"Once again, Finland sits at No. 1. Finns reported an average life evaluation score of 7.764 out of 10, well ahead of most other countries.

"Sisu, that mix of resilience, determination and inner strength, helps us navigate life's challenges, from long, dark winters to economic downturns," Mkitalo said in a statement.

"It comes from knowing that support is there when needed, whether through our strong social policies like generous shared parental leave and tuition-free university education or every persons' right to roam forests and recharge in nature."

--

"Costa Rica is one of the standout performers this year, rising to No. 4"its highest-ever ranking and a notable moment for Latin America. The country has been on a steady climb. It was No. 23 in 2022, No. 12 in 2024 and No. 6 in 2025."

At the same time, the rankings highlight a notable absence: For the second year in a row, none of the English-speaking countries appear in the top 10, with only half placing in the top 20.

New Zealand comes in at No. 11, followed by Ireland (No. 13), Australia (No. 15), the United States (No. 23), Canada (No. 25) and the United Kingdom (No. 29).

Not every country is moving in the right direction. The United States ranks 23rd this year, up one spot from last year, but it's still part of a longer-term decline that has been underway for more than a decade.

A key driver behind the decline: younger Americans. According to the report, life satisfaction among people under 25 in the U.S."along with Canada, Australia and New Zealand"has dropped significantly over the past decade.

What's striking is that this trend is not global. In most other parts of the world, young people are actually reporting higher levels of wellbeing than in the past."

much more at the link

He's just trying to get a promotion!

#3

In elementary school for Talent Show there was a kid who brought his accordion and stole the show. No bagpipes, though.

It was 3rd grade and I mimed Traveling Man by Ricky Nelson (because he closed his eyes a lot when he sang and I didn't have to look at the class)... you know, before the British Invasion destroyed him... which would be a good thread topic; US musicians and bands blown out by the Brits.

Here's Steve Hackett - Ian Mcdonald (flute) - John Wetton I Talk To The Wind - Live

lyrics at the link, scroll down

that's Chris Wood on the flute...

Credit where credit is due... it ain't easy to TACO on a war.

He's like, "really, they are fighting back? attacking other countries? closing the Straits? Vlad is giving them our targets? (love that guy!)... no one could have predicted any of that!".

Trump PANICS over PUTIN ULTIMATUM in WAR!!

MeidasTouch

- I am trolling

Little fella finally admits it.

- Trump tries to free Iran.

- obsessing about sexual assault

- Biden (Deflection)

He's just really not very good at it. Perhaps it's the Chinese genetic heroin addiction acting up again?

"Russia has expanded intelligence-sharing and military cooperation with Iran since the war started, a person briefed on the intelligence said.

The Wall Street Journal first reported the increase and wrote that Moscow is providing satellite imagery and drone technology to help Tehran target U.S. forces in the region. The Kremlin called that report "fake news."

Trump hinted at a link between the intelligence-sharing with Iran and Ukraine during a recent interview with Fox News, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin "might be helping them [Iran] a little bit, yeah, I guess, and he probably thinks we're helping Ukraine, right?"

;;

Vlad is only helping to kill our "Lewzers" in the Military, so no big deal for Donnie.

Yet Ukraine is sending anti-aircraft drones to help protect US interests and 5 countries in the fighting:

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) " Ukrainian officials are helping five countries in the Middle East and Gulf region counter attacks on their territory by Iranian drones, while the United States and European countries are among others who have requested support, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday.

Ukraine is also looking into whether it can have a role in restoring security in the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war, he said."

"120 innovative, comfort-food recipes" Martha Stewart

Wait... how much do you weigh?!

I'm a terrible cook, and it's just me and the salads, black beans and brown rice, avocados (guacamole!) oats, berries, fruits, veggies, little chicken, little fish... the worst food I sometimes eat is breaded frozen fish or chicken and fries, which are ultra processed.

I need 120 innovative quick and easy vegan mostly recipes!

#7

A WhataBidenism!!

Brilliant stuff, truly brilliant.

Meanwhile, Trump puts troops on the ground in Iran.

"New Coin Suggests Trump Is God'

If approved, the 24-karat gold coin will depict Trump leaning on a desk with clenched fists, based on a photograph taken by his chief White House photographer. This is the photograph at the National Portrait Gallery.

But here's the disturbing part. Check out the proposed gold coin.

The coin has an image of Trump and immediately below are the words "In God We Trust." This is not by accident. They are conflating an image of Donald J. Trump with the words "In God We Trust." They are deliberately suggesting that Trump IS God."

UPDATE:

The Bigly Gold Trump God Coin is Approved!

(AP) - A federal arts commission on Thursday approved the final design for a 24-karat gold commemorative coin bearing President Donald Trump's image to help celebrate America's 250th birthday on July 4.

