What Do the 5 Colors of Christmas Tell Us about Jesus?

John Kerry currently holds no office in the US government, but just this week, he revealed his official portrait that will hang in the State Department, with such questionable notables as Hillary Clinton. Antony Blinken attended the unveiling. The unveiling of his portrait at the State Department is just recognition for a man who’s easily […] The post John Kerry’s Official Portrait Depicts Him As He Imagines Himself appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

There is nothing quite like the joy of welcoming a newborn into the world. While the adults are all crying tears of joy, the baby is still very much adjusting to their new life. After a while, though, they start to grow an interest in the new, fascinating world around them. This is when some little ones may even start to smile and laugh! That said, every once in a while, a baby can be rather unimpressed by their new life… Kristen Williams, who recently gave birth to her newborn son, can attest. Only 12 days had passed since she had given birth, and her little one had already begun to give her side-eye like it is his job. Truly, the level of judgement that radiates from his adorable face is hilarious. See for yourself in the viral video below! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristen Williams • Wife • Mommy & business! (@allthingskris) “Y’all why is he like this lmaoo. He ready to go home to the womb,” Kristen writes in the caption of her post. “Lol he said you wanted me out so bad for THIS!!!!????” Sure, babies are super cute when they smile and giggle, but unimpressed babies deserve some recognition, too. After all, who among us can’t relate to some degree? This Newborn Baby Could Not Be More Unimpressed With This World, and We Love Him All the More For It “He looking like: you really could’ve just left me where I was at… I was just fine in the womb minding my business,” someone writes in the comment section of the video, another adding, “I ain’t ever seen a baby look so disgusted.” “My fave things about babies as a labor nurse is how FED UP they look…” a third person adds from their own experience, “I think they already know.” You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Newborn Baby Is “Very Unimpressed With Earth” & Mom Can’t Stop Cracking Up appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If your holiday cheer comes with a side of sneezing, you might be dealing with Christmas tree syndrome. While the name sounds whimsical, the symptoms are anything but: think itchy eyes, congestion, or even asthma flare-ups. But don’t worry—you don’t have to kick your tree to the curb just yet. “Most people aren’t allergic to the tree itself,” explains Dr. Kara Wada, an allergist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Instead, it’s the mold, dust, and pollen hitching a ride on your festive fir that’s likely to blame. Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas tree syndrome, from spotting the signs to keeping your holiday allergen-free. What exactly is Christmas tree syndrome? Christmas tree syndrome is a collection of allergy symptoms triggered by natural Christmas trees—or, in some cases, seasonal plants like holly and fir. It’s not an official medical diagnosis, but the term gained traction after studies revealed how allergens lurking on trees can cause discomfort. While anyone can experience these symptoms, people with existing allergies, asthma, or hay fever are more susceptible. “Mold is the top cause of Christmas tree–induced respiratory allergy symptoms,” says Dr. Wada. Mold spores, which thrive in damp conditions, can latch onto bark and branches before making their way into your home. Symptoms to watch for: from sneezes to skin reactions If you’ve ever wondered why you start sniffling when the tree goes up, Christmas tree syndrome might be the culprit. Common symptoms include: Sneezing or coughing Nasal congestion Wheezing or shortness of breath Itchy, watery eyes Fatigue or headaches Skin reactions, like rashes or itchy bumps, are also possible, particularly for those with sensitive skin. Why your tree might be triggering allergies Christmas trees come with hidden allergens, and they’re not just limited to mold: Mold spores: a single tree can carry over 50 types of mold, which continue to grow indoors. Dust: even artificial trees can become dusty in storage, irritating sensitive airways. Pollen: pine pollen may be present, although it’s less likely to be a primary trigger. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): the fresh pine scent you love? It’s caused by VOCs like pinene, which can irritate sensitive individuals. Tree sap: the sticky rosin in the sap can cause skin irritation, much like poison ivy. How to keep the joy but ditch the itch There’s good news: with a few precautions, you can enjoy your Christmas tree without the sneezes. Give your tree a bath: “hose down the tree outdoors and let it dry completely before bringing it inside,” suggests Dr. Wada. This removes some mold and pollen. Cover up: wear gloves and long sleeves while decorating to avoid sap and needle irritation. Use an air purifier: place your tree in a well-ventilated area and use an air purifier to minimize allergens in the air. Don’t keep it too long: experts recommend keeping your tree for one to two weeks max to reduce mold growth indoors. Consider an artificial tree: if allergies persist, switching to an artificial tree might be the way to go. When to call in the experts If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen despite these measures, it might be time to see an allergist. Treatments like antihistamines, decongestants, or corticosteroid creams