Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBcyBXNCsbx8clN2KSqZlaw/join Join Me Here As A Member here on YouTube ————————————————— TOPICS: economy, collapse, recession, prices, inflation, middle class, decline, ISRAEL, war, Palestine, Gaza, hostages ————————————————— The Modern Prepper book: https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Prepper-J-H-Zarate/dp/1617045535/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1RDPD3FGY4OWP&keywords=the+modern+prepper&qid=1689569407&s=books&sprefix=the+modern+prepper%2Caps%2C120&sr=1-1 https://m.youtube.com/sponsor_channel/UCBcyBXNCsbx8clN2KSqZlaw?noapp=1 Thank you for supporting me! TRANSCRIPT ON SUBSTACK http://www.preppernow.substack.com https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Preppernow1 JOIN ME ON LOCALS FOR $3 A MONTH https://preppernow.locals.com JOIN ME ON SUBSCRIBESTAR FOR $3 A MONTH https://www.subscribestar.com/preppernow (TIPS/Donations) Cash App: cash.app/$PrepperNow ————————————————— SPONSORS: JASE MEDICAL JASE CASE! Follow The Link! https://www.jasemedical.com/?rfsn=6390154.fa795e4 PREPPER NERD OFFLINE ASSET SYSTEM This is my affiliate link: https://signup.prepper-nerd.com/referral/home/Wz1AWj2DlhRsMbko There are other links available at https://prepper-nerd.com/affiliate-asset-center/ OFFLINE version launch and $20 discount ends Wed 8/3/22 ————————————————— Learn canning with Voodoo Queen cindisevy@gmail.com ————————————————— TELEGRAM Channel https://t.me/crisisreport ————————————————— PrepperNow is an educator, prepper, father, husband and patriot. Working in academia, I have a B.A. in political science and an M.Ed. in education. I use the PrepperNow sites to posit my thoughts and post trustworthy material. www.preppernow.net ————————————————— L. I. N. K. S. ————————————————— (ODYSEE) https://odysee.com/@preppernow:61 ————————————————- (Truth Social): @preppernow ———————————————— (Twitter): https://www.Twitter.com/prepper_ now ———————————————— (GAB) https://gab.com/preppernow ————————————————— (RUMBLE) https://rumble.com/user/PrepperNow ————————————————— (MINDS) https://minds.com/preppernow ————————————————— (CRISIS REPORT ON ODYSEE): https://odysee.com/@preparednessnow:9 ————————————————— (CRISIS REPORT) https://YouTube.com/@crisisreport ————————————————— (EMAIL/INTEL) preppernow@protonmail.com ———————————————— (PREPPERNOW YT) https://youtube.com/channel/preppernow ————————————————— (Legal) FAIR USE NOTICE This video may contain copyrighted material; the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available for the purposes of criticism, comment, review and news reporting which constitute the fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. Not withstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work for purposes such as criticism, comment, review and news reporting is not an infringement of copywright. #prepping #WAR #NEWS

Email Signup Just in Case https://www.sustainableseasons.com/ Follow me on Twitter X Just in Case https://twitter.com/PatrickHumphre Breaking news the power grid linemen strike is growing in Asheville North Carolina after Hurricane Helene caused flooding and power outages. Watch Patrick Humphrey prepper news updates. “Stand firm, and you will win life.” Luke 21:19

https://nutrientsurvival.com/pages/black- scout-survival oin OUR TRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4YOBmzRey4X3lLCjhw3UaQ/join GAS Mask: https://parcilsafety.com/?rfsn=7244284.e8af67 25% Code: Black_Scout MIRA Safety GAS MASK: https://alnk.to/4BE5unD BLACKSCOUT10 for 10% off Buy OUR GEAR: http://www.blackscoutsurvival.com Brands WE TRUST: Turkesterone (Muscle Builder): (Code BLACKSCOUT 5% OFF) https://blackforestsupplements.com/?sca_ref=2031590.7J8c42Pvb2 MAKE A YOUTUBE STREAM JUST LIKE THIS: https://streamyard.com/pal/c/4521604491771904 BSS Tactical Light: https://amzn.to/4dgQC3x ANTIBIOTICS-Here is the link to Jase Medical: https://www.jasemedical.com/blackscoutsurvival Twitter: @Black_Scout Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Scout-Survival/664083850312780?ref=br_tf Instagram: http://instagram.com/blackscoutsurvival

ANOTHER COMMENTER WRITES:- I am enraged about this on behalf of my fellow Australians. As a tax slave who has enriched public servants even more than the average 9 to 5 worker I cannot tolerate this injustice in silence. I have the right to hear Candice Owens & Candice has the right to speak freely wherever she chooses to do so. The criminal behaviour of the corrupt bureaucrat who has stolen our taxes AND TAKEN BRIBES from a zionist hate group must be prosecuted! Australians need to be warned about the dire consequences that we are all facing if this crime is not prosecuted. It is a historically known fact about every dictatorship that first they take your weapons, then they prosecute speech, & then the killing begins. The fact that an introverted person like myself, who has never had any interest in social media or public speaking, has chosen to speak publicly on these things should tell you how serious it is. I would much rather be making money, working out, or renovating my house than have to focus on this shit, but if we don’t demand justice while we still have a voice, we will have nobody to blame but ourselves. We have all been forced to witness friends, family, &/or members of our local community being murdered by the state. We have also been forced to witness our political “leaders” supply weapons & rhetorical cover for another abhorrent genocide in Gaza, which continues until this day. In other words, all tax payers are being made to aid & abet multiple government genocide operations. After everything we learned about Adolf Hitler & the Nazis of WW2, how the fuck are we tolerating this!? The lack of outrage over these matters provides very sound proof of yet another genocide operation. There is no way any healthy living man could tolerate AND FUND all of this brutality & injustice if not for the toxic shit they are injecting us with from birth. The combination of the eugenics injections together with the toxic fluoridation of our drinking water is the only way to explain the inhumane levels of apathy that we are surrounded by. This may sound like a conspiracy theory to the scientifically illiterate, but you do not need to be highly intelligent to research the many toxic compounds that are being forced onto us. Once again, I must bring your attention to the men & women of podcast media. They are the chosen leaders of our time. The police & military can see this. Low-ranking members of police & military can also see that following orders that have been handed down by the world's most evil monsters is going to condemn them to an endless cycle of poor health, violence, abuse, & deep suffering of the body, mind, & spirit. If podcasters allow our politicians to commit these crimes without informing the lower ranks of police & military that our taxes are funding genocidal psychopaths, then how are we ever going to bring them to justice? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAoZh3uO-ys

