Former President Donald Trump reflected on his “encounters with death” and said the multiple assassination attempts on his life have only “hardened” his resolve. On Wednesday at a rally in Long Island, New York, Trump took the stage speaking to a packed crowd at the Nassau Coliseum following the apparent second assassination attempt against the former president on Sunday at his International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. “So, as you know, three days ago, there was yet another assassination attempt on my life,” Trump said as the crowd broke out into boos. “It was the second one in eight weeks by a violent radical left mobster.” “And God has now spared my life,” he added. “It must have been God, thank you. Not once, but twice. … These encounters with death have not broken my will. They have really given me a much bigger and stronger mission.” Trump: “These encounters with death have not broken my will. They’ve only hardened my resolve to use my time on earth to make America great again for all Americans.” pic.twitter.com/Rmzuy5nFba — TheBlaze (@theblaze) September 18, 2024 “They’ve only hardened my resolve to use my time on earth to make America great again for all Americans,” Trump continued. “To put America first. We’re gonna put America first.” Am I Racist? Is In Theaters NOW — Get Your Tickets Here! During the rally, chants of “USA, USA, USA” broke out after Trump announced that he’s going to win New York, which would be a first for a Republican since 1984, and vowed to “fix up our country.” The former president was targeted in another apparent assassination attempt on Sunday when a 58-year-old man hid out for 12 hours near Trump’s golf course in Florida, allegedly to take a shot at him. Sunday’s assassination attempt came just two months after Trump was shot in the ear during his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. During a town hall event on Tuesday, the former president talked about his economic policies and suggested that his “consequential” agenda could be the reason he’s been “shot at,” as previously reported. Trump spoke with Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in front of a large crowd in Flint, Michigan, and the former president said he has been saddened to see the decline of the automotive industry in the Detroit and Flint area — what was known as the car manufacturing capital of the world. The Republican nominee said the U.S. needs to manufacture more vehicles in the country instead of in Mexico and China. He then promised the crowd of Michiganders that his administration would put a 200% tariff on vehicles manufactured outside of the U.S. Zach Jewell contributed to this piece. Related: Howard Stern Says He Doesn’t Hate Trump, But The People Who Vote For Him

Stephen Nedoroscik isn’t just stealing hearts at the Olympics, he’s also stealing them on the DWTS stage. Last night, he and his partner, pro-dancer Rylee Arnold, put on the performance of a lifetime. We think fans everywhere would argue that his gold medal moves appeared on the dance floor. Stephen Nedoroscik Steals Hearts With Impressive Moves On “DWTS” Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner, Rylee Arnold, showed off their incredible moves last night by performing the Jive. Stephen started the dance by making a big show of removing his glasses from his face. In past interviews, he joked about his fear of them flying off during his performances. From there Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold took the “DWTS” stage by storm. With a flurry of fancy feet and giant smiles the pair tore across the stage. Stephen looked like a natural as he danced along side Rylee. His gymanastic moves definitely made an appearance as well. With various high kicks and lots of flexibility, it was easy to see that Stephen’s role in the Olympics helped prepare him for that moment. The Internet Goes Wild View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dancing With The Stars #DWTS (@dancingwiththestars) Fans didn’t only love Stephen Nedoroscik at the Olympics, they love him on “DWTS,” too. Stephen had been posting various reels and images leading up to his performance, and people were waiting in anticipation. The DWTS Instagram page shared an epic photo on Stephen’s page, and fans are raving in the comments. One user wrote, “I love him He’s so sweet and adorable and so likable. So full of energy and happiness and it’s so refreshing. I absolutely adore him & there was no one better for him on this show than Rylee. The most perfect partnership for sure. Congrats on an amazing first performance Stephen & Rylee! .” Another added, “These are my dwts winners right here, just saying.” A third added, “The energy, the footwork, the flexibility. I WANT IT ALL. . Adorable.” After the two performed, nothing but positivity flooded in. Stephen took to Instagram to remind fans that if they really loved his performance, they needed to vote! I am sure we will be seeing him and Rylee again next week. We cannot wait to see what dance they perform for us next. