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Jimmy Carter, who built a humanitarian legacy after presidency marked by crises, dies at 100
STILLWATER, Okla. – Jane was perhaps only two days away from death when she wobbled out to meet the people who would help her live her best life and become a superstar. Jane was a diminutive potbelly pig who was stuck and neglected in a hoarding situation. Keeping herself small in a dirty hovel, her hooves were so long they curled under and she could barely walk. Her skin was scaly and hard from untreated mange and a tumor the size of a cantaloupe hung from her body. Jane, a pink and black pig, also had cancer. Somehow she survived her situation and awoke one morning to find people who crowded about her in consternation – people who would then care for her physically and emotionally until the end of her life. The Misfits of Oz had taken one look at her and decided she would have a beautiful life from then on, no matter what it took. As she rehabilitated and battled cancer, the world then rallied around Jane. People from more than 30 countries had breakfast with Jane on social media, watched her fight disease and wore T-shirts that said “Strong Like Jane.” Now a book has been published about the little pig and her resilience, her dreams, her smile and how she inspired people around the globe – "Jane's Squad" – in a movement called #StrongLikeJane. Jane is sadly gone, but the woman who initially helped her, Shanda Harris, and her “Misfits” remain. Next week, they will travel from the mountains of New Mexico to a new farm in Yale in Payne County. There are 41 pigs, eight dogs, three cats, one goat and one sheep who will be new residents of the state as they move by trailer, truck and van from the snow to the plains. The Misfits of Oz Farm Sanctuary offers safe place for neglected or abused farm animals. It is a nonprofit sanctuary where animals get to live out their natural lives. While many rescue organizations help dogs and cats, few are able to handle large animals, which require different care. And many with Oz have special needs. While often animals are “rescued,” sanctuaries differ from rescue groups – those who end up with Oz usually are there to stay, not find new places to live. Best Friends, one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the country, works toward the goal of “no kill” for all animals as part of its mission, as does the Misfits. Best Friends has published statistics regarding animals that come from shelters or go through rescue. About 108 million owned dogs live in the U.S. That means an average of 1.56 dogs per household; in the U.S., 69 million (54%) households have a dog; and there has been a 49% increase in households with dogs in the past 10 years. About 79 million owned cats live in the U.S. That means: there’s an average of 1.74 cats per household; in the U.S., 45.3 million (35%) households have a cat; there has been a 17% increase in households with cats in the past 10 years. In 2021, 4.6 million cats and dogs entered animal shelters in the U.S. Of those, about 355,000 dogs and cats were killed. Most people surrender their companion animals to shelters for reasons other than a pet’s behavior: housing (specifically, moving), finances and caregiver or family health/death account for more than a third of animals entering shelters. Cats and dogs are surrendered to animal care because of: too many animals, 16.1% (often the result of not spaying and neutering) housing, 13.7%; inancial, 7.2%; caretaker or family health/death, 10.1%; and non-aggressive behavior/personality, 7.8%. There are 4,064 animal shelters in the U.S., of which 2,133 – 52% – are no-kill. That’s up from 24% in 2016. There is not as much data on saving, killing and rehoming numbers for farm animals, though Harris said they endure the same abuse, hoarding, neglect and starvation as smaller companion animals. Armed with this knowledge, the Misfits took on their mission and now provide compassion and care for larger animals. Harris said she wishes they did not have to exist, but it is clear too many animals that need their help. Harris said they have come to Oklahoma for the specialized vet care OSU can offer; the weather, since pigs have short legs that make moving about in snow tough, she said; and hopefully the support of their new, local community. They run mostly with the help of volunteers and by donations. Harris began the Misfits when she lived in Kansas – the “Oz” part of Misfits – in 2012. In 2015, she took in her first pig, then second and third pig and realized she loved the work of providing a safe home for these large animals, and teaching others about connection to animals. There are no such things as “micro-pigs,” Harris said; they are simply potbelly pigs that are starved. She knows being in farm country with farm animals used as food can sometimes be a tough sell. As omnivores, people love animals but also eat meat – however it must go from being farmed to their plates, so this creates an uncomfortable place