"James Dean was cool." The post Why did the Eagles pay tribute to the “irresistible story” of James Dean? first appeared on Far Out Magazine.

by Chris Hedges, The Unz Review: A United Nations report, published on Monday, lays out in chilling detail the advances made by Israel in Gaza as it seeks to eradicate “the very existence of the Palestinian people in Palestine.” This genocidal project, the report ominously warns, “is now metastasizing to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.” The […]

  The childhoods of American Presidents offer a fascinating glimpse into the early experiences that shaped the nation’s leaders. From humble beginnings to famous careers, the stories of the formative years of a select group of men who would eventually become the president of the United States hint at the character, values, and ambitions that would later define their presidencies.   Making the Best of a Bad Situation   1. Ronald Reagan A young Ronald Reagan in Illinois, c. 1920. Source: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library   Life is sometimes what you make of it—especially when your situation seems grim. And that is precisely what two of America’s best-known presidents had done as children. Ronald Reagan, born on February 6, 1911, in Illinois, grew up in a financially unstable household, with a childhood made that much worse by his notoriously lousy eyesight – he had 20/200 vision, making him legally blind. The little boy shied away from sports and group activities that required precise vision. Instead, he became an avid listener, often testing his memory by repeating and recalling specific radio broadcasts.   All that changed after the 13-year-old Ronald visited an ophthalmologist who prescribed his first set of glasses. Although clunky and ridiculed by his peers, Reagan used the glasses to boost his confidence in all other aspects of his life. The one-time shy boy plunged himself headfirst into sports and found a job as a lifeguard at a local beach. Some say that after one summer, when Reagan found himself going into the water nearly thirty times to save people from drowning, the confident teenager gained an appreciation for saving people he would later exhibit in his political career.   2. Barack Obama President Barack Obama’s Official White House Photograph by Pete Souza. Source: The White House   Barack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 4, 1961. Yet it would be his boyhood in Indonesia, where his mother and stepfather relocated the family, which would prove to be a test of resilience for the young boy, whom friends and family called Barry. Obama’s biological father had left his mother when Barry was only two, forcing him to live with his grandparents and move frequently as a child. In Indonesia, the six-year-old Barry was the only foreign child in his neighborhood, and his lack of fluency in the local language made life especially difficult. Local children bullied him because of his darker skin, and it also did not help that he was overweight. It dawned on the young man that unless he took it upon himself to improve the situation, help would likely not be forthcoming. Barry began to assimilate by learning the language, joining the local scouts, and teaching himself martial arts just in case anyone doubted his ability to stand up for himself. Obama would later remember his four years in Indonesia as “one long adventure, the bounty of a young boy’s life.”   Breaks and Bruises    3. John F. Kennedy Joseph P. Kennedy with his sons in 1939. From left to right, Joe Jr. Robert, and John. Source: The Boston Globe.   Obama was certainly not the only American president who faced off against bullies as a child. Perhaps the most peculiar case involves young John F. Kennedy, who was often mistreated by his brother Joe, four years his senior. The eldest son and namesake of the wealthy businessman Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., Joe was groomed for greatness from a young age as the heir apparent in the political arena and a potential future president—something that his younger brother John (Jack to his friends) would accomplish after the elder sibling’s death during World War II in 1944. John resented the attention his brother solicited from his parents and all other siblings—in fact, he hated it.   As far as Jack was concerned, his brother Joe was a bully who found every opportunity to inflict pain on his more fragile and younger sibling. When the two wrestled or played sports, Joe always hit harder and pinned for a bit longer. A bike race around the block cost Jack 28 stitches after Joe collided with him near the finish line, and the siblings brawled at the dinner table after the younger Kennedy took something off his older brother’s plate. In retrospect, as tough as it was growing up in his brother’s shadow, John would later look back at the time fondly. If not anything else, it taught him resilience, adversity, and the lessons of failure—all qualities that came in handy when facing off against the Soviet Union during the Cold War as president of the United States.   4. Dwight D. Eisenhower Young Dwight D. Eisenhower (front) and his friends in 1907. Source: Eisenhower Presidential Library/National Archives.   President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s relationship with his older brother, while much different than that of the Kennedy siblings, was equally significant in instilling values the future president would rely on in adulthood. At elementary school, Ike, as he would come to be known, received unsolicited attention from an older bully. The threats and chases continued until to Dwight’s surprise, his older brother Arthur, an easy-going and even meeker individual than Ike was at the time, challenged the bully. The young Eisenhower learned the lesson of strength in numbers and the importance of having allies, if not friends.   