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Stephen Nedoroscik Makes His “DWTS” Debut With Gold Medal Moves appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As we continue our exploration of Hispanic Heritage Month, it’s essential to recognize the incredible individuals who have left an indelible mark on American history.  From civil rights activists to astronauts and groundbreaking artists, these trailblazers embody the resilience, strength, and creativity that define the Latino community. Their contributions have not only shaped the United States but continue to inspire generations to come. In part II of our Hispanic Heritage Month series, we celebrate key figures whose legacies are woven into the nation’s history and delve into the profound cultural influence of Latino artists, food, and traditions that enrich American life. Cesar Chavez:  Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association in 1962 and is well-known for his untiring efforts to improve farmworker working conditions. His activity is still a pillar of the labor movement and a symbol of the struggle for civil rights. Dr. Ellen Ochoa:  In 1993, Dr. Ochoa became the first Latina astronaut to travel into space. Her work at NASA has motivated thousands of young people to pursue jobs in STEM sectors. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor: As the first Latina and third woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court, Sotomayor’s accomplishments continue to break down boundaries and serve as a light of resilience and justice. Lin-Manuel Miranda:  Miranda, well known for his breakthrough work in theater with Hamilton and In the Heights, has changed Broadway while simultaneously amplifying the tales and voices of people of color through his artistic endeavors. Olga E. Custodio:  As the first Latina to serve as a US military pilot, Custodio’s career displays devotion and acts as a role model for women and minorities in the military. The arts: a medium for change and expression Latino artists have played an important part in shaping American society. Judith “Judy” Baca’s dramatic paintings, which portray stories of underprivileged people, and salsa queen Celia Cruz‘s innovative music transcend cultural barriers and resound globally. Artists such as Roberto Lugo, who uses hip-hop and ceramics to highlight racial injustice, and literary legends such as Sandra Cisneros, who gave voice to the Latina experience via works such as The House on Mango Street, have utilized their crafts to challenge norms and motivate action. Celebrating with food, events, and traditions One cannot commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month without recognizing the Latino community’s rich culinary heritage. Dishes such as arroz con pollo, empanadas, and pozole have become staples not only in Latino households but also in the larger American gastronomic landscape. During this month, many people take advantage of the chance to cook traditional foods, spend time with family and friends, and celebrate the cultural diversity of Latino cuisine. Cities across the country also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with festivals, parades, and educational events. These festivities not only highlight Latino music, dancing, and food but also provide opportunities for study and cultural exchange. Final thoughts: moving the celebration forward While Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to highlight the history and achievements of Latinas and Latinos, the celebration and recognition should go beyond the 30 days. With an ever-increasing population and a profound impact on the United States economy, culture, and politics, the Hispanic community’s contributions are firmly ingrained in the country’s fabric. By purposefully digging into the Latino community’s stories, accomplishments, and rich cultural traditions, we can help cultivate a future that values diversity and inclusivity year-round.The post Hispanic Heritage Month Part II: honoring key figures of Hispanic heritage and history first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Squats are a gym staple, right? But what if this straightforward exercise also gave your brain a good workout? A recent study from Germany reveals that performing squats on unsteady surfaces not only develops your lower body but also improves your mental focus. “Our study found attentional resources while squatting exercises to be increased by surface instability,” the researchers and study authors Lisa Claußen and Claudia Braun concluded. So, grab your balance trainers and get ready to challenge both your muscles and your mind. Basics: squats and resistance training Squats are a compound exercise that works multiple muscular groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. The exercise is straightforward: bend your knees and lower your hips from a standing position before returning to upright. Add weights, such as dumbbells, and the challenge—and benefits—increase. Resistance exercises, like squats, are designed to build muscle strength by working against a force, whether that’s your own body weight, resistance bands, or free