Neal Morse & The Resonance will release new album No Hill For A Climber in November

For those who don’t spend their Sunday mornings glued to the television — and their Sunday afternoons attempting to dig through a week’s worth of network and cable news media spin — The Daily Wire has compiled a short summary of what you may have missed. The ABC presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is looming, so naturally the media’s focus is on what could happen when the two finally face off for all the marbles. On ABC’s “This Week,” both Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) and former Governor Chris Christie (R-N.J.) were asked to weigh in on how Trump was likely to prepare for a debate against Harris. Sanders began with a jab at Harris’ persistent avoidance of the press since she vaulted to the top of the Democratic Party’s 2024 ticket, pointing out the fact that the American people knew Trump much better than they knew Harris because she has yet to answer any real policy questions. “It’s so rare that we hear from her, that we hear her take questions or that we know anything that she actually stands for,” she said, arguing that the debate was more of a “must-win” for Harris than it was for Trump. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders tells @JonKarl the debate Tuesday is “more important” for Kamala Harris than Donald Trump. “It’s so rare that we hear from her, that we hear her take questions or that we know anything that she actually stands for.” https://t.co/QL4o4hLmii pic.twitter.com/9TiOTwGyIG — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024 Sanders, who previously served as Trump’s White House Press Secretary, went on to say that he was preparing for a hostile debate environment every day by taking questions from an adversarial press and doing interviews while Harris hid behind campaign aides who quietly “leaked” her flip-flops to friendly media outlets. “He’ll go in game time ready just as he does for every interview, every rally that he does. This is not something that is a heavy lift for him,” she said. “Every day is debate prep for Donald Trump.” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders tells @JonKarl that “every day is debate prep for Donald Trump.” “He’ll go in game time ready just as he does for every interview, every rally that he does. This is not something that is a heavy lift for him.” https://t.co/dtMGBibcIo pic.twitter.com/0hnnQJs4B3 — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024 Christie also weighed in on the debate during a panel discussion moderated by host Jonathan Karl, and he argued that Trump was not likely to prioritize debate prep ahead of Tuesday’s event. “He’s just going to go in there and wing it,” he claimed. Former NJ Gov. Chris Christie, who helped prep Donald Trump for previous debates in 2016 and 2020, says the former president doesn’t think he needs to prepare for his face-off with Vice Pres. Kamala Harris. “He’s just going to go in there and wing it.” https://t.co/x1yAOvZCfY pic.twitter.com/2iyq5IxykB — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024 Karl also brought in Martha Raddatz, who moderated a debate between Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in 2016, to talk about her impressions – and she suggested that Trump’s tendency to debate the moderators as well as his opponents could prove a “challenge.” “He would go after the moderators too. I mean, specifically, try to debate us, and that was a challenge,” she explained. .@MarthaRaddatz reflects on moderating Donald Trump’s debate with Hillary Clinton in 2016: “He would go after the moderators too. I mean, specifically, try to debate us, and that was a challenge.” https://t.co/4Kvsgn7PU3 pic.twitter.com/BWOW9Fh7zE — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) September 8, 2024 Voters in the swing state of Pennsylvania, according to Philadelphia-based NBC News reporter Lauren Mayk, are hoping to hear some “specifics” from both candidates on Tuesday. Mayk joined a panel discussion on “Meet the Press,” where she told host Kristen Welker that at least one voter had put it to her this way: “I think I know their ideas. I want to know their policies.” Welker also pointed out the fact that despite Harris being a sitting senator throughout Trump’s entire first term as president, Tuesday’s debate will be there first time the two meet in person. WATCH: Pennsylvania voters tell @NBCPhiladelphia’s @Laurenjmayk that they’re looking for “specifics” from Kamala Harris and Donald Trump in Tuesday’s debate. “One voter told me, ‘I think I know their ideas. I want to know their policies.’” pic.twitter.com/dtdVGO6Swn — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) September 8, 2024 On “Fox News Sunday,” Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) told anchor Shannon Bream that the number-one thing that Trump needed to do at Tuesday’s debate was to “let Kamala Harris talk, something she’s been reluctant to do unless she was reading a teleprompter.” WATCH: @JohnCornyn on his expectations for the presidential debate, the priorities if he becomes the Senate GOP leader, government funding and the border on #FoxNewsSunday pic.twitter.com/KECjR9cN28 — Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) September 8, 2024 Bream then quoted The New York Times’ assessment of the situation, calling the debate “a high-risk encounter” for Harris, as it would be the longest time she’s spent in the spotlight, unscripted, since becoming the Democratic Party’s de facto nominee when President Joe Biden was forced off the ticket. WATCH: Debate prep experts Jim Messina @Messina2012 & Brett O’Donnell @odonnellb preview Tuesday’s presidential debate. pic.twitter.com/zCizXvJGO0 — Fox News Sunday (@FoxNewsSunday) September 8, 2024 Former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina told Bream that Harris definitely had the most to lose going into Tuesday’s debate — and said that the battle was likely to be uphill: “Let’s be honest, Donald Trump is the best counter-puncher in the history of American politics.”

