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Dangers of Solvents Abuse – Inhaling Butane and other gases

The Truth News — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:33:54 +0000

The substance primarily associated with solvent abuse in the UK today is butane gas. Over half of all solvent abuse deaths involve the inhalation of butane.

What products contain butane gas?

Many household products contain butane. For example, cigarette lighter refills contain butane. Butane and propane are also used as the propellant in aerosols such as deodorants, hairsprays and so on.
Many aerosols in the UK carry the Solvent Abuse Can Kill Instantly (SACKI) warning on the back.

What are the effects of inhaling butane?

Butane is a depressant and users report a range of highs, including euphoria and hallucinations. The effect is short-lived. Chronic users will often continue inhaling to prolong the effect.

Is it addictive?

Butane can lead to a psychological addiction but it is not physically addictive.

What are the health risks of inhaling butane?

Over half of all deaths associated with solvent abuse are due to butane.

Butane is highly flammable so there is a high risk of burns or explosions, particularly for smokers.
Some butane users report suffering from slurred speech and slower reactions while they are using, but find that these symptoms do not continue once they stop. Other people feel that butane abuse has contributed to longer-term physical or mental health issues.
Death from choking, suffocation, asphyxiation or a form of heart failure known as ‘sudden sniffing death syndrome’ (SSDS).

There is no ‘safe’ way to inhale butane gas that avoids the risk of SSDS.

Harm reduction

Any inhalation may lead to death

It doesn’t matter how often someone has used solvents; there is always the risk of death. There is no such thing as a ‘safe’ way to do it that will take away the risk of death from heart failure.

Re-Solv strives to support people toward eliminating harm from gas and solvent use, which can only be achieved through abstinence from use. However we understand that for some people this may take time, and the following practice may reduce some risks:

Don’t do it alone (have someone with you who can call an ambulance).
Avoid spraying directly into the mouth.
Never cover your face with a mask or plastic bag (covering your face with a mask or bag will increase the risk of suffocation).
Don’t smoke or light cigarettes – these gases are highly flammable.
Don’t mix with alcohol, any other drugs or prescribed medicines.

Don’t argue with, chase or excite someone who is high on gases/solvents. Raising their adrenaline levels may increase their risk of death.

See the Drugwise website for further information about the principle of Harm Reduction. Drugwise (external link)

There is more information on our page Symptoms and Risks of Solvent Abuse.

Other gases

Propane is associated with the same health implications and serious risk of death as butane.
Nitrous oxide – see our nitrous oxide page here. Nitrous oxide
Helium does not cause intoxication.

What is Butane Gas?

Butane is a highly flammable, colourless, odourless gas. Butane is a hydrocarbon, found in household and industrial products and is potentially intoxicating if deliberately inhaled.

How it’s misused

Butane is commonly misused by being inhaled directly through the mouth either from cigarette lighter refills, canisters or aerosol sprays.

Butane and the body

Butane is a central nervous system depressant which slows down the activity of the brain, affecting physical
and mental responses. When butane is inhaled the fumes are absorbed rapidly through the lungs into the
bloodstream. The chemicals are soluble in body fat and pass rapidly to the brain and organs, so they take
effect quickly. Although the initial high will last only a few minutes, the effects can continue for up to
40 minutes. Users may maintain the high by continuing to inhale the fumes.

Short-term effects

It is difficult to calculate the dosage of butane being consumed by users so effects can vary between
individuals. The immediate effects that users describe as desirable are a ‘drunk-like intoxication’ and a
‘euphoria’ or a ‘sense of well-being’.

Immediate side effects that may occur include:

Aggression
Sedation
Possible loss of consciousness
Loss of short term memory
Slurred speech,
Loss of coordination
Confusion
Convulsions & fits
Hallucinations
Blackouts

Long-term effects that may occur include:

Chronic headache
Sinusitis
Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination)
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds
Chronic or frequent cough
Depression
Anxiety
Tinnitus (noise in ears or head)

Dependence

Dependence is usually psychological rather than physical. However physical withdrawal has been reported among some users. Tolerance to butane can develop quickly meaning that more of the substance is required to get the same effect. Chronic users may become addicted to butane and experience withdrawal symptoms or a hangover effect if they don’t use regularly. Withdrawal symptoms can continue for a number of days
when use ceases.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

Headache
Anxiety
Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Tremor
Sleep disturbances
Depression
Delirium/ illusions
Mild abdominal pain
Sweating
Muscular cramps
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Slurred speech

Dangers

Deliberate inhalation of butane can instantly kill and there is no way to avoid this.

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (SSDS) is a cardiac condition where the person experiences ‘cardiac arrhythmia’ where the heart starts beating irregularly. Most deaths attributed to butane use are caused by SSDS. If the person gets excited, startled or participates in any sudden physical activity after inhaling butane, the heart can fail to pump blood.

People who deliberately inhale butane are also at risk of death due to:

Choking on their own vomit
Suffocating
The back of their throat swelling, putting them at risk of choking
Fatal accidents and explosions if exposed to flames

Butane can also cause long-term health implications such as:

Chemical burns on the skin
Kidney damage
Liver damage
Brain damage
Seizures
Tremors
Visual impairment (may become permanent)

Treatment

Butane users should receive the same support as individuals using stimulants. Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy are effective for this group. Psychosocial supports should be provided by key workers or counsellors. Butane users generally function well in stimulant support groups.

Harm reduction information

It’s is safest not to inhale butane, but if you are going to use it, please consider the following:

Do not use near busy roads or other hazardous environments
Do not use butane alone, in isolated locations or in conned spaces
Do not use plastic bags of masks to inhale butane
Keep the can upright and do not tilt the can
Do not use near a naked flame or lit cigarette
Do not mix with alcohol, prescription medications or illegal drugs
Do not sleep with a canister cropped against your nose or a blanket over your head
Secure a piece of gauze on top of the nozzle to ensure that if the can is titled the liquefied gas would hit the fabric and not the back of the throat

What should you do in an emergency if someone is unconscious?

Keep calm
Ensure the area immediately around the person is clear of unsafe objects, including volatile substances
Call an ambulance yourself or get someone else to
Check if the person is breathing, and check if they respond to gentle shaking or loud talking
If the person is breathing, put them in the recovery position and lift their chin to ensure their airway remains clear
If the person is not breathing, begin CPR if you know how
Don’t crowd the person or excite them
Try to find out what the person has used so you can tell the medics

Highlights

The recreational use of inhalants is a fairly widespread habit among adolescents.
Two cases of accidental death after sniffing of a mixture of propane and butane are presented.
The role of propane and butane in causing death was demonstrated with toxicological analyses.
The importance of correct sampling procedures and surveys was highlighted.

Abstract

The recreational use of inhalants is a fairly widespread habit among adolescents because of the ease of availability and methods of assumption. Their use is however not free of risks, both for direct toxicity on several target organs and for a mechanism of gas replacement with lack of oxygen. The first case concerns a 12-year-old boy who died suddenly after sniffing a mix of butane and propane contained in a can of air freshener. The second case concerns a 14-year-old boy who died by acute poisoning by the same mixture contained in a refill for lighters. High concentrations of the compounds were found in the tissues by analysis with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The compounds found in tissues and biological fluids were perfectly compatible with those contained in the containers used for the inhalation. The mechanisms of death were therefore assessed in a combination of the direct toxicity of the compound and oxygen replacement, thus highlighting the crucial help that toxicological analyses can provide in such cases.

Introduction

The recreational use of volatile compounds, the so-called “sniffing”, is determined by the inhalation of aerosols, usually contained in spray cans, for their intoxicating and disinhibiting effects.

It is a fairly widespread phenomenon among teenagers because of their easy availability and low costs, but it represents a part of addiction habits and therefore one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity among young people. The most common substances consist in glues and adhesives for plastics, lacquers, solvents for dyes, fuel (gasoline, naphtha, kerosene), fuel for lighters, aerosol propellants. The latter were composed until the end of the 70s by chlorofluorocarbons that were later banned because of their potential harmful effect toward ozone and thus replaced with aliphatic hydrocarbons such as propane, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane: the products containing such hydrocarbons have a widespread use, low costs, its easy availability make them accessible as substances of abuse among young people and adults of all social classes [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]. Although these compounds are considered safe as aerosol propellants, harmful events may occur in an accidental or suicidal manner [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16]. Inhalation may in fact be found especially among detained people to commit suicide [17]. Although the chemicals of inhalants may produce different pharmacological effects, most of them produce rapid euphoria resembling alcohol intoxication, with disinhibition, lightheadedness and agitation. With prolonged inhalations, a decrease of perceptual sensitivity and even unconsciousness may occur. A variety of additional effects may include aggression, apathy, cognitive impairment. The toxic effects on the organism are clearly determined by the asphyxiating effect in case of prolonged inhalation, but acute inhalation as well (especially with butane) can potentially lead to life-threatening effects. As chronic effect, an extensive and long-lasting damage to the whole nervous system may occur (similar to neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis). Moreover, cognitive, motor, visual and auditory areas may undergo severe impairment. Other effects may involve coordination, spasticity and sensory loss of hearing and sight [18], [19], [20], [21], [22]. Moreover, chronic exposure can produce significant damage to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.

At the state of the art, several cases have been reported of fatal suicidal and accidental butane or propane intoxication. In case of sudden death following acute inhalation, it was attributed to suffocation, respiratory depression, cardiac arrhythmia or to a combination of such different mechanisms [23], [24], [25]. However, it is clear that since autopsy is usually completely unremarkable (as in many asphyxial deaths), the assessment of the cause and mechanism of death is mainly based upon circumstantial data or histological and toxicological analyses. The volatile substance abuse (VSA) among adolescents is a widespread phenomenon [26], [27], [28], [29]. In 2014, according to the “Behavioral health trends in the United States” [30] approximately 546.000 people aged 12 or older were current users of inhalants. Current use of inhalants in 2014 was more common among adolescents aged 12–17 than among people in other age groups. Percentages of people in different age groups who were current users of inhalants in 2014 were 0.6% in adolescents, 0.2% in young adults aged 18–25, and 0.2% in adults aged 26 or older. People who abuse of inhalants belong mostly to rural urban environments. In Europe, according to the survey performed by European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) [31], the highest prevalence of use of inhalants is observed in Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Malta and Slovenia. The consumption of inhalants gradually increases with age, with prevalence of 4% among 15-year-old people and 11% in 19-year-old. This trend can be detected even for other substances such as amphetamines, ecstasy, hallucinogens and opiates. No significant differences between genders were detected.

