first. “Saturn, like the other gas giants, has another energy input in the form of deep internal heat affecting its thermal structure and climate," University of Houston graduate student Xinyue Wang explained. Knowing this is easy, but measuring it can be more difficult."For Saturn, examination of the radiant energy at the top of the atmosphere is more complicated because of its rings,” Wang and co-authors write. The rings cast great shadows on Saturn during certain parts of its orbit, which of course leads to less incoming energy. On the other hand, they can get in the way of our efforts to measure the energy the planet is emitting from the top of its atmosphere."In current models and theories of the atmosphere, climate, and evolution of the gas giants, the global energy budget is assumed to be balanced," Wang said. "But we believe our discovery of this seasonal energy imbalance necessitates a reevaluation of those models and theories."No similar energy imbalance has been detected for the other gas giants, which is strange. After all, the much smaller ring systems don’t interfere with our observations so much, so if it’s there we’d expect to have seen it.Saturn has the most elongated orbit of the gas giants, but Uranus and Jupiter are not far behind. These things are measured by the orbit’s eccentricity, which is 0.052 for Saturn and 0.047 and 0.049 for the other two. Uranus has the complicating factor of practically rotating on its side, which the authors think should increase imbalances. Neptune, on the other hand, has an exceptionally round orbit and a normal axis of rotation.The study is open access in Nature Communications.