Julie Hartman, a 24-year-old woman with whom I do a weekly podcast (“Dennis & Julie”), described the anti-Israel world perfectly: A vast number of people suffer from Israel Derangement Syndrome. The description is, of course, based on the widely cited “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” which supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party deride as nonsense. Though I voted for former President Donald Trump and thought he was a very good, at times excellent, president, I never used that term during the four years of the Trump presidency. I did not regard opposition to Trump as necessarily an expression of psychological pathology. Eventually, however, I changed my mind. I came to believe that much Trump hatred was rooted in psychology, not moral reasoning. This was particularly so regarding conservatives who became “Never Trumpers.” Given that the Left had taken over the once largely liberal Democratic Party, and given that the Left is the greatest threat to freedom and the entire American experiment since the Civil War, the only explanation for why a conservative would vote for a leftist rather than for Trump had to be a psychological one. Whether or not one subscribes to the existence of a Trump Derangement Syndrome, “derangement syndrome” perfectly explains support for Hamas and the Palestinians (at this time, the two are largely the same, just as “Nazis” and “Germans” were largely the same, and therefore used interchangeably, during World War II). On Sept. 21, The New York Times provided a perfect example of Israel Derangement Syndrome in a column written by Michael Walzer, a professor emeritus at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, titled “Israel’s Pager Bombs Have No Place in a Just War.” As is well known, last week, pagers used by Hezbollah terrorists exploded, killing a handful of them and wounding hundreds more. Amazingly accurate, the exploding pagers killed very few noncombatants. Hezbollah is the Shiite and Lebanese equivalent of the Gaza-based Sunni Hamas. Like Hamas, Hezbollah has one purpose: to kill as many Israelis as possible and eradicate the Jewish state. Hezbollah has fired more than 8,000 rockets into Israel in an attempt to kill as many Israeli civilians as possible. Tens of thousands of Israelis have fled their homes in northern Israel and have not returned in nearly a year. That Israel is being attacked for killing Hezbollah terrorists is proof that, according to the vast array of Israel-haters—the political, media and academic left, and Muslims in the Western world—Israel is not allowed to defend itself. It should now be obvious that the current hatred of Israel is not a result of Israel’s bombing of Gaza. When Israel targets Hezbollah terrorists—and only Hezbollah terrorists—it is equally condemned. Which brings me to the Times column by Walzer. Walzer writes: “The explosions on Tuesday and Wednesday were very likely war crimes—terrorist attacks by a state that has consistently condemned terrorist attacks on its own citizens. “Yes, the devices most probably were being used by Hezbollah operatives for military purposes. This might make them a legitimate target in the continuous cross-border battles between Israel and Hezbollah. But the attacks … came when the operatives were not operating; they had not been mobilized and they were not militarily engaged. … It is important for friends of Israel to say: This was not right.” According to Walzer, terrorists can only be killed when they are “operating,” “mobilized,” or “militarily engaged.” If they are not doing so, it is a “war crime” to kill them. Furthermore, the mere fact that these members of Hezbollah had those pagers—devices the professor admits “probably were being used by Hezbollah operatives for military purposes”—means these terrorists were “operating.” That’s why they had them: to plan and carry out operations against Israel. That, dear reader, is derangement. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS We publish a variety of perspectives. Nothing written here is to be construed as representing the views of The Daily Signal. The post Israel Derangement Syndrome appeared first on The Daily Signal.