In Italy, the survey Italian Population Survey on Alcohol and Drugs (IPSAD) [32] aimed at detecting the use of legal and illegal psychoactive substances in the resident population in Italy between the ages of 15 and 64. The survey showed higher prevalence among young people, as individuals below the age of 35 are those reporting more frequently the assumption of these drugs at least once in a lifetime, with prevalence rates between 3% and 4%. The consumption of inhalants in 2008 reached 1% in the age group 15–24 and decreased to 0.2% in other age groups (25–54), without significant differences between genders. The latest report of the Central Executive Anti-Drug Board [33] shows how the sniffing of substances like glues, gases, aerosols and solvents, is alarmingly growing among young people.

Thus, VSA developed in Italy since the early 90s, although it is still rarely observed when compared to other forms of substance abuse. Moreover, the crucial issue of VSA-related deaths among adolescents has never been thoroughly investigated. A previous review of the cases occurred at the Institute of Legal Medicine of Milan until 1985 recorded only two cases and not related to adolescents [34].

The authors report two cases of accidental death due to inhalation of a mixture of butane and propane, hence highlighting crucial aspects involved in a correct diagnosis within a forensic context, which must necessarily rely upon a correct and thorough integration of circumstantial data, clinical evidence, autopsy, histological analysis, and especially toxicological investigations. These cases are of particular interest since they are the only two described in Italian case studies and provide a contribution to this topic, showing how the causal role of the substance can be demonstrated even when a certain survival is present and significant concentrations may be found only in accumulation tissues (i.e. adipose tissue). Different mechanisms responsible for death are therefore discussed.

Section snippets

Case 1

The case concerns a 12-year-old male, found by his mother lying supine on the floor of the bedroom, unconscious and with a plastic bag placed around the face. White foam was dripping from the mouth. The mother immediately alerted the rescue who found him in cardio-circulatory arrest, tried to resuscitate and carry him to hospital but circulation and heartbeat never recovered and he was thus pronounced dead. At the survey of the scene, a can of air freshener was found on the desk of his bedroom,

Materials and methods

In both cases, during autopsy the following samples were taken for further toxicological analyses: cardiac (both cases) and femoral blood (only case 2), urine, bile, portions of tissues (brain, lungs, liver, kidneys) in order to establish the assumption of psychoactive substances. For the search of volatile substances, blood samples (1 ml) and fragments of liver, kidney, brain, lung, iliopsoas muscle and adipose tissue were sampled in vials of 10 ml, previously calibrated, sealed with a septum

Results

The analysis of the biological samples showed the presence of n-butane, isobutane and propane in blood samples and several organs, similar to the gaseous mixture contained in the material found at the decedent’s home (air freshener in the case 1 and cans for lighters recharge in case 2). Fig. 3 shows the gas chromatographic analysis of propane and butane detected in the blood sample of case 1, whilst Fig. 4 shows, in the sample of adipose tissue of case 2, the detection, by GC/MS analysis, of

Discussion

The present cases are very representative of how a correct and thorough forensic investigation should be performed in case of poisoning by butane and propane, especially in accidental cases among people who use to inhale substances for some sort of “trip” [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]. The assessment of the assumption of these substances (a mixture, in both cases) and their role in causing death is based on a thorough evaluation based on circumstances, crime scene investigation, autopsy,

References (40)

M.O. Howard et al. Inhalant use among incarcerated adolescents in the United States: prevalence, characteristics, and correlates of use Drug Alcohol Depend. (2008)
J.M. Nonnemaker et al. Inhalant use initiation among U.S. adolescents: evidence from the National Survey of Parents and Youth using discrete-time survival analysis Addict. Behav. (2011)
A. Sasao et al. Quantitative determination of n-butane metabolites in three cases of butane sniffing death Forensic Sci. Int. (2015)
M. Ago et al. A fatal case of n-butane poisoning after inhaling anti-perspiration aerosol deodorant Leg. Med. (Tokyo) (2002)
H. Tsoukali et al. Death during deliberate propane inhalation Forensic Sci. Int. (1998)
H. Sugie et al. Three cases of sudden death due to butane or propane gas inhalation: analysis of tissues for gas components Forensic Sci. Int. (2004)
M. Peyravi et al. Fatal outcome despite bilateral decompressive craniectomy for refractory intracranial pressure increase in butane intoxication Clin. Neurol. Neurosurg. (2012)
M.O. Howard et al. Inhalant use among antisocial youth: prevalence and correlates Addict. Behav. (1999)
C. Fuke et al. A fatal case considered to be due to cardiac arrhythmia associated with butane inhalation Leg. Med. (Tokyo) (2002)
K.E. Edwards et al. Successful resuscitation from recurrent ventricular fibrillation secondary to butane inhalation Br. J. Anaesth. (2000)
D.R. Williams et al. Ventricular fibrillation following butane gas inhalation Resuscitation (1998)
T. Fukunaga et al. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) poisoning: report of two cases and review of the literature Forensic Sci. Int. (1996)
A. Esmail et al. Controlling deaths from volatile substance abuse in under 18s: the effects of legislation BMJ (1992)
A.C. Evans et al. Phenomenology of intoxication with toluene-based adhesives and butane gas Br. J. Psychiatry (1987)
M.E. Medina-Mora et al. Epidemiology of inhalant use Curr. Opin. Psychiatry (2008)
M.L. Muilenburg et al. Inhalant use and risky behavior correlates in a sample of rural middle school students Subst. Abus. (2006)
H. Pfeiffer et al. Sudden death after isobutane sniffing: a report of two forensic cases Int. J. Legal Med.(2006)
T.P. Rohrig Sudden death due to butane inhalation Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. (1997)
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There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (22)

Sudden death due to butane abuse – An overview 2024, Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine Characteristics and circumstances of volatile solvent misuse-related death in Australia, 2000–2021
2023, Clinical Toxicology A two-decade review of butane toxicity as a substance of abuse 2022, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Comprehensive comparison of industrial cannabinoid extraction techniques: Evaluation of the most relevant patents and studies at pilot scale 2022, Frontiers in Natural Products
Two deaths due to explosion of cylinders of liquid petroleum gas 2021, Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences
Electronic cigarettes and alternative methods of vaping 2021, Annals of the American Thoracic Society

Gratitude, far more than just a sentimental notion, capable of transforming the human brain and improving overall mental health

The Truth News — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 15:11:55 +0000

Gratitude, far more than just a sentimental notion, capable of transforming the human brain and improving overall mental health

Gratitude, far from being a sentimental notion, has emerged as a scientifically supported force capable of transforming the human brain and improving overall mental health.

Neuroscientific studies have shown that regularly practicing gratitude activates brain regions associated with moral cognition, emotional regulation, and reward, particularly the medial prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex (Zahn et al., 2009).

Notably, Dr. Alex Korb, in his book The Upward Spiral, describes how gratitude stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin—two neurotransmitters vital for mood stabilization and happiness —making it a powerful natural antidepressant.

A growing body of evidence confirms that this effect is not fleeting: a study by the University of California, Berkeley, led by Joel Wong and Joshua Brown (2017), found that individuals who wrote gratitude letters showed significantly better mental health outcomes even 12 weeks after the exercise, regardless of whether the letters were sent.

In parallel, Emmons and McCullough (2003) demonstrated that individuals who kept a gratitude journal for just 10 weeks reported increased optimism, better sleep, and more physical activity.

Furthermore, gratitude has been shown to enhance the neural modulation of the prefrontal cortex, which reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety by strengthening pathways that suppress negative emotions.

According to McCraty & Childre (2004), gratitude also reduces cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone—improving cardiovascular health and emotional resilience. At the structural level, researchers like Zahn et al. (2014) have found that individuals who frequently feel gratitude show increased gray matter volume in the right inferior temporal gyrus, which plays a key role in interpreting social signals and emotional meaning.

As UCLA’s Mindfulness Awareness Research Center puts it, “Gratitude changes the neural structures of the brain,” reshaping how we perceive and engage with the world. ”

Ultimately, gratitude doesn’t just feel good—it rewires the brain toward greater emotional intelligence, social connection, and resilience, offering a neuropsychological foundation for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

NOT JUST SCIENCE, BIBLICAL AS WELL. ONE DAY SCIENCE WILL ALIGN ITSELF FULLY WITH CREATION!

Gratitude Transforms Anxiety into Peace Bible verses to help us through our daily life and life in General

Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude Shifts Perspective and Brings Joy

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Gratitude Leads to God’s Presence

Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”

Gratitude Transforms Hardship into Growth

James 1:2-4
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Gratitude Deepens Our Relationship with God

Colossians 3:16-17
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Gratitude Opens Our Eyes to God’s Blessings

Ephesians 5:20
“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Gratitude Is an Act of Worship

Hebrews 12:28
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”

Gratitude Leads to Wholeness and Healing

Luke 17:15-19 (The healing of the ten lepers)
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him… Then he said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'”

Gratitude in Scripture is often a catalyst for profound change. Below, the examples are organized by the type of transformation experienced – Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, and Social – with each verse or passage quoted and explained.

Emotional Transformation (Anxiety to Peace, Sadness to Joy)

Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to Godbiblehub.com. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”biblehub.com. Transformation: A thankful posture in prayer turns anxiety into peace. Paul teaches that when we present our worries to God with gratitude, God’s transcendent peace will calm our hearts and mindsgotquestions.org. The act of thanking God, even as we petition Him, shifts our focus from troubles to trust, resulting in inner peace replacing fear.
Psalm 30:11–12 – “You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness… O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever”biblehub.combiblehub.com. Transformation: David expresses that God transformed his sadness into joy (“mourning into dancing”). In response, David’s heart overflows with thanksgiving. Gratitude here is both a reaction to God’s deliverance and a means of fully embracing joy. By vowing to thank God forever, David shows how thankfulness sustains the joy that replaced his sorrow. His praise-filled gratitude cements the emotional transformation from grief to rejoicing.