in their minds when they learn about meat farming (the term is cognitive dissonance). The paradoxical question then exists: how do people care for animals, and use them as food, then, and should they? While the Misfits main mission is to provide safe haven, they also help people answer that question for themselves, Harris said. Harris herself is vegan, which was a decision she made, she said, after caring for and loving the pigs. The Misfits have already connected with a few vegan groups in Oklahoma and recently participated in a vegan event in Oklahoma City. “We do and try to promote veganism through advocacy, and teach why these animals matter ... but we are understanding, patient and kind in our approach ... as much as you love your cats and dogs, that’s how we feel about these animals," she said. "They are more than food, they are a face with soul ... they are sentient beings and we are trying to open that door so people can understand and make a connection.” The connection is subtle – like sharing Jane’s story with the thousands who watched her transform from a broken pig into one that healed and was full of love. Connection comes also in helping future veterinary medicine students to see, in part, what their future could be like working with farm animals – specifically pigs, Harris said. The group strongly advocates for veterinary care for all animals as another part of its mission. “I’m really passionate about vet care for large animals ... pigs and cows and ducks and chickens – that is one of the reasons why we wanted to be so close, to be close to people interested in large animal care where they can volunteer and be on site to see vaccinations and hoof trims, where they can see piglet age to 1,000 pound pigs and learn proper handling," Harris said. The Misfits have already held one volunteer event to help get the new site ready for the animals coming. They hope to hold a tour or luncheon in mid-December. To find the Misfits of Oz, go to their Facebook, Instagram or website, misfitsofoz.org/ , and to read the book “Strong Like Jane: The True Story of a Courageous Potbelly Pig” shop online or through the group’s website. Part of the book’s proceeds go to help the sanctuary. Anyone wishing to be a volunteer can contact the group through social media or on their website.
Macquarie downgrades NIO on weak guide, demand concerns
Black-eyed peas came to us from Africa. Because of their distinctive flavor, low cost and “stick to your ribs” characteristic, black eyes were and continue to be the preferred pea of the South. An old Southern legend claims that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day will bring good luck for the entire year. You be the judge... real truth or simply superstition? One thing is for certain, black-eyed peas have impressive nutritional attributes. For example, they are low in fat, high in fiber and folic acid and good sources of protein, iron and carbohydrates. Plus, they are cholesterol-free. Because they are peas, they do not require pre-soaking; however, to cut cooking time, black eyes should be “hot washed.” Hot Washing For each pound of dry black-eyes, add 10 cups of cold water in a pot and heat to boiling on high, set aside for two to three minutes, then pour off water. They have now been “hot washed.” For recipes that require cooking the black eyes with other ingredients, merely pour off the “hot wash” water and follow the cooking instructions in the recipe. For other recipes that call for “cooked black-eyes,” add enough chicken, beef or vegetable broth, or water to cover black-eyes with 2 inches of liquid. Cook at a simmer until tender, approximately 30-45 minutes. Do not add salt. Helpful hints: At a gentle boil, black-eyes usually cook in 20-40 minutes; test for doneness several times during cooking. Black-eyes are best firm when used for salads and when they will be cooked further in casseroles, soups or stews. Store black-eyes in a moisture-proof container and keep in a cool, dry place. Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas Ingredients: • 1 lb. dry black-eyed peas • 1⁄2 medium onion, diced • 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced • 1 Serrano pepper, seeded and thinly sliced (optional) • 4 oz. Smoke-flavored lean ham, visible fat removed, diced • 5 cups water or stock (beef, chicken, or vegetable) First prepare black-eyes according to “hot wash” method. Crock Pot Directions: Place all ingredients in crock pot. Cook on low setting for 8-10 hours or until black-eyes are tender. Stove Top Directions: Place all ingredients in a large pot. Add water or stock, bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium. Cook for one hour or until beans are tender. If necessary, add more water to keep the mixture well covered. May be served over hot rice, with cornbread or a la carte. Makes 8 1-cup servings. Nutrition Analysis per Serving: Calories 211; Fat 2g; Fiber 11g; Folate 83% of RDA.Defending national champion South Carolina is practicing without forward Ashlyn Watkins, who remains