THE CENTER SQUARE—A top processor of political donations for Democrats, ActBlue, is facing an investigation by the Republican-led House over concerns that the donation processing service is being used to circumvent campaign finance laws. The House Oversight and Accountability Committee launched the investigation, citing “reports of potentially fraudulent and illicit financial activity” in a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.  In the letter, the lawmakers ask Yellen for copies of financial suspicious activity reports related to ActBlue, which serves as a catch-all processor for online donations to Democratic candidates. “Recent reports have raised the specter of fraud and evasion of campaign finance law by individuals exploiting online contribution platforms, especially ActBlue,” the letter says, adding: For example, ActBlue had not implemented standard procedures to guard against identity theft and fraud such as requiring a Card Verification Value (CVV) to process online transactions until it received criticism for not doing so. ActBlue is also being investigated by several states’ officials in relation to contributions allegedly made via the platform fraudulently without the reported contributor’s awareness. In Virginia, reports of contribution activity facilitated through the ActBlue platform included ‘some cases in which single donors made tens of thousands of separate donations worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.’ Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, said in August that he is investigating misuse of ActBlue after reports of “dummy” accounts being used to make thousands of donations, allegedly by criminal sources. Donating in the name of someone else is illegal and can be used to circumvent oversight and caps on contributions. “These bad actors could include foreign nationals not lawfully admitted for permanent residence who are prohibited by statute from contributing to campaigns or political parties,” the House lawmakers’ letter to Yellen adds. Since allegations of Russian involvement and voter fraud have escalated in recent federal elections, oversight and scrutiny of possible foreign interference in U.S. elections has increased for both Republicans and Democrats. ActBlue did not respond to The Center Square’s request for comment. “We can’t tolerate shady practices, foreign interference, and blatant exploitation of our campaign finance laws,” Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-N.Y., wrote on the social media site X. “The American people deserve to know who’s really behind these contributions. ActBlue has been funneling questionable donations into Democrat campaigns for far too long, raising serious concerns about fraud and illegal contributions.” Originally published by The Center Square The post ActBlue, a Top Processor for Dem Donors, Faces House Probe appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Thinking of lavender soap as homemade gift this coming holidays? You're just in time because I've got a homemade lavender soap recipe with charcoal and mint. These bar soaps will be perfect as homemade gifts for your moms, sisters, and girlfriends. It's because everyone loves the calming aroma of lavender! What more when combined with the rejuvenating effect of mint and power of charcoal? Here's an amazing soap recipe that combines the benefits of the two wonderful scents – lavender and mint, plus the detoxifying effects of charcoal. How To Make A Homemade Lavender Soap Recipe With Charcoal & Mint A Perfect Homemade Gift For Your Girlfriends I'm very excited about this project. It's really simple, but the product is immensely satisfying! In this project, we will be trying out the dancing funnel technique. This was invented by Tatsiana Serko of Creative Soap by Steso and Jelena Vasiljeva of Soap Techniques. The dancing funnel technique is created using squeeze bottles and a slab mold. Thus, it requires a very fluid soap batter. You know me, even at my age, I do love to try new things. But before we jump in, here's a quick refresher on making scented bar soap: Soap Making Basics: How to Make Scented Bar Soap. My first batch was just a so, so. But when I got comfortable with the technique, I soooo love how it turns out. The color variations are just too perfect! It is now a beautiful display in my guest bathroom. I'll be making more in preparation for the upcoming holiday, it's my little big surprise for my family and friends. Make it yours' too! Let's get started with our homemade lavender recipe with charcoal and mint.   Homemade Lavender Soap With Charcoal and Mint Ingredients : Lye Water Olive Oil – 45% Sunflower Oil – 10% Coconut Oil – 25% Lard – 15% Avocado Oil – 5% Essential Oil blend : Lavender – 4 parts Peppermint – 1 part Activated charcoal mixed in sunflower oil – approximately 1 tsp per cup of soap. What you’ll need: Gloves Hand Blender Spoon Mixing Bowl Mold Knife Squeeze Bottles   We're in love with #fall and these beautiful #homedecor ideas! https://t.co/GPhdXAevfB pic.twitter.com/fdWyxo3ZTm — Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) October 19, 2016   How to make Homemade Lavender Soap With Charcoal and Mint:   Preparing The Soap Batter:   Step 1: Add Oils and Lye Solution Add lye solution to the melted oils, which are both at around 85oF. Mix well. This process is known as the cold process soap, which involves mixing oils and lye solution to begin a chemical reaction known as saponification.   