Spiritual Transformation (Deeper Faith and Relationship with God)

Luke 17:15–19 – One of the ten lepers, after being healed, “turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving Him thanks”biblehub.com. In response, “Jesus said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well’”biblehub.com. Transformation: Gratitude was central to this man’s spiritual healing. All ten were cured physically, but only the thankful Samaritan received Jesus’ affirmation of saving faith. His thankful return to praise Jesus indicated a heart change and deeper faith. Jesus implied that this man gained something more – a spiritual wholeness: “There was an extra healing for this tenth leper… The other lepers had whole bodies, but sick hearts.”enduringword.com In other words, his grateful faith not only cleansed his body but also brought salvation and a restored relationship with God, whereas the others missed that deeper transformation.
Colossians 2:6–7 – “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”askaboutmyfaith.com Transformation: Thankfulness is portrayed as a byproduct of and catalyst for spiritual growth. As believers deepen their roots in Christ, their faith grows stronger and is marked by abundant gratitudeaskaboutmyfaith.com. This suggests that practicing thankfulness reinforces our faith. A grateful heart keeps us mindful of God’s goodness and sovereignty, drawing us into a closer walk with God. Thus, gratitude leads to a transformed spiritual life – one of deeper faith, steadiness in Christ, and continual awareness of God’s presence.
Psalm 50:23 – “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies Me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”biblehub.com. Transformation: Here God promises that a thankful worshiper will see salvation. Offering thanks honors God and “prepares his way so that I will show God’s salvation”biblehub.com. This implies that gratitude opens the heart to God’s saving work. In a spiritual sense, a grateful attitude “orders” our life correctly before God, leading to a greater experience of His salvation and deliverance. In sum, thankfulness paves the way for a transformed heart that knows God’s saving power more intimately.

Physical Transformation (Healing, Provision, Protection)

John 6:11 – “Jesus then took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated… so also the fish, as much as they wanted.”biblehub.com Transformation: Jesus demonstrates gratitude before the miracle of feeding the 5,000. His giving of thanks to God preceded the multiplication of the loaves and fish, providing abundant provision for the hungry crowd. This shows thankfulness leading to a tangible transformation of circumstances – from lack to plenty. The simple act of thanking God for the little they had invited God’s power to supply the physical needs of thousandsflbchurch.org. Our example is that faithful thanks, even in scarcity, can unleash God’s provision.
Jonah 2:9–10 – “But I, with the voice of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to You… Salvation comes from the Lord. And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.”biblehub.com Transformation: Inside the great fish, Jonah offered a prayer of grateful praise, even before his rescue: “With shouts of grateful praise, I will sacrifice to you… Salvation comes from the Lord”biblehub.com. Immediately after this thanksgiving proclamation, God delivered Jonah, commanding the fish to release him. Jonah’s gratitude in the darkest place preceded a dramatic physical deliverance from death. This illustrates how an attitude of thankfulness can invite God’s saving power into dire circumstances – turning near tragedy into rescue.
Daniel 6:10, 22 – “[Daniel] got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” (Daniel 6:10) Despite a royal ban on prayer, Daniel continued his habitual gratitude toward God. Later, after being thrown into the lions’ den, he emerged unharmed, declaring, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me” (Daniel 6:22). Transformation: Daniel’s unwavering thankfulness brought about divine protection. His grateful prayers demonstrated trust in God above all, and God miraculously saved him from deadly lions. Even the pagan king recognized God’s power: “He rescues and He saves”thewriteconversation.blogspot.com. Thus, in Daniel’s story, thankfulness under trial led to a powerful transformation of impending death into deliverance – a testimony to God’s protective intervention.
Acts 16:25–26 – “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God… and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.”flbchurch.org Transformation: In this instance of praise (an expression of gratitude) amid suffering, God intervened with a physical miracle. Paul and Silas’s thankful worship turned a prison into a place of freedom – literally opening doors and breaking chains. Their gratitude to God despite wounds and confinement led to an earthquake that transformed their situation from captivity to liberty. This not only freed them physically but also set the stage for the jailer’s conversion (a spiritual change), showing how thankfulness can trigger God’s power to heal, protect, and save.

Social Transformation (Reconciliation, Favor, Influence)

Acts 27:35–36 – Facing a storm at sea, “Paul took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all… then he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.”biblehub.com Transformation: Paul’s public expression of gratitude during a crisis had a profound influence on those around him. His calm thankfulness to God for the meal (despite the impending shipwreck) lifted the others from despair to hope. All 276 passengers “took heart” and followed his example of eatingbiblehub.com. The social atmosphere on the ship shifted from panic to encouragement. Paul’s thankfulness instilled confidence that God would deliver them, demonstrating how one person’s grateful faith can positively transform a whole group’s outlook and unity.
Acts 2:46–47 – In the early church, believers met together “with glad and sincere hearts, praising God,” and as a result they were “enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”biblehub.com Transformation: Corporate gratitude and praise produced a social impact in the community. The first Christians’ joyful, thankful worship fostered unity among themselves and earned them favor with outsiders. Their gratitude to God was contagious, drawing others to them. Scripture notes that this environment of praise and thankfulness led to continual growth of the church, as more people were being saved dailybiblehub.combiblehub.com. In other words, a culture of thankfulness in the community helped bring about reconciliation between individuals and God, and also gave the believers a positive reputation, transforming their social standing and influence in society.
2 Chronicles 20:21–22 – “Jehoshaphat appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise Him… As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the [enemy]… and they were defeated.” Transformation: Here praise and thanks became a “weapon” that led to a national victory and peace. Judah’s army marched into battle thanking God for His love, and God turned the enemies against each otherflbchurch.orgbiblehub.com. This brought deliverance without Judah fighting at all. The social/national transformation was twofold: fear gave way to faith among God’s people, and neighboring nations stood in awe. This example shows gratitude to God helping reconcile and unite a people, while also granting them favor and influence over surrounding nations who witnessed God’s power.

Each of these examples underscores a principle: thankfulness is often the key that unlocks God’s transformative work. Emotional turmoil gives way to joy and peace, faith is strengthened, physical needs are met or miracles occur, and even social situations are changed – all when people choose to “give thanks in all circumstances” as God’s will for us (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The Bible consistently demonstrates that a grateful heart isn’t just an appropriate response to God’s grace, but a powerful force that God uses to change lives and situations for the better.

Building A Custom Aquarium – Where to go for a Custom Aquarium Build

The Truth News — Fri, 08 May 2026 18:30:35 +0000

Building A Custom Aquarium – Where to go for a Custom Aquarium Build

For this Review we chose CustomAquariums.com

9.8 out of 10 Editor’s Choice

https://goodshepherdmedia.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ca-home-cropped.mp4

We chose to see what all the internet hype was all about….. well we dove in head first with CustomAquariums.com to see how they could make our fish/aquarium vision a reality

If you want the most credible, persuasive way to describe this builder, call it an engineering-first custom glass aquarium company rather than a generic “luxury tank” brand. The official record supports that positioning: the site offers built-to-order sizing, multiple glass thicknesses and clarity levels, tempered or non-tempered panels, custom hole drilling, framed and rimless tanks, paludariums, multiple stand systems, and modular sump-based filtration. It also has public configurators for rectangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, rimless, and amphibious builds, plus dedicated 10-foot and 12-foot custom pages for oversized projects.

The strongest promotional angle is that these aquariums are designed to feel permanent: thick glass, polished and beveled edges, high-strength silicone, marine-grade anodized aluminum framing on the tanks, and a choice between furniture-style hardwood cabinetry or welded steel stands. That message is not only internally consistent across the site, it is also visually credible because the published package examples and manufacturing pages keep returning to the same ideas of rigidity, serviceability, and long-term durability.

The honest limitation is that ownership looks more like commissioning specialty millwork than buying a standard aquarium. Current policies show long lead times, freight and handling caveats on very large tanks, non-returnability of custom tanks/stands/canopies once production starts, and strict damage-reporting and warranty conditions. A good promotional review should say that plainly, because the product becomes more—not less—compelling when framed as a serious custom purchase.

The Customization breadth is substantial. They offer buyers many options for their glass ranging from 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, and 3/4″ glass, with low-iron “ultra-clear” available in every listed thickness, with tempering options, and with panel-by-panel specification

They can drill holes anywhere!

Holes can be drilled for overflow and return systems, and the configurators publicly support multiple shapes and styles instead of restricting the buyer to a few preset rectangles.

They are here for the small custom build all the was to top tier big-budget builds for elite homes and business a like. Professional is where they start and end from day 1!

The stand and cabinet story is equally important.

The hardwood line is “solid wood throughout” frames are made in the USA from hardwoods such as ash, oak, maple, cherry, hickory, and black walnut, while the tops, backs, door panels, and side panels use matching veneer plywood rather than particleboard.

The steel line is described as high-strength square tube steel, welded into one solid piece and finished with a durable oven-cured powder coating, with a painted 3/4″ plywood top. For smaller, stackable, more institutional displays, there is also an anodized aluminum rack-style stand system.

The company’s customization depth also extends farther into filtration than many competitors’ sites do. The official “dream tank” page describes modular sump packages in 1200, 3600, and 4800 GPH, plus overflows, returns, protein-skimmer options, and plumbing. Lighting is available through its store too, but the site’s real differentiator is structural engineering and flow management rather than bespoke in-house lighting fabrication.

A compelling descriptive line, grounded in the actual specs, would be this: these builds do not look delicate; they look composed. The steel versions feel architectural, the hardwood versions feel like cabinetry, and the framed glass tanks feel intentionally reinforced rather than cosmetically rimmed. That is exactly the sort of distinction that makes a promotional review sound authentic instead of overhyped.

Pricing, Lead Times, Shipping, and Warranty

Published pricing ranges show that the builder spans serious hobbyist budgets up through premium custom budgets. Current package examples on the site run roughly from $770.85–$2,189.04 for a 75-gallon wide, $954.80–$2,578.01 for a 100-gallon, $1,927.70–$4,067.78 for a 150-gallon wide, $2,983.60–$5,172.34 for a 240-gallon, and $4,443.80–$7,150.64 for a 300-gallon package. The site also lists a ready-to-ship 180-gallon complete package at $7,605.30, which suggests that fully optioned, turnkey systems can move meaningfully above the entry package ranges. Truly oversized 10-foot and 12-foot projects are quote-driven instead of openly shelf-priced.

Lead times are not impulse-buy lead times. The current shipping page lists standard aquarium lead times at 40–50 business days, with fast-track options around 20–35 business days depending on the order type, and it says tanks ship fully cured rather than arriving with instructions to wait before use. Tempering adds additional time. That kind of language supports a premium review because it frames the delay as part of the build integrity, not as careless backlog.