When this Wisconsin fourth-grader was presented with a highly offensive question about slavery in his homework assignment, he gave the perfect reply. However, his mom was extremely upset that this prompt had come up at all. She was completely right to speak out! Thanks to her, the school apologized and promised to make some changes. Trameka Brown-Berry shared a photo of her son’s history homework on Facebook in 2018, along with the boy’s brilliant answer to an inappropriate question about slavery. This assignment prompted students to provide three “good” and “bad” reasons for the human rights violation. “Does anyone else find my 4th grader’s homework offensive?” said the mom in her social media caption. Trameka’s son, Jerome, was not about to defend slavery. So, he answered the question in the best way he could. His response was excellent. “I feel there is no good reason for slavery,” he wrote. “That’s why I did not write.” He added, “I am proud to be Black because we are strong and brave.” This question is both offensive and unproductive. Obviously, it’s important for young kids to learn American history, even the ugly parts. However, encouraging them to make a case for slavery, even in theory, isn’t teaching them anything positive. According to ABC7, Trameka explained that her son’s homework question was intended to help children understand why slavery was considered acceptable at the time. However, that’s not how it was worded at all. This type of question makes it sound like there are actually “good” reasons for some people to be kept as slaves. In response to Trameka’s complaint about the homework question, Our Redeemer Lutheran School apologized for their “lack of sensitivity.” At this mom’s request, they promised to apologize to all the other students and parents involved, too. They would also invest in cultural diversity training for their employees. Unfortunately, other learning institutions have seen this prompt come up in their curriculum. CNN reported that a charter school in Texas assigned a very similar homework question on slavery to their eighth-grade students. Thankfully, outraged parents spoke out about the issue in this case, too. As a result, the school apologized and decided to reevaluate the history book in their program that was in use at the time. It can be scary to stand up for yourself when it comes to homework assigned by a teacher. Trameka Brown-Berry must be truly proud of her son for refusing to defend slavery. She should be pretty proud of herself, too, for getting the school to address the problem! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post 4th Grader’s Homework Asks Inappropriate & Offensive Question — His Answer Is Golden appeared first on InspireMore.

Indigenous peoples in the Atlantic region of Canada have a unique way to dissuade sharks from attacking their canoes. From underwater, the long, thin canoes can resemble seals that may be appetizing to a shark. The Mi’kmaq People discovered that if they tie roots from a spruce tree to the underside of their canoes, they act to deter white sharks. @cbc Mi’kmaw canoe builders share traditional knowledge for fending off sharks. Great white sharks live off Canada’s East Coast, and some filmmakers went on a mission to find them. Read more about them at the link in bio Watch Jawsome: Canada’s Great White Sharks free on @CBC Gem ♬ original sound – CBC The simple concept deters the white sharks by causing them to think they are close to the shore. The sharks will turn away from the canoes to avoid beaching and hunt for food elsewhere. The spruce roots are tied to the bottom of the canoe using eelgrass or other things close to the shore. The roots emit an oil that the sharks can taste. Instead of seeing the appetizing-looking bottom of the canoe, the animal’s senses tell them they are too close to the shore. Image from TikTok. This and other lore have been passed down through generations of Mi’kmaq. They call themselves L’nu’k, which means “the people.” Mi’kmaq is an alteration of their word “nikmak,” which means “my kin-friends.” Many items still used today originated from the Mi’kmaq People, also known as the First Nations People of Nova Scotia. The Mi’kmaq used snowshoes with differing weaves for different types of snow conditions. The word “toboggan” is from their original oral language. Mi’kmaw is the singular form that identifies one person, and Mi’kmaq is the plural form identifying a group. This resilient group of just over 70,000 people resides mainly in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick but has spread to some parts of Quebec and Newfoundland in Canada, as well as in the states of Maine and the Boston area of Massachusetts. Please share if history fascinates you. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Indigenous Mi’kmaw People Use Ingeniously Simple Method To Deter Great White Sharks appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Coffee has long been a part of many people’s daily routines, with many praising its ability to increase energy and focus. While some people are concerned about the consequences of too much caffeine, a large body of evidence demonstrates that moderate coffee consumption has various health benefits. From necessary nutrients to potential prevention of chronic diseases, your daily cup of coffee may be doing more for your health than you know. A nutrient-rich brew A standard eight-ounce cup of coffee contains not only caffeine but also important nutrients. Coffee contains considerable levels of B vitamins (riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamine, and niacin), as well as minerals such as potassium, manganese, and magnesium. When consumed in moderation, these nutrients can improve general health, especially for individuals who drink a few cups throughout the day. In addition to these minerals, coffee contains a lot of antioxidants. For many people, particularly in Western countries, coffee is a primary source of antioxidants, frequently surpassing that of fruits and vegetables. These antioxidants serve an important role in protecting the body from oxidative stress, which is connected to a variety of chronic illnesses. How coffee increases mental alertness One of the most well-known advantages of coffee is its ability to boost mental alertness and vitality. This is mostly due to caffeine, a natural stimulant that acts by inhibiting the neurotransmitter adenosine, which promotes sleep. Caffeine inhibits adenosine, which stimulates neuronal activity and the production of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. As a result, coffee improves reaction time, cognitive function, and overall mental sharpness, making it a popular choice for remaining focused during a long workday or combating the afternoon slump. However, it is crucial to remember that, while coffee might increase alertness, the social and environmental context—such as drinking it with friends or during a break—also influences its perceived advantages. Coffee and chronic disease prevention Beyond its immediate effects, frequent coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases. Here’s how coffee may benefit your long-term health: 1. Cardiovascular health Moderate coffee drinking has been associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke. According to studies, consuming one to two cups per day may reduce the incidence of heart failure and cardiovascular mortality. Surprisingly, current research suggests that coffee may not be hazardous even for people with irregular heart rhythms. 2. Type 2 diabetes According to research, coffee can help the body absorb glucose better, lowering the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. People who drink more coffee are less likely to develop this illness. 3. Liver protection Coffee appears to protect the liver. Both regular and decaffeinated coffee have been linked to improved liver enzyme levels. Regular coffee consumers have a much lower incidence of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. 4. Cancer prevention Coffee drinking has been associated with a lower risk of numerous cancers, including colorectal and womb cancers. According to a systematic review, drinking a lot of coffee reduces your total risk of cancer by 18 percent. 5. Neurodegenerative diseases Coffee contains caffeine, which is connected with a lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease and may help those with the condition manage their symptoms better. Furthermore, drinking coffee may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Mental health and longevity benefits On top of all the physical benefits, moderate coffee consumers are also supporting their mental well-being. According to several studies, coffee consumers had a 20 percent lower incidence of depression. Furthermore, regular coffee drinking has been associated with a lower risk of suicide, with studies indicating that people who consume four or more cups per day are 53 percent less likely to commit suicide. Given these benefits for both physical and mental health, it’s hardly unexpected that coffee drinkers may live longer lives. A big study with over 400,000 participants discovered that individuals who drank coffee for 12 to 13 years had a decreased chance of death, with the greatest advantages shown at four to five cups per day. This increased longevity is most likely due to the cumulative impact of coffee’s anti-disease characteristics. Moderation is key While the health advantages of coffee are great, moderation is key. Excess caffeine intake can cause jitteriness, anxiety, and sleep difficulties. Some people, particularly those who are sensitive to caffeine, may need to limit their intake or switch to decaffeinated coffee, which still contains minor quantities of caffeine. Balance is essential for all dietary components. Understanding the benefits and limitations of coffee helps you make wiser decisions about how many cups you drink. When consumed in moderation, coffee offers several health benefits, so, if you’re a coffee enthusiast, enjoy your daily cup with confidence by understanding its nutritious composition, antioxidant characteristics, and ability to improve both physical and mental health.The post The health benefits of coffee: why your daily cup of joe is worth savoring first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the iconic setting of Carnegie Hall, a remarkable initiative is taking shape, one that seeks to bridge the stark gap between the industry’s diverse musical talent and its predominantly white leadership. The B-Side, a program specifically developed to empower young people of color, provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn about the multiple facets of the music industry, such as legal contracts and studio production. This program is a direct response