Yesterday, the Secretaries of State for Michigan, Georgia, and Pennsylvania each went on mainstream media and said they won’t have Election results on Election Night. Clearly coordinated. Why is it that these key battleground states are the only ones that can’t seem to deliver… pic.twitter.com/oaDH95ROcz — Patri0tsareinContr0l (@Patri0tContr0l) October 21, 2024

from Your News: A shocking discovery in Minnesota reveals that 31% of non-citizens at a single apartment complex are registered to vote, sparking concerns about election integrity. By yourNEWS Media Newsroom A recent investigation by Muckracker.com has uncovered alarming footage showing that non-citizens residing in Minnesota are registered to vote, raising significant concerns about the state’s election […]

by Harley Schlanger, LaRouche Organization: NATO’s war against Russia in Ukraine and Israel’s ethnic cleansing of Gaza and Lebanon will never produce peace, nor prosperity, except for those corporate and financial cartels of the Military-Industrial-Financial complex. To keep on top of these historic developments, subscribe to the EIR Daily Report (use the link below). And […]

from Reese Report: TRUTH LIVES on at https://sgtreport.tv/

The Cheltenham weekender will also host Million Dead, Kid Kapichi, La Dispute, Bambie Thug and dozens more in July

Kids are always finding neat stuff and picking it up. When Mom Furby took her son Mateo to Disney, he found a broken arm from a Woody toy. The small piece of broken toy was special to the young boy because he had that same toy at home. Mateo knew just what to do with the arm — he needed to return it to Woody! @lifewithfurby He was so proud #disneytiktok #disneytips #hollywoodstudios ♬ You’ve Got a Friend in Me (From “Toy Story”) – Piano Version – Enrique Lázaro When Furby and Mateo find Woody, they have no clue how the character will react. They certainly didn’t expect to cause Woody to have a minor panic attack. Mateo proudly handed Woody the broken arm. Image from TikTok. Looking at the arm, Woody stepped back a few paces. As he realized what he was holding, the poor life-sized toy began to shake. Toy Story character Jesse comforted Mateo while Woody got help from a Disney employee, who managed to calm him down. Image from TikTok. Woody calmed down when he realized the arm was from a toy and not one of his. This episode is a prime example of how well Disney employees are trained. They stay in character throughout the “ordeal.” The Disney employee who rushed in to comfort Woody is a customer support liaison. Their job is to interact with customers as the voice of the animated characters. In this case, she comforted Woody to help calm Mateo. Disney is a wonderful place, from the Disney hug rule to all the amazingly well-trained character actors like Woody and Jesse. Disney employees will bring out the smiles whether your child has a popcorn emergency or finds a toy arm on the grounds. The magic of Disney is a real thing. Grab a Dole Whip and let your kid be a kid. Please share. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Little Boy Brings Woody Something He Found At Disney That Has Him Shaking In His Boots appeared first on InspireMore.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Millions of people in the United States suffer from food insecurity, with more than 40 percent of food lost throughout the production chain. Major merchants such as Kroger, Walmart, and Costco are stepping up to address this issue by donating expired food, which aids those in need while also increasing the stores’ profits. In 2022 alone, supermarkets and businesses contributed about two billion pounds of food, worth approximately $3.5 billion. These donations are increasingly acknowledged as a sound economic decision that also provides much-needed food to communities. The expanding role of supermarkets in food donation Retailers have traditionally contributed to food banks, helping to address the needs of the nearly 50 million Americans who are food insecure. In 2022, more than 200 food banks affiliated with Feeding America received about two billion pounds of food from supermarkets, accounting for approximately 30 percent of all food supplied by these groups. Supermarkets now provide more food to food banks than federal initiatives such as the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program. According to Feeding America, supermarkets and other large merchants play an important role in supplying food banks with perishable foods that are still safe to consume but are no longer eligible for retail sale due to minor quality issues. For many merchants, this act of generosity is more than just a nice gesture; it is a financially savvy option with significant advantages. Donating food: a win-win strategy The financial benefits of giving away expired food are twofold. First, supermarkets can claim tax breaks for their donations, lowering operational costs. Second, research suggests that by removing expired commodities and donating them to food banks, retailers free up precious shelf space for fresher, more attractive products, which can lead to greater sales and profit margins. John Lowrey, Assistant Professor of Supply Chain and Health Sciences at Northeastern University, teamed up with economists and supply chain experts to study sales data from two retail chains in a big Midwestern metropolitan area. The data found that retailers who frequently removed expired/expiring items and gave them to food banks reported an increase in sales due to fresher inventory. By improving