This App Allows Troops To Request Equipment They Need For Their Missions

A charity has provided an app that allows troops to request specific equipment needed to complete their missions.

The charity, Troops Need You, was first established in 2007 by retired Lt. Col. Eric Egland, who observed that there was constantly an overflow of care packages the troops didn't need, yet troops weren't always able to obtain the equipment they needed to complete their mission from the federal government.

"You have this gap of troops not having what they need to do their mission, and then you have this excess of American people donating time, money, love, support. They want to support but they're doing it in a meaningless way," Egland told The Daily Wire, "and I thought, what if you could just connect those two and reconcile those and say, hey, instead of buying candy, why don't you donate $25 and we'll use that to buy the infrared hunting cameras that these units need for their outpost security on their perimeter because their perimeter security package that's built by some $50 billion contractor hasn't arrived or is broken."

Troops Need You fills those gaps by providing military personnel with equipment like "infrared hunting cameras, night vision binoculars and weapon accessories," according to a press release.

Typically, these orders were requested online but with their recent launch of a mobile app, troops and special operations forces can request materials and equipment and people can donate money straight from their smart phones.

"Every troop carries their personal mobile device with them into combat," said Egland. "That's the world's reality: our mobile devices are indispensable, even when we're in a shooting war in a foreign place. So what this allows is troops to request equipment that they need for their mission through their personal mobile device." 

Egland added, "Previously, we would do it through the web and through emails, so this is the next generation of making it even easier for troops to get what they need for their fight. And for the American people, this is a new way for American people to donate to buy specific items that the troops specifically request and see what those items are, and then even see a progress bar as people donate for a specific item to see where it is."

The app also provides people with updates on when troops receive those items, including photos of the troops using the specific equipment and a "thank you" note from the troops.

Troops Need You is currently focused on getting camouflage uniforms to a set of special forces battling ISIS, as the camouflage uniforms they currently have don't conceal them very well in the terrain they're in.

The charity is hoping to raise $9,700 as soon as possible to help these forces.

"They need these uniforms fast," Egland said. "Let's get it to them."

Troops Need You website and app can be found here.

Soon, Social Media Sites Will Decide What 'Real News' Is

Mark Zuckerberg, the Harvard dropout who created Facebook, loved hanging out with President Barack Obama. 

Even more, the Zuck loved suppressing conservative news reports from Facebook's Trending Topics section.

And soon, the curly-haired 33-year-old who is looking ever more like a politician, will love deciding what "real news" is.

Four out of 10 millennials get their news off of Facebook's news feed, according to a new survey released by LendEDU. "With all of the recent news regarding fake news articles running rampant on the social networking site, this is certainly a worrisome trend developing where consumers rely on Facebook stories, accurate or not, to keep them informed,” Mike Brown, research analyst at LendEDU, told FOX Business.

Now comes word that Facebook will revamp its Trending Topics feature to highlight "other publications," (whatever that means) with hopes to doing so will help people "feel more informed about the news."

"You’ve always been able to click on a topic to see related posts and stories, but we’ve redesigned the page to make it easier to discover other publications that are covering the story, as well as what your friends and public figures are saying about it," Facebook said in a blog post written by Ali Ahmadi, product manager, and John Angelo, product designer.

"Now, when you click on a Trending topic, you’ll see a carousel with stories from other publications about a given topic that you can swipe through. By making it easier to see what other news outlets are saying about each topic, we hope that people will feel more informed about the news in their region."

Facebook, which was caught red-handed suppressing conservative news reports, says there's nothing nefarious in the change. "There is no predetermined list of publications that are eligible to appear in Trending and this update does not affect how Trending topics are identified, which we announced earlier this year."

In a new report, The Hill says Facebook is determined to expunge what it considers fake news from news feeds.

Facebook says that it also has been working to make sure that its platform does not become a vehicle for malevolent actors to artificially influence users. Facebook noted in a recent report that it removed thousands of fake accounts in advance of the recent French and British elections. 
 
Facebook also noted that it is taking steps to keep bots, which falsely amplify some types of information and content, off its platform. Experts have said that these types of bots on social media are often used by foreign actors as tools to manipulate trending topics and put misleading or incorrect information in front of real people.
 
