Jessica Pegula, the all-American girl from Buffalo, N.Y., now a young woman of 30 and a model of persistence, work ethic, and the cool style in American manners (“I had a good tournament? eh, whatever … “), lost a hard-fought two-set match in the women’s singles finals of the U.S. Open, closing a brilliant week on a disappointment that soon enough she will put in perspective as she tries again for the ultimate prize. However, they applauded and at the end they cheered, wildly and truly, for Aryna. Indeed, she can look to her nemesis, the all-Russian girl from Minsk, who got to the final last year, on the court in this stadium named for Arthur Ashe, and walked off it with the same bitter taste in her mouth after a three-set loss to the young star Coco Gauff despite a dominant first. This time, Aryna Sabalenka kept her Dostoevskian (wildly fluctuating) emotions in check to hold off Miss Pegulia’s Emersonian (ever-positive) surge in the second set to claim her first, long-sought U.S. Open trophy, the dream of a lifetime, she said (without disrespect to the Australian Open, which she has won twice including this year.) Minsk is the capital of Bielorussia, which is not Russia, no, but they are neighbors and about as close as can be in culture and language, certainly Dostoevsky thought so. The tyrant Lubachenko sides with the tyrant Putin in the war of aggression against Ukraine. These are terrible evils, but they are not burdens that should be borne by young athletes, and there is something phony about the sports world’s banning their countries’ names and flags even as they themselves are allowed to compete. What good are gestures meant to punish tyrants who could not care less, other than humiliate individuals whose virtues sport celebrates? The crowd at Ashe, I would like to think, understands this. They know Aryna, for having seen her here before, but cheer Jessica their neighbor, who never before has got past a quarter-final in a major, and rightly so. But it is not nice to cheer when the tall Slav misses. The New York fans do this. However, they applauded and at the end they cheered, wildly and truly, for Aryna and for her shots that flew to the baselines and sidelines and the big overhead smashes and the shrewd drop shots that she followed to the net for volleyed put-aways, should Jessica win a race to reach them and manage to send them back. They cheered for her smile, well-earned, her tears, deep-felt.  And of course, they cheered Jessica too, the tenacious, shrewd shot maker who had a sensational run, whose grace in a match against a stronger player (“best hard court player in the world,” she herself noted) was apparent to all, even when she gave points away at the worst moments, double faulting on game point. Graceful young women, blessings in a time when grace is in short supply. READ MORE from Roger Kaplan: Twentysomethings Into Men’s Finals at US Open Americans in U.S. Open Finals! The post A Touch of Grace at US Open appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

Sunflower seeds in savory flavors such as barbecue and dill pickle are common, but what about sweet options? Make your own with readily available ingredients.

Auntie Anne's was once the pretzel-slinging darling of the mall. But it's faced a rise, fall, and resurgence that may surprise you with many twists and turns.

? Jim Breuer Sums Up the Great Awakening Happening Across the World Right Now "Before Trump was President, not many people questioned Hollywood or the news. You trusted everything they said. Everyone trusted all pharmacies, all doctors, everything…All of it is now flopping.… pic.twitter.com/ye7AvcOewp — Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) September 8, 2024

by Doug Mainwaring, LifeSite News: Senator Mike Lee ridiculed the Secret Service, saying it should have ‘held a conference called ‘How to Protect Presidential Candidates and Former Presidents,’ or maybe ‘Don’t Leave A Rooftop Unattended.’ Instead, the Secret Service holds events like this one.’ (LifeSiteNews) — Amid reports of lapses in protective service training for its agents and its […]

from The Conservative Treehouse: This is an interesting aspect to the latest school shooting in Georgia, and I’m not sure exactly what to think of this new approach. The father of the 14-year-old shooter Colt Gray, has been arrested and charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder and eight counts […]