the overall quality of food on display, retailers can enhance their brand image and drive more revenue. This “preemptive removal” strategy of handling expiring goods benefits both consumers and retailers. Why discounting isn’t the best option While donating food that is about to reach its best-before date has obvious benefits, many retailers continue to reduce products nearing their expiration date. On the surface, this strategy looks to recuperate some of the product’s value by attracting people to buy food at a lower cost. However, reduced items occupy valuable shelf space that could be better allocated for new inventory. Furthermore, exhibiting food that is obviously close to expiration, such as blemished fruits or dairy products approaching their sell-by date, might harm a store’s image in the eyes of customers. According to Lowrey, the quality of the food on display influences customers’ perceptions of the store. When consumers see overly discounted, aging items, they may question the freshness and overall quality of other products. By donating expired foods, shops improve the appearance and freshness of the food they serve, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and sales. The advantages of “preemptive removal” The technique of “preemptive removal,” which entails removing nearly expired commodities and sending them to food banks, has been shown to considerably boost a store’s profit margins. According to the same study, this strategy resulted in a one percent rise in average food costs and a 33 percent gain in profit margins—a significant boost for supermarkets, which generally operate with margins of under three percent. This technique not only benefits the stores but also ensures that more food reaches those in need. Every pound of food donated to food banks saves a pound of landfill space and contributes to the reduction of food waste. By boosting donations, stores may lessen their environmental effect while also aiding food banks in their fight against hunger. Solutions to reduce food waste and address food insecurity Despite the numerous benefits of donating food, several retailers struggle to establish consistent processes for storing expired food. The difficulties of transporting and distributing perishable products might cause logistical problems that lead to food waste. For example, some retailers only donate during certain seasons or focus on select categories, such as meat or baked goods, leaving other perishables to go to waste. Nonetheless, giving food is still one of the most effective strategies to combat food insecurity and reduce waste. As the number of food donations grows, more individuals in need will have access to nutritious food. Retailers gain from higher sales and better reputations as socially responsible firms. The path forward As the fight against food insecurity continues, supermarkets and large retailers play a critical role. By donating expired/expiring food rather than discounting or disposing of it, they can benefit both their earnings and the community. More frequent food donation practices, supported by smart collaborations with food banks, can help to expedite the process. Finally, retailers who adopt this method can increase profits, minimize waste, and make significant contributions to addressing one of the country’s most important issues: hunger. With millions of Americans facing food insecurity, now is the time for more retailers to adopt this solution-focused approach that benefits everyone. Source study: Manufacturing and Service Operations Management—Food donations, retail operations, and retail pricingThe post How donating expiring food boosts supermarket profits while tackling food insecurity first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For many people around the world, Halloween is the pinnacle of the spooky season, with costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and trick-or-treating providing a lively mix of fun and terror. However, Halloween is not the only holiday that honors the creepy, ghostly, and mysterious. Across countries, people gather to respect the dead, ward off evil, and enjoy customs that combine food, music, and costumes—some of which are scarier than Halloween itself! Here are eight Halloween celebrations, each with its own distinct way of commemorating the macabre. Setsubun (Japan): driving out demons with magic beans Setsubun is a Japanese festival that commemorates the entrance of spring and the expulsion of evil spirits. This centuries-old practice observed every February, involves flinging roasted soybeans, known as fukumame, to ward off devils and bring happiness. Adults, often wearing demon masks, play the “evil spirits,” as children gleefully hit them with beans and cry “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons are out! Happiness is in!”). Food also plays an important role in Setsubun. People eat a sushi roll known as ehomaki in silence while facing the year’s lucky direction, hoping for wealth and prosperity. And to ensure good health for the coming year, it is usual to consume the same amount of beans as your age! Día de los Muertos (Mexico): a vibrant celebration of life and death Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a joyful holiday honoring deceased loved ones. Celebrated on November 1 and 2, it is thought that on these days, the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest, allowing spirits to return for family reunions. Día de los Muertos celebrates life via music, parades, and food and drink offerings, rather