Sometimes you see something so mind-boggling you have to take a minute to digest what just happened in your brain. Be prepared to take that moment while watching these videos.Real estate investor and TikTok user Tom Cruz shared two videos explaining the spreadsheets he and his friends use to plan vacations and it's...well...something. Watch the first one: What in the wealth is thispic.twitter.com/NTPTKT5CZG — Karim Alammuri (@Karim Alammuri) 1629292830 So "Broke Bobby" makes $125,000 a year. There's that.How about the fact that his guy has more than zero friends who budget $80,000 for a 3-day getaway? Y'all. I wouldn't know how to spend $80,000 in three days if you paid me to. Especially if we're talking about a trip with friends where we're all splitting the cost. Like what does this even look like? Are they flying in private jets that burn dollar bills as fuel? Are they bathing in hot tubs full of cocaine? I genuinely don't get it.To be crystal clear here, the top 5 friends on the Forbes list are willing to spend more than double what the guy at the bottom of the Welfare 10 list makes per year on a 3-day guy's trip. I don't know what to do with this information. \u201c@Radio_Reem Those that make less are called the "Welfare 10" \ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude29\u201d — Karim Alammuri (@Karim Alammuri) 1629292830 But that's not even the full spreadsheet. It might make sense if this guy was just rich, had always been rich, only knew rich people, and therefore having multiple millionnaire friends was his normal. Surely that's some people's reality who were born into the 1%.That's not the case here, though, because Cruz also has a Welfare 10 list. He says this group of friends who make less than $100K a year call themselves that, and perhaps that's true. (If I were a part of this group, I might call myself a welfare case too because everything's relative and some of these dudes spend more in an hour of vacation than I spend on my mortgage each month.)It's like we can see our society's wealth gap all laid out nice and neatly in a spreadsheet, only these people aren't even the uber-wealthy and uber-poor. This is just the range of this one guy's friends.I have nothing against people who build success and wealth for themselves, and even $5 million per year is hardly obscenely wealthy by billionaire standards. But Cruz says he's known most of his "welfare" friends since college, which presumably means most of those guys have college degrees and are making pittance in comparison with the Forbes list. One could claim the guy making $5 million a year just works harder, but does he really work 100 times harder than the guy making $50,000? Doubt it.Money makes money, and after a certain threshold of wealth or income, it's actually quite easy to get and stay rich without actually "earning" more money, assuming you're reasonably wise and responsible. So maybe the guys who are willing to shell out $125,000 for a week-long trip should offer to pay the travel expenses of the friends they "hang out with regardless of income" who don't even make that in a year, since that's probably just the interest they're making on their wealth anyway.But what do I know? This is like an entirely different world to me and probably 99+% of Americans, as evidenced by some of the responses. \u201c@araless Broke Bobby every time it\u2019s time for a trip https://t.co/VTUf3xW1DW\u201d — Karim Alammuri (@Karim Alammuri) 1629292830 \u201c@_jasminwats @Radio_Reem I noticed everyone with PTO has less than is legally required in the U.K., crazy!!\u201d — Karim Alammuri (@Karim Alammuri) 1629292830 Naturally, there will be a range of incomes in any group of people, but 1) most of us don't actually know how much our friends make, and 2) even fewer of us make spreadsheets with that information in order to rank our friends and figure out who can go on which vacations.People are just endlessly fascinating. That's all I've got.This article originally appeared on 08.20.21

On Feb. 19, 2023, "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," turned 55 years old. And the internet was feeling feelings over it.After premiering on Canadian TV in 1963, Fred Rogers' beloved children's program debuted in the U.S. in 1968, inspiring generations of kids across North America to be more thoughtful, kinder neighbors. One person feeling the feels on the show's anniversary was model, author, and Twitter goddess Chrissy Teigen. Teigen tweeted the most delightful anecdote about why Rogers would often announce that he was feeding the fish during the show. Mister Rogers would narrate himself feeding the fish each episode with \u201cI\u2019m feeding the fish\u201d because of a letter he received from a young blind girl who was worried the fish were hungry. Love you, Mister Rogers.https://twitter.com/pbsds/status/965596450733228032\u00a0\u2026 — chrissy teigen (@chrissy teigen) 1519089788 "Mister Rogers would narrate himself feeding the fish each episode with, 'I'm feeding the fish,' because of a letter he received from a young blind girl who was worried the fish were hungry," she wrote. "Love you, Mister Rogers."Aaaaaand I'm crying.Rogers included the text of the girl's letter in his book, "Dear Mister Rogers, Does It Ever Rain in Your Neighborhood?" published in 1996.As he noted in the book (emphasis added):One girl and her family wrote to tell us there was a special reason why she wanted me to talk about feeding the fish each day.Dear Mister Rogers,Please say when you are feeding your fish, because I worry about them. I can't see if you are feeding them, so please say you are feeding them out loud.Katie, age 5 (Father's note: Katie is blind, and she does cry if you don't say that you have fed the fish.)This downright adorable clip from the series shows Rogers reassuring little Katie that the fish were always well-fed:Sylvia Earle brought her underwater microphone to Mister Rogers' Neighborhood so children could listen to the fish in the aquarium. When the fish don't make..."I need to feed the fish right away," Rogers said in the episode, before shaking the container of food above the tank. "I have some friends who get very concerned when I forget the fish during our visits."Aaaaaand I'm ugly crying.Rogers showed us how simple it often is to be a more compassionate friend."I just wanted you to know that even if I forget to feed them when we're together, I come back later and feed them, so they're always taken care of," Rogers concluded. "It's good to know that fish and animals and children are taken care of by those who can, isn't it?"Yes it is, Mister Rogers. The world needs more neighbors like you.This article originally appeared on 02.20.18