Step 2: Emulsify the mixture | Emulsify the mixture using a hand blender and a spoon.   Step 3: Add the essential oils | Add lavender and peppermint essential oils.  Mix well.   Step 4: Use Squeeze bottle | Set aside half of the mixture in a squeeze bottle.   Step 5: Add Charcoal + Sunflower Oil | Add activated charcoal to sunflower oil in the remaining half of the mixture. Mix well.   Step 6: Set Aside The Charcoal Mixture Put the mixture into another squeeze bottle.   Soap Preparation: Step 7: Create a soap outline Create a soap outline in the slab mold.   Step 8: Add another color | Fill the outline circles with another color. In this recipe, that's the soap batter with activated charcoal in sunflower oil.   Step 9: Repeat the process Repeat step 7 and 8, by placing each layer between the circles in the previous layer of soap.   Step 10: Last Layer | If you prefer, you can use a slightly darker shade charcoal for the last layer.   Step 11: Let the mixture sit Let it sit for 24 hours or until mixture turns solid. You can cover it with a towel to keep the heat in.   Step 12: Cut the bar soap | Remove from mold and cut it into your desired shape and size. Isn't the dancing funnel technique super cool? Once you get used to it, the only thing you need to decide on is the colors. Imagine the fun once you're able to apply a random approach for your colors. I'm really itching to do it now, it's perfect for the upcoming holiday. A masterpiece waiting to unfold!   Want to see how to make Lavender Soap With Charcoal and Mint. Watch this easy video tutorial from  Kapia Mera Soap Co: Wasn't that fun and easy? What I find great about this project is it lets you express yourself. You can experiment in the oil blends, adjust the colors, and make different shapes. Imagine the endless possibilities, so don’t forget to explore and have fun with it! Looking for more craft ideas or creative things you can do at your homestead? Check it out here. Will you try to make this homemade lavender soap recipe? I'm dying to know. Let me know in the comments section below. Follow me on instagram, twitter, pinterest, and facebook!

Public Health Is Totally Corrupt

Even former Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA) has warned her governor against signing a sweeping Big Tech censorship bill passed by the California legislature.  If California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) does not veto the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act by September 30, 2024, it will become law. The bill would make open-source artificial intelligence (AI) developers responsible for other people’s use and modification of their technology, likely moving the entire AI industry towards the censorship-heavy closed-source models of California tech giant Google. Pelosi, who remains a U.S. congresswoman, joined free speech advocates in opposing  the Frontier AI Act (also called Senate Bill 1047). She warned, “While [I] want California to lead in AI in a way that protects consumers, data, intellectual property and more, SB 1047 is more harmful than helpful in that pursuit.” Currently, companies like OpenAI, X (formerly Twitter) and Meta offer open-source AI programs, which permit any person to observe their code, see their biases and even modify them to create something better. Tech giant Google operates a closed-source AI called Gemini.  Since Gemini is closed-source, its algorithm — which is infamous for censoring conservative and American ideals — can only be seen and modified behind closed doors by Google, with even the product’s licensees kept in the dark.  In an edited version of an a16z podcast posted June 19, 2024, AI expert Anjney Midha warned that if the Frontier AI Act becomes law, “open source AI research in the U.S. will be completely crushed due to the legal risks involved.” Midha continued: “Large tech companies that have armies of lawyers and lobbyists will be able to shape the [regulatory] definitions to their advantage, while smaller companies, open source researchers, and academics will be completely left out in the cold. It’s just blatant regulatory capture, and it’s one of the most anti-competitive proposals I’ve seen in a long time.” The Frontier AI Act was written by San Francisco Senator Scott Weiner (D). Weiner is known nationally for his wildly provocative antics, such as boasting about attending a “kink fair,” posing for sexually-charged public photos and celebrating the anti-Catholic hate group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.    Newsom has a poor track record on free speech issues. In 2021, he was sued by Harvest International Ministry for “intentionally discriminat[ing] against churches” and unlawfully banning worship services. This summer, a Media Research Center (MRC) report exposed the governor colluding with a group of far-left prosecutors to push a police censorship bill.  What’s more? Just last week, Newsom suggested that sharing a satire video mocking Vice President Kamala Harris should be criminalized.   Conservatives are under attack. Contact Governor Gavin Newsom and demand that he respect and uphold the First Amendment. If you have been censored, contact us using CensorTrack’s contact form, and help us hold Big Tech accountable.