Still, the bruising and bullying did not stop—and this time, it came not from the playground but from a sizable hissing goose at his uncle’s farm. Ike knew it was time to take his brother’s lead and stand up for himself to the pesky animal that charged him every time the young boy stepped into the yard. For days, the young Eisenhower cowered from the angry animal who would not let him pass until, one day, Ike was done running away. The young boy grabbed a broomstick and drove off the goose. Eisenhower would later refer to the incident with the animal as his first “war,” where he learned the importance of facing one’s enemies from the position of strength—a skill that would come in handy during World War II and later the presidency.   Defining Moments    5. Herbert Hoover Herbert Hoover while attending Stanford University, c. 1891. Source: Business Insider.   Some presidents remembered exactly where they were and what they were doing when they stumbled on their passions that would later define them as grown men. This was certainly the case with Herbert Hoover, dubbed “the Great Humanitarian,” and Theodore Roosevelt, remembered as “the Conservation President.”   When Bertie, as Herbert was known to his family, was six years old, his father passed away, forcing his mother to send young Hoover to live with his uncle, Major Laban Miles, who worked as a US government representative at the Osage Indian Reservation in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. For nearly a year, Bertie lived among his friendly Native American peers, learning how to carve things out of wood, shoot arrows, and live off the land. The young Hoover absorbed everything like a sponge, which included a new appreciation for nature and the plight of Native Americans who, regardless of their differing culture and relative poverty on the reservation, treated the curious boy with respect and humility.   Hoover studied geology in college, became a mining engineer, and eventually gained the nickname “the Great Humanitarian” for his extensive work in disaster relief and commitment to humanitarian efforts during and after World War I. Following his election to the highest office in 1928, Herbert Hoover strived to better Native American conditions—first by choosing Charles Curtis, of Native American descent, as his running mate, and later through reducing corruption in the Bureau of Indian Affairs and promoting the policy of assimilation.   6. Theodore Roosevelt Theodore Roosevelt as a young man in 1880. Source: Theodore Roosevelt Collection, Harvard College Library   Young Teddy Roosevelt spent a few pages of his autobiography, published in 1913, talking about the moment that put him on a path toward appreciating the natural world. It would be an event that would culminate decades later when, as president of the United States, TR created the United States Forest Service and established 150 national forests, 51 federal bird reserves, four national game preserves, five national parks, and eighteen national monuments through the passage of the American Antiquities Act in 1906.   All this began with a dead seal on a wood slab of a fishmonger in New York City. It was there where a seven-year-old Teddy, a sickly and asthmatic boy usually confined to his room with his books, first came across the creature he could simply not get out of his mind. The boy would return the next day and for many days after that (until the seal was sold for meat), measuring the creature, making observations, and taking notes.   When given the seal skull by the fishmonger, Teddy continued to pursue his newfound passion by starting a small museum of animals and other natural curiosities in his bedroom, which he called the Roosevelt Museum of Natural History. Soon, the room was overflowing with various specimens, ranging from frogs and turtles to birds, which the young man skinned and stuffed to study their anatomy. By the time he was twelve, Teddy could no longer keep all of his exhibits and decided to begin a long-lasting tradition of donating his research to museums and national organizations such as the Museum of Natural History in New York and later the Smithsonian Museum. His love for everything outdoors would continue well past his presidency through the preservation efforts of animals and their habitats.   Kids Will Be Kids   A young Jimmy Carter hand-feeds his pony. Source: Jimmy Carter National Historical Park.   While all presidents have childhoods full of stories requiring a deeper analysis than just the few examples mentioned here, it is important to note that at the end of the day, they were all once kids—ones who do certain things they might not be too proud of in adulthood. President John Tyler is known to have led a revolt against his teacher in a one-room schoolhouse when he and his friends tied up the older gentleman with a rope and locked him in the broom closet. Many years later, another would-be president, Calvin Coolidge, locked a mule overnight inside the classroom of a teacher he did not particularly care for. George W. Bush painted a mustache and a beard on his face, mocking his educator, only to wind up in the principal’s office.   Andrew Jackson sneaked out at night and moved his neighbors’ outhouses by shifting them just enough so that when someone used them in the dark, they would accidentally miss the intended hole in the ground. While the story is often circulated as an anecdote about the rebellious child and lacks proper historical evidence to confirm it, the same cannot be said for Grover Cleveland’s prank. Until he accidently locked himself in and was caught red-handed, the young Grover would often sneak up into the school bell tower and ring the bell in the middle of the night, waking up the entire neighborhood. Eisenhower accidentally stabbed his brother in the eye, Richard Nixon scarred his friend for life with a toy hatchet, and Jimmy Carter won an argument with his sister by shooting her with a BB gun. As they say, sometimes, kids will be kids—some might even grow up to become the president of the United States.