weights. Over time, these activities not only bulk up your muscles, they also improve bone density and metabolism. But here’s where things get interesting: physical activity may help improve cognitive function. According to studies, exercising might boost executive functioning and make your brain sharper over time. The study: unstable surfaces and cognitive demands Claußen and Braun intended to explore the relationship between exercise and cognitive performance further. They expected that squats on unstable surfaces (such as Bosu® Balance Trainers) would require more attention than squats on solid ground. To test this notion, they devised an experiment that included two important components: dumbbell squats and the Stroop task, a cognitive test in which participants name the font color of a word while ignoring what it really says. For example, the word “red” could be printed in blue ink, which would make the correct answer “blue.” The task involves intense concentration, making it an excellent test of attention. The researchers enrolled two groups of people: 57 older adults in their 60s and 70s and 17 younger adults in their 20s. Following some preliminary screening to ensure that everyone was physically and cognitively ready for the study, participants were instructed to squat on stable and unstable surfaces while concurrently performing the Stroop task. Doesn’t that sound like a breeze? Well, not quite. Findings: it’s all about balance (and focus) The results were clear: squatting on an unsteady surface, such as the Bosu trainer, made things far more difficult—both physically and mentally. When individuals performed squats on a stable surface, their performance on the Stroop task decreased by nine percent. However, when participants performed the same squats on an unsteady surface, their Stroop task performance dropped by 14 percent. That extra wobble certainly requires more concentration! Surprisingly, the researchers discovered no significant difference between younger and older subjects in terms of cognitive performance during squats. This was rather surprising, as it is commonly assumed that older persons would struggle more with tasks that require both physical and mental effort. However, the authors believe this is because some of the older individuals were eliminated from the trial after finding the dumbbell squats too difficult, resulting in a particularly fit group in the final analysis. What does this mean for your workout? If you want to improve your brain function while training your legs, integrating an unstable surface into your squat exercise could be the way to go. Claußen and Braun propose that “unstable devices and free weights could provide a means to raise cognitive demands during resistance training.” In other words, experimenting with squats on a balance trainer or an uneven surface can help you improve both your physical and mental health. However, this is not a workout for the faint of heart—or those unfamiliar with resistance training. The instability heightens the total difficulty, forcing your brain to work extra to keep you balanced. What is the payoff? An exercise that challenges both your muscles and your brain. Final thoughts: the future of exercise The study’s findings suggest an interesting option for future exercise routines: designing regimens that engage both the body and the brain in significant ways. While the advantages of physical fitness are well-documented, incorporating cognitive challenges into your workout may be the key to long-term brain health. Whether you’re an older senior seeking to keep your cognitive function or a younger person looking to improve your focus and agility, squatting on an unstable surface could be the next fitness trend. So, the next time you go to the gym, why not grab a Bosu ball and try it? Your brain and body will thank you. Source study: Journal of Cognitive Enhancement—Challenge not only to the muscles: surface instability shifts attentional demands in younger and older adults while performing resistance exerciseThe post Challenge both mind and muscles with wobbly squats first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'she's totally uninterested'

Ain't no way in hell I'm leaving $20 million for St. Bonaventure

Owning a pet is a huge responsibility. And while many prospective dog owners, especially first-time owners, think they understand the depth of this commitment, it is often difficult for them to foresee the full range of such responsibility. We believe that as dog owners, whether seasoned or new, being responsible for the overall well-being of a dog should be the forefront of every decision you make moving forward. And responsible dog ownership doesn’t start when you get a dog. Making an informed decision and preparing yourself for the commitment that’s about to come is where it truly begins. Southworks / Shutterstock.com And that’s why in honor of Responsible Dog Ownership Month, we’re here to help you make an informed decision on where and how to get a dog. This is also a great opportunity to help your reflect on what it truly means to provide a