The vote by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, whose members are supporters of the Republican president and were appointed by him earlier this year, was without objection.

It clears the way for the U.S. Mint to begin production on the coin, whose size and denomination are still under discussion.

Federal law says no living president can appear on U.S. currency. But Megan Sullivan, the acting chief of the Office of Design Management at the Mint, said the Treasury secretary has the authority to authorize the minting and issuance of certain coins.

She presented the coin's final design at the commission's March meeting on Thursday and said Trump had approved it.

"It is my understanding that the Secretary of the Treasury presented this design, as well as others, to the president and these were his selection," Sullivan said."

more

Phil Gramm?

S'riously?

JeffyBell has hit rock bottom in Rwing Asininity... it's what happens to trolls eventually.

Video version:

- I don't see you going out of your way defending me?

Awww.... poor baby!

Perhaps if what most of what you posted weren't bad fiction and or laughably smarter-than-thou delusion, you wouldn't have look foolish and then run away all the time, eh?

#6

jajaja! Say you are completely oblivious without using those words.

The AC claims to be like God; saving the world.

But hey, you are at least consistent in both politics and religion; completely and thoroughly and embarrassingly clueless.

- leave that to the politicians and assume they know a lot more than I do.

What you can assume about most politicians is that they are more concerned about their jobs/income/Corporate Golden Parachutes and YUGE Donations (see: BRIBES) since the GOP foisted Citizens United on the People... than they are about Public Policy for the People.

And with Republicans especially, that includes voting what's best for them and their Oligarch bosses rather than what's best for the People.

And with Republicans especially, making sure their Base has easier access to Ballots than any one else... using LAWFARE to do it, is their priority.

But hey, any Party that would have a convicted felon, sexual assault artist, and Traitor to his Country, according to his own DOJ, in the WH... deserves what they get.

It's just that the rest of us have to put up with his ---, too.

The image on the coin, made at his direction, along with the placing of the text... is extraordinarily egotistical; is extreme narcissism, at least.

He's what psychology calls the Dark Triad (or Tetrad) Personality:

"People with Dark Triad traits tend to be callous and manipulative, willing to do or say practically anything to get their way. They have an inflated view of themselves and are often shameless about self-promotion.

These individuals are likely to be impulsive and may engage in dangerous behavior"in some cases, even committing crimes"without regard for how their actions could affect others.

While many researchers consider psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism three distinct traits with overlapping characteristics, others believe the commonalities suggest an underlying personality construct that has yet to be fully understood.

Also, some psychological researchers have recently expanded on the Dark Triad concept, including sadism " the tendency to derive pleasure from the pain or humiliation of others " as the fourth trait in what they refer to as the Dark Tetrad."

more:

#15

Wrongway Wang foiled again!

"Gavin Newsom was diagnosed with dyslexia at age five..."

DJTurd, er Trump... is really frightened of the Dems in CA and TX; he said that James Talarico is, "an insult to Jesus".

JT replies:

"He has said he saved the auto industry, Los Angeles, TikTok, NATO, America, millions of lives in his peace deals, 837 people from being executed in Iran.

He has said he has saved little things, like Kobe Bryant from an elevator fight, and he has said he saved big things, like 35 million lives in the India-Pakistan war.

He has claimed to have saved the U.S. economy, and billions of dollars in spending. He claimed to have saved 2 million lives and 51 million jobs during the pandemic, plus he saved one billion dollars on the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem.

He's also saved, according to him, the political careers of numerous politicians and even the entire world from a depression.

And I really could go on and on naming the things he has claimed to have saved, but here's the point."

(Vid and Transcript at the link)

;;

THIS just in!

"New Coin Suggests Trump Is God'

But if Trump's viewing himself as a deity wasn't obvious enough, I've got some news for you. An article this morning in the Washington Post detailed how a federal arts commission will weigh whether to approve a commemorative GOLD coin featuring Donald Trump.

If approved, the 24-karat gold coin will depict Trump leaning on a desk with clenched fists, based on a photograph taken by his chief White House photographer. This is the photograph at the National Portrait Gallery.

But here's the disturbing part. Check out the proposed gold coin. The coin has an image of Trump and immediately below are the words "In God We Trust." This is not by accident. They are conflating an image of Donald J. Trump with the words "In God We Trust." They are deliberately suggesting that Trump IS God."

He can't keep himself from being rude, and in a creepy way.

Ask a 13 year old girl.

"What law enforcement would say is, 'these were people that were facing charges,'" Murphy says.

"What are the charges they're facing if it's civil immigration authorities doing what seems to be unlawful interference with First Amendment rights? Even if that's the asserted basis, is that constitutional? I think the answer should be clearly no."

And that's just for the Lobster and Steaks!
They want another 50 billion for the whiskey.