And non-Muslim countries in the West keep welcoming more and more of them. Go figure. A Muslim woman calls for Islamic Jihad in Denmark. Islamic Jihad means killing everyone who is not Muslim. What is your comment? pic.twitter.com/fmWwscZ0YY — Salwan Momika (@Salwan_Momika1) October 30, 2024 Muslim immigrant stalks girls and tells them you are whores […]

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre slammed President Joe Biden on Wednesday for calling supporters of former President Donald Trump “garbage.” Favre, a three time NFL MVP and Super Bowl winner, made the comments during a rally in Green Bay in support of Trump. As Favre opened up his remarks, cheers of “Go Pack Go” echoed throughout the Resch Center where the rally was being held. “I can tell you one thing, I knew I would come back to Green Bay at various times, but I never thought I would come back in this setting,” Favre said. “There’s never been a more important time in our lives than right now in this election.” ”Much like the Packer organization, Donald Trump and his organization is a winner. The United States of America won with his leadership,” Favre added. The former quarterback then turned to address Biden’s comments on Tuesday where he referred to Trump supporters as “garbage.” “I can assure you we’re not garbage,” Favre said. “How dare he say that. Looking out, I see police officers, teachers, nurses, grandparents, students. I see everyday Americans that make this country great.” During his remarks, Favre pointed to high inflation, the fentanyl crisis, and foreign policy as reasons to back Trump. “The stakes are incredibly high,” he said. “Families across Wisconsin are struggling to make ends meet. People’s salaries haven’t kept up with inflation. It’s getting harder for younger people to buy their first home. People are losing hope in the American dream.” MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ “And it’s not just about money. People are losing their lives,” he added. “Last year, 50 people here in Brown County died of a fentanyl overdose. That’s 50 too many. And our kids face the prospect of World War III.” Favre said that it would be “insane” to give Vice President Kamala Harris four more years in the White House, saying that “its time to bench Kamala and put in the star quarterback Donald Trump.” “I have lived the American dream,” he said. “But I want to make sure the future generations get to as well. And that would be my grandson Parker and his two brothers. So remember this: let’s make America great again.” Favre spent one season with the Atlanta Falcons, 16 seasons with the Packers, one season with the New York Jets, and two with the Minnesota Vikings. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2016. He played a record 299 consecutive games and threw for 508 touchdowns and 71,838 yards in his career. Both Trump and Harris have spent significant time in Wisconsin as it is again projected to be close.

The post 10 Best Cat Bowls in 2024 – Reviews and Top Picks (Vet-Verified) by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Choosing a cat bowl might seem as simple as picking the first cute dish you find—but any cat parent knows that finding the one is a serious and specific business. Is your feline a dainty sipper, a spill-prone splasher, or a high-speed snacker who gobbles like it’s a race? From whisker-friendly designs to bowls that recognize your cat’s microchip, picking the perfect bowl can be a jungle—but the following reviews of our favorite cat bowls will meet your cat’s quirkiest mealtime needs. Get ready to elevate your kitty’s dining experience and maybe, just maybe, reduce a little cleanup, too! Note: The information about the products presented in this article has been verified by a veterinarian. However, the products themselves are not selections made by the veterinarian. Click to Skip Ahead Our Top Picks at a Glance Our Reviews Buyer’s Guide Our Selection Process Why Trust Catster? A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024 Image Product Details Best Overall Hepper NomNom Whisker Relief Bowl “Whisker-friendly” design Stylish modern design Elevated lip prevents spills CHECK PRICE Budget Buy Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish Budget-friendly Non-skid base Eco-friendly and BPA-free CHECK PRICE Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl Ergonomic, raised design “Whisker-friendly” shape Durable, microwave and dishwasher-safe CHECK PRICE Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl Helps prevent whisker fatigue Made from durable stainless steel Non-skid base CHECK PRICE PetRageous Designs Frisky Kitty Oval Ceramic Bowl Cute, hand-painted design Durable ceramic material “Whisker-friendly” CHECK PRICE The 10 Best Cat Bowls of 2024 1. Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl – Best Overall Check Price on Amazon The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is without a doubt our favorite cat bowl. The Hepper team designed the NomNom bowl to be both functional and stylish, offering your cat an all-around fabulous mealtime experience. The bowl features two shallow stainless steel dishes, perfect for holding food and water, and its elevated edge prevents spills. This makes it ideal for cats that like to push their food around (which is most of them, right?). The shallow design is also whisker-friendly, ensuring that your cat eats without their whiskers touching the bowl’s edges. The NomNom Bowl is also made from BPA-free materials. It’s safe, looks great, cats love it, and it’s easy to clean, making it a favorite for cats and their parents. At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company! Pros “Whisker-friendly” design Stylish modern design Elevated lip prevents spills Easy to clean and dishwasher safe Cons Currently only ships through the mainland US from the Hepper site (although you can order internationally from Amazon) 2. Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish – Budget Buy Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish offers an eco-friendly, budget-conscious choice for cat owners who want a safe, durable dish. This bowl is made from renewable bamboo, making it lightweight yet durable. It features a non-skid base to prevent sliding, which is great for cats who tend to push their bowls around (again, most of them, right?). This bowl is microwave-safe and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. For smaller cats at this price, it’s hard to beat, making it an excellent everyday dish that doesn’t compromise on quality. Pros Budget-friendly Non-skid base Eco-friendly and BPA-free Cons Small size Not suitable for larger cats​ May not be accessible for pet owners in Canada​ 3. Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl is ideal for cats who prefer to eat in a more elevated position. Raised at an angle, it allows your cat to eat without bending down too much, reducing the strain on their necks. This feature is potentially useful for older cats or those with arthritis. Made from high-quality ceramic, it’s also microwave and dishwasher-safe, and its wide design is appealing to pet parents. The cute paw-print design is a bonus for pet owners who like aesthetic appeal. Pros Ergonomic, raised design “Whisker-friendly” shape Durable, microwave and dishwasher-safe Cons Heavier than plastic bowls Breakable if dropped​ 4. Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl Check Latest Price Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl is a stainless steel option specifically designed for cats who enjoy eating out of wide bowls instead of narrower ones. The bowl (which looks like something out of a sci-fi movie), is wide and shallow, ensuring that your cat’s whiskers don’t brush against the sides while eating. As a bonus, this bowl is also non-skid, making it stable for even the most enthusiastic eaters. The high-quality, food-grade stainless steel is resistant to bacteria and easy to clean. However, some users have noted that it may scratch easily, and soupy foods can spill over the shallow edge. Pros Ideal for cats with a preference for wider bowls Made from durable stainless steel Non-skid base Cons Scratches easily Not ideal for wet, runny food​ 5. PetRageous Designs Frisky Kitty Oval Ceramic Bowl Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Sometimes we want funky over clunky, and the PetRageous bowl gives us exactly that. This ceramic bowl is a solid choice for cat owners who want something both functional and decorative. The hand-painted designs add a playful touch to any home, and the sturdy ceramic construction ensures durability. The bowl is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for feeding and cleaning. Its oval shape makes it more appealing for cats that enjoy eating from wider dishes, preventing any discomfort during mealtime. However, it can be a bit heavy, and like all ceramic products, it’s prone to breakage if dropped. Pros Cute, hand-painted design Durable ceramic material “Whisker-friendly” Cons Heavier than plastic bowls Prone to breaking​ 6. IRIS Slow Feeding Cat Bowl Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Have a cat who likes to hoover down their food? The IRIS Slow Feeding Cat Bowl is a potential choice for cats that eat too quickly. It features raised bumps and grooves within the bowl that encourage your pet to slow down while eating, reducing the risk of bloating and improving digestion. The bowl is made from BPA-free plastic and features a non-slip base to keep it secure during mealtime. This is especially useful for cats that are prone to scarfing down their food. However, it’s made from plastic, so it may not be as durable or long-lasting as other materials. In addition, do note