happy, healthy, and safe environment for your dog, especially for first-time dog owners. If you’ve finally made the decision to add a furry friend to your family and into your home, now it’s time to determine what route to take – buying or adopting? This is one of the biggest dilemma for many prospective dog owners. And making a decision between these options isn’t easy. So, in this article, we’ll discuss both options of buying and adopting dogs so you can consider all factors for an informed and responsible decision. Knowing The Difference Between Buying And Adopting Dogs The first step to making a decision between buying and adopting dogs is to know their main differences. Below, we’ll discuss just that. Buying Dogs hedgehog94 / Shutterstock.com Buying dogs mean purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder, at pet stores, and/or online. Many people who buy dogs are often those who want a puppy, and/or have their hearts set on specific characteristics such as breed, age, color, size, temperament, or pedigree, which can be difficult to find at a shelter. Buying can be more expensive, since people who prefer to buy a dog want to own a specific breed of dog, which leads to buying one from a breeder, at the pet store, or online. Additionally, purebred dogs or dogs from highly reputable breeders can be quite expensive. And then reputable breeders also charge additional fees, on top of the purchase price, for vaccinations, health checks, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and many more. Furthermore, buying a dog is more time-consuming, because you need to thoroughly do your own extensive research about the breed and find a responsible, and ethical breeder where you’re getting the dog from. Adopting Dogs hedgehog94 / Shutterstock.com Adopting dogs mean taking in a dog from an animal shelter, rescue organization, or even directly from a previous owner. These dogs are usually stray, abandoned dogs or dogs that need rehoming. Unlike buying, adopting dogs involve a process that is focused on finding the most suitable home and owner for a dog. So, when you adopt a dog, the organization or person where you’re adopting from will need to evaluate your lifestyle and also your ability to provide and take care of the pooch. Adopting is not as expensive as buying. Because the adoption fee usually includes essential services such initial medical care, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, etc. Furthermore, you might not have to do as much research as compared to when you buy a dog. Usually, shelters and rescue organizations have assessments of their dogs’ behavior and temperament. So, you have a generally good idea of what you’re getting into. Pros & Cons: Buying vs. Adopting Dogs Buying and adopting dogs have their own pros and cons. And making sure to reflect on these will help you make a choice the properly aligns with your lifestyle and your personal and ethical values. Buying Dogs David Tadevosian / Shutterstock.com Are you leaning more towards the option to buy a dog? Use the following pros and cons to help you become more confident in your choice or give you insight into why adopting dogs might be better suited for you. Adopting Dogs David Tadevosian / Shutterstock.com Have you decided that adopting dogs is something that speaks to you a lot better than buying dogs? Well, here are pros and cons to help you seal the deal. Buying vs. Adopting: Which Is The Better Option? Evgenii Bakhchev / Shutterstock.com While buying dogs can provide you with a cute puppy, all the breed-specific characteristics you’re looking for, early training, it is a responsible dog owner’s responsibility to come to a conclusion with careful consideration of not only your lifestyle, but of larger issues such as the impact on animal welfare and other ethical concerns. On the flip side, adopting dogs is not only compassionate but also an ethical choice. It saves lives, reduces costs, and positively contribute to animal welfare organizations. However, it still does come with its own challenges. While both buying and adopting dogs have their own pros and cons, prospective dog owners should do their due diligence before choosing any of the options presented. Furthermore, we want to encourage prospective dog owners to seriously weigh in both options with the primary focus being responsible dog ownership. Because at the end of the day, whether a dog is purebred or mixed breed, a dog’s overall well-being should be at the center of your decision-making process. Conclusion amfroey / Shutterstock.com Making a well-informed decision will not only positively affect you, but will also positively contribute to the dog’s welfare and the pet community as a whole. As a prospective owner, knowing the weight of the decision to own a dog is important. Do your own research, reflect, and make a choice that truly aligns with your values and lifestyle. And whether you choose to buy or adopt, we want to, yet again, remind that responsible dog ownership should be paramount.

Vivek Going to Springfield

Ivy League Schools Face New Lawsuits Over Affirmative Action