In a surprising turn of events, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a long-time critic of Donald Trump, endorsed the former president following a recent assassination attempt. This endorsement comes after Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone in his public communications, which many believe has struck a chord with previously skeptical conservatives. The incident occurred on July 13 at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump narrowly escaped a shooting. The event left Trump shaken but unhurt, leading him to deliver a message that many saw as unusually reflective and unifying. Speaking about the incident, Trump attributed his survival to divine intervention, a sentiment that resonated with Governor Cox. "I was distraught over the attack," Cox stated, "but Trump's heartfelt message afterward showed a side of him that I believe can unite our party and our country". "a certain sort of man…" @TuckerCarlson and @DonaldJTrumpJron Utah Governor Spencer Cox #utpol pic.twitter.com/tJPIVh2F9H — Adam Bartholomew (@lifeisdriving) July 17, 2024 Cox’s endorsement is particularly significant given his past membership in the "NeverTrump" faction of the Republican Party. This group has consistently opposed Trump’s influence, but Cox’s recent change of heart underscores the potential shift in the political landscape. His support highlights the impact of Trump’s new tone on his broader political strategy. Trump's response to the shooting emphasized unity and resilience, deviating from his typically combative rhetoric. This change was evident in his address to his supporters, where he thanked them for their unwavering support and called for solidarity in the face of violence. The rally, initially marred by chaos, turned into a demonstration of Trump's ability to galvanize his base under trying circumstances​. Governor Spencer Cox on CNN saying he will not be voting for presumptive GOP Presidential nominee, former President Donald Trump. #utpol pic.twitter.com/er9yUZayoi — Heidi Hatch KUTV (@tvheidihatch) July 11, 2024 The former president's handling of the situation has led to speculation that he is attempting to appeal to a broader electorate. His acknowledgment of the need for unity and his softer tone could be strategic moves to attract moderates and former critics within the GOP. Political analysts suggest that this approach could be crucial in the upcoming elections, where the Republican Party must consolidate its base while also reaching out to undecided voters. Governor Cox's endorsement is a notable victory for Trump, signaling potential shifts among other skeptical Republicans. It also underscores the power of a united front in the GOP, especially in light of recent internal divisions. Cox’s support might encourage other "NeverTrump" Republicans to reconsider their stance, potentially leading to a more cohesive party strategy moving forward. Trump's ability to adapt his rhetoric and connect with different factions within the GOP could be a decisive factor in his political comeback. His recent experiences and the subsequent shift in his messaging have the potential to redefine his public image and influence his standing within the party. As the 2024 elections approach, Trump's evolving tone and the endorsements from previously critical figures like Governor Cox will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the Republican campaign strategy​​. The post NeverTrump Governor Endorses Trump Post-Shooting Message, Confirming Trump’s New Tone Works appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

A young woman on social media recently shared the letter her grandfather left for her before dying from cancer, and we’re not exaggerating when we say it left us bawling. Charlotte clearly had a very special connection with the elderly man, one which she still holds dear. While it’s not easy to lose a loved one, this letter must be a huge comfort to her. Her post, which contains the full text of the beautiful message, has received a million views. “I’m sorry that I can’t be with you anymore, but please don’t be too sad,” the letter began. “You were always my special friend and I love you very much.” This grandfather clearly had a lot he wanted to say to his granddaughter before he passed away from cancer, and it’s truly beautiful that he found a way to let her know how much he cared in this letter. After opening with these heartbreaking words, he went on to share some very wise advice. Screengrab from TikTok “Make the most of your life, Charlotte,” he told her. “Don’t let anybody persuade you to anything that you don’t feel is right. Stay as kind and thoughtful as you are now. Make sure you make the best of your intellect and get a good education. Above all be happy in everything you do, and don’t allow yourself to drift into a life you don’t want.” After that, the loving grandfather also wanted his letter to convey how much he would miss his granddaughter once cancer took his life. “I’m not happy about leaving this life early and not being with you longer, but I am happy that I’ve had you as my granddaughter,” he wrote. “I would rather have had my shortened life with you in it than a longer life without you.” Screengrab from TikTok At the end of his tear-jerking letter, this grandfather with cancer hoped that he would see his granddaughter again someday. “I believe there is a type of existence for us beyond but I don’t know for sure what it is,” read the note. “It may be that we will know each other again in some form of future life and it would be fantastic to be reunited if this is the case.” What a beautiful letter! It clearly holds a treasured place in Charlotte’s heart, along with her grandpa’s memory. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Grandfather Leaves Heart-Wrenching Final Letter To Granddaughter Before His Death appeared first on InspireMore.

Jimmy might be headed to Texas permanently

'Not to lose their composure and certainly not to get argumentative'

Harris did not say this.

A viral image shared on X claims a man is purportedly suing President Joe Biden over losing $10,000 on “Let’s Go Brandon” merch after Biden announced he was dropping out of the 2024 election. Man says he lost $10,000 in now-worthless “Let’s Go Brandon” merch. So he wants to sue Joe Biden for dropping out. […]

Calling all Patriots!