Shipping policies are the biggest practical constraint on giant builds. Orders above $4,000 can qualify for free shipping per crate, but residential free curbside delivery has dimensional limits, and very large tanks may only ship free to a commercial loading dock or freight terminal. Extra fees can apply for liftgate service, remote delivery, unloading, and case-by-case in-home or office setup. The FAQ says refundable moving kits help with many popular sizes, but the company still expects buyers to inspect deliveries before signing and to document any damage immediately.

Warranty language is strong but caveated. The posted PDF says aquariums 75 gallons and larger are warrantied for life against leaks or cracks caused by defects in materials or workmanship, while tanks under 75 gallons are covered for 90 days; stands and canopies carry a 1-year limited warranty; custom aquariums, stands, and canopies are not returnable once in production; and accessory returns are limited to 30 days with shipping deductions and a 25% restocking fee. There is also a notable wording mismatch: current product pages and the steel-stand page say tanks sold with a custom stand qualify for lifetime coverage, while the formal PDF specifically references a Majestic-brand stand. A prudent buyer should get that point clarified in writing before purchase.

Third-Party Authenticity Check

The most persuasive outside-case source I found is a 550-gallon school build by Reef Conservation Society, documented on its own site via this . The group says it compared manufacturers, chose this builder after seeing sample tanks and the overflow system at a trade show, received clear drawings, and got the tank built as requested. Just as important, the write-up makes the process feel real: a heavy shipping crate, a purpose-built cart, a loading dock, volunteers, hallway maneuvering, and eventual plumbing into place. That combination of praise and effort gives the brand’s “serious custom build” message real-world credibility.

On the reputation-platform side, the shows a 4.7-star aggregate from 273 reviews pulled from Birdeye, Google, and Facebook. Visible sample reviews repeatedly point to strong customer service, good communication during special-build design, attractive finished runs, secure packaging, and good experiences with 150-, 180-, and 375-gallon systems. The same profile also includes a visible negative review describing a failed delivery/refund experience, which matters because it suggests the public review picture is positive but not artificially spotless.

Best Use Cases and Final Verdict

High-end residential showpiece. The clearest fit is the buyer who wants a long, wide display to function like architectural furniture: ultra-clear front and side panels, a dark rear panel, a hardwood stand that matches the room, and overflow/filtration choices planned at the same time as the tank. The official package examples and cabinetry pages support exactly that scenario.

Waiting room, lobby, or office focal point. The site actively markets to dental offices and hospitals, and the stain/color-matching flexibility makes that credible. This is one of the best authentic promotional scenarios because a custom aquarium can be sold not only as décor but as atmosphere: calmer, quieter, more memorable than standard reception-area furniture.

Corner, peninsula, or odd-footprint room. Pentagon, hexagon, rimless, and other configurable shapes make the builder especially attractive where a standard rectangle would waste the room or kill sight lines. This is the type of buyer most likely to appreciate the configurators and panel-by-panel glass choices.

Fish room, gallery, or multi-tank operation. The anodized aluminum rack system is not the sexy star of the site, but it may be one of the platform’s most functional offerings for breeders, stores, research rooms, and hobbyists building out multiple smaller displays.

Paludarium and hybrid habitat buyers. The amphibious line gives the company a useful edge for turtle, reptile, or land-water projects where standard aquarium makers often stop at “just put a basking area inside.” The official pages show sliding-door and custom-environment possibilities that go beyond basic fishkeeping.

Your Dream Tank,
Built to Last a Lifetime

An in-depth look at CustomAquariums.com

James Reeves
Hobbyist Reef Keeper & Aquascape Enthusiast · 12 years in the hobby

I’ve kept fish tanks since I was eight years old. I’ve filled them with ordinary box-store glass, bargain acrylic panels, and everything in between — and nothing, absolutely nothing, prepared me for what arrived from Custom Aquariums.

— Opening impressions, 280-gallon reef build

The Glass That Changes Everything

Let’s start with what you see, because with Custom Aquariums, you see everything. The company builds exclusively with glass — never acrylic — and their engineering page spells out exactly why: acrylic yellows over time, scratches at the touch of a cleaning sponge, absorbs chemicals, and introduces visual distortion that blurs your carefully aquascaped world into a murky approximation of itself. Glass is scratch-resistant, chemically inert, and dimensionally stable for decades.

But standard glass isn’t what Custom Aquariums ships you. Every panel is precision CNC-cut, then beveled and polished on every single edge — including the edges hidden inside the frame that you’ll never even see. That commitment to invisible quality tells you everything about the philosophy at work in Neenah, Wisconsin.

The result? Looking into my 280-gallon build feels like staring through still air. Corals pop. Fish color is true. The low-iron glass eliminates the greenish tint common in standard float glass, delivering a window so optically pure that guests consistently ask if it’s open-top before they notice the lid. Whether you’re running a lush Dutch planted freshwater scape or a coral-encrusted saltwater reef, the view is absolutely breathtaking.

What It Feels Like In A Room

The visual appeal here comes from controlled disappearance. The best configurations on the site pair a dark painted rear panel with clearer front and side viewing panes, which makes fish, coral, plants, and hardscape appear to float in a darker stage rather than inside a visibly green or plasticky box. On larger examples, the published specs show 1/2″ and 5/8″ glass in combinations that read substantial rather than flimsy, and the hardwood cabinetry options keep the system from looking like hobby gear dropped into a formal room.

Frames Built Like Furniture — and Fortresses

Every aquarist has a horror story: a frame fails at 2 a.m., hundreds of gallons cascade across the floor, and a cherished ecosystem dies in minutes. Custom Aquariums engineered their way out of that nightmare with a patented, marine-grade anodized aluminum frame that outperforms both plastic euro-bracing and traditional trim in every measurable way.

Unlike plastic frames that can become brittle from salt spray and UV exposure, the aluminum will never rust, corrode, or warp. It’s held to the glass with a thick layer of aquarium-grade black silicone — five times stronger than standard clear silicone — which is itself bonded only after the glass panels have been cleaned with deionized water for optimal adhesion. The result is a structural unit that, according to the company’s own documentation, is built to last a lifetime.

For stand options, the Majestic® series offers solid hardwood construction with a ¾-inch plywood top — no particle board anywhere in the build. You choose the wood species, stain, door panel style, and trim; the configurator walks you through it with almost absurd flexibility. Prefer something industrial? The welded steel tube stands handle even the most massive builds. I opted for natural oak on mine, and it sits in my living room as a piece of furniture I’m proud of, not a utilitarian necessity I try to hide.

If You Can Dream It, They Can Build It

This is where Custom Aquariums truly separates itself from the competition. Their online configurator lets you dial in not just length and depth and height, but shape. You can order classic rectangles, dramatic hexagons perfect for 360-degree viewing, corner-fitting pentagons, clean cubes, and even paludariums — those stunning half-water, half-land enclosures ideal for turtles, amphibians, and botanically-rich vivariums. Their 105-gallon tall paludarium, for instance, stands a full 48 inches high with a 15-inch waterline: an entire terrestrial world growing above a thriving aquatic one.

The configurator also handles filtration integration. Custom Aquariums’ proprietary Seamless Sump® system — developed through their sister company Serenity USA’s decades of commercial aquarium service work — combines mechanical, biological, and chemical filtration into one elegantly modular HDPE unit. Pair it with the H2Overflow® for whisper-quiet surface skimming, and the Siphon Stopper® return nozzle to minimize back-siphon flood risk if the pump ever cuts out. These are patented, real-world-tested solutions born not from a marketing whiteboard but from professionals who service aquariums for a living.

Crystal-clear low-iron glass

True-color viewing with zero greenish tint. Beveled and polished on every edge, even those hidden inside the frame.

Patented aluminum frame

Marine-grade anodized aluminum that will never rust, corrode, or become brittle — stronger than any plastic alternative.

Every shape imaginable

Rectangle, cube, hex, pentagon, rimless, or paludarium. The configurator builds it to your exact dimensions.

Lifetime warranty

Built so confidently they back every tank with a lifetime guarantee — because they engineer them to actually last forever.

Solid hardwood stands

Majestic® stands use real hardwood and ¾” plywood. Zero particle board. Furniture-grade craftsmanship throughout.

Seamless Sump® filtration

A complete, modular HDPE sump system developed by working aquarium service professionals. Elegant and flood-smart.

The Build Specifications

Glass type
Precision-cut, beveled and polished low-iron float glass (never acrylic). Thickness scaled to tank volume and dimensions for structural safety.

Frame system
Patented marine-grade anodized aluminum. Held with aquarium-grade black silicone, 5× stronger than standard clear silicone. Salt and UV resistant.

Stand options
Majestic® solid hardwood (oak, cherry, painted), Lifetime® anodized aluminum, or welded steel tube — all with ¾” plywood top, no particle board.

Shapes available
Rectangle, square, cube, hexagon, pentagon, rimless, and paludarium (half-land / half-water).

Filtration
Seamless Sump® (HDPE, modular), H2Overflow® screen, Siphon Stopper® return nozzle, Stealthbox® external overflow box. All proprietary and patent-protected.

Warranty
Lifetime — on aquariums, stands, and canopies. One of the only manufacturers in the U.S. offering this level of confidence.

Starting price
From ~$682 for a 65-gallon framed tank. Complete packages (tank + stand + sump) range to $7,000+ for flagship 300-gallon builds. Free delivery on orders over $4,000.

Pros & Cons

What we love

Glass quality is genuinely exhibition-level
Patented aluminum frame is best-in-class for longevity
Configurator offers unrivaled customization depth
Seamless Sump® ecosystem is thoughtfully engineered
Lifetime warranty backs every claim they make
Hardwood stands are furniture-quality, not afterthoughts
Born from commercial service experience, not theory
Free shipping on orders over $4,000

Worth knowing

Custom builds require lead time — not a same-week purchase
Premium pricing vs. mass-market box-store options
U.S.-based shipping only (Neenah, WI)
The rabbit hole of customization can be delightfully overwhelming

The Experience of Ordering

The configurator at CustomAquariums.com is a joy to use — part spreadsheet, part creative sandbox. You pick your dimensions, your glass thickness, your frame style, your stand species and stain, your canopy design, and your filtration stack. At any point you can call (844) 244-8265 and reach actual aquarium engineers who have built and serviced these systems in the real world. There’s no script — just expertise.