The company stressed that it has not found evidence that Russia or other countries compromised Facebook accounts. 

Other social media platforms are taking similar steps:

In December, Google rolled out a set of features and updates that allow users to flag potentially false stories as “disputed,” triggering a review for validity by independent organizations. Facebook also recently updated its algorithms to preemptively spot potential fake stories. 
 
Google has adjusted its news rankings to prioritize known sites over less established ones in an effort to keep false stories from prominent display. The company has also banned publishers with a track record of spreading false information.
 
“It is a problem for social media companies to manage [fake news],” said Mike Horning, a communications professor at Virginia Tech who focuses on the intersection of politics and news reporting. “What is the line between fake news and partisan spin?”
 
“I think that adds a layer to social media that these companies didn’t anticipate,” Horning added.

So soon, your social media platforms will decide what "real news" is. There's no way that can turn out well.

U.K. Security Minister Explains Why They Couldn't Stop Manchester Bomber. It's 'Horrifying.'

In an attempt to explain why British intelligence failed to prevent the deadly bombing of Manchester Arena during an Ariana Grande performance last Monday, the U.K. Security Minister has offered some truly alarming statistics.

Security Minister Ben Wallace told The Australian this week that a British intelligence database contains a list of 23,000 potential jihadists currently living in the U.K. "The figures reveal the scale of the challenge from terrorism in the 21st century, " said Wallace of the number of potential terrorists. "Never has it been more important to invest in intelligence-led policing."

That sobering figure was made even more troubling when Wallace revealed the severe limitations of MI5's investigative capacity. Wallace said that MI5 only has the capability of investigating some 3,000 individuals at any given time, leaving 20,000 potential threats largely unmonitored. The Australian reports: 

MI5’s capacity to investigate is limited to about 3,000 individuals at any one time. People are added to and removed from the group of “live” suspects depending on assessments of who poses the greatest risk.

When an investigation is closed, the people identified drop into a growing group whose risk is seen as reduced. Sources say that the pool of “former subjects of interest” has swollen to 20,000 during the years of Islamist threat since 2001.

The University of Buckingham's intelligence studies head Anthony Glees responded to Wallace's alarming revelations. "To have 23,000 potential killers in our midst is horrifying." Wallace told The Australian, suggesting that MI5 double its capacity. 

Over the weekend, the U.K. downgraded its terror threat level from "critical" (its highest level) to "severe," despite Britain's top counter-terrorism official admitting  to "gaps in our understanding" of the Manchester concert attack, which was carried out by radical Islamist Salman Abedi and took the lives of 22 people and injured 59, several of whom are children.

On Saturday, police made two more arrests of suspects they believe were connected to the Manchester attack. Currently, British police are holding 11 men as a result of the ongoing investigation. USA Today reports: 

Greater Manchester Police said two men, aged 20 and 22, were detained early Saturday in the northwest England city on suspicion of terrorism offenses. Police used an explosive device to get into a property to make the arrests.

Police say they are now holding 11 men, aged between 18 and 44, in custody and have made major progress in their investigation.

Mark Rowley, Britain’s top counterterrorism police officer, said authorities have dismantled a “large part” of the network around bomber Salman Abedi. But he said there were still “gaps in our understanding” of the plot, as investigators probed Abedi’s potential links to jihadis in Britain, Europe, Libya and the Middle East.

Intelligence analysts signaled a few days after the attack that Abedi may have acted as a "mule" for a bomb maker who provided him with the bomb that killed or injured over 80 people on Monday. "They don't waste bomb makers. The reason we have gone to critical is because he is still out there and the fear is that he will strike again before they get caught," a police told Manchester Evening News. Though the downgrading of the threat level may be a result of having arrested the suspected bomb maker, authorities have not yet provided details of the suspects. 

Abedi's older brother was among those arrested by British police last week. Abedi's father (pictured below) and younger brother were arrested in Libya on suspicion of links to ISIS. 

