Today’s news briefs include a 6-second kiss study; Canada oks weapons use in Russia and Dennis Quaid on his movie “Reagan” being censored by social media.
Canada gives green light to using its weapons in Russia
Canada joins a growing list of NATO countries allowing Ukraine to use donated weapons on Russian territory, the BBC reports. “Ukrainians know best how to defend their homeland, and we’re committed to supporting their capacity,” said Andrée-Anne Poulin, with Canada’s Department of National Defense. It comes after video footage showed a Canadian-made patrol vehicle crossing into Russia. “Canada places no geographic restrictions on the use of military equipment that we donate to Ukraine,” Poulin added. Ukraine has successfully taken control of more than 400 square miles of Russian territory in a move that analysts say gives it negotiating power to get its own land that was taken by Russia. Canada has committed $4.5 billion in military aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including tanks, drones, anti-aircraft artillery, ammunition, missiles and armored vehicles.
Dennis Quaid says “Reagan” film censored on Facebook
Actor Dennis Quaid says Facebook is censoring his new movie “Reagan.” During the latest episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the actor said “Just the act of banning or censoring that material – as you were talking about – is an attempt to sway an election.” Quaid revealed that after he and the film’s production team sent a letter to Facebook complaining about the targeting, the big tech platform admitted it was a “mistake,” though he didn’t appear too convinced by the excuse, according to Fox Digital. In a statement, Facebook alleged their “automated systems mistakenly determined that content about President Reagan required prior authorization in accordance with our policies.” The highly anticipated film will be released Aug. 30.
READ: From drugs to faith: Dennis Quaid interview
Six-second kiss good for couples
After studying more than 3,000 couples over 30 years, a daily intimacy exercise has been pioneered by couples therapists and clinical psychologists John and Julie Gottman. It finds that six seconds of intentional intimacy is enough to trigger the release of oxytocin. It’s the same hormone that’s widely believed to be responsible for bonding a baby with its mother; the Gottmans say it builds trust in a relationship by calming down the fear center of the brain, according to the Associated Press. Bethany Meola, who discovered the habit while studying for a theology degree, says it works for her and her husband. “It’s kind of a funny thing to put on the to-do list,” she said adding that even when it felt a little silly, it made a difference. “Here’s this other person that I love that I’ve committed to,’ and you’re resting in their presence in kind of a renewed way,” she encouraged.
–Dwight Widaman and news services