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. President-elect Donald Trump wrapped up the Thanksgiving holiday with a few more appointments, and while nearly every major announcement has garnered media attention — whether warranted or not — the one that ruffled the most feathers was his decision to name longtime adviser Kash Patel as the incoming head of the FBI. On Sunday morning, the political shows were stacked with guests who either criticized Patel and argued that Trump should not have appointed him or defended current FBI Director Christopher Wray — whom Trump would have to fire in order to give Patel the Bureau’s top job. ABC’s “This Week” led the charge with President Joe Biden’s National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who claimed that Wray had done an excellent job primarily because he had not allowed politics to influence his work. Host Jonathan Karl opened his discussion with Sullivan by noting that Patel had accused him directly of being a part of the “deep state” and named him specifically as being one of the “60 corrupt actors of the first order.” “Well, I’m not going to speak to President-elect Trump’s nominees. I’ll let him and his transition team speak to that,” Sullivan said, arguing that President Joe Biden had simply allowed Wray — who had previously been appointed by Trump — to stay on because that was the way things should be done. Wray, he said, had “served with distinction” and “served entirely insulated from politics.” After President-elect Trump taps longtime ally Kash Patel to lead the FBI, national security adviser Jake Sullivan tells @JonKarl that the current FBI director Christopher Wray has “served with distinction” and “served entirely insulated from politics.” https://t.co/Y24FUIAHnv pic.twitter.com/c1mJnYp5NA — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 1, 2024 Karl also brought in Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD), who first noted that Trump had the right to nominate or appoint anyone he wanted but then also defended Wray’s performance on the job. Rounds pointed out the fact that Trump was certainly not the first president to choose people who had been loyal to him, but that he had never had any issues with the way that Wray had conducted himself on a professional level. “I don’t have any complaints about the way that he’s done his job right now,” Rounds said. GOP Sen. Mike Rounds emphasizes support for current FBI director Christopher Wray, whom President-elect Donald Trump intends to fire and replace with the loyalist Kash Patel. "I don't have any complaints about the way that he's done his job right now.” https://t.co/kWuayc3WWv pic.twitter.com/Fs0iHRkQid — This Week (@ThisWeekABC) December 1, 2024 On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) fretted that Patel would only be interested in protecting Republicans or those who had supported Trump if he were to take charge of the FBI. Murphy noted that he and several other elected officials had been the targets of bomb threats over the holiday weekend and added, “One of the things that I’m concerned about is that Kash Patel is gonna only care about protecting Republicans and not care about protecting every single member of the American population, every single one of us who occasionally gets met with these kind of threats.” Sen. Chris Murphy says he’s ‘concerned’ Kash Patel would only protect Republicans as FBI director https://t.co/deO8kcbDtO — Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) December 1, 2024 On CNN’s “State of the Union,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) continued the hand-wringing, complaining that worries from the Trump camp about a “deep state” were unfounded — even after a first term that saw dozens if not hundreds of unelected bureaucrats attempting to undermine his agenda. “Apparently [Wray] has demonstrated too much independence and objectivity in the job for Donald Trump, who wants much more of a personal loyalist in the position, and that’s why he’s gone to Kash Patel,” Raskin complained. “I mean, the deep state,” he continued. “Nobody’s ever defined it, apparently. Just means anybody who doesn’t do the will of Donald Trump.” ?NEW: Jamie Raskin is not happy about the nomination of Kash Patel to head FBI — — says 'Deep State’ is made up — “just means anybody who doesn't do the will of Donald Trump." “Apparently [Wray] has demonstrated too much independence and objectivity in the job for Donald… pic.twitter.com/lob05HZtnC — Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) December 1, 2024 CNN also brought in Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), asking him whether he had “any reservations” about Trump’s decision to bring Patel into that particular role. Lawler said that he was not concerned, noting that Trump had campaigned on a promise to reform the FBI but that he didn’t expect Patel to take that charge any further than necessary. “I don’t think the American people are