Lists Dracula The Ten Best On-Screen Draculas These performances manage to breathe sinister new life into the silver screen’s favorite undead icon. By Tyler Dean | Published on October 29, 2024 Comment 0 Share New Share Last week, I elucidated my picks for the worst on-screen Draculas. This week, I dive into their more inspired, even transcendent counterparts. Rather than repeat everything I covered in the first piece, you can find an in-depth discussion of my criteria, qualifications, and the background necessary for breaking down a Dracula performance there. To briefly summarize, I have a PhD in Victorian Gothic literature, Dracula is among my very favorite novels, and I’ve taught vampire literature classes for the last fifteen years. Given my ongoing obsession with film and television adaptations of Stoker’s novel, I’ve decided to rank the best and worst on-screen Draculas, because life is too short to settle for boring, mediocre vampires (unless you happen to be immortal, and even then it’s no fun). Once again, I’m focusing only on portrayals of Dracula himself, and not just “a Dracula type.” Other than that, the plot doesn’t have to reflect the plot of Stoker’s novel. This ranking considers any film in which Count Dracula appears to be a Dracula film, and while there’s no way to watch all the many hundreds of films in which the character appears, I’ve tried to pull from a wide variety of time periods and genres to get a more even spread.  Let me repeat my criteria, as mentioned in the first post: I’m judging the portrayal of Dracula himself, here. That is obviously going to be affected by both the film in which the Count appears and the choices of the actor portraying him. Sometimes a film’s script or production design uplifts a less compelling Dracula. Sometimes an awful movie highlights the quality of a good performance by making it feel out of place. The reverse is also true for both these scenarios. Also, as a general rule, I talk about the performance and the actor behind it in these rankings. Any performance of a role is shaped by a variety of factors—the talent of the actor, sure, but also the competence and confidence of the director, the quality of the material provided by the screenwriter, the way in which the performance meshes or fails to mesh with fellow actors and the rest of the film. Please don’t take my condemnation or praise in this list as vitriol or encomia leveled at the actor portraying Dracula alone.  For a discussion of Stoker’s novel, and the history behind it, please see the section titled “The Basics” in my earlier post. And now, without further ado, let’s get to the list… The Best On-Screen Draculas While perhaps a bit less difficult to catalog than my previous list of the worst on-screen Draculas, trying to enumerate the best is sure to draw more controversy. In many ways, a good performance can be a far more subjective endeavor than a bad one. I’ve tried to do a reevaluation of the classics, as well as include some recent or obscure performances that are worth examining.  10. John Carradine, House of Frankenstein (1944) The Erle C Kenton-directed House of Frankenstein is a bit of a mess. Like so many of the post-Golden Age Universal monster movies, it showcases a mishmash of multiple monsters all descending on the same hapless humans. In this particular case, Lon Chaney’s Wolfman, Glenn Strange’s Frankenstein’s Monster, and Carradine’s Count Dracula all converge upon the villainous Dr. Gustav Niemann (Boris Karloff), who is trying to replicate Frankenstein’s experiments after making his way to the ruins of Castle Frankenstein in Visaria (the fictional Alpine country where many of the Universal monster movies take place). The plot is more complicated than that, but is also immaterial because the film is just an excuse get a bunch of the company’s iconic monsters in a room together and make them fight (see also 2004’s Van Helsing which, incredibly, appears later on this list). John Carradine, the legendary character actor, takes on the role of Count Dracula for the first time in this film (he would go on to play the Count at least three more times), and imbues him both with his signature baritone voice and an intense stare. He was rumored to have done a screen test for the 1931 Dracula along with other horror film royalty, including Lon Cheney and Conrad Veidt, before the role was given to then-stage actor Bela Lugosi.  One can see why he was always on the studio’s short list. Even in a film as patently dull as House of Frankenstein (though still superior to its follow-up, the quite nearly Dracula-free House of Dracula), Carradine has a hypnotic gaze that requires no special effects. Whether using that gaze to seduce a newlywed traveler or intimidate a rural Bürgermeister, he burns a hole in the screen with sheer intensity. Vampiric glamours are treated as a kind of seduction in some materials, in others, they act similarly to an anglerfish’s lure—putting the ensnared human at ease before being fed upon. There is no romance in Carradine’s Dracula. He’s an elemental force of nature, as likely to kill as to kiss, but he somehow sells it. The audience can’t help but fall under his spell, even as he makes no effort to draw us in.  9. Christopher Lee, Horror of Dracula (1958) The first Hammer Horror Dracula makes the bold decision to have its star—horror icon, inspiration for James Bond, occasional heavy metal singer, and child witness to the last sanctioned guillotining in France, Christopher Lee—play the Count without any hint of a continental accent. That’s not a problem, as Lee’s clipped, disdainful, British basso is threatening enough that it more than gets the job done.  The film is largely a vehicle for Lee’s longtime screen partner, Peter Cushing, who plays van Helsing (they would go on to star three more times together across the nine total Hammer Dracula films). That’s not anything new—Dracula is often not on-screen (or on the page) in his own films. But Lee makes an inescapable impression with his brand of wall-rattling, contemptuous calm, interrupted by terrifying close-ups of a Count with the mask dropped, revealing the savage bloodlust beneath the elegant disdain. He is more monster than man, especially in the first film, but that isn’t a reason to discount him.  Much like Carradine, Lee doesn’t rank higher on the list mainly because his screen time is both limited and largely relegated to lurking in the shadows. That said, it’s hard to ever discount the magnificent Sir Christopher in any film, let alone one in which he gets to swish his cape menacingly and tower over the hapless hunters who oppose him.  8. Thomas Doherty, The Invitation (2022) The Invitation is a film whose critical reception (a cruel 31% on Rotten Tomatoes) belies the fact that it’s one of the more fun and novel Dracula adaptations of the last decade. Starring Game of Thrones’ Nathalie Emmanuel as Evie, a Black American caterer who uses a genetic ancestry service and discovers that she’s related to a reclusive British playboy residing at Carfax Abbey in Whitby. After being invited to attend a family wedding, she falls for her distant relation, Thomas Doherty’s Walter De Ville.  We know the rest though. Walter (for Wallachia) and De Ville (for, you know) is Dracula in an alternate version of the novel where he defeated van Helsing, made Lucy one of his brides, and now runs a cult of vampire aspirants through his Whitby-dwelling descendants. Critics rightly pointed out that the film is obvious about its twist and that it’s not a particularly scary horror film. No argument there. But what those reviews miss is how effective the film is at using vampire narrative tropes to talk about race, and what an incredible job it does of recontextualizing Dracula in the era of Hallmark movies. See, while Emmanuel is, obviously, magnetic and more than carries the film—Doherty, as Walter, plays the Count as the sort of charmingly normal and devastatingly handsome British heartthrob that wouldn’t be out of place in A Christmas Prince or The Princess Diaries 2. Doherty is playing on at least thirty years of slightly befuddled, British love interests: He’s Hugh Grant in Notting Hill, Jude Law (who he uncannily resembles) in The Holiday, or Hugh Jackman in Kate & Leopold (technically Australian, but you get my point). And when the not-so-surprising twist finally occurs, he changes only subtly. The great fun of Doherty’s performance lies in how much a blood-swilling Bluebeard can still read as a Colin Firth-esque rom-com hero.  And that’s not to mention its Get Out-inspired commentary on race. I’m not comparing the two films in terms of quality. Get Out is a marvel and The Invitation is a fun, B-movie romp but, given the novel’s obsession with the purity of bloodlines and the “dangers” of reverse-colonization, it’s nice to see a Dracula film lean into and call out those themes as grotesque. The film makes use of the kinds of images and dog-whistles borrowed from Get Out and the wave of Black-experience-centered horror that followed it, alongside adaptations and remakes like Lovecraft Country and Candyman. But more than anything, with its blend of stuffy English formality and fairytale-romance overtones, it seems to draw upon press coverage and imagery from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding along with the gallingly racist tabloid coverage that followed. In their last conversation before their violent conflagration of a wedding, Dracula attempts to sell Evie on what she would gain in becoming one of his brides, saying “For someone of your… hmm…background, surely this is more than a leg up.” It’s not the smartest movie in the world but it effectively taps into some thoughtful tropes as Doherty oozes blithely through the film, making the viewer ever more uncomfortable in the way he still manages to sound halfway charming even as Dracula betrays his vile views.  