Liberals Teach Their Kids to Hate People Who Don't Think Like Them

There are few people more liberal than Fareed Zakaria, a Washington Post columnist and host of his own show on CNN. 

And even Fareed thinks things are getting out of hand.

Here's what he said on Saturday (make sure you're sitting down):

“Freedom of speech and thought is not just for warm fuzzy ideas that we find comfortable, it’s for ideas that we find offensive,” Zakaria said. Then, noting that Notre Dame walked out on Vice President Mike Pence at their commencement, he took liberals to task.

"There is also an anti-intellectualism on the left. An attitude of self-righteousness that says we are so pure, we are so morally superior; we cannot bear to hear an idea with which we disagree. Liberals think they are tolerant -- but often they aren’t," he said.

Which brings us to last week, when a couple of buses full of eighth graders from South Orange Middle School in New Jersey came to Washington, D.C., on a field trip. 

They did all the touristy things you do in Washington, and they ended at the U.S. Capitol, where -- what a lucky day! -- they got to meet House Speaker Paul Ryan, the third most powerful man in the government.

Then it was time for photos. While 100 kids stood with Ryan for a group shot on the building steps, another hundred stood on the other side of the street, refusing to be in the picture.

Yes, you got that right: The pack of 13 year olds had decided to take a strong political stand against the Republican leader (most likely in protest of his 2015 decision not to cast a vote on the "Joint Resolution Providing for Congressional Disapproval Under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code," but we can't be sure).

Let's make sure we get this right: A group of pimply faced kids -- who spend all day with their faces buried in their phones Snapchatting and Facebooking and Instagramming, who aren't into beingproactive as much as they are into buying more Proactiv -- had decided to reject the politics of the Wisconsin congressman and, so strong was their opposition, they simply could not bear even to stand together for a moment to snap a picture.

When Ryan uploaded the image to Instagram (where half the kids saw it within seconds, no doubt), "the ones who had refused to be in it flooded the comments section with insults and complaints," the Daily Mail reported.

"Half of us stood across the street including me because we hate you," said one. "The fact that he puts his party before his country, he likes to think of what his party will think of him other than what his country will think of him," said Matthew Malespina, 13.

For the record, I'm an expert on young teens (I had two of them not long ago). They couldn't care less about current events and couldn't pick the Speaker of the House out of a line-up, even if that line-up was made up only of Pokemon characters. There's a 50-50 chance they don't know the name of the vice president, and most couldn't find North Korea on a world map. No, they're not dumb, they're just too busy with themselves and their friends and devising ways to get a pair of Yeezy Boost sneakers. 

So we're to believe that this group of kids all decided -- on their own -- not to take a picture with the man who is third in the line of succession -- a man who, there's plenty of time, could one day be president of the United States?

"Matthew's mother Elissa supported his decision, telling DailyMail.com she was proud of him and the rest of the children for standing up for what they believe in."

Please. Thirteen-year-old kids can't handle making their own lunch let alone carefully weighing a complex political issue. 

Said the Mail: "Matthew stood by his decision. He flatly ruled out ever posing with President Trump but enthusiastically said he'd have a snap taken with Hillary Clinton. 'I would never take a picture with that man. Never. (But) Definitely, I would take a picture with Hillary Clinton,' he said."

The comment section in the Mail article was full of criticism for the childish move by the children.

"He would pose for a photo with Clinton but not with Trump. Says it all really..... Little snowflake generation. The world never stopped because you didn't have your photo taken!!!" wrote one.

"If you're truly open minded and tolerant, you're willing to discuss your opinions -- not yell out that 'we hate you'. These kids have obviously been brain washed to hate people who disagree with them and haven't been taught basic respect for others," wrote another.

"I do think its a sad state of affairs when children cant even be excited to meet the speaker of the house regardless of party. What has happened to my country? I was raised in the eighties and taught to respect others right to disagree without fear of violence or name calling," wrote a reader from Gettysburg, Pa. (another place a 13 year old couldn't find on a map!).

Yes, Fareed is right. Schools -- and especially college campuses -- are meant to be places where young minds openly take in all viewpoints. Perhaps these parents should teach their children that. And maybe they should have prompted them to ask a question of the Speaker, then listen respectfully to the answer, as would be polite -- and grown up. 