to minorities’ underrepresentation in music management and executive positions, intending to develop a new generation of industry executives who reflect the diversity of the musicians who frequently top the charts. A week-long immersion in the heart of the music industry Bri Bernard, for example, describes The B-Side as a transforming trip rather than merely an educational encounter. Bernard, a young woman from the Bronx, was one of 40 trainees chosen for the program’s trial in the spring of 2023. “It was my first time working in a truly professional studio,” she shared, reflecting on her visit to Stanley Brown’s Pulse Music Studio. “That was simply awesome.” Bernard and her peers spent a week seeing key music venues, like the Louis Armstrong Museum, and receiving hands-on training from entertainment lawyers, union officials, and experienced musicians. Donald Garner, popularly known as “Dr. G” by the students, emphasized the significance of these interactions: “Research and anecdotal evidence tells us about the lack of representation young people have, especially people of color, in terms of breaking into the industry.” The program’s immersive nature not only gives vital exposure but also catalyzes participants’ creative and professional development. Diversity deserts in music management While musicians of color routinely top music charts, their representation in management and administrative positions is disturbingly low. Ayanna Cole, the director of Carnegie Hall’s Social Impact Programs, cites a USC Annenberg study from 2021 that revealed a significant inequality in sector leadership. Even though nearly half of all musicians in popular songs are from underrepresented groups, the survey found that 100 percent of top executives at the nine largest music businesses were white, with only one female executive among them. “Put differently, there were 17.7 white male executives to every one Black female executive,” the research stated, emphasizing the critical need for initiatives such as The B-Side. By focusing on the business side of the music industry, The B-Side confronts the “diversity desert” head-on. Students learn about contracts, royalties, marketing, and other important facets of the industry, giving them the knowledge and confidence to navigate and eventually lead in these areas. Cole stressed that “we really considered research around the lack of diversity in the music industry” when establishing the program, which now lasts four months and is expanding. Beyond music: preparing for industry challenges The B-Side curriculum includes more than just technical skills. Recognizing the special issues confronting underrepresented groups, the program begins and ends with classes on power, gender, and identity. “It’s important to learn about ways to keep yourself safe in any industry,” says Cole, “but in particular when you think about the ideocracy of the music industry with its big personalities and powerful celebrities.” Cole’s personal background as a former Emmy-winning television producer influenced her approach to the program. Cole, who was “almost always the only woman of color on the production side,” recognizes the challenges that young people of color confront in creative sectors. Her dedication to leveling the playing field shines through in every facet of The B-Side, from the involvement of parents in the program to the stipends provided to cover participants’ expenditures. “It is important for the parents to know that there are lots of viable careers in the creative sector,” she says, ensuring that families grasp the industry’s larger opportunities. From participants to pioneers: the impact of The B-Side The impact of The B-Side is already visible in the accomplishments of its members. One student felt so motivated by the curriculum that she released her debut single soon after completing it. Another participant leveraged the connections formed during a studio visit to sign an artist to a label. Bernard’s goals have shifted dramatically, with her major changing from music composition to sociology in order to investigate the systemic disparities she has witnessed in the industry. “The numerous opportunities to work in music that The B-Side showed me blew my mind,” Bernard says. “Before coming into Carnegie, I believed that there was one way to make it in the industry, and that was the path I had to follow. I have since encountered so many inspirational people and experiences that I wouldn’t have explored without the courage that The B-Side instilled in me.” Bernard, who is now a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is still creating projects that combine art, activism, and academia. Her work, which includes the “Tales of Black Motherhood” project and a music production for a play addressing the links between the caste system and institutional racism, exemplifies the depth and range of options that The B-Side has provided her. As The B-Side continues to expand, success stories like Bernard’s highlight the program’s significance. Carnegie Hall is not just assisting individuals by providing young people of color with the tools, information, and support they require to thrive; it is also paving the path for a more diverse and equitable future in the music industry.The post Helping young people of color navigate the music industry with Carnegie Hall’s The B-Side first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.