The ocean, an expanse filled with enigmatic mysteries, is home to some of the strangest looking sea creatures ever imagined. Each corner of this vast aquatic world reveals bizarre life forms that defy conventional understanding. From eerie anglerfish to peculiar sea slugs, these underwater beings are as fascinating as they are peculiar. Here’s a closer look at thirteen of the most peculiar sea creatures that call the deep blue sea their home. Weirdest and Strangest Looking Sea Creatures 1. The Dumbo Octopus The Dumbo octopus stands out with its distinctive, ear-like fins that evoke the famous cartoon elephant from which it takes its name. This intriguing cephalopod thrives in the deep ocean, with some sightings recorded as deep as 7 kilometers below the surface in the Indian Ocean’s Java Trench. These elusive creatures are a prime example of how life adapts to extreme environments, showcasing a unique form of locomotion and a delicate, translucent body that contributes to their otherworldly appearance. 2. The Gulper Eel The gulper eel, or pelican eel, presents a strikingly odd appearance with its incredibly expandable jaws. These eels possess a mouth that can open wide enough to engulf prey nearly as large as themselves. This extraordinary feature allows them to capture small fish and crustaceans efficiently. When feeding, their heads balloon dramatically, showcasing one of the most dramatic feeding mechanisms found in the ocean. 3. The Vampire Squid Instagram | oceana | The vampire squid thrives in the deep ocean’s oxygen-poor environment. With a name that sounds like it belongs in a horror movie, the vampire squid lives up to its reputation. Despite its name, it is neither a true squid nor a vampire but rather a unique cephalopod known as Vampyroteuthis infernalis. It is characterized by its dark color and webbed arms that give it a ghostly appearance. This deep-sea creature is specially adapted to live in oxygen-poor environments, making it one of the strangest looking sea creatures. 4. Johnson’s Abyssal Seadevil If there were a contest for the most intimidating sea creature, Johnson’s abyssal seadevil would certainly be a top contender. This deep-sea anglerfish features needle-sharp teeth and a bioluminescent lure used to attract prey in the pitch-black depths of the ocean. Its ability to expand its stomach to accommodate large prey makes it a formidable predator in its dark, hostile habitat. 5. The Costasiella Sea Slug Often referred to as the “leaf sheep,” the Costasiella sea slug is as peculiar as it is fascinating. This slug not only resembles a cartoon sheep but also exhibits a rare ability among animals: photosynthesis. By incorporating chloroplasts from the algae it consumes into its own tissues, it gains a part-plant characteristic, allowing it to harness the power of sunlight. 6. The Emperor Shrimp Brightly colored and adorned with a vibrant palette, the emperor shrimp is an unmistakable sight. This shrimp lives symbiotically with sea slugs, providing cleaning services in exchange for protection. Its striking appearance and unique lifestyle make it one of the most memorable members of the strange sea creatures category. 7. The Giant Isopod Imagine a woodlice the size of a small dog, and you might picture a giant isopod. These large crustaceans live in the deep ocean, scavenging for whatever organic material they can find. Despite their intimidating size, they play a crucial role in the deep-sea ecosystem by cleaning up detritus from the ocean floor. 8. The Sea Pig The sea pig, a type of sea cucumber, has a somewhat comical appearance with its plump, pink, and rounded body. These creatures use specialized tubular legs to crawl across the ocean floor, feeding on decaying material. Their hydraulic movement system and unique shape make them a fascinating subject of study in marine biology. 9. The Doto Greenamyeri Nudibranch The Doto greenamyeri nudibranch is a tiny, colorful sea slug with a remarkable appearance. Covered in protective, eye-catching protuberances known as cerata, this creature uses these features for defense and respiration. Though small, its vibrant and peculiar look makes it a standout among the ocean’s oddities. 10. The Polychaete Worm Living on deep-sea hydrothermal vents, the polychaete worm boasts an impressive array of sensory hairs that resemble a fantastical toupee. This worm is part of a vast family of bristle worms, each with unique adaptations for survival in extreme conditions, showcasing the diversity and adaptability of marine life. 11. The Giant Siphonophore Instagram | underwaterpat | The giant siphonophore is one of the longest animals, reaching over 40 meters. The giant siphonophore is not a single creature but rather a colony of specialized individuals working together. Growing up to 40 meters long, this colonial organism functions as a single entity with members dedicated to capturing food, digesting it, and reproducing. This unique structure is an example of nature’s creativity in forming complex life forms. 12. The Angelshark The angelshark is a flat, ray-like shark that blends seamlessly with the ocean floor. Its flattened body and large fins make it an effective ambush predator, allowing it to lie buried in the sand and surprise prey that comes too close. Its unusual shape and behavior add to the list of strangest looking sea creatures. 13. The Bobbit Worm The Bobbit worm is a fearsome predator known for its extraordinary hunting technique. Buried in the sand with only its tentacles exposed, it waits for unsuspecting prey to come near. With a sudden, powerful strike, it seizes its prey, often slicing it in half. This worm’s predatory efficiency and hidden lifestyle make it a striking example of the ocean’s more dangerous residents. Exploring the ocean’s depths reveals a world full of bizarre and captivating creatures. Each of these strange sea creatures demonstrates the incredible adaptability and diversity of life in the underwater world. Whether it’s the bioluminescent lure of the abyssal seadevil or the peculiar photosynthetic capabilities of the Costasiella sea slug, these marine oddities continue to fascinate and inspire curiosity. The post 13 Strangest Looking Sea Creatures of the Deep Sea appeared first on Fun Facts For Days.