  The soul of a small town lies in its creative scenes and artsy vibes. And there are plenty of such places in the US that you most probably don’t know about. So, if you’re a fan of art galleries, museums, and busy event calendars, we recommend you check out this list that we’ve compiled of some of the most iconic small towns in the country that will satisfy every art lover’s passion for creativity, culture, and inspiration.   1. Marfa, Texas Sculptural art installation of Prada, Marfa, Texas. Source: Wikimedia Commons   This artistic oasis is located in the remote Chihuahuan Desert. The art scene in Marfa blossomed in the 1970s. This was when minimalist artist Donald Judd moved to the Texan town from New York. Back then, Judd transformed an old military base into the Chinati Foundation. With its vast installations and emphasis on large-scale immersive art, the foundation has since drawn art lovers from all over the globe. This was how Marfa became a hub for contemporary and conceptual art.   In addition to the Chinati Foundation, make sure to also visit the iconic Prada Marfa. This “store” installation in the desert was meant as a satirical nod to consumerism.   Other attractions to visit in town include Ballroom Marfa. This is an experimental arts center that hosts rotating exhibits. Also, don’t forget to explore outdoor pieces like John Cerney’s Hollywood-inspired billboards along the highway.   2. Hudson, New York Hudson Hall in Hudson, New York. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Hudson is famous for both its creative community and scenic Hudson Valley surroundings. These make it the perfect place for art lovers. Warren Street is central to this scene in the small New York town. This beautiful street is actually lined with diverse art galleries, craft studios, and antique shops. All of these make it a focal point for collectors and artists alike.   If you want to explore works from regional and emerging artists, then make sure to head to galleries such as Carrie Haddad and the Pamela Salisbury Gallery. Another important attraction for art lovers in Hudson is the Basilica Hudson, housed in a repurposed 1880s factory. This basilica hosts multidisciplinary art events, film screenings, and artist residencies.   Aside from visual arts, Hudson boasts historic architecture complemented by a strong farm-to-table dining culture. The town is just a short train ride from New York City, and it’s a perfect destination if you appreciate art, history, and fine cuisine.   3. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California Carmel Art Association, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Source: Wikimedia Commons   This California gem, considered one of the most historic towns in the US, was established as an artist colony in the early 1900s. It’s a quaint, one-square-mile town that’s now home to nearly 100 galleries. These include the Carmel Art Association, which supports local artists, as well as the MEUSE Gallery. The latter is famous for vivid nature-inspired paintings.   When you stroll along Ocean Avenue, you’ll have the chance to explore galleries showcasing everything from sculptures to surf photography, along with high-end boutiques and artisan shops.   For lovers of culture, we recommend that you attend annual events like the Carmel Art Festival and the Carmel International Film Festival. This is where you can enjoy local art alongside wine tastings and live music. As for the picturesque architecture, it is inspired by European village aesthetics. Add to this Carmel’s pedestrian-friendly design, and you’ve got an ideal place for gallery hopping and beachside relaxation.   4. Taos, New Mexico Harwood Museum of Art in Taos, New Mexico. Source: Wikimedia Commons   This town boasts a mix of Native American, Hispanic, and modern American art traditions set against a stunning high-desert landscape. The artistic heritage of Taos began with the Taos Society of Artists, which was founded in 1915 by artists drawn to the rich culture of the Taos Pueblo and the breathtaking surroundings. This group, including notable figures like Ernest Blumenschein and Joseph Henry Sharp, captured the spirit of the Southwest and helped establish Taos as a renowned art colony. Their legacy endures today at the Couse-Sharp Historic Site. This spot celebrates these artists’ contributions to American art.   The Harwood Museum and Taos Art Museum at Fechin House are some of the prominent cultural landmarks that you can see in Taos, where you can learn more about the art history of this town. With almost 100 galleries, annual art festivals, and events such as the Taos Fall Arts Festival, the town is always an inspiration to artists as well as visitors.   5. Saugatuck, Michigan Ox-Bow School of Art, Saugatuck, Michigan. Source: Wikimedia Commons   “The Art Coast of Michigan,” as it’s famously dubbed, this town has long been a magnet for artists and art enthusiasts. Saugatuck boasts a rich cultural scene in addition to lush natural beauty along Lake Michigan. It has actually nurtured creativity for well over a century. It all began with students from the Art Institute of Chicago. This was when they established the Ox-Bow School of Art in 1910, which drew generations of artists to Saugatuck. Today, Ox-Bow offers workshops and artist residencies.   The art scene in Saugatuck is thriving year-round. For instance, you’ve got the Saugatuck Center for the Arts. This one hosts rotating exhibitions, performances, and workshops. Also, there are art festivals such as the Waterfront Invitational Art Fair and the Village Square Arts and Crafts Fair in July. These attract art lovers who browse and buy works from both local and national artists. You can also marvel at public art in town, such as the sculptures in Coghlin Park and murals along the waterfront.   