7. Bela Lugosi, Dracula (1931) The Hungarian immigrant who, for all intents and purposes, cemented every stereotype about how one plays Count Dracula when he originated the role in the Deane and Balderston Broadway show, was cast when Tod Browning adapted the play for his iconic 1931 Dracula for Universal Pictures. Part of the Universal Monsters lineup that included James Whale’s Frankenstein (1931) and Karl Freund’s The Mummy (1932), the film is, much like the novel it’s based on, very sparing in its use of the Count. Bela Lugosi only speaks in a handful of scenes. He is, compared with many of his fellows on this list, quite subtle. In many ways, in fact, Dwight Frye’s wide-eyed, shivering Renfield is the more unhinged and compelling performance: he’s the character an unsuspecting viewer is more likely to be frightened by. In rewatching the film, I found myself wondering if this, the single most important and influential on-screen portrayal of Dracula, was neither poor enough to make the bad list nor truly good enough to make the good one.  But, after some agonizing, I think I can safely say that, while he’s not my favorite Dracula, Lugosi’s Count does deserve a spot near the top. Lugosi uses his real accent for his few lines, which he delivers, by turns with unctuous, plastered smiles, and a far more genuine cold imperiousness. He gives the impression that the iconic, ear-to-ear grin is masking a fury-laden snarl. As Harker, Seward, and van Helsing bumble their way through the mystery of Dracula’s identity, that smile grows more and more strained. Lugosi gives the impression that his Count would rather be doing anything else than speaking with these troublesome mortals.  And, in the few moments when Lugosi is given the chance to unleash his version of a Count unfettered by politesse, one understands why he is the mold from which most other Draculas are cast. He’s domineering, frigid, just a touch spiteful. For a performance that has been parodied countless times and might be impossible to effectively emulate, the original is still capable of being shockingly fierce.  6. Michael Nouri, The Curse of Dracula (1979) I may be biased here since this 1979 TV movie, called The Curse of Dracula and released as part of the Cliffhangers anthology series, reimagines modern-day Dracula as a suave, passionate, and beloved college professor. And, like some other films on this list, Cliffhanger’s Curse of Dracula and its sequel are both not recommendable as films. They are deadly dull and far too focused on charisma-lacking performances from Stephen Johnson and Carol Baxter.  But the movie’s general lack of appeal might also highlight how good Michael Nouri is in this role. Nouri has had a long career, mostly as a character actor, though he’s probably most famous as the love interest in Flashdance. And it’s that combination of character actor energy combined with leading man good looks that makes his Dracula magnetic. The film leans into the darkly romantic aspects of Dracula and presents him as almost entirely sympathetic while he’s on the screen. We rarely see Nouri’s version actually threatening or menacing anyone, with the film preferring instead to focus on his electric charisma, mixed with a soupçon of sadness. He is a world-weary Dracula, always hunted, always misunderstood, and Nouri plays it to the hilt. Our first and best look at him in this otherwise forgettable TV movie is lecturing to his students about the marriage and subsequent suicide of Crown Prince Rudolph of Austria in the sort of exquisite detail that only someone who had been in attendance could evoke. It’s convincing as the exact sort of lecture that would entrance a certain kind of student into a talented professor’s cult of personality and, if the film sees that as a bad thing, it is quite inept about voicing that concern. Moreover, it’s worth noting that Nouri is one of only a handful of Jewish actors to take on the role—certainly he is the only one I could find that played Dracula in a sympathetic version of the role. In the background, I alluded to the antisemitism of Stoker’s novel and, while Dracula himself is not ever explicitly tied to Judaism, specifics of his physical description track with grotesque stereotypes of ethnic Jewishness popular at the time. While antisemitic caricatures have been a constant across Europe for millennia, mid to late 19th-century England was a hotbed of antisemitism, thanks in part to a massive wave of immigrants fleeing Russian pogroms starting in the late 1870s. Resistance to this influx can be seen in the lead-up to Dracula’s publication with everything from George Eliot’s encomium for Jewish immigrants in Daniel Deronda, which highlights the heightened antisemitism, to the widespread supposition that Jack the Ripper must have been a Jewish immigrant because butchery was a common profession for Jewish men and Whitechapel was a Jewish ghetto at the time.  The Curse of Dracula doesn’t ever explicitly name its Count as Jewish, but it does lean into the idea of there being an elegiac affinity between his own status as a constantly persecuted and pursued man and a people scapegoated across millennia. In a scene late in the film, Nouri’s Dracula plays piano at a bar and a ninety-year-old Russian (perhaps Jewish) immigrant asks him to play “Moscow Nights” and reminisces about the lost splendors of the “old country.” Dracula indulges him and shares his own memories of fin-de-siècle Russia and the unworthiness of its Tsar compared with the man who sits before him. It’s a surprisingly touching moment to which Nouri lends his soft, melancholy gaze and charming smile.  5. Richard Roxburgh, Van Helsing (2004) Don’t get me wrong. Stephen Sommers’ madcap, cartoony ode to Universal Monster movies is a very bad film. It has a similar screwball energy to his earlier classic, The Mummy, but that only serves to point out how much the 1999 film requires Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to perfectly match Sommers’ tone. While they succeeded, Hugh Jackman as van Helsing (here made into the human incarnation of the Archangel Gabriel, stricken with amnesia, and working for a monster-hunting order within the Catholic Church) and vampire-film royalty Kate Beckinsale, as Romani (though the film doesn’t use that term) princess Anna Valerious, just don’t work, either as an on-screen couple or as ambassadors for Sommers’ brand of whiplash-inducing action comedy. Please don’t read this pick as an encomium for the film as a whole.  But Richard Roxburgh, of Moulin Rouge! (2001) and Hound of the Baskervilles (2002) fame, manages to be a thoroughly charming bit of campy continuity in the midst of all of it. Dressed in what is essentially the Victorian version of one of Prince’s concert outfits, he’s given some femme touches—earrings and a golden hair-clip, to match mannerisms that are effervescently queer-coded. He quips and rages and loudly mourns the deaths of each of his brides, channeling the kind of smarmy, licentious energy that one expects from Jeremy Irons, Charles Dance, or Alan Rickman as a ’90s action film villain. He punctuates his post-John Woo wirework bounds and levitations with little waltz and ballet maneuvers that signal he’s having far more fun than anyone else on set (with the possible exception of Shuler Hensley’s operatically warbling Frankenstein’s Monster).  Comedy Draculas are a delicate balancing act and it’s easy to go in for broadly bland shtick a la George Hamilton in 1979’s Love at First Bite, or simply ape Lugosi, or just be Leslie Nielsen. So when someone manages to make a fundamentally silly Dracula lively, campy, and just perverse enough to still feel like a threatening villain, it’s a real triumph. Van Helsing may have aged poorly, but Roxburgh’s Dracula is timelessly entertaining.  4. Max Schreck, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) Bram Stoker had only been dead a decade when German Expressionist filmmaker F.W. Murnau made Nosferatu. Unable to secure the rights to Stoker’s novel, Prana Films changed the names of its characters and altered a few plot details, but don’t be fooled: Count Orlok is Count Dracula. After a protracted legal battle, a German Court ruled in favor of Florence Stoker (Bram’s widow)’s copyright lawsuit, and ordered all prints of the film be destroyed. The film survives today only because of diligent film historians piecing it together from partial prints.  Made before the Hamilton Deane play, Orlok, like the novel’s Dracula, is an ugly, bestial, creature—hairless save his intense and bushy eyebrows, with pointed ears, long claw-like fingers, and a pair of fangs in the front of his mouth that might, uncharitably, be reminiscent of a rodent’s incisors. The film is silent, of course, but even so, Orlok has few placard lines compared to the rest of the cast. Instead, Murnau focuses on the predatory fury of Schreck’s gaze and the interminable stillness of his movements, a spider in the center of a web that Hutter (Gustav von Wangenheim’s not-legally-distinct-enough Harker) hasn’t yet realized he’s in.  