that rapid eating can be associated with some underlying issues in pet cats (such as hormonal diseases). While a slow-feeding bowl may circumstantially help such cats, you should definitely have your cat looked over by a vet if you suspect that they do indeed eat very rapidly, as a bowl alone will not curb underlying health issues. Pros Encourages slower eating BPA-free Non-slip base Cons Made from plastic, which may not be as durable Harder to clean than stainless steel​ Should not be used as a replacement for a veterinary assessment of your cat’s eating pace 7. Neater Feeder Deluxe Cat Bowl Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon The Neater Feeder Deluxe is perfect for cats who like to decorate the kitchen while they eat. For messy eaters, this two-tiered design catches spilled food and water, preventing messes on your floor. The elevated bowls also promote better digestion, making it a great option for older cats or those with health issues. With its anti-tipping design, this bowl is built for stability. However, it takes up more space than a traditional bowl and may be overkill for neat eaters. Pros Elevated for better digestion Spill-proof design Stable and anti-tipping Cons Bulky, takes up more space Higher price point​ 8. Petkit Fresh Nano Adjustable Elevated Cat Bowls Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon For those cats who prefer eating from an elevated surface, these bowls feature an ergonomic, 15-degree tilted design that reduces neck strain and helps with digestion. Made from dishwasher-safe and rust-resistant stainless steel, they are durable and easy to clean. The anti-slip base ensures stability, even for enthusiastic eaters. The modern design makes it a great fit for any home, and since launch, Petkit has increased the size of these bowls which some users are finding may be too big for smaller cats. Pros Ergonomic, tilted design BPA-free and durable Anti-slip base Cons Some users report bowls can be too big for smaller cats 9. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Perfect for multi-cat households, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder ensures that each cat only eats their allotted food. It uses your cat’s microchip or an RFID tag to open, preventing food theft and ensuring correct portion sizes. This feeder is ideal for cats on special diets or in homes with food competition or aggression. However, it’s more expensive and requires batteries for operation. In addition, do note that inter-cat aggression may still ensue once the food is dispensed! Pros Ensures proper portions Prevents food theft Ideal for multi-cat homes Cons Expensive Requires batteries​ May not completely curb inter-cat aggression​ 10. PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon For cats that need a constant supply of fresh water, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station is a top pick. It features a large, gravity-fed reservoir that automatically dispenses water as needed. The stainless steel bowl is durable and easy to clean, and the large capacity means fewer refills. It’s perfect for busy pet owners or multi-cat households, though it takes up more space than a standard bowl and there are reports of rambunctious cats tipping the water reservoir over. Pros Gravity-fed for constant water supply Large capacity Easy to clean Cons Takes up more space Plastic reservoir may discolor over time​ Water reservoir may tip with overly enthusiastic cats Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Bowl Choosing the right cat bowl may not seem like a monumental task, but for pet parents, it’s akin to finding the Holy Grail of pet supplies. Cats can be… well, you know… difficult at times. They have unique eating and drinking habits, and selecting the perfect bowl can streamline the entire mealtime experience while (hopefully) keeping your home mess-free. In this guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing a cat bowl and provide insights into various options available in the market. Image Credit: PhotodriveStudio, Shutterstock Quick Recap: Here is Our Favorite Bowl for Cats Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew... NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking... Check Price on Amazon At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company! Important Considerations When Choosing a Cat Bowl When shopping for a cat bowl, consider the following factors to find the perfect match for your furry friend: Material Cat bowls come in various materials, including plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons. For instance, while plastic bowls are lightweight and affordable, they can scratch easily and as such they may harbor bacteria. Ceramic bowls are more durable and stylish but can break if dropped. Stainless steel bowls are rust-resistant and easy to clean, making them a popular