Obama’s going to have to reach across the aisle and work with the Republicans. But he’s also going to have to reach across the oceans to work with the movers and shakers on the global scene. Terrorism, climate change, and the financial crisis are, after all, global problems. Below, we check the reactions of the world’s pivotal powers to their new American colleague/rival.China: The Chinese people are big fans of Obama, according to an October poll from the state-run China Daily. But Hu Jintao’s official reaction was pretty bland. No mentions of Taiwan or anything:”In the new historic era, I look forward to working together with you to continuously strengthen dialogue and exchanges between our two countries and enhance our mutual trust and cooperation on the basis of the three Sino-U.S. Joint Communiques, with a view to taking our constructive and cooperative relationship to a new high…”Sounds groovy.India: Political leaders in India (which views itself as the world’s other “large democracy”) were a little more demonstrative in their enthusiasm for Obama. Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said:“Obama represents youthful energy, exuberant dynamism and a forward looking progressive mindset which is also the spirit animating India…”Russia: Dmitry Medvedev (pictured) sent Obama a congratulatory note. And then-holy shit!-threatened to deploy missiles if the U.S. bases a defense system in the Czech Republic and Poland. He seems likely to “test” Obama:”We do not have a problem with the American people… And we hope our partners in the new U.S. administration will make a choice in favor of comprehensive relations with Russia.”He also blamed America for Russia’s invasion of Georgia, saying:”Tskhinvali’s tragedy is, among other things, the result of the arrogant course of the U.S. administration, which hates criticism and prefers unilateral decisions.”Ironically, a calmer, more inclusive approach from Obama might be the worst thing for Medvedev. Bush’s strategy of shooting his mouth off made it easy for Russia to turn its citizens against America and alienated our potential allies in Europe.Europe: In short, Europe is psyched. José Manuel Barroso, the European Commission President said:”The election of Senator Obama is an opportunity for a renewed politics of global engagement, with international institutions reformed to address effectively our global responsibilities.”Excellent. Maybe they can help with Russia. And climate change. And the global financial crisis. And…and…Japan: The official reaction was short and sweet. The town of Obama, Japan, went completely crazy, of course.
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Man’s dog suddenly becomes protective of his wife, Internet clocks the reason right away
The online community came through in a big way.
Reddit user Girlfriendhatesmefor’s three-year-old pitbull, Otis, had recently become overprotective of his wife. So he asked the online community if they knew what might be wrong with the dog.
“A week or two ago, my wife got some sort of stomach bug,” the Reddit user wrote under the subreddit /r/dogs. “She was really nauseous and ill for about a week. Otis is very in tune with her emotions (we once got in a fight and she was upset, I swear he was staring daggers at me lol) and during this time didn’t even want to leave her to go on walks. We thought it was adorable!”
His wife soon felt better, butthe dog’s behavior didn’t change.
Otis knew before they did. Canva Girlfriendhatesmefor began to fear that Otis’ behavior may be an early sign of an aggression issue or an indication that the dog was hurt or sick.
So he threw a question out to fellow Reddit users: “Has anyone else’s dog suddenly developed attachment/aggression issues? Any and all advice appreciated, even if it’s that we’re being paranoid!”
The most popular response to his thread was by ZZBC.
Any chance your wife is pregnant?
ZZBC | Reddit
The potential news hit Girlfriendhatesmefor like a ton of bricks. A few days later, Girlfriendhatesmefor posted an update and ZZBC was right!
“The wifey is pregnant!” the father-to-be wrote. “Otis is still being overprotective but it all makes sense now! Thanks for all the advice and kind words! Sorry for the delayed reply, I didn’t check back until just now!”
Redditors responded with similar experiences.
Anecdotal I know but I swear my dog knew I was pregnant before I was. He was super clingy (more than normal) and was always resting his head on my belly.
realityisworse | Reddit
So why do dogs get overprotective when someone is pregnant?
Jeff Werber, PhD, president and chief veterinarian of the Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, told Health.com that “dogs can also smell the hormonal changes going on in a woman’s body at that time.” He added the dog may “not understand that this new scent of your skin and breath is caused by a developing baby, but they will know that something is different with you—which might cause them to be more curious or attentive.”
The big lesson here is to listen to your pets and to ask questions when their behavior abruptly changes. They may be trying to tell you something, and the news may be life-changing.
This article originally appeared last year.
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14 images of badass women who destroyed stereotypes and inspired future generations
These trailblazers redefined what a woman could be.
Throughout history, women have stood up and fought to break down barriers imposed on them from stereotypes and societal expectations. The trailblazers in these photos made history and redefined what a woman could be. In doing so, they paved the way for future generations to stand up and continue to fight for equality.
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Why mass shootings spawn conspiracy theories
Mass shootings and conspiracy theories have a long history.
While conspiracy theories are not limited to any topic, there is one type of event that seems particularly likely to spark them: mass shootings, typically defined as attacks in which a shooter kills at least four other people.
When one person kills many others in a single incident, particularly when it seems random, people naturally seek out answers for why the tragedy happened. After all, if a mass shooting is random, anyone can be a target.
Pointing to some nefarious plan by a powerful group – such as the government – can be more comforting than the idea that the attack was the result of a disturbed or mentally ill individual who obtained a firearm legally.
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Doctors couldn’t explain the pain in her daughter’s foot. Then a nurse looked closer and spotted something that led to a devastating diagnosis.
A couple sat in an Olympian’s seat and asked her to swap. She has a name for exactly what they were doing.
Teacher chaperones a kindergarten field trip and shares 3 moments that perfectly capture how little kids think
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