6. Eureka Springs, Arkansas Downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Source: Flickr   Nestled in the scenic Ozarks, Eureka Springs is famous for being one of America’s top art towns. This Arkansas gem is home to a thriving community of more than 400 artists who draw inspiration from the area’s iconic landscape and history. The Victorian architecture of Eureka Springs provides a picturesque backdrop to its galleries, sculpture gardens, and public art installations. This has turned the whole town into an artistic canvas.   This creative spirit is celebrated through events like the annual May Festival of the Arts, where you can enjoy juried exhibitions, live performances, and artist-led workshops. Some of the notable galleries you need to see in Eureka Springs include the Zarks Gallery and Quicksilver Gallery. This is where you can explore a wide range of works, from local crafts to contemporary art. Also, don’t forget about the Underground Arts Tour, which offers you a glimpse into the town’s murals, sculptures, and historic landmarks. The nearby Eureka Springs School of Art offers classes and workshops suitable for artists of all levels.   7. Provincetown, Massachusetts Provincetown Art Association & Museum, Provincetown, Massachusetts. Source: Flickr   On the tip of Cape Cod is where you’ll find this storied art haven, widely celebrated as America’s oldest continuous art colony. The artistic legacy of the town began in 1899 when Charles W. Hawthorne opened the Cape Cod School of Art, attracting writers, painters, and performers to the area.   The Provincetown Art Association and Museum (PAAM), established in 1914, has become a landmark, where it features over 3,000 works by artists who shaped the creative heritage of Provincetown. The reputation of the town as an arts hub solidified with the Provincetown Players, a theater troupe that launched the careers of luminaries like Eugene O’Neill.   As for the local gallery scene, it’s always thriving, thanks to a variety of venues on Commercial Street where you can explore both contemporary and traditional pieces. The Fine Arts Work Center continues to support emerging artists and writers through residencies. This keeps the bohemian spirit of Provincetown alive. On top of that, summer art strolls, festivals, and the Provincetown International Film Festival keep the artistic energy pulsing.   8. Sedona, Arizona Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, Sedona, Arizona. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Located among stunning red rock formations and natural beauty, this Arizona town is home to over 80 galleries featuring a wide range of art styles, including Southwestern, contemporary, and Native American art. So, there’s no question Sedona is a paradise for art lovers.   It’s essential for you to visit the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This is a Spanish-inspired area that hosts several galleries and studios where artists display ceramics, jewelry, and paintings inspired by the local landscape.   One of the town’s cultural cornerstones is the Sedona Arts Center which offers workshops and exhibitions year-round. It supports local and visiting artists. Art enthusiasts will have fun at some annual events hosted in Sedona, such as the Sedona Arts Festival. They can enjoy here a wide range of work, including fine art, handmade crafts, and more.   9. Joseph, Oregon Entrance door, Dan Price’s underground house, Joseph, Oregon. Source: Flickr   This charming small town, often called “America’s Little Switzerland,” is set at the foot of the stunning Wallowa Mountains. Joseph has a thriving bronze sculpting scene that began in the 1980s with the establishment of Valley Bronze of Oregon. At present, the town features life-sized bronze sculptures lining Main Street. These are part of the Joseph Art Walk, a self-guided tour that features pieces celebrating regional history, nature, and the artistic spirit of Joseph.   You can also find a wide range of galleries in Joseph, such as Aspen Grove and the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture. These places allow you to marvel at local works spanning sculpture, fine art photography, and handmade jewelry. This unique town in Oregon has consistently shown commitment to preserving and promoting its art culture, which allowed it to become a destination for anyone looking for creativity and tranquility in the mountains.   10. Paducah, Kentucky Floodwall art along the Ohio River in Paducah, Kentucky. Source: Flickr   Paducah not only has a rich visual and performing arts scene, but it also has a strong emphasis on cultural heritage. The town was designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2013. So, there’s no surprise it’s celebrated globally for its dedication to quilting and textile arts. Found in the heart of Paducah, the National Quilt Museum receives worldwide attention with its vast collection of contemporary quilts and fiber art exhibits. If you’re interested in learning about textiles, then this spot is a must-visit and should be on top of your list when you’re in this Kentucky town.   The Lower Town Arts District is home to the Artist Relocation Program. This district has transformed Paducah’s oldest neighborhood into a creative hub where artists live, work, and showcase their talents. You can also enjoy a stunning public art display along the floodwall of Paducah, which boasts over 50 murals illustrating the history of the town. For art films, head to the Maiden Alley Cinema. It would also be interesting to watch regular performances by the Paducah Symphony Orchestra.