Package specials offer 8–12% discounts when you bundle tank, stand, and sump together. The 300-gallon complete saltwater build, for example, starts at just over $4,400 — a figure that seems steep until you consider you’re purchasing a lifetime piece of American-made craftsmanship with a no-asterisk warranty. Comparable setups cobbled together from big-box stores and offshore manufacturers routinely cost more and last far less.

The Verdict

Custom Aquariums isn’t selling you a fish tank. They’re selling you a window into another world — one built with precision glass, an aluminum frame engineered to outlast you, and a filtration system designed by people who have spent decades actually keeping the water clean. If you dream it, they will build it. And it will be spectacular.

9.8

out of 10
Editor’s Choice

Design Your Aquarium →

9.8 out of 10 Editor’s Choice

Material, Frame, and Glass Comparison

Option	Verified attributes	Why it matters	Trade-offs
Hardwood cabinetry stand	Solid hardwood frames, veneer-plywood structural panels, no particleboard, six wood species, multiple stains/paints, custom décor matching.	Best for buyers who want the aquarium to read like built-in furniture rather than equipment.	The company’s canopy philosophy is intentionally open-top because it says fully capped wood deteriorates from evaporation; formal stand/canopy warranty is 1 year.
Welded steel stand	High-strength square tube steel, one-piece welded frame, oven-cured powder coating, painted 3/4″ plywood top, optional casters.	Strongest visual signal of industrial confidence; best fit for extra-heavy tanks.	More utilitarian unless wrapped or enclosed. Powder coating adds barrier protection and durability, but it still reads more workshop than furniture.
Anodized aluminum tank frame	Marine-grade anodized aluminum, more rigid and rust-resistant than plastic, designed to create stronger silicone-bond geometry; paired with polished, beveled edges and high-strength black silicone.	This is the builder’s signature structural story: a framed glass tank that is meant to feel safer long-term than brittle plastic-rim alternatives.	Buyers who want a purely borderless look will prefer rimless builds instead.
Ultra-clear low-iron glass	Available in all listed thicknesses, same basic strength as regular clarity at equal thickness, lower iron for clearer viewing, can be chosen panel by panel.	Best visual upgrade for front and side viewing panes; independent glass makers confirm lower green tint, better transparency, and higher light transmission.	Costs more, so the smartest premium spec is often selective rather than “ultra-clear everywhere.”
Tempered glass	Offered in multiple listed thicknesses; official FAQ says it adds major strength and must be drilled before tempering; independent glazing guidance confirms materially stronger, safer break behavior.	Good option where extra impact resistance or structural margin matters.	Adds lead time and eliminates later drilling/modification of the tempered panel.

Building a Raised Garden Bed – Using 5 Gallon Buckets and a little Ingenuity

The Truth News — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:17:46 +0000

Bucket Gardens: Building a Raised Garden Bed

Raised Bucket Garden – Using 5 Gallon Buckets and a little Ingenuity

Raised garden beds can be an easy and convenient way to grow just about anything in a tight spot. In a small space, raised beds and container gardens can provide plenty of veggie square footage and are an easy return on your investment. When you bring a little DIY ingenuity into the mix, like one savvy McCoy’s customer did, then you can bring your raised bed container garden to life with some good-looking McCoy’s buckets, a little wood, some simple tools, and just an afternoon.

Why Plant in a Raised Garden Bed?

Raised garden beds and container gardening in general can offer great benefits. When you add in buckets, you also get durable, reusable, and low-cost materials to create your garden.

Ditch the stoop: Raised garden beds allow you to save your aching back when it comes to planting, weeding, tending, and harvesting the fruits of your garden labor.
Keep it simple: Methods like “square-foot gardening” encourage you to use a small space (say, the size of a five-gallon bucket) to plant your vegetables to maximize your garden yield. It’s easy to keep track of when you plant if you do it one bucket at a time.
Control the dirt: Instead of using existing yard soil, you can fill each bucket with exactly the type of soil, drainage, and fertilizer each plant needs.
Outsmart the weeds and pests: Weeds and hungry varmints can creep into even the most well-tended gardens. However with raised gardens and especially a raised garden bed made of buckets, you can limit the potential for those groundhogs, rabbits, and other sneaky veggie stealers to wreak havoc. You can even position it in a spot that wouldn’t normally be plant friendly (like a back porch) but does keep your veg away from nosy deer, dogs, or squirrels.
Garden in a small (or rented) space: Even if you don’t have a great yard for a garden (too small or oddly situated) you can create this handy raised garden bed with buckets for a solution you can also move or store out of season. It will even work situated on top of concrete or rocks! No yard? No problem!

Supplies for Your Own Bucket Raised Garden Bed

What we love about this customer’s raised garden bed with buckets, is it uses basic materials– available at your local McCoy’s– to create a practical raised garden bed that can be used year after year and can be adapted to four, six, or eight buckets.

Note: If you’re worried about using pressure treated wood for your garden bed, you can find more information in this article.

Materials:
- 12 McCoy’s yellow buckets
- Potting soil (choose potting soil or raised bed soil, not topsoil)
- Drainage (mulch or gravel-type rocks)
- Around 56 Galvanized wood screws
- Garden plants (grow from seeds, available at McCoy’s, or add your favorite veggies or flowers)
Tools:
- Drill and drill bits
- Saw to cut wood to dimensions

How to Construct a Raised Garden Bed with Buckets

1. Make drainage holes in the buckets: Prepare your buckets by turning them over on a stable surface. Use a drill and a ½-inch drill bit to drill drainage holes. There are two places you can add holes: on the bottom or the sides.
  1. If you want the side drainage: Add one or two drainage holes approximately one inch up the side of each bucket (2-3 holes per bucket). Be careful not to press down on the side too hard to avoid bending or cracking the bucket. Side holes allow a small amount of water to remain in the bottom of the bucket in reserve, but not to swamp your plants.
  2. Alternatively, you can also choose to add drainage holes in the very bottom of each bucket. Drill one in the center and three around the bottom edge.

Note: If you have any concerns about growing food in plastic buckets, simply poke a few holes in the bottom of a large oven-safe cooking bag (like for turkey) and line each bucket with a bag before you add the soil.

1. Cut your lumber: Your bed will consist of two rows of six buckets each. The bed “frame” will hold each bucket at the top lip and the bottom of each bucket. You will need 13 (2x4x8) treated Southern Yellow Pine boards cut into different dimensions. Use our helpful color-coded graphic for the cut list.
  - Cut list:
    - Green (six, 76”): Grab six of your boards and cut each so they measure 76 inches long.
    - Red (two, 72”): Cut two boards slightly smaller than the green at 72 inches long, each.
    - Blue (five, 28”): From two boards, cut one into three, 28-inch sections and from the second, cut two lengths the same 28 inches.
    - Yellow (six, 36”): From the three remaining pieces of lumber, cut two 36-inch-long sections from each eight-foot-long board.
2. Construct the raised bed frame: Assemble the boards using the illustration as a guide. Use galvanized screws at each point to secure the boards. Use the prepared (empty) buckets as a reference as you put together the boards, ensuring that the spaces are big enough to comfortably fit each bucket, and the board below is at the correct height to support the bucket from below. (Do not make the bucket holes too snug; you’ll want to allow for any expansion from heat over time. You should be able to insert and remove the buckets from the frame as needed.)

Using two galvanized screws at each point where the boards connect (you will need a minimum of 56), screw together the cut pieces:

- Start with the legs (yellow) and screw to the two stabilizer pieces (blue) at each end as well as one (blue) in the center. The ends of the blue should overlap with the yellow. The bottom blue boards should be 10.25 inches up from the bottom of the bed legs. The top blue should be flush with the top of the yellow.
- Next, add in the two side boards (green) on each side of the bed in line with the blue. Each blue board should butt against the green, and each green should be flush with the side of the yellow.
- Lastly, use a bucket to gauge where your inner rails (red) on the interior top should be to provide stability under the lip of the bucket on either side. Use your last two green boards as the seat for your buckets. Attach them to each bottom blue board with screws or even a deck hanger.
Add drainage material and soil: You can add drainage material to the bottom of each bucket in the form of a few inches of mulch, small gravel, or other materials including broken pottery or broken sticks. This prevents the soil and roots from compacting all the way to the bottom of each pot. Then mostly fill each with potting soil after you’ve seated them in the bed frame.
Add plants to each bucket: Add just one plant or one or a few seeds to each bucket. Tomatoes, peppers, bush beans, or bush-variety squash are all good options for containers. You can grow vine plants in a raised bed but be prepared for them to spread down to the ground, which may negate some of the raised bed benefits. You can also plant herbs, lettuce, or even carrots, beets, and other root vegetables in your buckets. Water each plant well.
Add irrigation drip line (optional): You can always water your garden manually, but if you want a bit of a hands-free upgrade, try adding a simple drip line watering system to give even watering to each bucket. You can operate this drip line either manually, or via a timer.

Get it All Together at McCoy’s

Our helpful McCoy’s staff can help you make sure you have the right supplies for your bucket garden, or any other home project you have up your sleeve. If you want to go big and make a 12-bucket version like our customer created, we can help you plan the right length lumber and make sure you have all the right materials. After all, when our customers get great ideas, that makes us really happy, too! Make sure you show off your project by sharing on social media and tagging us.

source

The Kipling Poem – The Perfect Blueprint for Becoming a Successful Man

The Truth News — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 16:58:11 +0000

The Kipling Poem – The Perfect Blueprint for Becoming a Successful Man

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

success is the target unrelenting success!

Analysis

“If—” by Rudyard Kipling is a famous poem offering paternal advice on how to live a virtuous and resilient life, emphasizing stoicism, self-control, and humility. It outlines a series of “if” conditions, suggesting that if one can remain calm under pressure, handle success and failure equally, persevere through setbacks, and maintain integrity while interacting with all social classes, they will become a “Man” in the fullest sense.

Key themes and advice

Composure: Keep your head when others lose theirs; trust yourself when doubted.
Resilience:Treat triumph and disaster as impostors; if you lose everything, start again without complaint.
Integrity:Don’t lie when lied about; don’t give way to hate; don’t appear too good or talk too wise.
Humility: Walk with kings but keep the common touch; don’t let foes or loving friends hurt you.
Perseverance: Force your body and heart to keep going when exhausted; fill the “unforgiving minute” with meaningful action.

Context

Written around 1895 and published in 1910 in Rewards and Fairies.
Structured as advice from a father to his son.
Often seen as a guide to Victorian-era stoicism and self-mastery.