choice. Size and Capacity The size of the bowl should match your cat’s needs. A small bowl may not hold enough food or water for larger cats or multiple pets, while an overly large bowl may be cumbersome for smaller cats. Shape and Design The shape of the bowl can affect how comfortable your cat is while eating. Most (but not all) cats prefer shallow, wider bowls. Likewise, elevated designs may be the preference of other cats. The design can also enhance your living space with sleek and modern bowls or can add a bit of cute, kitschiness if that’s what you’re looking for. Image Credit: zebronit, Shutterstock Cleaning and Maintenance By choosing a bowl that’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe you can make mealtime less stressful for all. Bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, so smooth surfaces are preferable. Bowls that are designed for easy cleaning ensure your cat’s feeding area remains hygienic. Non-Slip Features If your cat tends to push their bowl around, look for non-slip options. Alternatively, you can buy non-slip mats to put your cat’s bowl on if you’re set on a design that doesn’t offer non-slip features. This feature helps keep the bowl in place and reduces mess during mealtime. What Makes a Good Cat Bowl? A good cat bowl balances functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. Key characteristics include: Acceptance by your feline: Above all, if your cat doesn’t enjoy the bowl, it would be money spent in futility! Some kitties do have a preference for a specific type of bowl or dish, and finding one that suits your cat’s preferences should be your top priority. Durability: A good bowl should withstand wear and tear. Stainless steel bowls are often the most durable, while ceramic can also be very sturdy when handled with care. Ease of Use: The design should make it easy for your cat to access their food and water. Consider elevated bowls for older cats or those with health issues, as they can reduce strain while eating. What About Whisker Stress? A growing concern among many pet parents is that their cats would experience discomfort when their whiskers touch the side of a narrow bowl while eating. This concern is often referred to as “whisker-stress”. In recent years, many products have flooded the market claiming to help combat or prevent this condition. To date, however, there is no empirical evidence of whisker stress being an actual condition. In addition, when cats were purposefully tested for the potential of whisker stress, no such results were observed in them. However, it was found that when given the choice, most (but not all) cats tend to prefer wider dishes over narrower ones. As such, if your cat prefers a narrow bowl, then using such a bowl would be perfectly safe for their whiskers. On the other hand, if your cat just so happens to prefer a wider bowl, then you definitely shouldn’t encourage them to eat from a narrower bowl. Ultimately, it’s best to use a bowl that your cat prefers, as “whisker stress” seems to be a marketing term and isn’t an actual medical condition in cats. Image Credit: Marina Demidiuk, Shutterstock Evolution of Cat Bowls Cat bowls have evolved significantly over the years. Early models were often basic and utilitarian, lacking thoughtful design elements. Modern bowls now feature innovative designs, materials, and technology to cater to various feline needs (like using microchip recognition to prevent food theft or overeating among multiple pets). This advancement not only improves convenience but also ensures that each cat gets the appropriate food they need. Design Choices and Their Effects The design of a cat bowl can greatly impact user experience. For example, shallow shapes may help minimize the risk of mess. However, do note that kittens are notoriously bad at using shallow bowls or dishes and often crawl into the entire dish while eating, usually ending with cat food stuck all over their bellies! Elevated heights of bowls may anecdotally help reduce strain for older cats, making mealtime more comfortable. The quest for the perfect cat bowl involves considering material, size, design, and your cat’s unique habits. With options like our top pick leading the pack for its stylish design and practicality, you’re sure to find the right fit that enhances both your cat’s dining experience and your home decor. After all, every cat deserves a dining experience that’s as special as they are! How We Selected Our List of the Best Cat Bowls Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the cat bowls. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs. Why Trust Catster? A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with cat bowls. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats! Conclusion Our top five picks for cat bowls include the Hepper NomNom Bowl for its stylish and mess-free design, as well as its whisker-friendly shape, the Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish as a budget-friendly eco option, and the Necoichi Raised Cat Food Bowl for its ergonomic benefits. The Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl is likely to be popular with cats who prefer wider bowls, while the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station ensures a constant supply of fresh water. These products, highlighted in our reviews, cater to diverse needs, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your furry friend. Sources https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7415653/#R43 https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2017/06/07/new-york-times-cat-trend/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32538246/ Featured Image Credit: Rimma Bondarenko, Shutterstock The post 10 Best Cat Bowls in 2024 – Reviews and Top Picks (Vet-Verified) by Nicole Cosgrove appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

No, you didn’t read the title incorrectly nor did I write it incorrectly! This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to the late 1860’s. It wasn’t long after the Civil War ended that The National Grange of The Order of Patrons of Husbandry was founded. Throwback Thursday’s: Home on The Grange This Fraternal Agricultural Organization was founded in 1867 in order to advance agricultural conditions and methods, as well as, promoting the social and economic needs of the farmers all over the United States. After the Civil War President Jackson sent a man named Oliver Kelley to visit the rural communities in southern U.S. The plan was to send them some help, the railroads were coming in taking over the land forcing farmers to buy what they could be growing and the battle itself did damage to the environment and economy. The Birth Of The Grange Mr. Kelley made his way back and informed President Jackson of the war-torn countryside and the tragedy they were facing. This was how, when, and where the Grange began. Kelley wanted to bring home back to the farmers and help them restore the land and further thrive. The first Grange was founded in 1868 in Fredonia, New York by seven people all with different interests in the reason behind the founding, one of them being Oliver Kelley. The Purpose Of The Grange image via wikimedia.org One of the main purposes of the Grange was to bring community members together so they help one another rebuild what was lost. There was a big building designated for the townspeople to come together and discuss ideas, concerns, issues, good news, etc. Farmers from the North came down to share some of their knowledge and the North and South began to rekindle a kindness towards one another after the war. The goal was for the community to come together and care for each other eliminating the need to reach out to the big business and corporations making their way through on the railroads. The Grange Movement image via wikimedia.org What started as one Grange branched out to many starting The Grange Movement in 1875. More and more communities became involved with Granges and little by little the rural communities pulled together to help each other grow and succeed. Granges are still growing and expanding today. The social meetings and get-togethers gave community members the opportunity to go out and meet others and learn new skills, enjoy games, and things of that nature. They held dances, concerts, lectures, plays, contests, and eventually, the 4-H club became what it is. It was basically a place for everything that communities should be doing together to help create an awesome environment all the way around. The Grange Today | Members of The Grange would get together and repair old buildings and roads, take care of the local cemeteries, paint the schools, and do various jobs necessary to keep the town running in good order. There are still numerous granges throughout the United States used in the same exact manner – only there are more of them.  Smaller Intentional Communities use similar systems to the Grange, holding meetings, events, and trading with other communities around. A Way Of Life image via wikimedia.org What began as an act of activism became a way of living and being. I hope this look back in time brought some new information of old to your table. Community and the sense of security within a community are important for so many reasons. Speaking of community, I’d like to share a few ways you can help your local farmers: Purchase produce items from the local farmer’s markets. Make donations to local family farms if possible. (They don’t always have to be monetary.) When you buy furniture etc. try to find local craftsmen in your area. Watch this video posted by minnesotahistory about Oliver Kelley and the Grange: I hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of Throwback Thursday! Maybe you can find a Grange in your area and take a trip. Homesteading Skills are Life Skills! Have you ever experienced the wonders Granges did to your community? Please share them in the comments below! Up Next: Energy Saving Tips For Spring Cleaning Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook! Featured image via tpsdave