What are women up to when no one is watching?Artwork courtesy of Sally Nixon, used with permission.Well, take a look at Sally Nixon's illustrations and you'll see.The subjects in her artwork aren't aware we're looking at them.And that's the point. They're living in a world free from the pressures that exist in the real one."I like drawing girls doing their everyday routine — just hanging out, not worried about what others are thinking," Nixon told Upworthy. "They're usually alone or with other girls. Their guard is down."Editor's note: An image below contains partial nudity.Capturing her subjects in this liberated light wasn't intentional at first, she explained.But when she started a 365-day challenge last April to create one art piece a day, the work started reflecting the nuances of her own life away from prying eyes — "I was kind of like, 'Oh, I'm brushing my teeth, so I'll draw that.'" — and a theme began to form.Her illustrations show how women look, away from the exhausting world where they're often judged more harshly than men.You also might notice none of the girls in her illustrations are smiling.According to Nixon, that's a deliberate choice."I don't sit around smiling to myself," Nixon said, noting the double standard that exists in thinking women should always appear cheerful."I've been told, 'You need to smile more.' It's so infuriating. I wanted to show the way girls actually look, comfortably."The theme of friendship is also an important one in Nixon's drawings.“I have four older sisters, so female friendship has always been a big part of my life," Nixon told The Huffington Post. “You gotta have someone to talk about periods with, and dudes just don't get it."Creating relatable scenes was key to Nixon, too — from the details of women's lives to the physical shapes of their bodies.“It's important that the women I draw aren't rail thin with huge boobs," Nixon said. “I think there are enough images of bodies like that out in the world. The ladies I draw typically have small-ish, droopy breasts and thick thighs. They're kind of lumpy but in an attractive way. Just like real people."The women in Nixon's work aren't real, but she hopes their stories are."One of my absolute favorite comments [on my work] is, 'Oh my God, it's me!'" she explained of the depictions."There's a little bit of beauty in [everyday life] and I wanted to bring that out."You can view more of Nixon's artwork on her website and check out her prints for purchase on Etsy.This article originally appeared on 04.15.16