Whether he’s rising from the cargo hold of a ship, clawed fingers menacingly gripping the edge of the hatch, or skulking through a doorway that only barely contains him, or casting a grim, hunched shadow on the wall of Hutter’s well-appointed home, Max Schreck gives us a nightmare-inducing Count who is all strange, angular contortions of limbs and empty eyes. There is no deft turn from suave to savage. Murnau and Schreck concoct a demoniac revenant who is just barely human-shaped and whose placards feel impossible to square with the vision of an apex predator that the audience must assume hunts only in total, terrifying silence.  3. Frank Langella, Dracula (1979) Based on the same Hamilton Deane and John L. Balderston stage adaptation that made Bela Lugosi a star, the 1977 Broadway revival starred Frank Langella and boasted a production designed by legendary Gothic illustrator Edward Gorey. The film, directed by Saturday Night Fever’s John Badham, uses some of Gorey’s designs but ultimately opts for a more traditional approach to sets and costumes, though it is shot through a stunningly muted filter, almost giving the appearance of a sepia-toned silent film. It’s among the nastiest takes on the Deane play, with Harker and Seward (Trevor Eve and Halloween’s Donald Pleasance) being portrayed as incompetent and misogynistic even though the Dracula they are up against is no ameliorative for poor Lucy (Kate Nelligan).  Langella, though obviously far from unattractive, is not movie-star handsome and the film saddles him with perhaps the most ludicrous, ’70s-chic puff of brown hair committed to a drama. It may just be the worst hair any Dracula has ever had, and I say this knowing full well that Lugosi made a hyper-shellacked Lego helmet the standard. But Langella overcomes these stylistic shortcomings with a hard-edged charm. He’s right on the precipice of unbearably cold—too gruff to be strictly sexy—but pulls it back just enough to hint at a salacious joie de vivre into which one might read that domineering ice a little differently.  Firmly of the school that less is more, Langella’s Dracula speaks softly, slowly, and with unnerving amounts of eye contact. He might as well be carved of stone compared with the intense, showy agita of Lawrence Olivier’s van Helsing or the crass over-familiarity of Harker and Seward. Other Draculas on this list exude gravitas and dignity, but no one outshines Langella for projecting unrelenting control.  2. Christian Camargo, Penny Dreadful (2016) Reactor has already published an article on my intense and fully justified love of Showtime’s Penny Dreadful, the supernatural prestige drama that, like Alan Moore’s League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Kim Newman’s Anno Dracula, imagines a world where most of the great Gothic novels of the 19th century exist simultaneously. Count Dracula is a presence on the show from the first episode where Timothy Dalton’s Sir Malcolm Murray (here the invented father of the novel’s Mina) searches for his missing daughter. But it is not until the show’s final season that Dracula actually makes an appearance on screen. He’s played by Christian Camargo, who is probably most familiar to folks as Brian Moser, Dexter Morgan’s murderous brother who serves as the villain on the first season of Dexter. But Camargo’s made the rounds as various Gothic villains throughout his career: Henry Wotton in the 2007 adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray, the traitorous Professor Bowden in the 2018 adaptation of China Mieville’s The City and the City; he’s even previously played a vampire, Eleazar of the Denali Coven, in the final two Twilight films. But Camargo is at his best in Penny Dreadful, spending much of the season in the guise of Dr. Alexander Sweet, a mild-tempered naturalist and lecturer.  His scenes are nearly all shot against the maximalist splendor of the Natural History Museum of Ireland in Dublin, where Dracula/Sweet weaves between a panoply of bones and taxidermy, presenting himself as a grieving widower slowly coming around to the suit of tragic, cursed, series lead, Vanessa Ives (Eva Green).  PD’s take on Dracula has him as an immortal spirit, a twin to Satan who was granted dominion over the earth rather than ruling from Hell. As a result, the show dispenses with his Transylvanian origins and the specifics of his invasion of England, so Camargo puts on a British accent plays him as a desperate, dangerous gaslighter, letting his face range from bemused to sorrowful to filled with quiet rage, all with only the barest flicker of the corner of his mouth.  But it’s the genuine sweetness and sorrow underpinning his possessive fury that chills the deepest. Where Tom Doherty’s Dracula lies through his sharpened teeth to dupe his would-be bride, Camargo is bloodcurdlingly genuine in his affections. Even as he plots to isolate and shatter Vanessa, he purrs his loneliness and love. The show even turns Dracula’s command over nocturnal vermin into a facet of his abject sorrows. His final seduction of Vanessa ends with him saying “We’re the lonely night creatures, are we not? The bat, the fox, the spider, the rat.” Penny Dreadful’s Dracula is a distinctly human monster, persuasive in his half-truths, impossible to ignore, unconscionably cruel.  1. Gary Oldman, Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) And we come to it. My choice is probably going to be divisive but, for my money, and throughout my many years of teaching Dracula (the novel) and vampire lit in general, Gary Oldman is the closest thing we’ve ever had to a perfect Count. It doesn’t hurt that (with a few key exceptions), Francis Ford Coppola’s campy, maximalist film hews closer to the plot of the original than nearly all film adaptations. It’s overstuffed with a glut of great character actors—Anthony Hopkins as van Helsing, Richard E. Grant as Dr. Seward, Carey Elwes as Holmwood, Billy Campbell as Morris, Monica Bellucci as one of the brides, and Tom Waits (!!!) as Renfield. Even the film’s lowlights—young and in-over-their-heads Keanu Reeves (as Jonathan Harker) and Winona Ryder (as Mina)—are charming, even as they can’t quite get a hang of the British accents they’ve been asked to master. The film’s one glaring drawback is a grossly misogynistic and deeply misinterpreted version of the novel’s best character, Lucy Westenra (though Sadie Frost does her best with a script that does her no favors).  In a post-Anne Rice world, Coppola’s Dracula wants to make the Count a midway point between the character of the original novel and the tortured, romantic vampire antihero that the New Orleans novelist popularized in her novels, beginning with Interview with the Vampire. The prologue establishes Oldman’s Count as one and the same with the historical Vlad Țepeș and uses the tragic death of the Voivode’s first wife as the reason for his turn to vampirism. It only really deviates from the plot of the novel to invent a tortured romance between Dracula and Mina, who is the reincarnation of his dead wife, here named Elisabeta (we don’t know who the historical Vlad’s first wife was, but some suspect it was Anastasia Holszanska of Poland).  The reason why Oldman is as the top of this list is his sheer capaciousness. There are Draculas who excel at being stern, or cruel, or tortured, or monstrous, or campy. Those are all valid and potentially delightful, but only Gary Oldman is all those things at once. And he performs the role with almost no tension between those wildly different modes. His accent is in the Lugosi vein—breathier and potentially sillier—but paired with a broad, toothy smile, and a narrowing of the eyes that turns him into something both disarming and dangerous. Reeves’ Harker begins his visit a bit charmed, a bit contemptuous of his aristocratic host; by the end, he is shrieking in terror, on the edge of madness. Oldman’s choices fully justify that arc.  Bram Stoker’s Dracula is the start of Gary Oldman‘s tradition of performing from beneath roughly 50 pounds of prosthetics—the sort of repeated stunt that might be accused of detracting from a truly great performance. Here, though, it helps bring Dracula in line with both his Hamilton Deane representation as suave, aristocratic foreigner and his original representation as monstrous, beast-like creature. He appears young and old, human and terrifyingly inhuman with Greg Cannom’s makeup still reading as grotesque and unsettling thirty years later. He is also draped in the designs of legendary costumer Eiko Ishioka, which lend him, among many other iconic looks, the appearance of a skinless armadillo, a Klimt painting, and the root cause of the steampunk scene’s obsession with tiny, tinted lenses.  Through all of his transformations, Oldman’s immortal Count feels remarkably consistent. His Dracula is mad with violent ambition, exhausted by centuries of sorrow, unhinged in a whirl of cruel delight, clear-eyed and earnest on an absinthe-curdled date with Mina. Coppola, when faced with any hard decision about his movie always picks both options and tops it off with a third choice that wasn’t previously listed. He has never been subtle and his films—from The Godfather, to Apocalypse Now, to Megalopolis, to Captain EO—are all exercises in excess. But that’s a good fit for Dracula and its Aesthetic movement-inspired opulence, its faded Carpathian royalty splendor. It’s also a great fit for Oldman, who is more than up to the task of embodying Dracula from every angle and bringing an already baroque film to absolutely luminous, overwhelming life.  But what do you think? Do you have a different pick for the top slot? Is there a Dracula performance you found particularly laudable that’s not mentioned here? Let me know in the comments below—I look forward to the discussion![end-mark] The post The Ten Best On-Screen Draculas appeared first on Reactor.