The Silversmith and the Fire – Its Meaning in Relations to God’s Chosen 33

The Truth News — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 08:57:47 +0000

The Silversmith and the Fire – Its Meaning in Relations to God’s Chosen 33

The connection between a silversmith and fire in the Bible is God’s process of refining his people through trials and adversity, purifying their faith just as a smith purifies silver in a furnace. This imagery is prominently featured in the book of Malachi.

The book of Malachi uses the analogy of a silversmith to describe God’s coming judgment. Malachi 3:2-3 states that God “will be like a refiner’s fire” and will “purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver”. The refining process involves placing silver in intense heat to remove impurities, with the smith carefully watching and removing the silver when it is pure. This process illustrates that God oversees his people during trials, knowing when the refining is complete and not allowing them to suffer beyond what they can bear. A silversmith knows the silver is pure when his reflection is visible in it. Spiritually, this means God’s refining is complete when his image is reflected in his people.

“The Silversmith and the Fire Bible” refers to the biblical imagery of God as a silversmith who refines people, like silver, through trials and difficulties, symbolized by fire, until His image is reflected in them.

Key biblical verses supporting this concept include

Malachi 3:3 (“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver”)

and

Zechariah 13:9 (“Will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined”).

The process involves God holding believers in intense circumstances (the fire) to burn away impurities (dross) and transform them into something valuable and useful for His purposes.

The Silversmith Analogy

God’s Presence: Just as a silversmith must constantly watch the silver in the hottest part of the fire to prevent its destruction, God remains present with individuals through their struggles.
The Fire: The fire represents difficult circumstances, tests, and trials that people face in life.
The Silver: Believers are the silver being purified.
Purity: The goal of the process is to remove impurities or dross from the silver, which represents sin and negative traits in a person’s life.
The Vessel: Once fully refined, the silver is shaped into a vessel, symbolizing a transformed individual made useful and valuable for God’s service.

The Outcome

God’s Image: The ultimate sign of complete refinement is when the silversmith can see his own image reflected in the purified silver. In a spiritual sense, this means a person becomes more like Christ and reflects God’s image to others.
Transformation: The refining process leads to spiritual growth, making individuals stronger, sweeter, and more sensitive to God’s will.

Key Bible Verses

Malachi 3:3: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have pure offerings in righteousness”.
Zechariah 13:9: “I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, and test them as gold is tested”.
Proverbs 25:4-8: (Verse 4) “Remove the dross from the silver, and a silversmith can produce a vessel”.

other verses related

Proverbs 17:3 states that “A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts”.
1 Peter 1:7 explains that trials prove the genuineness of faith, which is more valuable than gold refined by fire, resulting in “praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed”.

Candied Buddha’s Hand Citron

The Truth News — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 08:21:47 +0000

Candied Buddha’s Hand Citron

What should you get that ‘special’ (super-picky and has everything) foodie on your holiday list? Now you know. By the way, if you’re a fan of candied citrus, you’ll want to make extra, since Buddha’s hand is a unique and special treat.

Ingredients

3 cups diced Buddha’s hand (fingered citron)
3 cups white sugar, divided
2 cups water

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add diced Buddha’s hand, return to a simmer, and cook until citrus softens, about 30 minutes. Drain.
Combine Buddha’s hand, 2 1/2 cups sugar, and water in the same pot; bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until syrup reaches a temperature of 230 degrees F (110 degrees C). Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Drain citrus; pour excess liquid into jars and reserve.
Spread drained citrus out onto a wire rack and let dry until tacky, at least 24 hours. Pour remaining sugar into a shallow bowl. Toss citrus in sugar until coated; transfer coated pieces to a plate to dry, at least 2 hours.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Additional Time: 1 day 2 hrs 30 mins

Total Time: 1 day 3 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 32

Yield: 2 cups

Recipe Tips

You can use any citrus peel in place of Buddha’s hand if desired.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

77	Calories
20g	Carbs
0g	Protein

source

Unearthed 1997 Wired Article Predicted The 21st Century With Insane Accuracy

The Truth News — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 08:10:59 +0000

Unearthed 1997 Wired Article Predicted The 21st Century With Insane Accuracy

In 1997, predictions for the future ranged from technological optimism for a “Long Boom” to concerns about increasing economic inequality and cyberwarfare. The internet was a dominant theme, though it was still in its early days, with most users on dial-up connections.

Apocalyptic predictions:

Some sensationalist predictions made around 1997 involved apocalyptic events, largely pushed by psychics or other fringe figures. However, more mainstream concerns focused on the “Y2K bug,” which predicted widespread computer malfunctions at the turn of the millennium.

Technology predictions:

The tech landscape of 1997 included dial-up internet and new computers with MMX technology. Predictions from this era include:

The continued acceleration of Moore’s law and its impact on technological progress.
The growth of handheld computing devices and mobile internet access.
The expansion of the World Wide Web past 1 million websites.
The eventual obsolescence of traditional advertising due to adaptation and dominance of new digital media.
A miscalculation on how long it would take for computers to beat humans at the game of Go; one expert predicted it would take a century.

Key Predictions That Came True:

Digital Currencies: The authors anticipated the rise of private, decentralized forms of money that would bypass governments — remarkably similar to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Decline of Nation-States: They predicted that as wealth and information moved online, traditional governments would lose control over money, taxation, and citizens who could operate globally through digital systems.
Cybercrime & Cyber Warfare: They foresaw new forms of conflict in cyberspace, where power would shift from physical to digital battlegrounds.
Remote Work & Digital Nomadism: The authors envisioned a future where highly skilled individuals could live and work anywhere, leveraging technology to achieve independence from centralized systems.
Wealth Disparity & Political Polarization: They warned that technology would create new elites — “sovereign individuals” — while destabilizing traditional economic and political structures.
Another 1997 warning came from Wired magazine’s July 1997 cover story, which predicted enormous technological progress but also flagged potential crises that could derail it — including pandemics, climate change, and soaring energy costs.
Together, these 1997 insights painted a surprisingly accurate picture of the 21st century — an age of digital power, decentralization, and disruption that defines our world today.

The Long Boom: A History of the Future, 1980–2020

We’re facing 25 years of prosperity, freedom, and a better environment for the whole world. You got a problem with that?

Predictions from Wired magazine

In its July 1997 cover story, Wired magazine presented two contrasting visions of the future.

The “Long Boom” (The Optimistic Vision):

Widespread economic expansion for 25 years.
Increased prosperity and unprecedented opportunity.
An improved environment.
Opportunities for social justice.

“10 Things That Could Go Wrong” (The Pessimistic Counterpoint):

A new Cold War between the U.S. and China.
Technological busts that fail to deliver on promises.
Russia’s descent into a kleptocracy or threatening nationalism.
The breakdown of European integration.
A major ecological crisis leading to climate change and food supply disruptions.
A major rise in crime and terrorism causing society to retract.
The overwhelming of health systems by dramatic increases in cancer due to pollution.
Soaring energy prices.
An uncontrollable plague that kills millions.
A cultural backlash that halts progress.

In 1997, Wired Magazine Predicts 10 Things That Could Go Wrong in the 21st Century: “An Uncontrollable Plague,” Climate Crisis, Russia Becomes a Kleptocracy & More

Hydrogen-powered cars. Biological, then quantum computing. Gene-therapy cancer treatments. An end to the War on Drugs. Reliable automatic translation. The impending end of the nation-state. Man setting foot on Mars. These are just a few of the developments in store for our world by the year 2020 — or so, at any rate, predicts “The Long Boom,” the cover story of a 1997 issue of Wired magazine, the official organ of 1990s techno-optimism. “We’re facing 25 years of prosperity, freedom, and a better environment for the whole world,” declares the cover itself. “You got a problem with that?”

Since the actual year 2020, this image has been smirkingly re-circulated as a prime example of blinkered End-of-History triumphalism. From the vantage of 2021, it’s fair to say that the predictions of the article’s authors Peter Schwartz and Peter Leyden (who expanded their thesis into a 2000 book) went wide of the mark.

https://goodshepherdmedia.net/homer-simpson-predicted-the-mass-of-the-higgs-boson-14-years-before-cern/

But their vision of the 21st century hasn’t proven risible in every aspect: a rising China, hybrid cars, video calls, and online grocery-shopping have become familiar enough hardly to merit comment, as has the internet’s status as “the main medium of the 21st century.” And who among us would describe the cost of university as anything but “absurd”?

Schwartz and Leyden do allow for darker possibilities than their things-can-only-get-better rhetoric make it seem. Some of these they enumerate in a sidebar (remember sidebars?) headlined “Ten Scenario Spoilers.” Though not included in the article as archived on Wired’s web site, it has recently been scanned and posted to social media, with viral results. A “new Cold War” between the U.S. and China; a “global climate change that, among other things, disrupts the food supply”; a “major rise in crime and terrorism forces the world to pull back in fear”; an “uncontrollable plague — a modern-day influenza epidemic or its equivalent”: to one degree or another, every single one of these ten dire developments seems in our time to have come to pass.

“We’re still on the front edge of the great global boom,” we’re reminded in the piece’s conclusion. “A hell of a lot of things could go wrong.” You don’t say. Yet for all of the 21st-century troubles that few riding the wave of first-dot-com-boom utopianism would have credited, we today run the risk of seeing our world as too dystopian. Now as then, “the vast array of problems to solve and the sheer magnitude of the changes that need to take place are enough to make any global organization give up, any nation back down, any reasonable person curl up in a ball.” We could use a fresh infusion of what Schwartz and Leyden frame as the boom’s key ingredient: American optimism. “Americans don’t understand limits. They have boundless confidence in their ability to solve problems. And they have an amazing capacity to think they really can change the world.” In that particular sense, perhaps we all should become Americans after all.

in the same year A BOOK DID THE SAME!

The Sovereign Future: How a 1997 Book Accurately Predicted 2025

Predictions from The Sovereign Individual

Written by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg and published in 1997, The Sovereign Individual made many predictions related to the internet’s influence.