Media outlets love to compile lists of impressive people under a certain age. They laud the accomplishments of fresh-faced entrepreneurs, innovators, influencers, etc., making the rest of us ooh and ahh wonder how they got so far so young.While it's great to give credit where it's due, such early-life success lists can make folks over a certain age unnecessarily question where we went wrong in our youth—as if dreams can't come true and successes can't be had past age 30.Weary of lists celebrating youngsters, television writer and producer Melissa Hunter sent out a tweet requesting a new kind of list for 2020. "Instead of 30 Under 3 or NextGen lists," she wrote, "please profile middle-aged people who just got their big breaks. I want to read about a mother of 2 who published her first novel, a director who released their first studio feature at 47, THAT'S THE LIST WE WANT." \u201cAt the end of 2020, instead of 30 Under 30 and NextGen lists, please profile middle-aged people who just got their big breaks. I want to read about a mother of 2 who published her first novel, a director who released their first studio feature at 47, THAT'S THE LIST WE WANT.\u201d — Melissa Hunter (@Melissa Hunter) 1578416584 The Twitterverse responded with a resounding "YAAASSS." Story after story of folks finding success in their 40s, 50s, and beyond began pouring in. If you worry that you're not far enough along in your 20s or 30s, or think it's too late for you to follow your passion in the autumn of your life, take a look at these examples of people crushing it in their mid-to-late adulthood.Take this mother of four teens who released her first full-length book at 45 and started law school this year at age 47.I am a mother of four, I released my first full-length book at 45, and started law school this year—at 47—with four teenagers in the house. Some of us are late bloomers, but wow, when we figure it out...?— Tracy M (@dandelionmama) January 7, 2020 Or the woman who published two books in her late 50s and is revising book #3 at age 60. Oh, she also started running at age 45.My first book was published when I was 57, second, at 58, and now at age 60, working on revisions for book #3. Also, I didn't start running until after I turned 45 (averaged 1,000 miles/year for several years.) #nevertoold #nevertoolate #nevergiveup #dreambig #workhard— Jill Hannah Anderson (@JillHannahA) January 7, 2020 Another person shared how they got out of prison for drugs at age 49, stayed clean and started their own business, and broke the $1 million sales mark last year at 56."Lauching my clothing line now—at 48," wrote a mom of two. "Next venture feels amazing."Another user chimed in with "Yes! Plus the 40 under 40, 30 under 30 can be quite contrived (sometimes). I want to see people juggling school, career, and family.”Yet another mother of two teens finished her PhD at 41 and got a tenure-track position at age 47. She's also working on a book on Indigenous Early Childhood.Finished my PhD at 41 with two teens as an Indigenous woman in public health. Finally got a tenure-track position after gig work in 2018 at age of 47. I'm an Associate Director & Assistant Prof with an academic book in the works on Indigenous Early Childhood— Dr. Angela Mashford-Pringle (@armp71) January 8, 2020 How about this woman who hadn't taken a math class for 40 years? She aced her statistics classes and will graduate with a perfect GPA after she turns 60. "Lots of life to live!" she says.Workings on my doctorate. I had not taken a math class for 40 years but aced statistics and advance statistics with A’s. I will graduate with a 4.0 at the ripe age of 60+. The dissertation is all I have left. Lots of life to live!— N Stevens Carrell (@greekfromidaho) January 8, 2020 Another mom (are we seeing a theme here?) discovered a passion for interior design and won a national TV design challenge in her late 40s. Now, at 60, she has a successful design career and contributes to radio and magazines.I was a stay at home Mum for years. In my late 40’s I discovered a passion for interior design & won a national TV design show challenge. I now have incredible clients & projects, contribute to national radio, and write a popular magazine column. I’m 60 this year, and on fire! pic.twitter.com/3mjGRrnidv— Anne Tuohy (@RoomJunkieAnne) January 9, 2020 Of course, we also know there are fabulously successful folks who got a "late" start in Hollywood, including the incomparable Ava DuVernay, "who left her job at age 40 to focus on filmmaking and then became the first black woman to make over $100 million at the box office.”As one man pointed out, "The idea that you've got five years between 20 and 30 to do everything you're ever going to do is ridiculous." Hunter agreed, writing, "The advice is always that it's a marathon, not a race, and I wanna read about the people who finished that marathon!!"congrats! and agreed. the advice is always that it's a marathon, not a race, and i wanna read about the people who finished that marathon!!— Melissa Hunter (@himelissahunter) January 7, 2020 So many stories of people publishing their first books, landing their ideal jobs, or discovering a passion later in life just kept coming, and person after person shared how inspiring and motivating they were.Of course, not everyone has lofty career goals. If these stories aren't quite hitting the mark for you, check out this woman's contribution to the conversation. She's "just a regular human," she says, but she went to Zimbabwe and volunteered at a wildlife refuge at age 47. "Life doesn't just peter out after 30," she wrote. "My friend Elsa is 96 and went on an archaeological dig at 75. I want to be like her."Don't we all.I didn’t publish anything, I’m just a regular human, but I went to Zimbabwe and volunteered at a wildlife refuge at 47, saw Victoria Falls. Life doesn’t just peter out after 30. My friend Elsa is 96 and went on an archaeological dig at 75. I want to be like her. pic.twitter.com/LAu8Pbhe7z— Kate (Santa’s Version) ❄️ (@KateGrand) January 8, 2020 Age really is just a number, and there's nothing magical about "making it" in your younger years. Let's be sure to celebrate people living their best lives and making dreams come true at any and every age.This article originally appeared on 01.10.20

"I didn't really play any part in it...” The post The Bob Dylan documentary he calls a “propaganda movie” first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

Big statement. The post The influential band Noel Gallagher called “too intellectual” first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

Kyle Gass has now responded.

