Historical Events 1710 - Battle of Brihuega in the War of the Spanish Succession: British General James Stanhope captured by French and Spanish forces 1921 - Eamon de Valera publicly repudiates Anglo-Irish Treaty 1974 - Irish Republican Socialist Party forms 1991 - Charles Strouse and Richard Maltby‚ Jr's musical "Nick and Nora" opens at Marquis Theater‚ NYC; runs for 9 performances 1993 - 30 killed at religious rebellion in Algeria 2022 - Iran announces first known execution of a protester from recent anti-government unrest‚ after convicting a man in a revolutionary court of "moharebeh" (enmity against God) More Historical Events » Famous Birthdays 1715 - Jan Althuysen‚ Frisian vicar and poet (Frisianche rymlery)‚ born in Franeker‚ Netherlands (d. 1763) 1888 - Paul Cavanagh‚ British actor (The Woman in Green‚ Tarzan and his Mate)‚ born in Chislehurst‚ England (d. 1964) 1894 - E. C. Segar‚ American cartoonist (Popeye)‚ born in Chester‚ Illinois (d. 1938) 1941 - Geoff Hurst‚ English soccer striker (49 caps; FIFA World Cup 1966; West Ham United 411 games‚ Stoke City)‚ born in Ashton-under-Lyne‚ England 1947 - Gregg Allman‚ American Hammond organist‚ guitarist and vocalist (The Allman Brothers Band - "Whipping Post")‚ born in Nashville‚ Tennessee (d. 2017) 1982 - Chrisette Michele [Payne]‚ American RandB and soul singer-songwriter ("Be OK"; "Epiphany")‚ born in Central Islip‚ New York‚ More Famous Birthdays » Famous Deaths 1967 - Robert Henry Lawrence‚ Jr.‚ 1st African-American astronaut and U.S. Air Force major‚ dies in a crash of an F-104 Starfighter while training at 32 1982 - Frank Wijngaarde‚ Suriname journalist and pro-democracy advocate murdered by the military 1990 - Martin Ritt‚ American actor and director (The Spy Who Came In from the Cold‚ Slugger's Wife‚ End of the Game)‚ dies at 76 1994 - Israel Aaron Maisels‚ South African lawyer and communal leader‚ dies at 89 2019 - Caroll Spinney‚ American puppeteer behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street (1969-2018)‚ dies at 85 2021 - Lars Høgh‚ Danish soccer goalkeeper (8 caps; OB 603 games) and GK coach (Denmark‚ Brøndby IF)‚ dies from pancreatic cancer at 62 More Famous Deaths »

President Joe Biden’s administration scrambled on Thursday to distance itself from the Council on American-Islamic Relations after the organization’s executive director celebrated Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack against Israel. Nihad Awad‚ the executive director of CAIR‚ said late last month that he was happy to see the people of Gaza “breaking the siege” on October 7‚ when Hamas murdered 1‚200 Israelis. “The people of Gaza only decided to break the siege‚ the walls of the concentration camp‚ on October 7th‚” said Awad while speaking at the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) convention in Chicago. “And yes‚ I was happy to see people breaking the siege and throwing down the shackles of their own land‚ and walk free into their land‚ that they were not allowed to walk in. And yes‚ the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense‚ have the right to defend themselves‚ and yes‚ Israel‚ as an occupying power‚ does not have that right to self-defense.” The Biden administration included CAIR in its National Strategy to Counter Anti-Semitism White House fact sheet while excluding exclusive use of the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism. This is the same CAIR that was included in the @JoeBiden administration’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism White House fact sheet. Including CAIR‚ while excluding exclusive use of the IHRA definition of antisemitism. Deeply disappointing. https://t.co/ao4VdOSGw8 pic.twitter.com/I37DuQuczo — RJC (@RJC) December 7‚ 2023 “We criticized Biden’s antisemitism report for this and other reasons when it first came out‚” said former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. “The report literally enlists CAIR — a Hamas sympathizer — as a partner in combating antisemitism. It seemed ridiculous then; it’s downright criminal now!” Exactly. We criticized Biden’s antisemitism report for this and other reasons when it first came out. The report literally enlists CAIR — a Hamas sympathizer — as a partner in combatting antisemitism. It seemed ridiculous then; it’s downright criminal now! https://t.co/58GEharqEr — David M Friedman (@DavidM_Friedman) December 8‚ 2023 White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates responded to Awad’s remarks in a statement to Jewish Insider: “We condemn these shocking‚ antisemitic statements in the strongest terms. Every leader has a responsibility to call out antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP The report noted that CAIR’s name was deleted from that fact sheet following Awad’s comments. “CAIR was not listed in the strategy. They were one of several independent organizations listed in a supplemental document‚” a White House official claimed to Jewish Insider in reference to the fact sheet. “The White House removed their commitment from the supplemental document today as a result of the comments.” The administration also said that CAIR was not involved in developing its national strategy against Islamophobia.