  Cowpox is from the same group as smallpox. Today it is not a common occurrence, and it was named because it predominantly affects cows, although it is much more common with cats. Cows will get blisters or ulcers on their udders. Cowpox can also be transmitted to humans who are near an infected animal. Although it was sometimes fatal in humans, the death rate was low – only at a rate of 3% at most.   Cowpox virus particles from an electron micrograph. Source: Dr. Graham Beards, Wikipedia, May 7, 2017   It was observed in the 1700s that many times farm hands who were infected by cowpox were immune to smallpox. This is where the idea of immunization first began, with using cowpox to protect others from the much deadlier smallpox. In fact, “vaccination” comes from the Latin word vaccinus which translates to “of or from the cow.” While there were inoculations or variolations from smallpox, at the time they were very different than what we picture as a traditional vaccine. Inoculation was the exposure to a virus or disease. Variolation was a form of inoculation that used material from the disease.    Edward Jenner is credited in the creation of the first vaccine, how they work and the first version of a smallpox vaccine. Jenner wasn’t the first one to use cowpox to inoculate against smallpox. Englishman Benjamin Jesty had gotten cowpox by 1774 and gave it to his wife and children to prevent their deaths during a smallpox outbreak. However, he was the first one to work on it, testing it on multiple people and making the knowledge widely known.   Who Was Edward Jenner? Creator of the First Vaccine Edward Jenner. Source: Wikipedia   Edward Jenner was born on May 17, 1749, in England. Like others of the time, he was inoculated against smallpox by variolation—a method using material from a person who was recently variolated or infected with smallpox themselves using parts of the scabs which were powdered and rubbed into scratches on the skin. This is different than a vaccination or vaccine that Jenner would later invent.    The death rate for this method was 1-2%, which was still better than getting the infection naturally, which resulted in death about 30% of the time. This varied depending on the type of smallpox and ranging in fatality rates of 1-100%, with hemorrhagic smallpox only being 3% of the cases, but having a 100% fatality rate.    This method of inoculation was used in England, North America, China, India, parts of Africa, and the Middle East in the late 1600s through the early 1700s. While it protected Jenner against smallpox, the variolation had a negative impact on his health for the rest of his life.    Nonetheless, he led a full life – in 1788 he married Catherine Kingscope and they went on to have three children. Jenner subsequently went on to become a doctor and surgeon after going to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland in 1792. For his work he became a member of many societies including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1802 as a foreign honorary member, the American Philosophical Society and Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. He died of a supposed stroke January 25, 1823, at 73.     Smallpox & Vaccinations The Cow-Pock—or—the Wonderful Effects of the New Inoculation! June 12, 1802. Source: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division   Smallpox had symptoms that include a fever, nausea, an aching body, and pustules or “pox” that is present in all the pox diseases. Like other diseases, it was contagious and sufferers would experience occurrences or outbreaks in different places.    Smallpox was used by the British forces against the Indigenous tribes in the French and Indian War and by the American government to get rid of tribes. Since they didn’t have the preexposure and immunity that the Europeans did, it devastated the population. Outbreaks in Boston during the revolution led to a pause in fighting after the Battle of Bunker Hill because Washington feared the lack of immunity among his soldiers. He stated that, “finding the smallpox to be spreading much and fearing that no precaution can prevent it from running thro’ the whole of our Army, I have determined that the Troops shall be inoculated.”   When Jenner created the vaccination, it became popular and of high value. The cost of inoculation meant it was not available for everyone – many who would not have been able to afford the treatment offered themselves to Jenner as test subjects. He published his test results in a 1798 pamphlet titled, An Inquiry into the Causes and Effects of Variolae Vaccinae, a Disease, Discovered in Some of the Western Counties of England Particularly Gloucestershire, and Known by the Name of Cow Pox. Jenner was eventually given 30,000 pounds by the British Parliament for his vaccination (which would be about 2,000,000 pounds today).   Cowpox Today: Is it Still Around? Decade in which smallpox ceased to be endemic by country. October 3, 2019. Source: Wikipedia and Our World Data   Thankfully, today we do not have to worry about the contagious disease of cowpox because of the highly effective vaccination programs. In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that smallpox had been eradicated after the last natural case in October of 1977, although that wasn’t the last death from the disease. Janet Parker, who worked as a medical photographer, died in 1978 after somehow contracting the disease at the University of Birmingham Medical School.    While the WHO has recommended countries destroy the samples of smallpox previously used for research because the disease is eradicated, as of 2024 this still hasn’t been completed – strains of the virus have been found in different envelopes and vials in various locations. As much as it might seem a toxic virus today, without cowpox, it would have been much harder to protect the population against smallpox, and many more people might have died from its effects.