Add a little more form and function to your garage without breaking the bank with these garage makeover ideas. 14 Simple To Total Transformation Garage Makeover Ideas Sure, a garage's primary purpose is to house your car. Yet, it can serve many other functions – it can be used as a mudroom, a working space for building things, a storage space to keep seasonal decor and clothing, even a special space to practice a hobby like music or pottery. If you're one of those people who doesn't want their garage to just be a utilitarian space, then maybe these 14 garage makeover ideas will inspire you to add pizzazz to your garage.   Simple Makeovers 1. Dress Up Your Garage Doors | Garage doors give you a perfect space to flaunt your unique personality and style, especially if it is situated on the front of your house. One of the best ways to boost your garage area is by adding a DIY pergola that will showcase your green thumb. It's spring, so all the more perfect to house your beautiful climbing vines and blooms. I’m sure in no time your garage door area will be full of wonderful spring blooms that will be the envy of your neighborhood. 2. Marvelous Floors Acid stain, garage tiles, epoxy, –these are just a few options if you want to give your garage floor a marvelous look without losing an arm and leg. A bright bold paint color and a beautiful DIY rug provide simple yet interesting accents for garage floors. 3. Fabulous Walls | All you need to breathe some life to your garage is a fresh coat of paint. Choose a bold color that refreshes or bright hues that make you happy. Or if you want a bit of a country touch on your garage wall, you can opt to use pallets to cover the wall. Soon enough, your garage will no longer look like a parking space but a highlight of your home's aesthetic. 4. Functional Mudroom image via tailoredlivingknoxville Mudrooms are the one space of the house where you leave pretty much anything that you don't want inside the house. But it often requires a space of their own. A bench to sit on while taking off shoes, hooks, cubbies, cabinets and a painted door create that instant mudroom space and welcoming aura for your garage. 5. Bicycle Storage Rack image via bikeforums Looking for an easy way to keep your bicycles organized? This simple shelf, rod, or hook storage idea is a great solution to win back garage floor space, plus you can even store your bikes paired with its helmet. If you enjoy DIY-ing, you can simply build your own bicycle storage rack. 6. De-clutter Sporting Goods | If your kids love being active, more often than not you'll find their sports equipment all over your garage floor. Instead of storing them in huge bins (which eats up too much valuable space) you can opt for wall storage using a bungee cord. You'll need: nails, spare wood, and bungee cords. Install 3 pieces of wood (creating a “U” shape) from the top to bottom areas of the wall. Customize it to your desired storage height. Create a barrier to keep the sporting goods in place by hooking 4-5 bungee cords from the wooden ledges. The bungee cord's flexibility will provide easy access to your sporting goods. 7. Pegboard Garage Organization image via thecreativityexchange If you are an organization fanatic, you'll find all kinds of joy with your empty garage wall and lots of pegboards. A very simple storage idea – of hanging wire baskets to keep tools in place, and utilizing empty mason jars to hold little tools, provide a place for everything and keep everything organized. 8. Overhead Garage Storage System Take advantage of your garage ceiling space by installing overhead storage shelves. This space is perfect for storage totes, crates, or boxes of unused belongings, such as clothes and decorations.   Spruce up the homestead for #Spring2017 with these #HomeImprovement projects! https://t.co/TwKZ8lyzEG pic.twitter.com/4tSU0Spr57 — Homesteading (@HomesteadingUSA) March 13, 2017   Total Transformation 9. Garage Garden Oasis image via spoon-tamago As a homesteader, I love gardening, but sometimes space is an issue when it comes to growing plants. Did you ever think that instead of storing clutter, your garage could be transformed into a garden oasis to house both your car and plants? It may look a little overwhelming, but you have to admit it's a pretty inspiring and clever idea. 10. Family Room image via thehoneycombhome If you have the luxury of space, you can go ahead and transform your garage into an inviting family room. A cozy fireplace and a few comfortable touches will readily accommodate your need for a great family time. You probably won't remember what your old garage looked like! 11. Garage Workshop image via structuretech1 If your hobby or your husband’s hobby needs a workshop, the garage is one perfect place where you can create one. Choose a specific wall space where you store all your gardening gear. You can even add a DIY pallet workbench to make all the work easier. 12. Pop Up Shop image via whitelacecottage To a DIY lover, craft-aholic, an antique collector, or to a homesteader who wants to earn a little extra money by selling homemade products, a vacant garage is an ideal place to establish a shop for your fabulous creations, wonderful finds, and delicious homemade goodies. Your merchandise is all the decor you need, so it's just a matter of arranging it well. It's a sure winner because you're saving time, money, and energy by not transporting your stock, and you get to work from home. 13. Cheery Playroom | Kids are always hyper and active. They definitely need room to move around and use up all that energy! A garage turned into a cheery playroom become a happy and safe haven where they can exercise their imagination and practice their hobbies. 14. Kitchen/Living Area | Consider extending your dining or kitchen area out into the garage for added working space. Just think of all the extra room you'll have for canning, baking, and meal preparation! If you want to achieve a cohesive look, make sure the space has just one or two focal points. A successful homestead garage makeover is one that's seamless!   Want more garage makeover and organization tips? Check out this video from AtHomeWithNikki: A garage can definitely be transformed into a more functional and sophisticated space. Leave no wasted space with any of these ideas that can be had for cheap if you get creative with materials and labor! You'll soon be on your way to a more beautiful and functional garage. What do you think of these garage makeover ideas? Which one will you apply to your own garage? Let us know in the comments below. Want to know how spruce up your homestead? Take it easy with these 5 Ways to Spruce Up the Homestead. I'm sure after these your homestead will become the talk of the town! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!    

Kamala's Closing Message to Black Men: Excuse Me, I Speak Jive

Although the project in Kern Country is facing some heated resistance.