A new 538/Washington Post/Ipsos poll conducted after the fourth Republican Party presidential primary debate found that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was named by the most respondents as having “performed best” in the debate. DeSantis stood at center stage with former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley‚ while former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and pharmaceutical executive Vivek Ramaswamy stood on the ends of the stage. Of those who watched the NewsNation debate in Alabama‚ 30% said that DeSantis performed the best‚ followed by Haley‚ 23%; Christie‚ 19%; and Ramaswamy‚ 16%. While 7% said that DeSantis did the worst‚ 9% said Haley‚ 31% said Christie‚ and 37% said Ramaswamy. New Washington Post post-debate poll finds DeSantis won the fourth debate. pic.twitter.com/oOg0duDotv — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) December 8‚ 2023 There was not a lot of movement in the poll in terms of candidates rising or falling in voter’s minds on who they would consider voting for. Of those on stage‚ a higher percentage of voters were considering voting for DeSantis than any of the other candidates at 56%. Former President Donald Trump‚ who did not participate‚ received 61%. Debate moderator Megyn Kelly said on Thursday that she thought DeSantis won the debate and that Haley‚ who has surged to third place in the polls‚ lost the debate. CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP “I mean‚ with all respect to her‚ I thought Nikki Haley lost last night because she shrunk away like she was not really a presence‚ and she’s been increasing her poll numbers by getting out there and being pugilistic‚ and that version of her did not appear on stage last night‚” Kelly said. “I thought Ron DeSantis had his best debate yet‚” she added. “And so I think you could probably say he’s the winner because he’s in the best poll position of the four.” "She was not really a prescense." Debate moderate Megyn Kelly says she thinks Nikki Haley lost — and Ron DeSantis won. pic.twitter.com/uBuAIyn5cg — Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) December 7‚ 2023 Kelly’s assessment of the candidate’s debate performances largely reflected a lot of comments made by high-profile analysts and political commentators online‚ though one CNN focus group found that six out of its eight participants believed that Haley won the debate.