At 6:11 pm on Sunday, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from the roof of a manufacturing plant outside of the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump’s rally was held. He killed one rally attendee and seriously injured two others during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. Some have blamed Biden’s statement during a private phone call with donors that it was “time to put Trump in a bullseye” for the assassination attempt. Regardless of where the fingers are pointing and where the blame is being placed, Trump escaped the bullet. Three people did not. Corey Comperatore Corey Comperatore was a volunteer fire chief, engineer, father, husband, and hero. Just after his 50th birthday, Corey, his wife, and two daughters drove from their home in Sarver, Pennsylvania to attend the Butler rally. When the bullets started flying, Corey was fatally shot while using his body to shield his family. His wife and daughters emerged unscathed. He was described as a man who loved God, his family, and his dogs. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered flags to fly at half-mast on Sunday to honor Corey’s heroism. The Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire House, where Corey volunteered, hung black bunting over the Fire House, the fire trucks, and his locker. David Dutch and James Copenhaver David Dutch and James Copenhaver were the other two victims of the attempted assassination. David Dutch is a 57-year-old retired Marine from New Kensington. He was shot in the liver and in the chest. He was taken to Allegheny General Hospital and is listed as in critical condition. David is currently in an induced coma and has undergone two surgeries.   74-year-old James Copenhaver, a registered Democrat and member of the Moon Township Military Banner Committee, is from Moon, Pennsylvania. Allegheny General Hospital also lists him as in critical condition. Trump Campaign Response Trump’s Campaign began a Go-Fund-Me fundraiser for the victims of the attempted assassination. The fundraiser has raised over four times its goal of $1,000,000 for the victims. The description of the campaign states, “President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt. All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation.” The post Three Americans Were Put in the ‘Bullseye’ During the Assassination Attempt on Trump appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic may have lost the final at Wimbledon this last week but he maintained his crown as the leading advocate for medical freedom in the sporting world. Missing his chance to clench a 25th Grand Slam title and surpass Margaret Court for the most major wins in tennis history, the Serbinator was outplayed by Spanish young gun Carlos Alcaraz in a straight-sets match decided by a tiebreak in the third set. (READ MORE: Health ‘Experts’ Knew Covid Wasn’t Dangerous To Most Americans) As impressive as the 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) match was, far more headlines were generated by Novak’s fourth-round appearance on Centre Court earlier in the week, when he shrugged off a heckling and interruptive crowd to beat Holger Rune. Djokovic: ‘Have a Goooood Night’ Taunts from the bleachers have become a commonplace spectacle since “No Vax” Djokovic declined the COVID vaccine in 2021. During his post-match press conference that day, Djokovic went straight for the jugular, first thanking “all the fans that have respect and that stayed here tonight… from the bottom of my heart,” before confronting his haters. (READ MORE: America Is Not a Parchment Promise) “And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player—in this case, me—have a gooood night,” he said, drawing out the “O’s” in mockery of the crowd’s earlier boos.   The host alluded that Novak might have mistaken cheers of “Rune,” his opponent’s surname, for the word “boo.” Djokovic dismissed the suggestion without flinching. “I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo,” he said. “I have been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks.” “I’ve played in much more hostile environments,” Djokovic added, before wrapping up his speech with, “Trust me, you guys can’t touch me.” (READ MORE: The Reverie of Game Seven) Google the incident today, and you’ll be met with a wall of media sludge blaming Novak for misunderstanding what the crowd really said. I don’t believe it for a second — not from the same media that called Djokovic a “health risk,” “selfish,” “reckless,” “wildly anti-scientific,” and “the poster boy for backward conspiracy theories and alarmist nonsense.” A Lesson in Dealing With the Hostile Media After beating Rune, Djokovic sat down for an interview with the BBC. When it became clear the reporter lacked any real interest in the Serb’s tennis and was instead fishing for a gotcha moment related to the hostile crowd, Novak smelt a rat, and replied, “Do you have any questions other than the crowd?” “I mean are you focused only on that?” he pressed. “This is the third question already. I said what I have to say, maybe we can speak about something else.” When the interviewer half-heartedly changed the subject, Djokovic stood up and walked out of the interview. Novak Djokovic ‘rightfully’ shows reporter his place #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/D0QnzBpP2J — Novak India Fans (@NovakIndiaFans) July 9, 2024 I don’t blame the man. I am an Australian, and I watched with shame as my country insulted, detained, and then deported Novak — one of the healthiest athletes on the planet — for allegedly posing a health threat. In case you missed that bizarre chapter in tennis history, it eventually came to light that Djokovic’s vaccine status wasn’t even a factor in the decision. Australia’s minister for immigration at the time conceded that the tennis star’s recent recovery from COVID meant he posed a “negligible risk to those around him.” The real reason was vaccine thoughtcrimes: “he might foster anti-vaccination sentiment,” warned the nation’s chief justice in a ruling that passed by unanimous verdict. For those on Team Sanity, the decision sounded as deranged then as it so clearly does to the average punter now. Djokovic never promoted anti-vaccine sentiment. He simply, and rather discreetly, explained that he reserved the right to choose what drugs were injected into his body. And history has vindicated him. In May, the New York Times ran a piece entitled “Thousands Believe Covid Vaccines Harmed Them. Is Anyone Listening?” which included heart-wrenching stories of lives forever changed by a lucrative product rushed to market without adequate testing but mandated on the masses. Novak chose wisely, and despite still being jeered for his troubles, remains a man of principle. To me, that’s worth far more than another Grand Slam title. The post Djokovic Falls at Wimbledon, Stands Firm on Freedom appeared first on The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.

Joe Biden’s Latest Shiny Distraction