Instead they indoctrinated their children with hate and told their kids that they don't even have to listen to a viewpoint with which they might disagree.

You gotta' wonder what they've told their kids about today, Memorial Day.

7 Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers

Though commonly thought to be a vegetable, cucumber is actually a fruit.

It's high in beneficial nutrients, as well as certain plant compounds and antioxidants that may help treat and even prevent some conditions.

Also, cucumbers are low in calories and contain a good amount of water and soluble fiber, making them ideal for promoting hydration and aiding in weight loss.

This article takes a closer look at some of the top health benefits of eating cucumber.

1. It's High in Nutrients

Cucumbers are low in calories but high in many important vitamins and minerals.

One 11-ounce (300-gram) unpeeled, raw cucumber contains the following (1):

• Calories: 45

• Total fat: 0 grams

• Carbs: 11 grams

• Protein: 2 grams

• Fiber: 2 grams

• Vitamin C: 14 percent of the RDI

• Vitamin K: 62 percent of the RDI

• Magnesium: 10 percent of the RDI

• Potassium: 13 percent of the RDI

• Manganese: 12 percent of the RDI

Although, the typical serving size is about one-third of a cucumber, so eating a standard portion would provide about one-third of the nutrients above.

Additionally, cucumbers have a high water content. In fact, cucumbers are made up of about 96 percent water (2).

To maximize their nutrient content, cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled. Peeling them reduces the amount of fiber, as well as certain vitamins and minerals, in a serving (3).

Summary: Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water and several important vitamins and minerals. Eating cucumbers with the peel provides the maximum amount of nutrients.

2. It Contains Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that block oxidation, a chemical reaction that forms highly reactive atoms with unpaired electrons known as free radicals.

The accumulation of these harmful free radicals can lead to several types of chronic illness (4).

In fact, oxidative stress caused by free radicals has been associated with cancer and heart, lung and autoimmune disease (4).

Fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, are especially rich in beneficial antioxidants that may reduce the risk of these conditions.

One study measured the antioxidant power of cucumber by supplementing 30 older adults with cucumber powder.

At the end of the 30-day study, cucumber powder caused a significant increase in several markers of antioxidant activity and improved antioxidant status (5).

However, it's important to note that the cucumber powder used in this study likely contained a greater dose of antioxidants than you would consume in a typical serving of cucumber.

Another test-tube study investigated the antioxidant properties of cucumbers and found that they contain flavonoids and tannins, which are two compounds that are especially effective at blocking harmful free radicals (6).

Summary: Cucumbers contain antioxidants, including flavonoids and tannins, which prevent the accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce the risk of chronic disease.

3. It Promotes Hydration

Water is crucial to your body's function, playing numerous important roles (7).

It is involved in processes like temperature regulation and the transportation of waste products and nutrients (7).

In fact, proper hydration can affect everything from physical performance to metabolism (8, 9).

While you meet the majority of your fluid needs by drinking water or other liquids, some people may get as much as 40 percent of their total water intake from food (2).

Fruits and vegetables, in particular, can be a good source of water in your diet.

In one study, hydration status was assessed and diet records were collected for 442 children. They found that increased fruit and vegetable intake was associated with improvements in hydration status (10).

Because cucumbers are composed of about 96 percent water, they are especially effective at promoting hydration and can help you meet your daily fluid needs (2).

Summary: Cucumbers are composed of about 96 percent water, which may increase hydration and help you meet your daily fluid needs.

4. It May Aid in Weight Loss

Cucumbers could potentially help you lose weight in a few different ways.

First of all, they are low in calories.

Each one-cup (104-gram) serving contains just 16 calories, while an entire 11-ounce (300-gram) cucumber contains only 45 calories (1).

This means that you can eat plenty of cucumbers without packing on the extra calories that lead to weight gain.

Cucumbers can add freshness and flavor to salads, sandwiches and side dishes and may also be used as a replacement for higher calorie alternatives.

Furthermore, the high water content of cucumbers could aid in weight loss as well.