On November 30th‚ Canada launched the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline‚ providing a quick and accessible lifeline to persons in mental health crises. This three-digit hotline‚ similar to 911 for emergencies‚ connects individuals to critical suicide prevention services‚ giving instant assistance 24/7‚ free of charge. Aiming for prevention: the vision of 988 As reported by Statistics Canada‚ 4‚500 individuals across the nation die by suicide every year—that adds up to 12 people per day. The hotline’s Chief Medical Officer‚ Dr. Allison Crawford‚ highlights the goal: “Suicide is a tragic outcome of many factors that differ from person to person.” Recognizing hardship and isolation as significant risk factors‚ the hotline seeks to intervene by providing assistance and prevention techniques. Personal stories: the heart of the crisis Tanya Joy‚ 48‚ a suicide prevention advocate‚ understands firsthand the essential need for immediate help. She began advocating for suicide prevention programs after her brother Jody committed suicide in 2019. Her personal experience with suicide extends beyond the death of her brother. She too attempted to take her own life back in 2007. “I was fortunate enough to feel safe to call somebody‚ and I know that that’s why I’m here because this person intervened‚” she shared. Accessibility and support for everyone The 988 helpline is offered in both English and French. Children‚ teenagers‚ Indigenous peoples‚ and varied communities have access to personalized programs. Joy’s activism includes projects like the Joy Run‚ which uses nature and community to combat loneliness and increase awareness. A community-based approach: a lifeline close to home With 39 partners across Canada‚ 988 connect people to local responders who provide culturally sensitive assistance. South Asian Canadian Health and Social Services in Brampton‚ for example‚ provides vital services such as crisis intervention and counseling. Nausheen Ali‚ who coordinates responder training‚ emphasizes the need for empathic conversation. Responders use a nonjudgmental approach‚ addressing the emotional elephant in the room to open the door to understanding and support. While 988 focuses on providing urgent assistance‚ it is not a replacement for navigating the mental health system. Individuals are directed to 211 for assistance with financial‚ housing‚ and legal difficulties and further information on non-clinical services. Before the launch‚ Canada transitioned to 10-digit dialing across all areas‚ ensuring consistent access to the 988 helpline. Telecommunications companies teamed up to make 988 available nationwide via phone call or text message. Next steps: reporting and anticipating demand CAMH will track and report on call volume‚ response times‚ and user satisfaction while protecting personal information. Anticipating an initial spike in demand‚ the hotline intends to manage call loads efficiently‚ ensuring that everyone receives the assistance they require right away. The 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline hopes to be a light to guide people out of a dark tunnel‚ bridging gaps and providing rapid‚ compassionate care to those in need. The 988 hotline offers a future in which no one suffers alone as Canada takes an important step toward mental health accessibility.The post Canada’s new 988 suicide crisis helpline aims for hope and healing first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Holiday celebrations often involve alcohol. This can make things difficult for non-drinkers‚ whether they’re sober for life or are pursuing sobriety for health or other reasons. Even if you plan to drink at holiday parties‚ supporting sober friends and family can make everyone feel comfortable and included—which is in line with the spirit of the season. Nick Bodkins‚ co-founder and CEO of alcohol-free drink retailer Boisson‚ thinks the greatest approach to encourage sober friends during the holidays is to treat their decision not to drink as a valid default‚ just as we normalize other people’s decisions to drink. Abstaining from alcohol at a party is no different from abstaining any other day. “At a societal level‚ we’re finally beginning to recognize that alcohol doesn’t have to ‘own’ celebration‚ connection‚ and socializing‚” says Emily Heintz‚ founder of alcohol-free drink retailer Sèchey. Read on for seven tips on how to better support your sober/non-drinking loved ones this holiday season. Offer non-alcoholic alternatives that are comparable to alcoholic ones Alcohol alternatives have flooded the market in recent years. The hemp-infused liquor Aplós and the functional-mushroom elixir Solbrü are available in bottle shops and on drink menus alongside zero-proof versions of gin‚ tequila‚ wine‚ beer‚ and canned drinks. “There are so many amazing zero-proof replacements that can make someone feel like they’re drinking and that maintain the celebratory nature and the ceremony of making or pouring a drink but with no alcohol‚” says Heintz. “Nobody wants to toast with water or coffee‚” adds Heintz‚ so stocking your home bar with a few of these options‚ or buying an alcohol-free sparkling wine for your holiday gathering can make sober friends feel included. Heintz recommends alcohol-free bitters and syrups for alcohol-free cocktails this holiday season‚ while Bodkins advises writing in your invitation that “alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages will be provided” to let sober and sober-curious friends know there will be options for them. Have non-alcoholic drinks that aren’t reminiscent of an alcoholic drink Heintz asserts that someone who doesn’t drink due to a negative relationship with alcohol or who is permanently sober due to addiction concerns may not want to consume anything that resembles an alcoholic beverage‚ so it’s also a good idea to have a few booze-free options that function like alcohol alternatives but taste and smell nothing like alcohol. Hemp- and adaptogen-based drinks and ready-to-drink botanical teas and aperitifs fit the bill. Encourage a sober loved one’s sobriety journey Addiction psychiatrist Smita Das‚ MD‚ Ph.D.‚ senior medical director of psychiatry at workforce mental-health benefits platform Lyra Health‚ says it will be “critical for [sober friends or family members in recovery] to have someone in their corner that they can go to and feel comfortable and safe with around the holidays.” Dr. Das suggests showing you support their journey by creating a strategy with them before a party that will help them find an “out” in a difficult situation. Don’t default to offering an alcoholic beverage Even if you’ll be with sober individuals this Christmas season‚ it’s tempting to offer alcohol as a default. Keep in mind that “saying ‘no’ might be hard for a person who’s not drinking‚ and some people‚ depending on their sober journey‚ may just agree to drink out of politeness‚” explains Bodkins. If so‚ you’re unintentionally making a sober loved one feel like they’re drinking to please you. Heintz advises saying something like: “We have traditional Champagne and an alcohol-removed version—which would you like?” This way‚ you’re giving the other person the power to choose. Don’t ask why someone isn’t drinking There are so many reasons why someone might choose to abstain from booze‚ and none of them are anyone else’s concern—holiday hosts included. Asking a sober individual “why” sets up an unpleasant situation in which they may feel obliged to reveal their poor history with alcohol‚ a specific health condition‚ or even pregnancy—all of which may be things they’d rather not tell‚ especially in the setting of a holiday celebration. Don’t say things like “it’s just one drink” Someone else’s decision not to drink alcohol “can make you question your own decision to drink it‚ which can be uncomfortable‚” says Maeve O’Neill‚ MEd‚ LPC-S‚ executive vice president of addiction and recovery at All Sober‚ an addiction support platform. That uneasiness may then “cause you to make jokes or be unsupportive or even dismissive of their choice not to use alcohol‚ perhaps by encouraging them to ‘just have one drink‚’” she says. In any context‚ it’s vital to realize that someone’s choice not to drink‚ even if it’s at your party‚ is not a reflection of you‚ how they think about you‚ or your own drinking habits; it’s about them. Don’t make assumptions about how sober people will act Reality check: “celebrating with people who don’t drink alcohol is not difficult or boring‚” says O’Neill. It’s unfair to presume your sober guests won’t add anything to the celebration. “Sober guests are much more likely to relax and appreciate the night [and yes‚ be fun] if they don’t feel pressured into drinking‚” says Bodkins.The post 7 ways to support your sober/non-drinking friends this holiday season first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

So‚ here is my question to you‚ my fellow brother and sister in Christ — what do you think Jesus would do? Whether you choose to celebrate Christmas or not‚ I believe these three things are what Jesus wants from us this time of year.

Although life on earth is brief‚ our future is bright because God has a much better life ahead for us.