suspended following her Aug. 31 arrest. "The status is still the same," head coach Dawn Staley said Tuesday, the day after the Gamecocks' first official team practice. "Nothing has moved yet. We're not going to move until the situation changes." Watkins was charged with first-degree assault and kidnapping following an incident at a student housing and retail center. The arrest triggered an automatic team suspension under athletic department policy. Watkins, a 6-foot-3 junior, averaged 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds in 38 games last season for the undefeated national champions. The Columbia, S.C., native is due to appear in Richland County court on Oct. 25, less than two weeks before South Carolina opens the season against Michigan on Nov. 4 in Las Vegas. Per her arrest warrant, she allegedly picked up the individual and carried her without her consent, then "grabbed the victim's head and forced her to walk down the hall, thus controlling her movement while preventing her from leaving." This came after Watkins allegedly assaulted the individual by "forcefully grabbing her face, pulling her by her arms, and pushing her." The individual was later treated for non-life-threatening injuries after allegedly escaping and pulling a fire alarm. Watkins was released on a $30,000 personal recognizance bond. "We believe once everybody has a full grasp of what happened, this will end up being a misunderstanding," Watkins' lawyer Todd Rutherford told WLTX earlier this month. "What we know for certain is that Ashlyn did not assault anyone and she did not kidnap anyone." --Field Level Media
A ROW over the role of religion in the assisted dying debate has escalated ahead of the historic vote on Friday. Top Labour politicians have accused one another of “offensive” mud-slinging. Christian MP Rachael Maskell hit out at grandee Lord Falconer after he accused Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood of imposing her religious beliefs on others. Ms Mahmood, who is Muslim, had written to her constituents to clarify her strong stance against assisted dying . Lord Falconer, who back the move, said: “I think Shabana is motivated — and I respect this — by her religious beliefs. “They shouldn’t be imposed on everybody else.” Ms Maskell yesterday said he should apologise for the “offensive and discriminatory” remark. READ MORE IN POLITICS She urged MPs to vote against the Bill on Friday, insisting there is “nothing safe” about the legislation. It comes amid claims the outcome could be very close. Home Office Minister Jess Phillips defended Ms Mahmood’s letter — despite supporting the move — saying it is OK for MPs to be guided by a religious “moral code”. Ms Phillips said: “Shabana will make her decision on a matter of conscience, exactly like I will.” Most read in The Sun Think tank More In Common has found two thirds of voters support the concept. Only seven Parliamentary constituencies have majorities opposed to the Bill. All have higher than average populations with religious views, mostly Muslim. WHAT is happening? MPs will have a free vote on a Private Members’ Bill, introduced by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater, to give terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to an early death. MPs can vote with their conscience rather than on party lines. If the vote passes, it will proceed to committee and report stages in the Commons, where MPs will get the chance to scrutinise the legislation and table amendments. How does the bill work? People will be permitted to end their life if they are aged over 18; mentally fit to make a free and informed choice; uninfluenced by others; expected to die within six months; have made two declarations, witnessed and signed, expressing a desire to die; and received sign-off from two independent doctors and a High Court judge. The Bill makes it illegal to coerce a terminally ill person to die. Who is worried and why? Critics are afraid that the most vulnerable in society — such as the elderly or those with a disability — could be pressured to end their lives early. How will people die if the Bill passes? An individual who meets all the criteria set out in the Bill would have to wait at least 14 days after they receive a judge’s sign-off. A doctor could then prepare a substance to end their life, but the person must take it themselves.The 3D Urology and Prostate Clinics Introduced Breakthrough in 3D Natural Prostate Treatment Offering Effective Solutions For Prostate Health Concerns
UConn-Louisville to tip off 2025-26 season in GermanyThe incident, which occurred last Tuesday evening in the heart of the city, sent shockwaves through the business community and beyond. The victim, a well-respected executive in the tech industry, was gunned down in broad daylight as he exited a local restaurant after a business meeting. The brazen attack stunned witnesses and left them in a state of disbelief, as they struggled to come to terms with the senseless violence that had unfolded before their eyes.