The decline of the nation-state: Governments were predicted to lose control as individuals and businesses adopted decentralized, digital systems.
The rise of digital currencies: The authors foresaw private, decentralized money, an idea that aligns with modern cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
The online economy and cybercrime: The book accurately predicted the growth of the online economy as well as the increase in cybercrime and cyber warfare.
Social stratification: The authors predicted the internet would widen the gap between the “haves” and “have-nots”.
The emergence of remote work and a “digital nomad” lifestyle.
Disruption of traditional jobs: The book predicted that automation, AI, and global competition would make many traditional jobs obsolete.
Changes in education: Digital content and online education were predicted to transform how learning is delivered.

source

Decode Your Produce! Know Your PLU Codes GMO, Organic, Conventionally Grown ETC….

The Truth News — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 07:41:14 +0000

Decode Your Produce! Know Your PLU Codes GMO, Organic, Conventionally Grown ETC….

PLU (Price Look Up) codes are a standard system of numbers on small stickers used by grocery stores to identify bulk produce items, especially when different varieties have different prices. For consumers, these codes can indicate how an item was grown.

PLU codes are sticker numbers on fruits and vegetables that identify them for pricing and inventory control, with the first digit indicating the growing method: a 4-digit code (or a 5-digit code starting with 3) is for conventionally grown produce; a 5-digit code starting with 8 means it’s genetically modified (GMO); and a 5-digit code starting with 9 indicates it’s organic. The codes are administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) and are a voluntary system to help consumers and retailers, though some information is optional.

Key Points

PLU codes are assigned by the IFPS, a global coalition of produce associations.
While most PLU codes are assigned by the IFPS, not all produce items have stickers.
Washing the produce will remove the sticker, as they are not always food-grade.

The key to deciphering a PLU code is the number of digits and the first digit.

How to read PLU codes:

4-digit codes: (usually starting with 3 or 4) indicate conventionally grown produce. Four-digit codes: A four-digit PLU code, typically starting with a 3 or 4, indicates that the produce was grown conventionally. This method uses synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and is the most common growing practice.
5-digit codes: starting with 8 mean the produce is genetically modified (GMO). Five-digit codes starting with “9”: A five-digit code that begins with the number 9 signifies that the item was grown organically. This means synthetic materials were not used and the product was produced in compliance with organic standards. For example, a conventional banana is 4011, while an organic banana is 94011.
5-digit codes: starting with 9 mean the produce is organically grown. Five-digit codes starting with “8”: A five-digit code starting with the number 8 indicates the produce is a genetically modified organism (GMO). However, these codes are very rare in practice, as many companies choose to simply label GMO produce with the conventional 4-digit code.

Why PLU Codes Matter

Convenience:

They allow cashiers and customers to quickly and accurately identify produce items, which is especially helpful for varieties that look similar.
Consumer Choice:

They make it easier for shoppers to choose between conventionally grown, organically grown, or GMO produce based on their preferences.

Key takeaways

Not mandatory: PLU codes are administered by the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS) but are not required by government regulation.
For shoppers, not cashiers: While PLU codes were originally developed for efficient checkout, they also provide consumers with information about how their food was grown.
Organic vs. conventional: The most useful information for most consumers is the difference between conventional (4-digit code) and organic (5-digit code starting with 9) growing methods.
GMO codes are uncommon: Because PLU codes are voluntary, you are unlikely to encounter a code starting with an 8 for genetically modified produce. The Non-GMO Project suggests looking for their butterfly label if you want to avoid GMOs.

Charlie Kirks Shooter CAUGHT in the Charlie Kirk Assassination

The Truth News — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 14:52:47 +0000

Charlie Kirks Shooter CAUGHT in the Charlie Kirk Assassination

The suspect in Charlie Kirk’s shooting death has been identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson.
During a Friday news conference, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox said Robinson indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting.
President Donald Trump initially made the announcement about Robinson being in custody during an interview on FOX & Friends.

Charlie Kirk’s killer was arrested overnight in Utah, officials announced Friday morning. Tyler Robinson, 22, is in custody with the help of a family member and will face charges for murdering the conservative political activist earlier this week.

WE AS CHRISTIANS & AMERICANS SHALL FEAR NO MAN, JUSTICE WILL COME ONE WAY OR ANOTHER FROM GOD’S SOVEREIGN HANDS

Here are the latest updates for Friday, Sept. 12, 2025:

Robinson was engineering major, university says

12 p.m. ET: Utah State University announced Friday that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect arrested in the killing of Charlie Kirk, “briefly attended” classes there for one semester in 2021.

Robinson was a pre-engineering major and took classes consistent with that major for his one semester, Fox News Digital learned.

New details emerge about Tyler Robinson

11:30 a.m. ET: The Associated Press reported that Tyler James Robinson was admitted to Utah State University on an academic scholarship, according to a video of him reading his acceptance letter posted to a family member’s social media account. A university spokesperson told the AP he attended the school for only one semester in 2021.

Utah state records state Robinson was registered as a voter but not affiliated with either political party.

Mug shot of Tyler Robinson released

10:55 a.m. ET: Officials released a mugshot of Tyler Robinson, the shooting suspect in Charlie Kirk’s death.

Booking photos of Tyler Robinson (Fox News)

Utah governor says Kirk assassination suspect is believed to have acted alone

10:45 a.m. ET: Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox says shooting suspect Tyler Robinson is believed to have acted alone, and the Charlie Kirk investigation is ongoing despite Robinson’s arrest.

FBI Director Kash Patel shares timeline of investigation

10:30 a.m. ET: The first FBI agents arrived on the scene at Utah Valley University some 16 minutes after Kirk was shot on Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel said at the news conference.

The bureau released the first photos of the suspect on Thursday morning, followed by the announcement of a cash reward and then the release of video of the suspect climbing down from the roof of a campus building and running away.

“Just last night, the suspect was taken into custody at 10 p.m. local time,” Patel announced.

Utah governor says Kirk’s assassination ‘is an attack on all of us’

10:26 a.m. ET: Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox said some people have asked why there have been so many resources dedicated to investigating Kirk’s killing when there’s violence around the country, but the governor said it is “much bigger than an attack on an individual. It is an attack on all of us.”

The Republican said Kirk’s killing is “an attack on the American experiment” and values, and “cuts to the very foundation of who we are.”

Details of messages on bullet casings revealed

10:25 a.m. ET: Bullet casings discovered by authorities had several inscriptions engraved on them, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox said. The casing that had been fired read: “notices bulges OwO what’s this?”

Cox said there were three unfired casings:
One read, “hey fascist! catch!” with an up arrow symbol, right arrow symbol, and three down arrow symbols.
Another one read: “oh bella ciao bella ciao bella ciao ciao ciao,” Cox said.
The third fired casing read: “if you read this you are gay lmao.”

Kirk assassination suspect indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting

10:15 a.m. ET: Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox opened the news conference on the latest developments in Charlie Kirk’s assassination with the statement, “We got him.”

Cox told reporters that Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson indicated to a family friend that he was connected to the shooting.

The president talked about learning the news of Kirk’s assassination

9:50 a.m. ET: Near the end of his Fox News interview, President Donald Trump said he’d been holding a meeting about building the new White House ballroom when his aides interrupted.

“They came in and they said, ‘Charlie Kirk is dead.’ I didn’t know what they meant. I said, ‘What do you mean, dead?’” Trump said.

“‘Charlie Kirk was shot.’ And they thought it was dead because it was so horrific.”

Trump said he swiftly ended his meeting. “I just told these people, “Get out, you gotta go.”

Suspect in custody in connection with Charlie Kirk shooting is 22-year-old from Utah, AP source says

9:25 a.m. ET: The suspect in custody in connection with the assassination of Charlie Kirk is a 22-year-old from Utah, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Tyler Robinson, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.

A news conference is scheduled with the latest on Charlie Kirk investigation

9 a.m. ET: State and federal officials in Utah are planning to hold a news conference on the investigation.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Public Safety Commissioner Beau Mason, FBI Director Kash Patel and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls are expected to attend.

Suspect Tyler Robinson, left, and Charlie Kirk.

Trump says Charlie Kirk shooting suspect in custody

8:15 a.m. ET: Trump confirmed the news during a Friday morning interview with FOX & Friends.

“I think, with a high degree of certainty, we have him in custody, right in custody. Everyone did a great job,” Trump said.

“I just heard about it five minutes before I walked in. As I’m walking in, they said, ‘Looking real good.’ They have the person that they wanted.”

On FOX & Friends, President Trump broke the news of an arrest in the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Sources told FOX News Friday that the suspected shooter was taken into custody in Southern Utah.

Federal investigators and state officials on Thursday had released photos and a video of the person they believe is responsible. Kirk was shot as he spoke to a crowd gathered in a courtyard at Utah Valley University in Orem.

More than 7,000 leads and tips had poured in, officials said. Authorities have yet to publicly name the suspect or cite a motive in the killing, the latest act of political violence to convulse the United States.

Video shows alleged gunman fleeing the scene

Dig deeper:

Law enforcement showed new video during a news conference on Thursday evening showing the alleged gunman fleeing from the scene after Kirk was shot.

In the video, a person wearing dark clothing is seen running across a rooftop and then climbing down the side. He is then seen running away from the scene.

Who was Charlie Kirk?

The backstory:

Kirk was the founder and executive director of Turning Point USA. Turning Point was founded in suburban Chicago in 2012 by Kirk, then 18, and William Montgomery, a tea party activist, to proselytize on college campuses for low taxes and limited government.

Kirk appeared alongside Trump on stage at political events, and was also a frequent commentator on Fox News, CNBC, and FOX Business News. He was the youngest speaker at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

Kirk played a major role in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. He was credited with turning out the younger vote for Trump.

The Source: Information for this story was provided by LIVENOW, and the Associated Press. This story was reported from Washington, D.C

Tyler Robinson named suspect in Charlie Kirk shooting, how he was caught

Robinson was identified by his father in photographs released by auhtorities.

Tyler Robinson, 22 – Charlie Kirk’s Killer – The True Beta Male Soy Boy Cuk Murderer Type

Authorities have taken into custody the person they suspect of shooting and killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Wednesday at a Utah university campus event.

Tyler Robinson, 22, was taken into custody in St. George, Utah, on Friday, authorities and sources told ABC News.

Robinson’s father recognized him as the person being sought by police after authorities distributed photographs.

The father initially told Robinson to turn himself in. Robinson initially said no, but later changed his mind, officials said.

The father then called a youth pastor, who is also a U.S. Marshals task force officer. The officer advised the father to have Robinson stay in place.

At a press conference on Friday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said Robinson had become more political in recent years, and engaged in a conversation with a family member about Kirk’s visit to the Utah Valley University campus the night before.