In a major win for the traditional owners of Australia, the federal government has ordered the end of the land leasing program for the Jabiluka uranium deposit, ensuring that mining will never occur on the land owned by the Mirarr people. At the same time, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his coalition added it to […] The post Uranium Mine Leased for Years Becomes Part of National Park in Historic Win for Native Activists appeared first on Good News Network.

The post Why Do Cats Groom? Pancake, Tiller & the Latest Theories by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) 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. Hi, I’m Dr. Lauren! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two adventurous cats, Pancake and Tiller. I caught Pancake in the middle of a dramatic grooming session last night. It involved lots of splayed legs, and a determined effort to reach something near her perineum, that actually entailed what I’m pretty sure was an inverted split. Earlier in the week, I’d watched a similarly determined grooming session play out- this time with Tiller making a valiant effort to groom Pancake into sporting a Mohawk. Luckily, “The Pancake” who is a bit Al Pacino Godfather-esque about the bed and sharing it with other cats, tolerated the session well and no blows ensued. If eating and sleeping are two of the most common activities I see both cats engaged in, then grooming is probably a close third. Multiple times daily, after eating, and definitely before sleeping, sometimes at 3:00 am between their various sleep modes, they groom. But just why do cats love grooming so much? Sitting in this position is a favourite grooming technique for Pancake. Why Cats Groom: Speculation and Theories Cats have always been considered fairly clean animals, due to their inherent grooming tendencies. Here are some theories as to why cats groom: The idea that groomers are placed socially higher than groomees. And furthermore, that grooming is a way in social settings to allow cats to act out on aggression issues, without the need for overt violence. This theory comes from a slightly older paper, but interesting nonetheless… A newer paper on a similar topic found that familiarity and genetic relations improved grooming activities from one cat to another. Again suggesting a social or bonding function. Function. To remove external parasites, such as fleas. In one study, grooming activity helped to significantly decrease the numbers of fleas, compared to control cats who wore e-collars and could not groom for the study period. Other theories have proposed the removal of odors, such as after eating, to reduce the risk of being predated. It’s worth noting that grooming can (unintentionally?) spread anal gland secretions on the haircoat. The anal glands contain extremely high quantities of Fel d 1, one of the main feline allergens that contribute to human cat allergies. Don’t forget that grooming can also indicate abnormalities, as well. Flea allergy dermatitis, for instance, can result in large quantities of grooming. So can Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. And urinary tract infections or urinary crystals can lead to localized, excessive grooming of the perineum. So, next time you catch your cat in a grooming session, consider for a moment if there may be more occurring than meets the eye. It could be a simple lick, relieving an itch, removing an external parasite, or adhering to social structure. But needless to say, cats, as always, are never quite as simple as they may first appear! The post Why Do Cats Groom? Pancake, Tiller & the Latest Theories by Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian) 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.