The legal representation CNN has relied on to handle the $1 billion defamation suit against them for the last two years may have been benched on Monday. According to filings exclusively obtained by NewsBusters, CNN has retained the services of law firm Ballard Spahr LLP out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to represent them in the Panama City, Florida case. According to two filings (one for each lawyer), CNN has brought on Dave Axelrod and Joe Bailey. They’re with the same law firm that CNN retained to handle their appeal of the punitive damages ruling that opened them up to possibly paying damages approaching or surpassing $1 billion. As NewsBusters previously reported, CNN loss that appeal while being represented by counsel Charles D. Tobin, who still represents the network (see video below).     Their firm, and Axelrod in particular, has been involved with many other high-profile defamation cases. As reported by Bloomberg Law, they’re currently representing The New York Times in the defamation suit brought against the newspaper by former Alaska Republican Governor Sarah Palin; after they allegedly defamed her by tying her to that assassination attempt on former Democratic Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.  Last month, Palin won her bid for a retrial. Axelrod is also one of the new lawyers representing actress Amber Heard in her appeal of the Johnny Depp defamation verdict. “A spokesperson for the actress announced she retained David L. Axelrod and Jay Ward Brown of law firm Ballard Spahr to lead her counsel. Ben Rottenborn will continue as co-counsel, while Elaine Charlson Bredehoft will step down,” reported Entertainment Weekly. On Axelrod’s history with defamation suits, Entertainment Weekly added: Axelrod is a former federal prosecutor and first-chair trial lawyer who represents individuals and companies in high-stakes civil litigation, while Brown has represented journalists, news organizations, and documentary filmmakers, among others, in First Amendment cases. The pair successfully defended The New York Times against Sarah Palin's defamation lawsuit earlier this year. CNN’s retention of these new lawyers possibly has to do with the string of defeats in recent months which have put them on the back foot. As NewsBusters has previously reported, CNN lost their bid for a retrial on the punitive damages ruling in the appeals court, they were ordered to turn over their journalistic conduct and social media guidelines, turn over documents tied to financial discovery, lost their motion to block host Jake Tapper from being deposed, and their parent company Warner Bros. Discovery may be subpoenaed for financial discovery documents related to the punitive damages ruling. CNN’s possible former lead counsel, Deanna Shullman of Shullman Fugate PLLC also failed to secure a settlement with Plaintiff Zachary Young during a mediation conference earlier this month; after forcing him to fly back to the United States despite warnings that he experiences pain in this legs from his time in the Navy.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro — a Democrat — was bashed for autographing an artillery shell that could potentially be used to kill people in the Russia-Ukraine War.As Blaze News reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured the battleground state of Pennsylvania with Democratic candidates as well as a Kamala Harris campaign surrogate. One of the Zelenskyy's stops was an ammunition factory in Scranton. 'Democrats are now the party of war and they're proud of it.'The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant is one of the few facilities in the country to manufacture 155mm artillery shells and has increased production over the past year to supply Ukraine in its war against Russia, according to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The United States has reportedly sent more than 3 million 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) was in attendance at the factory and said Zelenskyy has a message: “Thank you. And we need more.”Also in attendance at the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant was Shapiro. Shapiro shared a video of him signing an artillery shell on the X social media platform with the caption: "We must all do our part in the fight for freedom — from the workers in Scranton who make Pennsylvania the arsenal of democracy to the brave Ukrainian soldiers protecting their country. We stand with Ukraine in their just defense of their homeland in the face of Russian aggression." — (@) Shapiro was blasted online for signing the weapon of war. Blaze Media writer Peachy Keenan: "These people are intolerable and when World War 3 starts will point fingers at everyone but themselves. Give peace a chance."Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.): "I am 100% against this and so are most Americans. The U.S. is funding the Ukraine Gov at $1 billion/month to keep it running and funding most of the war by providing weapons, ammo, and equipment. The U.S. should be negotiating peace not fueling war."Independent journalist Glenn Greenwald: "Democrats are running on a platform of producing and sending more weapons to keep a horrific war fueled forever, claiming it's to 'fight for freedom': pure neocon rhetoric. In case you're will wondering why Dick Cheney, neocons, CIA, and the war machine all support Kamala."Political commentator Tucker Carlson: "I was disgusted by it, actually, I was enraged by it."Vermont Republican Party Chair Paul Dame: "What happened to Democrats? In 2004 they were the anti-war party. Now, their best presidential hope for 2028 is autographing BOMBS? Can you imagine the outrage if Bush had ever done this?"Author David J Harris Jr.: "Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Pennsylvania democrat Governor Josh Shapiro signed artillery shells to be used in war. This was at a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Democrats are now the party of war and they're proud of it. Sad."Author Dr. Naomi Wolf: "This is a Satanic scene. These people seem unaware or unconcerned that they are signing missiles that will kill human beings."Comedian and libertarian advocate Dave Smith: "You cannot overstate how evil and insane these people are."Former running mate of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Nicole Shanahan: "How could it be that the Democratic Party I grew up with — the Blue Dog Democrats who believed in hard work, the middle class, family, and standing up against the war machine — has turned into this? I declared my independence this year because I refuse to support a party that flies in a foreign leader to promote the production of artillery and the use of bombs. Our country deserves better. We want de-escalation through diplomacy, not a march toward World War III."Libertarian activist Liam McCollum: "The people signing bombs that will undoubtedly be used to kill people are considered centrists and call you an extremist if you oppose this."Libertarian commentator Tom Woods: "This is sick and psychotic."Journalist Max Blumenthal: "There’s Gov. Josh Shapiro with Zelenskyy signing artillery shells at a weapons plant in Scranton, PA For those unfamiliar, Shapiro is the guy who said Palestinians are too 'battle-minded' to make peace."Author Dave Benner: "This is a worship ritual for those who view the military-industrial complex as their God."Former U.S. Army Special Forces officer Joe Kent: "Pictured – the only winners in this foolish war, politicians & defense contractors. Not pictured – a generation of dead Ukrainian men & the rest of the world being led off to WW3. Make peace, stop the killing, prioritize America."Far-left writer Wyatt Reed: "When did all our politicians start treating weapons of war like sports memorabilia? Why do they find killing people so amusing?"Several online commentators noted that Shapiro was busy signing an artillery shell for a photo op with Zelenskyy in the same weekend that chaos erupted in Philadelphia. As Blaze News previously reported, there were hundreds of cars involved in nearly a dozen street takeovers over the weekend in Philadelphia. Earlier this year, former Republican presidential contender Nikki Haley was criticized for signing an artillery shell during a visit to Israel. On the ordnance, Haley wrote "Finish Them!"Like Blaze News? Circumvent the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Contrary to popular belief, not all women like Taylor Swift. And James Poulos, BlazeTV host of “Zero Hour,” believes that when Donald Trump posted to Truth Social, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,” he was simply doing what he does best. He was speaking his mind — but he was actually speaking the mind of the people. “You’ve got Donald Trump dropping one of those immortal pieces of social media that he does so well. Love him or hate him, ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT’ in all caps, I mean that is as far from a debate as you can get, but it’s powerful,” Poulos tells Jill Savage and Matthew Peterson of “Blaze News Tonight.” “Why is it powerful? Because no one else of similar stature is out there’s saying it’s OK not to like Taylor Swift. You don’t have to take the Swift pill,” Poulos adds, noting that Swift’s presence in the world is much like that of Beyonce's — except bigger. “There’s some incredible stuff coming out recently about Irving Azoff, the sort of super agent, and this kind of world that he’s constructed with Live Nation and these other mega corporations. Taylor Swift is a part of that beast,” he explains. And he’s right. Swift’s high-profile relationship with Travis Kelce and endorsement of Kamala Harris for president has her taking on what Poulos calls “superhuman proportions.” While Savage understands, she’s not giving up on Swift. “I still love her,” she laughs. Want more from 'Blaze News Tonight'?To enjoy more provocative opinions, expert analysis, and breaking stories you won’t see anywhere else, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

SAG-AFTRA, the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists has announced that it is striking League of Legends, meaning all union members will be unable to promote or work on Riot Games' flagship MOBA. Following a press release detailing the strike, the union has also filed an unfair labor charge with the National Labor Relations Board. In response, Riot Games has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to refute to SAG-AFTRA's claims. Continue reading Riot Games responds to League of Legends SAG-AFTRA strike announcement MORE FROM PCGAMESN: League of Legends ranks explained, League of Legends Mythic shop rotation, League of Legends tier list

Analysis of the Trypillia megasites in Ukraine suggests that they were built as early as 5500 B.C.E., challenging the notion that the oldest cities in world history were in Mesopotamia. The post The Oldest Cities In The World May Have Been In Ukraine, Not Mesopotamia, Groundbreaking Research Suggests appeared first on All That's Interesting.