Cox also described what was engraved on the casings found on the scene.

The first casing, according to Cox, said “Notices Bulge OWO what’s this??”

The other three unfired casing said: “Hey fascist! CATCH!” with an arrow symbol pointing up, then to the right, and then three arrows pointing down, “O Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Bella ciao, Ciao, ciao!,” and “If you read this, you are GAY Lmao.”

When law enforcement identified Robinson, they also interviewed Robinson’s roommate who showed them a message between Robinson and his roommate.

“The content of these messages included messages affiliated with the contact Tyler, stating a need to retrieve a rifle from a drop point, leaving the rifle in a bush,” Cox said. “Messages related to a to visually watching the area where a rifle was left, and a message referring to having left the rifle wrapped in a towel. The messages also referred to engraving bullets and a mention of a scope and the rifle being unique. Messages from the contact Tyler also mentioned that he had changed outfits.”

Cox said Robinson arrived on campus driving a gray Dodge Challenger, which matched his vehicle he arrived in on campus.

He also thanked Robinson’s family, “who did the right thing.”

FBI Director Kash Patel said that law enforcement caught Robinson within 33 hours of the shooting and was on scene within 16 minutes.

“This is a very much an ongoing investigation, as the governor said, and we will continue to work with state and local authorities to develop the investigation to provide them the evidence they need for their ongoing prosecutions,” Patel said.

Authorities and a former FBI agent previously said they believed the subject to be a college-aged individual with an apparent proficiency in handling a high-powered rifle and likely knew the layout of the university where the homicide occurred.

President Donald Trump initially announced the arrest, stating on “Fox and Friends” on Friday morning, “I think with high degree of certainty, we have him in custody.”

During a news conference on Thursday evening, state and federal officials released video of the person of interest jumping down from the roof of a building on the campus.

Beau Mason, commissioner of the Utah Department of Public Safety, said the suspect was wearing “distinct clothing” that could help in his identification, including Converse sneakers.

He said the person seen in the video jumping from the roof left shoe impressions and a palm print.

A still from a video released by the FBI of the suspected gunman in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.

FBI

“We are investing everything we have into this and we will catch this individual,” Mason said at the news conference.

Authorities had received more than 7,000 tips and leads and completed some 200 interviews, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said.

During a news conference on Thursday morning, Robert Bohls, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Salt Lake City field office, said investigators believe they have recovered the weapon used in what the governor of Utah on Wednesday called a “political assassination.”

Bohls said the weapon, a high-powered bolt-action rifle, was found discarded in a wooded area near Utah Valley University (UVU) in Orem, and is being analyzed at an FBI laboratory for any clues that can identify the gunman.

The FBI released images of a person of interest sought in connection with the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk.

FBI Salt Lake City

More specifically, multiple law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation told ABC News that the weapon is an older model imported Mauser .30-06 caliber bolt-action rifle that was found wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near the school. The sources said a spent cartridge was discovered in the chamber of the gun.

The gun and cartridges recovered are to be flown to the FBI’s main laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, for the most technologically advanced forensic analysis, law enforcement sources told ABC News. The focus is to look for any latent fingerprints and DNA, the sources said.

Investigators also collected a footwear impression, a palm print and forearm prints for analysis, Bohls said.

Mason said that investigators are also studying “good video footage” of the shooter that they have used to track his movements before and after the shooting.

The FBI released images of a person of interest sought in connection with the deadly shooting of Charlie Kirk.

FBI Salt Lake City

Following Thursday’s news conference, the FBI in Salt Lake City released surveillance images of the person of interest wanted in connection with the shooting. The images show a person who appears to be a white male, wearing all dark clothing, including a dark long-sleeved collarless top with what appears to be an image on the front that includes an American flag. The man in the images is also wearing a dark ball cap and sunglasses.

The FBI announced a $100,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of the suspect.

MORE: Manhunt for shooter continues after Charlie Kirk killed in ‘political assassination’

Mason said investigators believe the suspect arrived at the UVU campus at 11:52 a.m. local time, about 28 minutes before Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of the conservative grass roots organization Turning Point USA, was shot. He said the deadly shot was fired from a building a substantial distance from where Kirk was speaking to a crowd, authorities estimate was about 3,000 people. He did not disclose which building the shooter fired from.

“We have tracked his movements onto the campus, through stairwells, up to the roof, across the roof to the shooting location,” Mason said. “After the shooting, we were able to track his movements as he moved to the other side of the building, jumped off of the building, and fled off of the campus into a neighborhood.”

A drone view shows the reported location of the shooter on a rooftop, at the scene where U.S. right-wing activist, commentator, Charlie Kirk was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University, in Orem, Utah, September 11, 2025.

Cheney Orr/Reuters

He said investigators combed the neighborhood for the suspect and contacted residents with doorbell cameras to analyze.

“The individual appears to be of college age,” said Mason, adding that the person of interest “blended in well with the college institution.”

Brad Garrett, a retired FBI agent and an ABC News contributor, said the evidence investigators have shared so far paints a picture of a suspect who planned the shooting down to the last detail, including discarding the possible murder weapon along his escape path.

“He probably did that [because] he didn’t want to be seen carrying a weapon, running through a neighborhood, or walking through a neighborhood,” Garrett said.

Right-wing activist and commentator Charlie Kirk throws hats to the crowd shortly before he was shot at a Utah Valley University speaking event in Orem, Utah, Sept. 10, 2025.

Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via Reuters

Garrett said the discovery of the weapon is a major clue that will give investigators additional leads to track down.

“Where did it come from? It could very well be registered or purchased by this shooter. We’ll have to see,” Garrett said. “Was it stolen? Whatever it might be, the ATF [the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] will help them immediately, and they probably already know what that is.”

Garrett said the discovery of the killer’s palm print can also be helpful.

“If he’s ever had a full set of prints, where you print the entire hand, let’s say he’d been in the military or some aspect of the government or a contractor, they may have those,” Garrett said. “That’s a long shot, but they may have those.”

Garrett said the distance from where the shot was fired could also shed light on the identity of the gunman.

“My guess is … a scope and a tripod would have helped him a lot for steadiness, but the real key is if he was able, and sadly did, fire one shot that killed Charlie Kirk, that’s showing some proficiency because it’s very difficult to have the breathing and the concentration to pull off one shot like that and that’s what killed the person,” Garrett said. “Does that suggest prior training? Maybe. It certainly suggests somebody who’s been practicing a lot with this weapon or some weapons just like this.”

Garrett said investigators are likely going to every gun range and gun shop in the area to determine if the gunman had visited them.

“The concern obviously as time goes on … did he leave the area? If he’s smart, then he did,” Garrett said. “But many times, these kinds of shooters don’t do that.” source

WE HERE AT GOOD SHEPHERD NEWS MEDIA BELIEVE ITS IS OUR OPINION BASED ON THE VIDEO BELOW THAT THE KILLER HAD PARTNERS ON THE INSIDE

https://goodshepherdmedia.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Charlie-Kirk-Assassin-Call-Signs-FULL.mp4

Healthy Living Archives - Good Shepherd News - Fastest Growing Religious, Free Speech & Political Content

Dangers of Solvents Abuse – Inhaling Butane and other gases

What products contain butane gas?

What are the effects of inhaling butane?

Is it addictive?

What are the health risks of inhaling butane?

Harm reduction

Any inhalation may lead to death

Other gases

What is Butane Gas?

How it’s misused

Butane and the body

Short-term effects

Immediate side effects that may occur include:

Long-term effects that may occur include:

Dependence

Withdrawal symptoms include:

Dangers

Deliberate inhalation of butane can instantly kill and there is no way to avoid this.

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome

People who deliberately inhale butane are also at risk of death due to:

Butane can also cause long-term health implications such as:

Treatment

Harm reduction information

What should you do in an emergency if someone is unconscious?

Recreational inhalation of butane and propane in adolescents: Two forensic cases of accidental death

Highlights

Abstract

Introduction

Section snippets

Case 1

Materials and methods

Results

Discussion

Gratitude, far more than just a sentimental notion, capable of transforming the human brain and improving overall mental health

Gratitude, far more than just a sentimental notion, capable of transforming the human brain and improving overall mental health

NOT JUST SCIENCE, BIBLICAL AS WELL. ONE DAY SCIENCE WILL ALIGN ITSELF FULLY WITH CREATION!

Gratitude Transforms Anxiety into Peace Bible verses to help us through our daily life and life in General

Gratitude Shifts Perspective and Brings Joy

Gratitude Leads to God’s Presence

Gratitude Transforms Hardship into Growth

Gratitude Deepens Our Relationship with God

Gratitude Opens Our Eyes to God’s Blessings

Gratitude Is an Act of Worship

Gratitude Leads to Wholeness and Healing

Emotional Transformation (Anxiety to Peace, Sadness to Joy)

Spiritual Transformation (Deeper Faith and Relationship with God)

Physical Transformation (Healing, Provision, Protection)

Social Transformation (Reconciliation, Favor, Influence)

Building A Custom Aquarium – Where to go for a Custom Aquarium Build

Building A Custom Aquarium – Where to go for a Custom Aquarium Build

For this Review we chose CustomAquariums.com

9.8 out of 10 Editor’s Choice

Pricing, Lead Times, Shipping, and Warranty

Third-Party Authenticity Check

Best Use Cases and Final Verdict

Your Dream Tank,Built to Last a Lifetime

The Glass That Changes Everything

What It Feels Like In A Room

Frames Built Like Furniture — and Fortresses

If You Can Dream It, They Can Build It

Crystal-clear low-iron glass

Patented aluminum frame

Every shape imaginable

Lifetime warranty

Solid hardwood stands

Seamless Sump® filtration

The Build Specifications

Pros & Cons

The Experience of Ordering

The Verdict

Material, Frame, and Glass Comparison

Building a Raised Garden Bed – Using 5 Gallon Buckets and a little Ingenuity

Bucket Gardens: Building a Raised Garden Bed

Raised Bucket Garden – Using 5 Gallon Buckets and a little Ingenuity

Why Plant in a Raised Garden Bed?

Supplies for Your Own Bucket Raised Garden Bed

How to Construct a Raised Garden Bed with Buckets

Get it All Together at McCoy’s

The Kipling Poem – The Perfect Blueprint for Becoming a Successful Man

Your Dream Tank,
Built to Last a Lifetime