for skin reactions can provide relief. For those with asthma, inhalers or other prescribed medications may be necessary. “Your healthcare provider can help identify the specific allergens triggering your symptoms and suggest the best course of action,” advises Dr. Wada. The takeaway Christmas tree syndrome doesn’t have to ruin your holidays. With a little preparation—like washing your tree, using air purifiers, or opting for an artificial alternative—you can minimize allergens and focus on the festivities. As Dr. Wada reminds us, “The key is reducing exposure to irritants and managing symptoms effectively.” So, embrace the season with joy—and maybe a little less sneezing.The post Christmas tree syndrome: how to keep your holidays allergy-free first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM London Fashion Week established itself as a leader among the “big four” fashion weeks by becoming the first to prohibit the use of exotic animal skins. Beginning in 2025, designers exhibiting their collections on London’s runways will be required to exclude materials such as crocodile, alligator, and snakeskin, signaling a significant change toward more ethical practices in high fashion. David Leigh-Pemberton, Deputy Director for Policy and Engagement at the British Fashion Council, announced the news during a speech in Parliament. This decision builds on London’s 2018 vow to phase out fur which was accomplished in December 2023. “Millions of animals continue to suffer and die for fashion,” stated Dr. Charlotte Regan, wildlife campaign manager for World Animal Protection UK. “This ban sends an important message throughout the global fashion industry that exploiting animals for their skins is both unethical and unnecessary.” A fashion first Among the global heavyweights—New York, Milan, Paris, and London—Britain’s capital has continually pushed the envelope in terms of sustainability and animal welfare. By forbidding exotic skins, London builds on its tradition of pioneering humane fashion policies. “London’s leadership on this issue reflects a changing tide in the industry,” said Emma Håkansson, founding director of Collective Fashion Justice. She praised the move, calling it “important progress” in the fight for ethical fashion. Smaller but more prominent events, including Melbourne and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks, have also adopted similar restrictions, demonstrating that size does not dictate impact when it comes to humane practices. The ripple effect: global fashion senses the shift While London sets the standard, other fashion capitals lag behind. Fur and exotic skins remain popular in Milan and Paris, highlighting a cultural and industrial gap. London’s commitment challenges these cities to reevaluate their practices. Experts feel the shift will be easier for London Fashion Week, which is recognized for focusing on emerging designers. According to Business of Fashion, “leather goods powerhouses” like Milan and Paris are often more reliant on exotic skins, which may delay broader acceptance of such bans in these cities. But the momentum is undeniable. As customer demand for transparency and sustainability grows, ethical standards in the fashion business are no longer a choice, but rather an expectation. What’s next? The fight against feathers With fur and exotic skins on the way out, activists are turning their attention to another material: feathers. Feather harvesting, which is frequently done while birds are still alive, is another unethical activity on animal welfare activists’ radars. “With both fur and now wild animal skins banned from London Fashion Week, our attention turns to the use of wild bird feathers,” Regan declared. “We look forward to working with the British Fashion Council on the last step of their journey to being a completely wildlife-free event.” Copenhagen Fashion Week has already announced intentions to prohibit feathers by 2025, increasing pressure on London to follow suit. Feathers, on the other hand, present particular issues because they are widely utilized and often mislabelled, as evidenced by the fact that companies such as Boohoo and Selfridges were caught promoting real feathers as artificial in 2023. Designers, ethics, and innovation: a new era emerges For many designers, these bans serve as a call to action for further innovation. The British Fashion Council shared that the ban is part of a wider project being taken on by the organization’s Institute of Positive Fashion, and further stated in a press release, “We know that many of our designers have strong ethics and are working towards more sustainable practices and accurate measurement. We are committed to providing our network with tools and resources to help them on this journey.” Plant-based leather, lab-grown materials, and recycled textiles are all becoming increasingly popular alternatives in the fashion business. These developments promise not just to prevent harm, but also to inspire innovative designs that reflect customers’ rising preference for sustainability. With the business at a tipping point, London’s move highlights a significant shift in values. By prioritizing compassion over tradition, the city is not only keeping up with a changing world; it is leading the charge.The post London Fashion Week will banish exotic animal skins by 2025 first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

This week, we look at the mass shooting at the Capital Gazette newspaper and how facial recognition technology was used to identify the killer. We will then break down how facial recognition works.

And all it took was some chicken.

The complete game was found in a catacomb grave, but without a copy of the rules.