  Most presidents are remembered for specific achievements or mistakes made during their tenure. However, Calvin Coolidge is often remembered for what he didn’t do, and with admiration. While maintaining a steadfast attitude against drastic change, the president managed to keep the country on a steady course of “Coolidge prosperity.”   While his actions may have been somewhat bland, there is much more to the sometimes mysterious, always fascinating “Silent Cal” that the history books often leave out. Could he perhaps be the coolest of the presidents?   1. Coolidge Was Born on the Fourth of July Calvin Coolidge and his sons in 1920. Source: Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum   John Calvin Coolidge, named for his father, was born on July 4, 1872. Later dropping his first name in favor of his middle moniker, often shortened to “Cal,” the young man enjoyed a pleasant childhood in Plymouth, Vermont. His father was a storekeeper and a prominent member of the community. His mother was said to be quite beautiful and dreamy in disposition. However, she was frail in constitution, and when Calvin was twelve, his mother passed away.   Calvin honored his mother by always carrying a locket with her photo for the rest of his life. Five years later, he’d suffer great loss once again when his younger sister and only sibling, Abigail or “Abbie,” died at age 12, likely from an attack of appendicitis. Through their grief, Calvin and his father persisted in maintaining the family store and homestead, and Calvin continued his studies.   2. He Didn’t Get an Evil Stepmother; Quite the Opposite Coolidge in a 1923 portrait. Source: Library of Congress   In 1891, John Coolidge found love again and remarried. His new wife was Carolina “Carrie” Brown, a local school teacher. Calvin had known his new stepmother his entire life, and she stepped into her new role perfectly. She had a caring nature and treated Cal like her own son. He spoke of her fondly in life and in his autobiography, and the two were very close until her death in 1920.   3. He Met His Wife Because She Was Laughing at Him The Coolidges at a Chicago stock show in a 1924 Source: Chicago Tribune   After attending and graduating from Amherst College in 1895, Coolidge began pursuing the law. He worked for a firm in Northampton, Massachusetts before passing the bar in 1897 and striking out on his own. In Northampton, he met his future wife, Grace Anna Goodhue, whom he married in 1905. Coolidge was in his room at a local boarding house one evening, shaving. He happened to be doing so in front of the window, wearing only his underwear and a hat. Miss Goodhue was traveling past on foot when she caught sight of him and, thinking he looked foolish, laughed loud enough for him to hear. Coolidge later claimed he was wearing the hat to keep his hair out of his eyes.   4. Coolidge Learned He Was President in the Middle of the Night & His Father Swore Him In Grace and Calvin Coolidge in August 1923. He is wearing a black armband to signify mourning for the death of former president Warren G. Harding. Source: Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum   On August 2, 1923, Calvin and Grace were vacationing at the Coolidge family home in Plymouth Notch, Vermont. In the middle of the night, the elder Coolidge woke his son after learning that President Warren G. Harding died of a heart attack. At 2:24 AM, in the presence of several reporters who had gathered, John Coolidge, a justice of the peace, gave his son the oath of office, swearing him in as the 30th president of the United States. What was Calvin’s first action as president? He went back to bed.   5. He Was Lauded for “Doing Nothing” Effectively Coolidge at a baseball game in 1925. Bill McKechnie is to the left and Bucky Harris to the right. Source: Library of Congress   American journalist Walter Lippmann praised Coolidge for his “active inactivity” and its effect on the country’s success. In his inaugural address, Coolidge praised the “state of contentment” the country was in and that he hoped to maintain it. His approach appealed to people who thought the government had exercised too much reach in the past and business owners who wanted to be left to the “Invisible Hand” rather than face more regulation.   Coolidge and his cabinet, 1925. Source: Library of Congress   The country was enjoying the economic boom of the Roaring Twenties as Coolidge came into office, but he did not wish to see the excess many Americans were enjoying reflected in government spending and interference. He vetoed multiple bills to bail out the agriculture industry and create a federal electrical project to produce cheap power. Measures such as these paid off, and Coolidge became and remained a popular president as the country enjoyed what the media called “Coolidge Prosperity.”   6. Coolidge Wasn’t Much of a Talker President Coolidge at a church groundbreaking, 1924. Source: Library of Congress   Known to many as “Silent Cal,” Coolidge was a man of few words, but when he did speak, he often did so with his dry wit. His wife recounted a story that took place at a dinner party when a young lady sat next to Coolidge and told him that she had made a bet with a friend that she could get more than three words out of him. Without making eye contact or cracking a smile, he responded, “You lose.”   