interested in a revenge tour,” he said, Republican @RepMikeLawler tells @kasie “I don't think the American people are interested in a revenge tour” but says he has no reservations about Kash Patel’s nomination to be FBI director. pic.twitter.com/BqKYOBJI6w — State of the Union (@CNNSOTU) December 1, 2024 And as Tiffany Smiley pointed out during a panel discussion later in the show, the fact that Patel made certain Washington D.C., insiders very nervous was actually more of a selling point for a broad swath of the population. “There’s a lack of trust in the FBI with the American people … Donald Trump wants change agents. The fact that people here in D.C. — D.C. insiders and people within the FBI — don’t want Kash is a really good sell to the American people.” .@SmileyForWA: "There's a lack of trust in the FBI with the American people… Donald Trump wants change agents. The fact that people here in DC — DC insiders and people within the FBI — don't want Kash is a really good sell to the American people." pic.twitter.com/9phpburoGv — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) December 1, 2024

As if Oxford University didn’t already look like something out of a fantasy novel, one student managed to capture some winter footage that definitely makes this place seem like Narnia! Eleonora Svanberg posted a beautiful video on social media of a pair of foxes playing in the snow outside one of the buildings. These critters looked like they were having the best time chasing each other around the lawn! A few people gathered in the doorway to watch them. In the clip, these precious foxes scampered through the snow with boundless energy, sometimes pausing to wrestle each other or inspect something in the ground. Against a backdrop of majestic architecture blanketed in white, this breathtaking scene looked even more enchanting! I'm a PhD student at @UniofOxford and I think I'm living in a fairytale Foxes playing around in the snow at Magdalen College this morning — absolutely magical! pic.twitter.com/YzDwalD4nC— Eleonora Svanberg (@EleonoraSberg) November 19, 2024 “I’m a PhD student at @UniofOxford and I think I’m living in a fairytale,” wrote Eleonora in her post. “Foxes playing around in the snow at Magdalen College this morning — absolutely magical!” This video has already received over five million views. Commenters couldn’t help but agree that this footage was pretty spectacular! Of course, a few made some clever Narnia references, as well. After watching these adorable foxes playing in the snow outside what looks like a magnificent castle, how could you not? “Now, if they came over and said, ‘Good morning,’ then I would start looking for wardrobes to walk in!” one person joked. What were these foxes doing on campus? Screengrab from X According to the Woodland Trust, it’s not unusual to see city-dwelling foxes in the UK. In fact, since these animals have gotten used to having humans around, they’re often easier to spot than their more reclusive country counterparts. So, it’s not incredibly surprising that a student was able to grab some excellent footage of these bold city critters. As for what these two foxes were doing out in the snow, let’s just say that winter is mating season for these animals. It’s possible that we just caught a glimpse of a holiday romance in progress! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Student Spots Foxes Playing In The Snow In “Absolutely Magical” Scene appeared first on InspireMore.

There are many words that Kiersten Lyons could use when describing her husband, Bradley Hasemeyer. This includes playful, thoughtful, and super committed, just to name a few of his best qualities. But one of his latest acts of love has Kristen coming up with an entirely new phrase to best describe how incredible Bradley is to both herself and their kiddos. It all started when Bradley asked Kiersten out for a date. Their plan? To go out for a cup of coffee one Friday morning. This is something they do often, in fact. But despite how often they fit coffee dates into their schedule, Bradley still goes out of his way to make these mornings extra special. One way he does this is by picking Kiersten up at their door! See this silly, sweet moment for yourself in the video below. @kierstenlyons yes we did meet in a Groundlings class #couplestiktok @Bradley Hasemeyer ♬ Married Life (From "Up") – Gina Luciani What’s not to love about this wholesome moment? It’s a fantastic reminder that we should never stop dating the love of our life, even after we’re married. While folk can’t get over this loving gesture, they also can’t get over the use of the term “blue heeler husband.” If this phrase made you think of the popular kids‘ show Bluey, you’re on the right track… Do You Know a Blue Heeler Husband? This Thoughtful Husband is the Perfect Example @kierstenlyons Replying to @RosemaryFairy blue heeler husband with a bright green flag #blueytok #bestdadever @Bradley Hasemeyer ♬ Dance Mode – Bluey In