On a spring morning in 2020 the U.S. Department of Defense had officially released footage of unidentified flying objects captured by Navy pilots. The videos, commonly known as “Gimbal,” “Go Fast,” and “FLIR1,” had leaked years prior, but the Pentagon’s decision to acknowledge them added legitimacy to claims of mysterious aerial phenomena. However, along with this admission came questions—why had these videos taken years to be declassified? And what other information might remain hidden from the public eye? This incident is just one of many in the murky world of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) and alleged Non-Human Intelligence (NHI) encounters, where government agencies hold significant control over information. Who are the gatekeepers deciding what the public gets to know, and what motives lie behind their decisions? The program officially closed in December 1969, just three months after the Berkshire incident, citing a lack of evidence to suggest that UFOs posed a threat to national security. Historical Context and Precedents The secrecy surrounding UAPs has a long, complex history. The earliest documented government investigation into UAPs was Project Blue Book, a series of studies conducted by the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1969. This program reviewed over 12,000 cases, of which more than 700 remained unexplained, but Project Blue Book concluded that UAPs posed no threat to national security, a conclusion critics believe was intended to quell public interest. This wasn’t the last attempt to investigate—and obscure—the UAP phenomenon. The Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), launched in 2007 by the Pentagon, reportedly investigated UAP sightings for over a decade. However, details of its operations only emerged after its alleged closure in 2012, raising questions about the secrecy surrounding the program. If UAPs presented genuine national security concerns, why was AATIP shrouded in mystery? In 2017, former AATIP official Luis Elizondo came forward, claiming the government had purposely suppressed findings and that the program continued unofficially even after its supposed closure. Patterns in disclosure timing further deepen suspicions. In recent years, several declassified documents related to UAPs have come to light, yet they often emerge only after the public becomes aware of specific incidents or when whistleblowers go public. This delay has led to growing public skepticism and a sense that official narratives may only tell part of the story. “And so, if the Department of the Air Force, if the Pentagon thinks they’re above Congress, they have something else coming to them,” she said at the time. “We told them we were going to do this if they continue to hide information and ultimately, American people deserve the facts,” said Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) Defining Gatekeepers In any governmental structure, information control is key to power. The concept of “gatekeepers” within UAP secrecy refers to the individuals, agencies, and sometimes private contractors that control access to classified information. These gatekeepers are often intelligence officials, high-ranking members within agencies such as the CIA, NSA, and Department of Defense, as well as influential defense contractors. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Boeing have become significant players in UAP information control, primarily because they hold contracts for advanced research and technological development. With access to classified technology and direct government partnerships, these contractors may be privy to UAP-related information unavailable to most public officials. In many cases, they are bound by non-disclosure agreements, protected by compartmentalized classification protocols that keep critical details hidden from even other parts of the government. These gatekeepers, particularly within intelligence communities, play a substantial role in deciding what information becomes public. According to former government officials, these individuals’ allegiance is less to the public and more to national security priorities, as defined by their agencies’ internal objectives. Current Mechanisms of Information Control The U.S. government has well-established mechanisms for controlling sensitive information, particularly in relation to UAPs. Formal methods, such as classification systems and compartmentalization, serve as barriers to transparency. Classified UAP data is frequently tagged as “Top Secret” or “Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI),” which restricts access to only a select few, even within government ranks. Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) further reinforce secrecy. Former officials, such as those who participated in AATIP, are legally restricted from sharing information unless explicitly authorized. These mechanisms are often defended on the grounds of national security, with officials asserting that public disclosure of UAP-related technology could compromise intelligence efforts or military capabilities. Many former officials have publicly spoken out about these restrictions. Christopher Mellon, a former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, has criticized the Department of Defense for its handling of UAP information, arguing that these mechanisms prevent the public from accessing potentially vital information. Mellon and others argue that current methods, while protective, are overly restrictive, preventing researchers and even Congress from gaining full visibility into UAP data. David Grusch came forward with allegations the federal government knows about—and has in its possession—alien spacecraft. Over the past decade, whistleblowers have played a critical role in pulling back the curtain on government secrecy surrounding UAPs. Key individuals, such as Luis Elizondo and David Grusch, have come forward with claims of concealed information and direct government interference. In a high-profile interview, former intelligence officer David Grusch alleged that government entities have withheld information regarding “intact and partially intact” UAP materials. Grusch’s claims suggest that information on these phenomena is not just classified but actively suppressed, with a network of officials dedicated to preventing leaks. Grusch’s statements were not isolated; they align with similar testimonies from other former officials, hinting at a coordinated effort to keep UAP information under wraps. The reluctance to disclose information, according to these whistleblowers, often comes from both internal pressure and external influences. With evidence suggesting that government officials may intimidate whistleblowers, the climate for disclosure remains tense, with whistleblowers risking their careers and reputations. The Motivation Behind Secrecy There are various theories regarding why governments remain tight-lipped about UAPs and potential NHI interactions. One argument centers on national security. If UAPs represent advanced technology, whether foreign or non-human, governments may want to control information to avoid disclosing potential weaknesses. Another motivation could be technological advantage. If research into UAPs has led to breakthroughs in fields like propulsion or materials science, it would be strategically advantageous to keep these discoveries under wraps, preventing adversaries from accessing cutting-edge technology. Further, the defense industry’s ties to UAP secrecy cannot be ignored, as defense contractors have vested interests in maintaining exclusive control over emerging technologies. A third, less discussed motivation is social stability. The release of incontrovertible evidence of non-human intelligence could disrupt societal norms and provoke widespread panic. Such disclosure could destabilize religious, political, and economic systems, making gatekeepers hesitant to reveal findings that could upend society’s established order. In recent years, the U.S. government has taken modest steps toward UAP transparency. The UAP Disclosure Act and recent congressional hearings have signaled a potential shift in policy, with lawmakers pushing for greater openness on the issue. The act mandates that all UAP-related materials be centralized under a controlled system accessible to Congress, which could theoretically reduce the ability of gatekeepers to withhold information. However, political factors complicate this landscape. Lobbying from the defense industry, which profits from classified research and development, remains a barrier to transparency. As contractors hold powerful sway over both Congress and defense agencies, they can exert pressure to keep valuable information confidential. Additionally, the influence of national intelligence agencies, whose interests often align with continued secrecy, further hinders efforts for full disclosure. What Awaits Us Tomorrow? Amid this uncertainty, public interest in UAP disclosure has only grown. Notable researchers, including investigative journalist Leslie Kean and former military personnel with firsthand experiences, have called for greater transparency. Kean argues that the public has a right to know about any data regarding phenomena that could impact humanity’s understanding of itself and the universe. Public opinion polls reflect an evolving attitude, with a majority of Americans now favoring full disclosure of government-held UAP information. A Gallup poll from 2021 found that 64% of Americans believe the government is withholding important details about UAPs. The evidence is mounting that government gatekeepers play a crucial role in controlling information related to UAPs and potential non-human intelligence. It appears that a web of intelligence officials, defense contractors, and government agencies is dedicated to managing public knowledge of these phenomena. While the motivations behind this secrecy range from national security to technological competition, the result remains the same: a limited understanding of UAPs. As pressure for disclosure increase, it remains to be seen if these gatekeepers will maintain their grip on information or if the walls of secrecy will eventually break down. The post Role of Government Gatekeepers in UAP and Non-Human Intelligence Disclosure appeared first on Anomalien.com.