Hundreds of Texas Teachers Cheated on Certification Tests

Thursday's Last Word

Comedians defending comedy, what a concept (with apologies to Mork from Ork)!This week, it’s Jon Stewart’s turn.Will Ferrell is on a mission – crush all the goodwill he generated with 20+ years of great big-screen comedies like 'Elf,' 'Old School,' and 'Step Brothers.'The “Daily Show” host actually took the media to task for getting the vapors over bawdy jokes told at Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally by Tony Hinchcliffe.“There’s something wrong with me, but I find that guy very funny,” he said of the “Kill Tony” host. Stewart continued his defense, throwing salt on an open DNC wound in the process.“Bringing him to a rally and have him NOT do roast jokes is like bringing Beyonce to a rally and not — oh!”That Harris campaign gaffe – Beyonce gave a brief endorsement last week but neither sang nor danced for thousands of fans — didn’t become a media narrative. Stewart used it all the same. He can go back to trashing Trump now, but for a moment he let his bipartisan side show.Rebel comic's F-bomb frenzy And then there’s Marc Maron.The former comedy rebel plays by all the woke rules. He’s even shouted down his fellow comics for daring to suggest woke bylaws hurt comedy.Yeah, he’s that laughably out of touch.Now, he’s attacking comic podcasters for interviewing Sen. JD Vance and President Donald Trump. Think Joe Rogan, Theo Von, and Tim Dillon.Or, as Maron calls them, “fascists.”Whether or not they are self-serving or true believers in the new fascism is unimportant. They are of the movement. Whether they see themselves as acolytes or just comics doesn’t matter. Whether they are driven by the idea that what they are fighting for is a free speech issue or whether they are truly morally bankrupt racists doesn’t matter. They are part of the public face of a fascist political movement that seeks to destroy the democratic idea.If he keeps this up, some network bigwig will give him a deeply unfunny late-night show.The Way-ans forwardWe miss the “Scary Movie” franchise.The saga not only shredded horror movie tropes but employed two very funny comic teams. Members of the Wayans family fueled the first two installments, while “Airplane!” alum David Zucker took over for chapters 3, 4, and 5.Now, the Wayans are back for another installment. Yes, we’re exhausted by Hollywood’s endless reboots, but the Wayans remain comic royalty. Plus, various Wayans made us howl before the comedy police started pulling people over.Think “In Living Color,” for starters.Marlon Wayans, for one, is not a fan of the new woke order.'I ain't listening to this damn generation,” he said in 2022, skewering cancel culture in the process.Here’s betting the family that gave us “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka” also loathes those woke comedy cuffs.Kamala drops micDiva alert!Vice President Kamala Harris has an open invitation to appear on “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Except the Democrat insists that the podcast giant come to her, not vice versa.Even more jaw-dropping? She’ll only sit down with Rogan for an hour-long chat. Rogan’s interviews typically go from two to three hours in length. No-go, says the former “Fear Factor” host.Looks like the interview won’t happen at this point. And to be fair to Harris, sparing us from a three-hour vibe-fest might be her first real accomplishment.Ferrell forgets 'Old School' lessons Will Ferrell is on a mission – crush all the goodwill he generated with 20+ years of great big-screen comedies like “Elf,” “Old School,” and “Step Brothers.”He began his curious quest in 2016 when he flirted with a Ronald Reagan “comedy” about the late president’s Alzheimer’s disease. Only a swift public shaming campaign caused him to drop out of the project.He hasn’t made us laugh-laugh in some time, with Apple TV+’s 2022 film “Spirited” doing him, and us, few favors.More recently, he starred in the documentary “Will & Harper,” a buddy road trip featuring his longtime male friend’s life post-transition. Ferrell wondered in various press interviews why trans people get so much hate, ignoring the real concerns parents have with doctors who transition children.Now, he’s out with a new, vulgar song meant to replace Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.” And worst of all, he’s hitting the streets with the screechy Billy Eichner for more “White Dudes for Harris”-style shtick.Can we have the old Will Ferrell back? Please?