One analysis looked at 13 studies including 3,628 people and found that eating foods with high water and low calorie contents was associated with a significant decrease in body weight (11).

Summary: Cucumbers are low in calories, high in water and can be used as a low-calorie topping for many dishes. All of these may aid in weight loss.

5. It Could Help Lower Cholesterol

Research shows that cucumbers contain certain compounds that could reduce blood cholesterol levels.

These compounds include phytosterols or plant sterols, which can be found in many types of fruits and vegetables (12).

Studies show that plant sterols can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 5–15 percent in most people (13).

One study had participants with and without diabetes supplement with plant sterols. It found that LDL cholesterol levels were reduced by 15 percent in non-diabetic participants and by an impressive 26.8 percent in diabetic participants (14).

Cucumbers also contain pectin, a naturally occurring type of soluble fiber that could decrease blood cholesterol.

An animal study found that administration of pectin extracted from cucumbers caused a significant decrease in both blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels (15).

Summary: Cucumbers contain plant sterols and pectin. Studies show that these two substances could potentially help reduce blood cholesterol levels.

6. It May Lower Blood Sugar

Several animal and test-tube studies have found that cucumbers may help reduce blood sugar levels and prevent some complications of diabetes.

One animal study examined the effects of various plants on blood sugar. Cucumbers were shown to effectively reduce and control blood sugar levels (16).

Another animal study induced diabetes in mice and then supplemented them with cucumber peel extract. Cucumber peel reversed most of the diabetes-associated changes and caused a decrease in blood sugar (17).

In addition, one test-tube study found that cucumbers may be effective at reducing oxidative stress and preventing diabetes-related complications (18).

However, the current evidence is limited to test-tube and animal studies. Further research is needed to determine how cucumbers may affect blood sugar in humans.

Summary: Test-tube and animal studies show that cucumber may help lower blood sugar and prevent diabetes-related complications, although additional research is needed.

7. It Could Promote Regularity

Eating cucumbers may help support regular bowel movements.

Dehydration is a major risk factor for constipation, as it can alter your water balance and make the passage of stool difficult (19).

Cucumbers are high in water and promote hydration. Staying hydrated can improve stool consistency, prevent constipation and help maintain regularity (20).

Moreover, cucumbers contain fiber, which helps regulate bowel movements.

In particular, pectin, the type of soluble fiber found in cucumbers, can help increase bowel movement frequency.

One study had 80 participants supplement with pectin. It found that pectin sped up the movement of the intestinal muscles, all while feeding the beneficial bacteria in the gut that improve digestive health (21).

Summary: Cucumbers contain a good amount of fiber and water, both of which may help prevent constipation and increase regularity.

How to Add Cucumbers to Your Diet

Mild with a distinctly crisp and refreshing flavor, cucumbers are commonly enjoyed fresh or pickled in everything from salads to sandwiches.

Cucumbers are also often eaten raw as a low-calorie snack or can be paired with hummus, olive oil, salt or salad dressing to add a bit more flavor.

The Health Benefits of Steam Rooms and Saunas

We all deserve to relax and get pampered—and what better way to do this than by visiting a health spa with a steam room and sauna?

Not only do saunas and steam rooms both increase the heartbeat and improve circulation, they also have their own individual health benefits. Continue reading in order to discover which of the two unwinding environments suits you best.

Saunas

The heat from a sauna soothes your nerve endings and warms and relaxes muscles, in turn relieving the tension from your body and minimizing joint pain. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from illnesses such as arthritis, painful migraines and headaches. 

Saunas can be used as a means of calming the body and relieving it of stress. If you suffer from insomnia (one out three people have a mild case), it can also help induce sleep. The heat from the sauna helps the body release endorphins, a feel-good chemical that reduces the effects of stress on the body which can relax you enough to sleep better. The sauna heats up your body, so when you leave and begin to cool down, your body releases increased levels of melatonin, helping you feel more relaxed and therefore allowing you to have a deeper sleep.

Steam Room

The steam room helps to open up airways which improves your breathing and alleviates congestion. The wet heat from the steam room thins and opens the mucous membranes in the body, which helps to relieve pressure. This is highly beneficial for those that suffer from asthma and bronchitis, as it helps with sinus relief.