Click to Skip Ahead Overview Treatment Options No matter how much we try to keep them in optimal health, our dogs sometimes become ill. It’s just a fact of life. What’s important is getting familiarized with the different treatment options available for any condition or illness our canine companions come down with.  This helps us understand that the veterinarian is providing the best available treatment option. Anemia is described as a lower overall number of red blood cells in the body. There are many different kinds of anemias and they are also a result of very diverse causes. Therefore, when it comes to treating anemia in dogs, there are several options available. The best one for the case will be determined by the cause and kind of anemia present. Some of these options treat very specific underlying causes of anemia, so there is not a one-size-fits-all treatment for all anemic dogs. In most cases, these treatments will be used in conjunction with each other. Today, we’ll be looking at all those options and what they entail, so keep reading! What Is Anemia? What exactly is anemia in dogs? Anemia occurs when a canine’s body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissue, so if there are fewer of them or they aren’t doing their job properly, a dog can become weak and fatigued, and depending on the degree of the anemia, the lack of proper tissue and organ oxygenation can cause a myriad of undesirable consequences. In all cases, anemia is a sign of some other underlying issue. Some examples are: Acute and severe blood loss, like in an accident Chronic loss of small quantities of blood such as in the case of ulcers or parasite infestations. Red blood cell destruction, caused by intoxications, chemicals, cancer, drugs, certain inherited diseases, or even the dog’s immune system. The lack of production of red blood cells, such as in the case of lack of nutrients, kidney disease, or bone marrow problems. Anemias are classified as regenerative if the cause of anemia is treatable and the dog is able to recover normal red blood cell levels with treatment. Anemia is non-regenerative if the cause is their inability to produce new red blood cells. The latter happens when dogs have issues with their bone marrow or from chronic disease or damage to the kidneys or other organs. The treatment of choice will be decided based on the kind of anemia and the cause beyond it. While the following list is not exhaustive, it is a good overview of some of the treatment options for anemia in dogs. Image Credit: Tatiana’s Camera, Shutterstock The 11 Treatment Options For Anemia in Dogs 1. Iron Supplements You’re likely familiar with iron-deficiency anemia in humans; it’s not uncommon in canines, either. In the case of dogs, iron-deficiency anemia is most common in cases of chronic blood loss. However, insufficient intake of iron through diet is another possibility. Since iron plays such an important role in the transportation of oxygen to the body’s tissues in the form of hemoglobin, adequate iron levels are crucial for recovery. If your dog is experiencing iron-deficiency anemia, iron supplements will be prescribed. 2. Blood Transfusion If your pet has experienced some injury or trauma that has led to sudden, severe blood loss, it’s a life-threatening situation, so a blood transfusion will be necessary. The primary purpose of this treatment is to stabilize your pup so that the reason for the anemia can be figured out and treated (provided the reason isn’t obvious, like an injury). Occasionally, the reason for severe blood loss isn’t so apparent—there could be a condition making it difficult for blood to clot or a bleeding tumor somewhere, which could lead to low-grade chronic blood loss resulting in iron-deficiency anemia. Image Credit: Dragon Images, Shutterstock 3. Deworming or Parasite Medications Internal parasites can also be responsible for anemia in canines. Hookworms, in particular, can result in anemia as they attach to the small intestine to feed on blood. However, ectoparasite infestation can also result in anemia. Increased numbers of fleas and ticks feeding on their host’s blood can lead to severe anemia, especially in puppies. If your vet finds that internal or external parasite infestations are responsible for a dog’s anemia, deworming or anti-parasite medications will be given. The specific treatment will largely depend on the case. 4. Gastrointestinal Medication A number of diseases can result in anemia if there is chronic blood loss from ulcerations, an inability to absorb iron from malabsorption, or other intestinal disturbances. If your vet has done testing and found that the cause of the anemia is something like stomach ulcers, your dog will be given gastroprotectants and proton pump inhibitors. If the cause is due to the inability to absorb iron due to gastrointestinal illness, the solution would depend on treating the underlying cause but might include antimicrobial drugs, anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and even specialized diets or calming aids. 5. Cobalamin (B12) Supplementation If the anemia is caused by a cobalamin deficiency, periodic subcutaneous injections of cobalamin might be prescribed. In dogs, the most common causes of cobalamin deficiencies are exotic pancreatic insufficiency and chronic and severe small intestinal disease. Hereditary cobalamin deficiency is also a possibility and has been described in various dog breeds including the Border Collie, Shar Pei, Giant Schnautzer, and the Australian Shepherd. Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock 6. Antibiotics Sometimes infections, particularly chronic infections or those infections leading to sepsis, are associated with the development of anemia. If that is the case, a course of antibiotics that target the causing bacteria will need to be part of the treatment protocols. 7. Corticosteroids and Immunosuppressive Drugs Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is probably the most common autoimmune disease in canines, and corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs are used to treat it. The purpose of this treatment is to stop the dog’s immune system from destroying their own red blood cells. 8. Intravenous Fluids & Binders Intravenous fluids are also sometimes given for anemia in conjunction with medications and other treatments, particularly if your dog’s anemia is due to kidney disease or intoxication. These fluids help keep the kidneys working correctly and protect the kidneys from further damage. So, don’t be surprised if your vet gives your pet fluids during your visit. Image Credit: Konstantin Zaykov, Shutterstock 9. Surgery or Chemotherapy If the cause behind the anemia is an injury, a damaged organ, or even cancer, surgery or chemotherapy might be the treatment options of choice to resolve the primary issue behind your dog’s anemia. 10. Potassium Phosphate Supplements Some metabolic disorders can cause hemolytic anemias. Dogs with diabetes, hepatic lipidosis, and refeeding syndrome might present this problem. Providing additional phosphorus, either orally or injected, is the recommended treatment. 11. Bone Marrow Transplant If your canine companion is dealing with primary bone marrow disease, this will lead to non-regenerative anemia because the red blood cell precursors (stem cells that will become red blood cells) come from the bone marrow. To be diagnosed, your dog would most likely have a bone marrow aspiration, followed by a core biopsy. And in this case, a bone marrow transplant from a suitable donor might be the only way to resolve this kind of anemia. However, this is a rare procedure in veterinary medicine. Conclusion When your favorite canine suffers from anemia, several options are available to help. The best treatment option will depend on the underlying cause of your pet’s anemia. Treatment could be as simple as antibiotics or iron supplements for something like a bacterial infection or iron deficiency. In cases where anemia has been brought on due to blood loss, parasite infestations, renal issues, intoxication, or injury, treatment could be more involved and may include antiparasitic treatments, gastric treatments, blood transfusion, binders, and intravenous fluids. Rest assured that your vet will provide the best treatment option for your dog. In the meantime, it’s helpful to understand that there are several causes and types of anemia, and each one will require a different treatment approach. Sources https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/anemia-in-dogs https://www.merckvetmanual.com/circulatory-system/anemia/anemia-caused-by-primary-bone-marrow-diseases-in-animals https://www.dovepress.com/canine-autoimmune-hemolytic-anemia-management-challenges-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-VMRR https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/internal-parasites-in-dogs – :~:text=Hookworms are one of the,hookworms can cause severe anemia. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/blood-disorders-of-dogs/anemia-in-dogs https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-phosphorus-metabolism/hypophosphatemia-in-animals Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock The post Anemia Treatments in Dogs: Our Vet Explains 11 Options appeared first on PangoVet.