than sadness. Families set up ofrendas—altars with images of the departed, sugar skulls, and candles—and leave offerings of water, sweet bread, and fruits for the spirits. The festival’s vivid costumes, skull face painting, and marigold decorations serve as a poignant reminder that death is a natural part of life and not anything to be afraid of. Correfoc (Catalonia): dancing devils and fiery dragons The Correfoc event in Catalonia, Spain, combines fear and fun to great effect. On Catholic saint days, this event turns the streets into a fiery playground for devils and dragons. Performers dressed as devils with rockets attached to their pitchforks rush through the streets, creating a magnificent display of light and sound. Spectators, frequently brave enough to participate in the turmoil, dash alongside them to “run with the fire.” Correfoc, based on medieval street performances known as ball de diables (devils’ dance), is both thrilling and hazardous, making it one of the world’s most dramatic and exhilarating festivals. Awuru Odo (Nigeria): welcoming spirits back home The Igbo people of Nigeria celebrate Awuru Odo, a warm and inviting holiday during which spirits return from the afterlife to spend many months with their kin. This celebration, which takes place every two years between September and November, is a joyful reunion complete with music, dancing, and extravagant masks. The ghosts, represented by masked men, are regarded as honored guests, remaining with their loved ones until it is time for them to leave again. During the event, families eat together and pray for the returning spirits, demonstrating that in Igbo culture, the deceased are not feared but rather cherished as protectors and guides. Basler Fasnacht (Switzerland): a carnival of light and music Basler Fasnacht, Switzerland’s largest carnival, starts at 4 a.m. on the Monday following Ash Wednesday and lasts 72 hours of nonstop festivity. The streets of Basel are illuminated only by the glow of magnificently painted lanterns, as singers and entertainers march around the city dressed in elaborate costumes and masks. This celebration, which originated as ancient Celtic ceremonies, features everything from military marching bands to fairy-tale characters. Crowds flock to witness the processions, gather confetti and flowers from the floats, and enjoy a night of fun and music. The Kinderfasnacht on Tuesday allows children to join in the excitement by dressing up as their favorite characters. Gai Jatra (Nepal): a procession of cows for the souls of the deceased Nepal’s Gai Jatra, also known as the Festival of Cows, is a one-of-a-kind celebration full of pleasure and fun. The celebration began in the 17th century, when a king, lamenting the loss of his son, urged his subjects to perform a parade to cheer up his queen. Today, Gai Jatra is a means for families to remember loved ones who died during the preceding year. During the celebration, families carry cows (or children disguised as cows) through the streets, guiding the souls of the deceased to the hereafter. Gai Jatra uses music, dancing, and comic acts to transform sadness into a moment of shared laughter and reflection. Matariki (Aotearoa New Zealand): honoring the past, present, and future The Matariki star cluster marks the start of the new year for Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand. Families meet to remember loved ones who have died, express gratitude for the present, and plan for the future. The event centers on music, storytelling, and feasts. According to Māori mythology, the stars of Matariki are the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea, who cast them into the sky in mourning after his parents, Ranginui (the Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (the Earth Mother), split. This celebration is a time for introspection and thankfulness, as family gather to recall the past and look forward to a bright future. Fèt Gede (Haiti): celebrating the dead with joy and respect Fèt Gede, Haiti’s Festival of the Dead, is a lively celebration that honors the spirits of the deceased. The event, which runs throughout November, includes music, dancing, and food and drink offerings to the spirits, particularly the Gede, who are associated with death in the Voodoo faith. People dress in black, white, and purple during Fèt Gede, typically wearing skull makeup and top hats in remembrance of Papa Gede, the first to die. Fèt Gede, with processions leading to graves and rum-fueled festivities, is a joyous time to connect with the deceased and seek their blessings for the living.The post Halloween isn’t the only spooky celebration: 8 fascinating festivals from all across the world first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

The word “nothing” might initially suggest emptiness or absence, but in many iconic rock songs, it conveys the complete opposite: a powerful emotional reaction to life’s deepest struggles, relationships, and societal issues. When artists use “nothing” in their lyrics, they often capture the overwhelming impact of trauma, heartache, or existential contemplation. In these moments of emptiness, there’s a plea for connection, understanding, or even a prayer for peace. In many ways, the word “nothing” becomes a potent expression of the very emotions people often suppress but deeply feel. Rather than meaning absence, “nothing” transforms into a response to overwhelming situations—a The post 10 Best Rock Songs With The Word ‘Nothing’ In The Title appeared first on ClassicRockHistory.com.