President Coolidge in cowboy costume in South Dakota in 1927. Source: Library of Congress   Coolidge told friends that he often sat silently during interviews because even a simple “yes” or “no” would “wind them [reporters] up for twenty minutes more.” Still, Coolidge is considered one of the most accessible presidents despite his quietude. He hosted many visitors and groups at the White House over his term and participated in numerous public events across the country.   7. Coolidge Didn’t Own a Home Until He Retired Coolidge in his office in an undated photo. Source: Library of Congress   Before he married, young lawyer Coolidge rented a room in a boarding house. Even after he was wed, the Coolidge family, which grew to include two sons, decided to rent rather than purchase a home. They leased half of a two-family duplex in Northampton until they moved into the White House.   While serving as vice president, Coolidge moved his family to the Willard Hotel in DC but maintained their rental in Northampton. They returned there after his tenure as president but found that the home lacked the privacy they desired in retirement. In 1930, they purchased The Beeches, a large home with a long private driveway and plenty of trees in the southern part of Northampton.   8. He Was an Animal Lover First Lady Grace Coolidge with Rebecca the Raccoon in 1927. Library of Congress photo. Source: NBC News.   Calvin Coolidge was an admirer of animals and had several pets during his presidency. Though his favorite was said to be his collie, Rob Roy, his menagerie was plentiful. The family had dogs, cats, and birds, along with a friendly raccoon named Rebecca. Along with the presidency came gifts from foreign dignitaries and domestic fans; some of these presents were living creatures.   For example, Harvey Firestone, of automotive fame, gave the president a pygmy hippo that hailed from the African nation of Liberia. Coolidge donated the creature named Billy to the National Zoo, where he became a popular attraction known for his friskiness.   Coolidge was also gifted a pair of lion cubs from the mayor of Johannesburg, South Africa. They were amusingly named Tax Reduction and Budget Bureau, and Coolidge used them to send a message about fiscal responsibility in the United States. As twins, the cubs were the same size, and Coolidge emphasized that they would need to be fed equally to maintain this. He compared this to the equal importance of focusing on a federal budget while reducing tax burdens, not just targeting taxes. Coolidge, a fiscal conservative, walked the walk, bringing the top individual income tax rate down to 25% during his term while working on the budget, vetoing over 50 spending bills and cutting existing expenditures.   9. He Was a Believer in Equality Robert Russa Moton, second president of Tuskegee Institute. Source: Tuskegee University (formerly Institute)   Coolidge spoke out for civil rights during his tenure. He shunned members of the Ku Klux Klan when it came to appointing public officers. While it was many years before Washington recognized African Americans as equal under the law, Coolidge made efforts to hear from the African American community, welcoming groups such as the Negro National Educational Congress to the White House and communicating with leaders such as Robert Moton, principal of Tuskegee Institute. Under Coolidge’s presidency, he signed the Snyder Act, or Indian Citizenship Act, into law in 1924, which granted US citizenship to America’s Indigenous people for the first time.   10. Some People Wanted Coolidge Forced Into a Second Term Coolidge tips his hat, 1924. Source: Library of Congress   Calvin Coolidge declined to run for a second term at the end of his first full term in 1928, despite the general belief that the popular incumbent would easily win. There were several reasons for his decision, including the death of his son. In his autobiography, Coolidge wrote that when his youngest son, Calvin Jr., only sixteen, died of an infection, “the power and glory of the presidency went with him.”   Coolidge also suggested that he believed a politician staying in office too long was at risk of becoming “careless and arrogant” due to the atmosphere of worshippers and supplicants a president is often surrounded with.   C.K. Berryman cartoon titled “In the Yellowstone,” published in 1927. Source: National Park Service   On August 2, 1927, Coolidge was traveling in the Black Hills when he printed a statement to hand out to local reporters: “I do not choose to run for president in 1928.” He refused to answer follow-up questions and felt the matter was settled. However, he was so popular among the American people that many refused to take no for an answer.   A movement erupted in which people wondered if the president could be drafted, much like the military, and forced to continue in his role. Due to the success of this movement, Coolidge was forced to make another statement in December, encouraging the Republican National Committee to search for another contender.   Herbert Hoover in 1928. Source: National Archives   Still, many continued to support the “draft Coolidge” ideology as the election loomed. Coolidge addressed the party once more in June 1928, as he heard whispers that several party leaders still planned to vote for him at the Republican National Convention. He sent personal messages instructing them to please not do so, as he felt the best move for the country was for him to “succeed himself.” Finally, Republican voters acquiesced, and Herbert Hoover, who had served as commerce secretary under Coolidge, gained the nomination for president in the 1928 election.