Click to Skip Ahead Overview What To Do FAQ Dogs love to test our patience by ingesting all sorts of bizarre things they shouldn’t, and aluminum foil is actually a pretty common one, particularly if it has been used to wrap up some delicious leftovers. If your dog has managed to eat a sheet of this shiny metal wrap, you’ll no doubt be pretty worried and want to know what to do next. The good news is that, in most cases, your dog will be fine, and the foil will pass through their body without causing any major issues. However, this will depend greatly on the size of your dog, how much foil they’ve eaten, and whether or not luck is on your side. If your dog has eaten aluminum foil, the most sensible first step is to get in touch with your vet for advice specific to your dog and situation. In the article below, we’ll discuss the possible issues that ingesting foil may have on your dog’s digestive system, so you’ll know what to be looking out for. What Happens if Your Dog Eats Aluminum Foil? Aluminum, or aluminium, is the most abundant metal element in the Earth’s crust, but due to its chemical structure, it does not appear in its metallic form in nature. A process of electrolysis turns pure metallic aluminum into the malleable, moldable sheets we know so well. It is not a heavy metal and does not pose any risks of toxicity if ingested, but it can still cause some issues. In most cases, the main consequence of eating this foil will be some shiny poop in a day or two. However, aluminum foil can cause some problems, particularly if: Your Dog Ate a Large Amount of Foil It would be unusual for a dog to sit down to a hearty meal of foil, but if they have eaten a large enough amount or a ball of foil,  it could cause a partial or complete blockage in the gastrointestinal tract. Even if the foil doesn’t get completely stuck, it may cause damage to the lining of the esophagus or intestine as it travels through, resulting in bleeding, vomiting, or diarrhea. Image Credit: shulers, Shutterstock There Was Anything Toxic Inside the Foil Sometimes we’re so worried about the foil itself that we forget to consider what (if anything) was wrapped inside it. There are plenty of foods we regularly eat that are toxic to dogs (eg., chocolate, onions, and grapes) or fatty foods that could cause gastrointestinal upset or pancreatitis. And if the food inside the foil had gone bad, there’s the added risk of food poisoning. If Your Dog Regularly Eats Foil Dogs can sometimes develop strange compulsions for eating certain items, a condition known as pica. If your dog is making a habit out of eating aluminum foil, even small amounts can start to accumulate inside the stomach, building up like a snowball to form a bezoar, a solid mass of foil, food, fur, and other material, that can cause an obstruction when it passes into the intestines. If you think your dog may be suffering from pica, make a list of your dog’s normal food (and non-food) and make an appointment to discuss this with your vet. My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil, What Should I Do? The first thing to do is get in touch with your vet. They may recommend monitoring your dog at home or bringing them in for an examination, depending on the size and health of your dog, and how much foil they have eaten. If we are dealing with quite a small amount of foil, this will likely pass through uneventfully over the next 2-3 days. You will need to keep a close eye on your dog over this period, watching out for any signs of discomfort, nausea, or obstruction. Image Credit: MT.PHOTOSTOCK, Shutterstock Signs of an esophageal obstruction Regurgitation (food/water expelled without abdominal effort) Difficulty swallowing Exaggerated swallowing Drooling Gagging/coughing Signs of a gastric (stomach) or intestinal obstruction Inappetence Abdominal discomfort or pain Rigid abdomen Vomiting Drooling Passing no or very small amounts of feces Panting Dehydration – tacky gums, prolonged skin tent Call your vet immediately if you see any of these signs. Because aluminum foil can be sharp, your dog may experience some discomfort and difficulty when passing it. A very small amount of blood or straining wouldn’t be unusual, but if your dog is straining a lot or passing more than a few drops of blood, they need to be seen by a vet. Image Credit: KongNoi, Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Will My Dog Need Surgery? If your dog develops an obstruction, surgery will likely be needed. Your vet will take some X-rays to determine where the obstruction is located and how best to approach it. If the object is far enough down the digestive tract, sometimes, giving intravenous fluids and lubricating medications will allow it to pass, but abdominal surgery is usually the best way to remove an intestinal blockage. Should I Make My Dog Vomit? You should never attempt to make your dog vomit at home unless specifically instructed to by your vet. Often, making a dog vomit an object can cause more harm than good, so wait until you speak with your vet before taking any action. Should I Feed My Dog? Do not give them anything to eat until you have spoken to your vet. If your dog is bright and well and the plan is to monitor them at home, feeding them little and often can help to keep their intestines moving, as well as let us know if their appetite is normal. Final Thoughts While most dogs will be more interested in the food contained in aluminum foil, some will be in such a rush that they’ll eat the whole lot—foil and all. And, there will always be those that enjoy munching on strange things. Fortunately, aluminum foil is non-toxic, and being quite soft, it will usually pass through the digestive tract fairly readily. However, if your dog has consumed a large amount of aluminum foil, there were any toxic food items or spoiled food inside the foil, or they are developing a habit of eating it, you should contact your vet for an appointment. Call your vet if: Your dog has eaten a large amount of aluminum foil. There was any food in the foil that might be toxic to your dog. If you’re not sure, it’s better to check with the vet. Your dog stops eating or drinking. Your dog starts vomiting. Your dog seems depressed or lethargic. Your dog’s abdomen seems to be in pain or uncomfortable or looks bloated. There is blood in the stool that persists for more than 24 hours, or if the amount of blood is increasing. In most cases, your dog will be fine, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Sources https://www.britannica.com/science/aluminum https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/pancreatitis-in-dogs https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk491/files/inline-files/Unusual_eating_habits.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369877763_GASTRIC_FOREIGN_BODY_BEZOAR_IN_A_NINE-MONTH-OLD_DOG_AND_ITS_SURGICAL_MANAGEMENT Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock The post My Dog Ate Aluminum Foil: Our Vet Explains What To Do Next appeared first on PangoVet.

Once, not that long ago, televisions were beloved devices that brought families together for regular rituals of laughter, drama, and storytelling. But today, as we settle in for a night of streaming on our sleek smart TVs, that warmth feels increasingly distant. These modern monstrosities offer endless options and voice-activated convenience, but this comes at a steep price. While we put our feet up and enjoy our favorite shows, we’re also inviting a level of surveillance into our homes that would have been unthinkable a few decades ago. According to a new report by the Center for Digital Democracy, smart TVs have become yet another cog in a massive, data-driven machine. Specifically, this machine is an ecosystem that harvests viewer data with military-like precision, prioritizing profits over privacy, individual autonomy, and, arguably, our collective well-being. Big Brother isn't just in your living room — he knows what you’re watching, what you’re thinking, what you’re buying, and even where you’re going. A Trojan horse in disguise As the report details, these devices function as sophisticated surveillance tools, tracking viewers' every move across platforms. From Tubi to Netflix to Disney+, streaming services rely heavily on various data collection mechanisms to fuel a relentless advertising engine. These companies boast about their ability to collect "billions of rows of data" on their viewers, using machine learning algorithms to personalize the entire experience — from what shows are recommended to the ads viewers are served. Tools like Automatic Content Recognition — built into TVs by companies such as LG, Samsung, and Roku — track and analyze everything you watch. ACR collects data frame by frame, creating detailed viewer profiles that are then used for targeted advertising. These profiles can include information about the devices in your home and the content you purchase, all feeding into a continuous feedback loop for advertisers. The more you watch, the more the system learns about you — and the greater its ability to shape your choices. The “non-skippable” ads, personalized to reflect intimate knowledge about viewers' behaviors and vulnerabilities, are particularly disturbing. They are engineered to be as compelling and intrusive as possible. Smart TVs are living up to their names. They know everything about you. And I mean absolutely everything. Data-driven manipulation The streaming industry has rapidly grown into one of the most lucrative advertising sectors, with streaming platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime attracting billions in ad revenue. As the report warns, these platforms now use advanced generative AI and machine learning to produce thousands of hyper-targeted ads in seconds — ads for Mom, ads for Dad, and ads for the little ones. By employing tools like identity graphs, which compile data from across an individual’s digital footprint, streaming services can track and target viewers on their televisions and throughout their entire digital lives. That's right. Smart TVs seamlessly interact with other smart devices, basically "talking" to each other and sharing valuable gossip. This data collection goes far beyond tracking viewing habits. The report reveals that companies like Experian and TransUnion have developed identifiers that encompass deeply personal details, such as health information, financial status, and political views. Who will you vote for in November? You already know — and so does your TV. Crooked capitalism At its core, capitalism has been a driving force of innovation, progress, and prosperity. Its brilliance lies in its ability to harness human creativity and ambition, rewarding those who bring value to the market. In its purest form, capitalism is entirely meritocratic. Capitalism has lifted millions out of poverty through competition and the pursuit of profit. Capitalism helped make America the greatest nation known to man. However, we see today a gross distortion of capitalism’s core principles. Surveillance capitalism has taken the place of pure capitalism. Instead of fostering innovation, this monstrous model feeds off personal data, often without our knowledge or consent. It preys particularly on vulnerable groups like children, exploiting their behaviors and emotions to turn a profit. The same system that once championed freedom now thrives on violating privacy, reducing human experiences to commodities. Smart TVs and surveillance capitalism go hand in hand. This raises an urgent question: What can we do about it? While it’s tempting to grab a sledgehammer and smash your nosy device into a million pieces, more practical solutions exist. Start by diving into your TV's settings and disabling data tracking features such as ACR. You can also refuse to sign up for accounts or services that require extensive data sharing. For those willing to pay a bit more, opting for ad-free services can limit the data collected on your viewing habits, though it’s not a foolproof solution. Additionally, advocating for stronger regulations on data privacy and transparency in advertising technologies is crucial. As consumers, we need to push policymakers to implement stricter laws that hold companies accountable for the data they collect and how they use it. Organizations like the Center for Digital Democracy, which authored this important report, are already fighting for these changes. This is a matter of critical importance. Close to 80% of homes in the U.S. have a smart TV. Big Brother isn't just in your living room — he knows what you’re watching, what you’re thinking, what you’re buying, and even where you’re going. Not for the sledgehammer, I hope.