the video above, Kiersten explains that to be a blue heeler husband is to be like the dad, Bandit, from Bluey. In other words, it’s someone who is playful, loving, and always more than happy to be silly with their kids, even in public spaces. And, like Bandit, they aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and own up to their mistakes. Kiersten proves, yet again, in the video below that her husband deserves this title. In it, Bradley takes the time to “finish” the movie his kid didn’t get to see because of bedtime. Can you guess the movie? I’ll give you the answer below the video… @kierstenlyons Yes we did meet at the same place Will Ferrel met his wife #couplestiktok #bestdadever @Bradley Hasemeyer ♬ Married Life (From "Up") – Gina Luciani Have your guesses locked in? If you said Disney’s Zombies 3, then you’d be correct! Sure, Bradley’s recreation of the film may not be entirely accurate, but it’s clear that his 11-year-old daughter absolutely adores it. Talk about a real-life Bluey moment! It’s no wonder Bradley has earned the title of blue heeler husband! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post What’s A Blue Heeler Husband? Mom Shares Silly Examples appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The biggest coal plant in Minnesota is going through a major makeover. The Sherburne County Generating Station, known as Sherco, is transitioning from a coal-fired legacy to a renewable energy hub. Sherco Solar, owned by Xcel Energy and currently in the process of becoming operational, will soon rank among the biggest solar farms in the US and represent a change toward a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. By 2026, Sherco Solar will have reached its maximum capacity of 710 MW, and it has started sending 220 MW of solar electricity to the grid. Xcel Energy claims that this renewable powerhouse can provide the electrical needs of almost 150,000 households. “With Sherco Solar, we’re maximizing the benefits of clean energy for our customers,” said Ryan Long, Xcel Energy’s president for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Putting legacy infrastructure to use There are several benefits to constructing Sherco Solar in the same location as the Sherco coal plant. The existing grid connections from the coal plant have allowed Xcel to fast-track development while cutting costs. The practicality of this strategy emphasizes the fact that renewable projects have the potential to transform fossil fuel infrastructure from a liability into an asset. What sets Sherco Solar apart is its cost efficiency. Thanks to federal tax credits under recent clean energy legislation, the $1.1 billion project will qualify for $480 million in credits. Sherco Solar will be the most cost-effective solar provider on Xcel’s grid in the Upper Midwest since the company will pass these savings on to its customers. Jobs and economic growth for the community Sherco Solar offers more than just clean electricity. The project is generating approximately 400 union construction jobs and will create 12 permanent positions for ongoing operations and maintenance. On top of that, the local economy stands to gain $350 million. The town’s move away from coal makes this economic benefit all the more important. Xcel Energy has stated its intention is to ensure a fair transition for Sherco’s employees. The corporation assured employees who wanted to remain that they could keep their jobs by noting that they had a great record of closing or repurposing coal plants without layoffs.  Prospects for years to come Xcel Energy has other plans for the property besides Sherco Solar. The utility has started working on a long-duration battery storage project with Form Energy at Sherco. To compensate for solar power‘s intermittent nature, this state-of-the-art technology will continue to reliably produce electricity even when the sun isn’t shining. Additionally, Xcel has proposed a fourth phase of the Sherco Solar project, which would add 200 MW of capacity. The expansion solidifies Sherco’s position as a pivotal player in the region’s clean energy transformation. Leading by example As the first coal unit at Sherco has already gone offline, the remaining units are set to retire by 2030. Sherco Solar stands as a testament to how utilities can navigate the complexities of decarbonization while ensuring economic and social benefits. For Minnesota and beyond, the project demonstrates the power of renewable energy to reshape not just the grid but also local communities. As Long puts it: “This plan invests in innovation that maximizes value for customers, creates jobs, and supports the communities we serve.” By investing in clean energy projects like Sherco Solar, Xcel Energy is proving that the transition to renewables can be both economically viable and socially responsible.The post How Minnesota’s Sherco Solar is leading a clean energy revolution first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The holidays are a time for family, friends, and food, which means we’ll bask in love and happiness. But all of this celebration and togetherness also often comes with an uptick in stress, chaos, and exhaustion. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey by the American Heart Association, 63 percent of Americans find the holiday season more stressful than tax season. While the holiday bustle may appear unavoidable, there is one number worth noting: 71 percent regret not taking the time to unwind and appreciate it all. Cara Houser, the author of Burned Out to Lit Up: Ditch the Grind and Reclaim Your Life, hopes to change this narrative. “We’ve come to think of stress as universal and almost inevitable,” Houser reflects. However, she emphasizes, “Burnout is soul death by 1,000 self-betraying cuts.” During the holiday season, bad habits such as putting yourself last, overcommitting, and fearing other people’s disappointment become amplified. “When you’re a doer and you keep doing stuff, more stuff starts falling onto your plate,” she explains.” “You’re never going to get to the bottom of the to-do list.” The good news? It does not have to be this way. Houser discusses four strategies for avoiding holiday burnout, managing stress, and rediscovering the joy of the season. 1. Make space Attempting to please everyone, except yourself, is a common cause of burnout. “You haven’t failed to get there,” Houser says. “You’ve just subscribed to this fiction that it’s possible to be perfect at doing multiple full-time jobs at the same time.” What’s the solution? Create room on your calendar and in your head. Begin by examining where your time and energy are going. Be relentless in identifying activities that deplete rather than energize you. Freeing up your calendar might seem like removing a weight off your shoulders, giving you the clarity and energy to focus on what’s most important. 2. Set boundaries Ah, setting boundaries—the elusive talent that many of us wish we’d perfected before the holiday pandemonium began. Houser emphasizes that setting boundaries is a way of life, not just a one-time fix. “Make boundaries part of your everyday practice, so when life comes knocking—which it will—you’re better equipped to stay centered,” she advises. The reality is that you cannot please everyone. And that’s fine. “Your job is to make really healthy choices for yourself in concert with others in your inner circle,” Houser says. If you’re afraid of disappointing others, remember that it’s unavoidable. “The root of boundary setting is getting a little more comfortable with others being disappointed,” she points out. 3. Let go of obligations The holidays are fertile ground for guilt-inducing “shoulds.” “Part of the reason we get burned out during the holidays is because we get wrapped up in what it needs to look like, what we imagine other people are doing, and what we assume we should be doing,” Houser explains. Spoiler alert: many of these “obligations” are self-imposed. Houser recommends swapping “should” for “choose.” Ask yourself: • What do I choose to do? • Who do I choose to spend time with? • Where do I choose to focus my energy? Empowering oneself with choices relieves the pressure of traditions, duties, and unwarranted expectations. Houser cautions us: “The rush and overwhelm of this season create a sense of urgency, which feels real—but it’s also a little bit false.” 4. Have a plan A little planning can go a long way. Houser proposes setting aside time to contemplate and answer three important questions: 1. How would you like to feel this holiday season? (Think: calm, cheerful, and present.) 2. What situations, individuals, or activities trigger this feeling? 3. What is required to make it happen? “It may be difficult to find answers to these questions,” Houser recognizes. “Most burned-out or busy people haven’t asked themselves, ‘What do I need?’ or ‘What would a beautiful season feel and look like for me?’” When you don’t prioritize your personal happiness, you risk going through the holidays on autopilot. “You’ll come out on the other side feeling it didn’t work out as you hoped,” Houser says. Joy starts with you You and you alone are responsible for making yourself happy this holiday season. Let that sink in. You can rewrite your holiday tale by making space, setting boundaries, letting go of extraneous obligations, and planning ahead of time. Houser says: “If you don’t take the time to make decisions for yourself, it’s how you get burned out.” This season, take back your time, energy, and joy. Because the holidays should be a gift, not a burden.The post Tis the season of joy…and stress: 4 simple steps to avoid burnout over the holidays first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

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Monday Morning Meme Madness

A small clay tablet from the site of Kish in Iraq reveals a student calculated the area of a triangle incorrectly 4,000 years ago.