It’s been around for a few years now, but these days, the technology is leaping into overdrive. Lucid dreams: the playground of occultists and “psychonauts” for millennia, they’re an occasional — not always enjoyable — experience for some of us and a market opportunity for a few plucky startups. But can mere money explain why technological advancement is being pushed in this direction — into the strange and bizarre recesses of our consciousness?More than a new market, more than a new economy, more even than a new way of life, the goal is a new creation in the sense of leaving behind what God himself wrought with the human being.Spoiler alert, no. Consider the sales pitch offered by the tellingly named PropheticAI, which bills itself as “pursuing answers to the ultimate questions.” According to the company’s website, “Humanity has a rare opportunity to expand consciousness and reimagine the human experience. Prophetic is pioneering the way.”Simply slip on a ring-shaped headset — revealingly called “the Halo” — and ...induce lucid dreams through dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) activation during naturally occuring dreams by utilizing emerging technologies such as transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) and generative transformer architectures, along with established technologies like electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).But wait, there’s more. Researchers at a separate firm called REMspace have announced that two test subjects could mentally communicate mid-dream through their proprietary tech. “Two individuals successfully induced lucid dreams and exchanged a simple message with specially designed equipment, claimed the company,” according to a report. “The research demonstrated that lucid dreams could unlock new dimensions of communication and humanity’s potential, according to REMspace.”Add two and two, and what do you get? A whole new market around shared lucid dreams — basically the dream of psychedelic-worshippers like Timothy Leary, who himself believed computers held out the prospect of collective hallucination and its, ahem, spiritual benefits. This brings us to the real point of this particular line of research and development. More than a new market, more than a new economy, more even than a new way of life, the goal is a new creation in the sense of leaving behind what God himself wrought with the human being. Engineering collective hallucination — the better to eventually create a kind of Minecraft of the mind — isn’t simply an add-on or augmentation of our given human complement. It flouts the received wisdom of millennia concerning not merely the danger of dreams but their ultimate irrelevance — due to the truth about how we can really achieve collective consciousness in a way as sacred as our given human being. Holy men from St. Ignatius on down testify that, as delusion is both a possibility according to our freedom and a temptation according to the Fall, attempting to interpret, decode, or take the counsel of our dreams is to gravely risk spiritual confusion, degradation, and even destruction. In his humility, the watchful Christian even declines to entertain what seem to be blatantly “good dreams” — even or especially prophetic ones. Spiritual history offers sad examples of faithful who, striving for purification and enlightenment, were misled by demons into thinking with grandiose pride that God had singled them out for special treatment and a glorious destiny. Instead, as mania and madness set in, they swiftly lost what grace they thought they had and found themselves servants of evil. The Christian testimony, including St. Hesychius, John of Damascus, and Nicodemus, shows that sad stories like this are actually illustrative of the onset of sin in general. Without proper training and devotion, we typically fail to notice that a spiritually sickening thought has entered our mind until it has not only entered but set up shop and ascended to the “throne” of our heart — where it is not dislodged without tremendous effort, suffering, humility, and repentance. Bottom line, it’s a really bad idea to try achieving a healthy and fruitful collective consciousness by technologically invading the deceptive and dangerous realm of dreams, a place where evil spirits can obviously have a field day. That means an even worse idea is to get rich off of people by convincing them that it’s actually a great idea, perhaps the only way they can find spiritual peace or deliverance. In fact, it’s a distinct spiritual crime, the sin of simony — named after Simon Magus, the sorcerer who, as recounted in the Acts of the Apostles, offered to buy access to the Holy Spirit off of Peter and John. Notably, Simon wasn’t doing this (or so he claimed) for selfish reasons but to lay hands on others as the Apostles did so that they might receive the Holy Spirit. Even this motive wasn’t enough to make it right, of course. But Peter told him that he might well be forgiven if he repented and prayed for forgiveness. All of this spiritual history is incomplete, however. The kicker to the story is really its heart. We know that sorcery, occultism, and simony are bad ways to strive toward healthy and fruitful collective consciousness because there is a good, pure way — laid out by Christ and his Apostles and the saints who sacrificed all they could of worldly things to pursue it with all their heart. Ah, but this is so hard! It demands so much patience, so much humility, and suffering! Who has the time? Who has the energy? Intriguingly, it is often today’s best technologists who most understand that successful engineering demands intensely rigorous patience, humility, and suffering to achieve feats at the highest degree of difficulty. If only they took one more step in an uncomfortable direction, they might realize that what is true of discipline, asceticism, and athleticism in material things is all the more valuable and precious when applied to the spiritual realm. And just as an engineer does not make stuff up on the fly to advance, so does the successful spiritual journey demand faithful reliance on the hard-earned wisdom born of the experience of its past adepts.Imagine how different our technological research and development trajectory could be if more engineers took that approach!And ask yourself why so few seem willing. Because forcibly escaping the bounds of our God-given humanity is not the only motive behind the tech that promises shared lucid dreaming. There is another, more practical, perhaps even more lucrative one: war.

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