1776 Project PAC founder Ryan Girdusky's conservatism frequently puts him at odds with leftist panelists on CNN, although for the most part, past engagements have been relatively civil. Things took a turn on Monday's "NewsNight with Abby Phillip" when the titular host of MSNBC's canceled "The Mehdi Hasan Show" insinuated that Girdusky, President Donald Trump, Tucker Carlson, and others with whom he disagreed on matters of policy are Nazis. Evidently tired of the worn-out liberal smear, Girdusky turned the tables — which was particularly easy given Hasan's reputation for "anti-Israel agitprop" — and made a dark joke about the former Al Jazeera presenter perhaps being a terrorist. After landing a rhetorical punch that left Hasan repeating himself and the other panelists melting down, Girdusky was kicked off the set and banned from the show. "You can stay on CNN if you falsely call every Republican a Nazi and have taken money from Qatar-funded media," Girdusky noted afterward on X. "Apparently you can't go on CNN if you make a joke. I'm glad America gets to see what CNN stands for." Background Trump held a high-energy campaign event Sunday at Madison Square Garden. The venue was at capacity, and the rally went swimmingly despite the best efforts of Harris supporters to cancel and spoil the event. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, failed presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and New York state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal likened the event to a Nazi rally at the Garden in 1939, as opposed to the Democratic Party's national conventions at the Garden in 1976, 1980, and 1992. MSNBC, Time magazine, and various other liberal publications soon dutifully regurgitated the Democrats' suggestion that Trump's campaign event was essentially the Nazi rally of the day — meaning that all those present, including 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Jerry Wartski, were themselves Nazis or Nazi sympathizers. Counterstrike On Monday, CNN host Abby Phillip and Girdusky debated whether the media had just defamed Trump or all those in attendance at the Garden rally. Hasan, an exponent of the false narrative about the Hunter Biden laptop story, chimed in to defend the media's characterization. According to Hasan, there were even more examples from the rally that were reminiscent of the exterminationists of yesteryear. There was still Tucker Carlson doing replacement. Don Jr. did replacement. And then Trump himself turned up and talked about invading and occupying our country, which is the language of the far right. He talked about enemy of the people, which is Joseph Goebbels. He talked about the enemy within, which is literally Hitler. I mean, these are the — my problem is — I get it, which [is] nobody wants to be called Nazis. It's very inflammatory. "If you don't want to be called Nazis, stop doing, stop saying —" said Hasan, at which point Girdusky leaned forward to point out that the Israel critic was casting stones from a glass house. "You're called an anti-Semite more than anyone in this table," said Girdusky. 'It is fine to call anyone on the political right a Nazi.' "I'm a supporter of the Palestinians," said Hasan. "I'm used to it." "Yes. Well, I hope your beeper doesn't go off," responded Girdusky. Israel hid explosives inside pagers used by Hezbollah terrorists and triggered them in September, killing at least 11 individuals and injuring over 4,000 others in Lebanon and parts of Syria. Hasan did his best to misconstrue Girdusky's dark humor into a death wish. "Did you just say I should die?" said Hasan. "Did you just say I should be killed?" Girdusky apologized, indicating that was not his meaning and that he thought Hasan had signaled support for Hamas. Phillip attempted to intervene, but there was no consoling Hasan. "You just said I should get killed on live TV," said Hasan. "You said you hope my beeper shouldn't go off." Former Biden-Harris campaign staffer Ashley Allison fed on Hasan's rage and berated Girdusky, weaving criticism of the conservative into yet another attack on Trump. After more hand-wringing, the show went to break. Banned Phillip began the next segment — from which Girdusky was noticeably absent — with an apology, not to the conservative for the Nazi smear, but to Hasan for the beeper joke. "I want to apologize to Mehdi Hasan for what was said at this table. It was completely unacceptable. When we get this discussion started, you'll see that Ryan is not at the table. There is a line that was crossed there, and it's not acceptable to me," said Phillip. "It's not acceptable to us at this network. We want discussion. We want people who disagree with each other to talk to each other. But when you cross the line of a complete lack of civility, that is not going to happen here on this show." CNN confirmed to Blaze News that Girdusky "will not be welcomed back at our network." In response to questions about whether Nazi and terrorist accusations were weighted differently and whether Hasan might also face repercussions, CNN stated, "There is zero room for racism or bigotry at CNN or on our air. We aim to foster thoughtful conversations and debate including between people who profoundly disagree with each other in order to explore important issues and promote mutual understanding. But we will not allow guests to be demeaned or for the line of civility to be crossed." Phillip revealed late Monday night that CNN has asked Hasan back, portraying the leftist who previously suggested that non-Muslims are subhuman and that all homosexuals are pedophiles as a victim. "We really hope that he will join us again soon," said Phillip. Blaze News reached out to Girdusky for comment but did not receive a response by deadline. "It is fine to call anyone on the political right a Nazi," tweeted Max Abrahms, associate professor of political science at Northeastern University. "It is not okay to call an antisemitic Qatar agent who runs PR for terrorists a terrorist." Sean Davis, co-founder of the Federalist, said of the comment that got Girdusky ousted, "Absolutely legendary comeback, and a clinic on the only way to handle garbage corporate media. Jack Posobiec, senior editor at Human Events, noted, "Understand what just happened[.] Mehdi Hasan called Ryan Girdusky, a Polish-American, a Nazi[.] Ryan responded with a quip about beepers[.] Ryan was kicked off, and CNN apologized to Hasan for his comments[.] That's how it works at CNN." Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

With less than two weeks to go before Election Day, Donald Trump’s campaign just keeps looking better. And shockingly, New York City just turned out big-time for the former president. Not only did the mayor, Eric Adams, tell his party to tone down the divisive and harmful rhetoric regarding Trump, but a rally Trump held at Madison Square Garden completely sold out — and the crowd outside was even bigger. “That place was packed,” Pat Gray of “Pat Gray Unleashed” comments. “What does it seat, 20,000?” The NYPD released the official count of those in attendance, with Madison Square Garden at 19,500 people and 75,000 people outside the arena rallying in support of Trump’s campaign. “And it’s a Nazi rally, because in 1939, Nazis held a rally at Madison Square Garden,” Gray comments, poking fun at the Democrats who have compared the two. “So what I just heard you say is Billy Joel is a Nazi,” Keith Malinak comments, as Billy Joel has also sold out Madison Square Garden many times. “If you go to Madison Square Garden and a big crowd shows up, you must be a Nazi.” Want more from Pat Gray?To enjoy more of Pat's biting analysis and signature wit as he restores common sense to a senseless world, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.