Books book recommendations Five Entertaining SFF Stories With Relatively Low Stakes The whole world doesn’t need to be in imminent danger for a story to be compelling, as these more personal adventures demonstrate… By James Davis Nicoll | Published on July 31, 2024 Legends and Lattes cover art by Claire Bartlett Comment 0 Share New Share Legends and Lattes cover art by Claire Bartlett It is no mystery why so many fantasy authors resort to high-stakes conflicts. Nothing engages the reader quite like having the entire world at stake. For proof, consider how very well The Lord of the Rings has sold for so very long, not to mention the popularity of the legions of blatant knock-offs works inspired by The Lord of the Rings. And yet, offering nothing but world-saving is a bit like offering nothing but 100-decibel high notes. Eventually one becomes numb to what should be thrilling. Also, high stakes series raise legitimate questions about the Big Bad’s competence. If Evil launches seven different apocalypses, all of which are foiled by the same small group of high school- and college-age teens, one has to wonder if maybe Evil should consider pursuing opportunities in a different field. Fortunately, it is perfectly possible to write works and series in which the stakes, while important to the protagonist(s), are merely personal. Regardless of what happens in the stories, the world will tick on. As long as the outcome matters to the protagonists, it will matter to the reader. Consider these five works. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (2022) Tiring of playing meat-shield for adventuring parties delving into hazardous dungeons, Viv invests her future in One Last Job. Contrary to One Last Job conventions, not only is Viv’s One Last Job a success, it truly is the orc barbarian’s last job, at least in the field of adventuring. A new life awaits! In food services. Viv has an entrepreneurial vision: she will make and sell coffee, which people will then buy. Can someone used to hacking her way past impediments deal with logistical and marketing challenges? Or is launching a novel endeavor in an untested market without the applicable skills doomed to failure? Many book covers lie. In this case, Baldree’s cover promises an orc and a succubus selling coffee and pastries and the novel delivers an orc and a succubus selling coffee and pastries. Likewise, the tagline, “A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes,” is accurate. No Dread Lords to be found here. In fact, the book is so obviously an example of the sort of thing I am discussing that I am mentioning it first, purely to avoid having twenty people mention it in the comments. RuriDragon by Masaoki Shindo (2022– onward) Schoolgirl Ruri is nonplussed to discover that she has sprouted two razor-sharp horns in her sleep. Ruri’s mother provides a perfectly reasonable explanation. Ruri is half dragon, and the horns are a manifestation of her father’s lineage. At school, Ruri discovers that she has inherited a second draconic trait. Happily, the student on whom Ruri breathes fire is not seriously injured1. Ruri may be the first human-dragon hybrid. Just how her two heritages will manifest is a mystery2. However, no matter how extraordinary Ruri is, she’s still a high school student, expected to juggle academia and her personal life on her way to adulthood. One of the remarkable aspects of this amiable manga is how nonchalantly Ruri’s schoolmates (even the one she set on fire) react to the revelation Ruri isn’t fully human. It makes one wonder what else is going on in their lives that a half-dragon chum gets a “Oh, that’s kind of cool, I guess,” reaction. Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono (1985) Half-human, half-witch, Kiki chose to embrace her witchy mother’s heritage. At age thirteen, Kiki faces the rite of passage all thirteen-year-old witches endure: Kiki must leave her family behind and make a new life in some unfamiliar community. Were this not sufficient challenge, Kiki is lacking in the magical powers department. Kiki has mastered a single arcane ability: flying a broom. How to parlay this knack into something that will endear Kiki to her new community is unclear. Kiki is determined to prevail. Something that was left out of the Studio Ghibli anime adaptation of this manga: the parlous state of witchcraft in the modern world. Lacking any sort of formal system to preserve and pass on witchcraft, each generation knows less than the one before. It’s probably for the best that the manga’s focus is on one witch who does very well for herself and not on witches in general, who probably should be placed on the endangered list. Cyrion by Tanith Lee (1982) Cyrion’s world is full of magic and wonders. Cyrion’s world is also full of greed and scheming. Life in a world of conniving sorcerers, devious conspirators, and a surprising abundance of cursed items is never boring; it is, however, often short. Enter Cyrion, who in another world might have called himself a consulting detective. Brilliant Cyrion wields an impressive array of skills, from deduction to disguise to rapid improvisation. As these eight stories demonstrate, it is always a mistake to underestimate Cyrion… but so many do. Cyrion is one part Sherlock Holmes (minus Watson) to one part Batman (minus Robin). Like both characters, Cyrion is famous, so it’s weird how many villains have plans that boil down to “Outthink the guy whose schtick is that he is always, always, always the smartest man in the room.” Hope springs eternal3. Swords and Deviltry by Fritz Leiber (collection 1970) Fafhrd is a skilled barbarian from the frigid north. The Gray Mouser is a talented thief and duelist, with a smattering of magical arts. Neither giant Northman nor crafty Southerner is on a first-name basis with ethics or prudence4. Perfect adventurers for decadent Nehwon. Swords recounts a few early incidents in the two adventurers’ lives, as they make what were in retrospect terrible decisions, and then, however implausibly, survive them. It’s good to be series protagonists, especially in stories set early in their careers5. Swords and Deviltry is a sword and sorcery work. That genre usually features fairly low stakes (at least compared to The Lord of the Rings). At one point S&S seemed to be the dominant mode for American fantasy—so I was surprised to discover how recently S&S got its name. Of late, S&S seems to be enjoying a resurgence, which I applaud. These are but five examples of low-stakes fantasy. No doubt many of you are fond of works that I have unjustly ignored6, works whose absence makes you question the very foundations of Western civilization. Feel free to mention your faves in comments below.[end-mark] Generally speaking, supernatural abilities come packaged with secondary characteristics needed to survive having those specific abilities. As Ruri discovers immediately after breathing fire, her mouth and lungs aren’t fireproof, at least not immediately. She does, however, have a prodigious healing ability, enough to keep her alive while she is toughening up. It makes one wonder if Ruri is really the first human-dragon hybrid, or just the first one to survive. ︎There are in fact many mysteries about Ruri, not least of which is “how could a normal human female and a bus-sized dragon manage to have procreative sex?” The manga studiously declines to answer, although I imagine “very carefully” probably played a role. ︎Perhaps the malefactors’ confidence is bolstered by the knowledge that Cyrion, like Holmes, died once. They should further consider the fact that Cyrion, like Holmes, got better. ︎In the pair’s defense, even had they tried to be cautious, fate (also known as Fritz Leiber, Jr.) would have steered them towards adventure. To that end, Leiber provided Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser with advisors Ningauble of the Seven Eyes and Sheelba of the Eyeless Face, both of whom are avid plot instigators. ︎Alas, the pair’s loved ones do not share the same immunity. Fridging may have been named in 1999, but it is an ancient narrative convention that long predates its formal recognition. ︎If any of your examples are the five I mentioned above, you might get a hard (virtual) stare. If it is Legends & Lattes, I might yell in frustration. In all caps. ︎The post Five Entertaining SFF Stories With Relatively Low Stakes appeared first on Reactor.