The steam room also increases metabolism and can aid with weight loss. The steam room causes you to sweat, which means that your body is losing water. As water makes up a large part of your body weight, the emission of the sweat will cause you to lose a few pounds. The sweat also helps to remove toxins and cleanses the body.

Benefits for Your Skin

In terms of reaping the benefits for your skin, the sauna is better for muscle relaxation and lowering blood pressure whereas the steam room will help with overall detoxification of the body—the preference is yours. Saunas use dry heat whereas steam rooms use more moist heat. Both facilities open up your pores and increase blood and lymphatic circulation, which will effectively aid in softening your skin. You will notice a healthy pink glow in your skin, which will make you look younger, so not only will you feel good but you will also look rejuvenated.

The steam also helps to clear out any impurities from the skin which is especially good for those who have acne. Similarly, saunas will help to eradicate blackheads to give you clearer skin.

That being said, do make sure that you don’t stay in there too long—spending too much time in a sauna can lead to excessive thirst and too much time in a steam room can cause dizziness or even a rapid heartbeat.

In addition to steam rooms and saunas, spas may also have specialist treatments available such as body wraps to aid weight loss and even deep tissue massages for muscle tension relief. Visiting a health spa is good for one’s well being—it not only relaxes the mind and body, but can help with illnesses and decreases stress levels.

10 Superfoods That Balance Hormones and Reduce Inflammation

Hormonal imbalances and inflammation are common conditions in the U.S. They are often the culprit behind symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, high blood pressure, headaches and bloating. Unfortunately they can also increase the risk of more serious diseases, such as cancer and diabetes.

The good news? Eating certain foods will help balance your hormones and reduce inflammation. To help lower your risk for disease, try adding more of the following to your diet.

1. Apples

Apples are rich in quercetin, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation. Research shows that apples fight high blood pressure, reduce risk of cancer, fight viral infections and much more.

Apples are also the perfect fruit for weight loss since they’re nutrient dense, low in calories and rich in fiber.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are not only sweet,  but they also have high antioxidant activity. Eat 3 or 4 cups of blueberries per week.

Blueberries actually have numerous other health benefits; they improve heart health, prevent urinary tract infections, improve vision and much more.  

3. Wild caught salmon

Wild caught salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and protein. Research shows that salmon reduces inflammation and helps control insulin.

4. Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient dense food and a great source of a plant steroid (phytoecdysteroids), which has been proven to boost metabolism and lower insulin levels.

5. Green tea

You probably already know some of the numerous health benefits of green tea. Studies suggest that it boosts metabolism.

Green tea also contains theanine, a compound which reduces the release of cortisol (a stress hormone). It also has antioxidants that reduce inflammation and lower risk of disease. 

6. Avocado

Avocado is one of the healthiest fruits in the world. It is rich in healthy fats and fiber. According to research, avocado reduces absorption of estrogen and boosts testosterone levels.

Research also shows that avocado will improve your heart health. Note that avocados are high in calories so eat them in moderation. One-fourth of an avocado per day is a good serving size to aim for.

7. Almonds

Almonds help regulate blood sugar levels, which consequently reduces the risk of type II diabetes. They also help reduce bad cholesterol in the body. Almonds, like most nuts, are high in calories so enjoy them in moderation.

8. Broccoli

Broccoli contains a natural compound called glucosinolates, which helps reduce the risk of estrogen-linked cancer. One cup of broccoli will give enough supply of vitamin C per day.

Broccoli will also give you potassium, calcium and magnesium. These minerals improve muscle functionality and strengthen bones.

9. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are rich in antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats. Whole flaxseeds pass through the intestines without being digested, so buy ground flaxseeds or grind them yourself.

10. Maca root

Maca root is rich in minerals and fatty acids. You can consume it in capsule form or put it in beverages if it’s in powder form.

Weight loss goes beyond “calories in, calories out.” Balancing hormones and reducing inflammation will help you reach your weight goal faster, so eat these superfoods frequently.