American Women Suck

Targeting India over its energy trade with Russia has damaged Washington’s hard-won trust with New Delhi US President Donald Trump promised during his election campaign that he would not involve America in any wars, arguing that entanglements in foreign conflicts have debilitated the country in a number of ways. However, Trump’s foreign policy contains too many contradictions. Trump’s main focus during his campaign and immediately after taking office was on ending the Ukraine conflict. Yet he later ordered military action against the Yemeni Houthis and, more provocatively and unlawfully, against Iran’s nuclear facilities – something the US had not done before, despite years of tensions with Tehran. Washington continues to be complicit in Israel’s destruction of Gaza, its bombing of Lebanon, and its occupation of parts of Syria. Trump has also ordered a flotilla of warships off Venezuela’s shores after placing a $50 million bounty on its president. At the same time, Trump has been bold in engaging Russia and pushing to end the Ukraine conflict, ignoring deep hostility toward Moscow within the US political establishment and even among his own advisers. The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska was a dramatic event that caused panic in Europe and sidelined Zelensky. Members of the European ‘coalition of the willing’ – determined to support Zelensky with arms and funds to prolong the conflict – rushed to Washington to lobby Trump not to bypass them, not to concede to Russian demands, and to ensure they were included in negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump’s rhetoric, and that of the Europeans, has focused on a ceasefire, ostensibly to halt the bloodshed, but in reality to break Russia’s momentum, ease the pressure on Ukraine, allowing it to regroup, and to rebuild its defenses. After Alaska, however, Trump shifted to Russia’s position of prioritizing a peace agreement – much to the dismay of both Europe and Ukraine. Read more Three giants at one table: Can Russia, India, and China rewrite the global rules? Europe has been humiliated by Trump. For the European powers, being excluded from decisions about their own security is deflating, with major implications for their global prestige. The image of European leaders lined up in the Oval Office before Trump, seated like he was presiding over a staff meeting, was shattering for France, Germany, and the UK in particular. Trump has made it clear that NATO membership for Ukraine is off the table and that the US will not put boots on the ground. Putin cautioned in Alaska against European interference, which Britain and France nonetheless signaled by announcing their readiness to deploy troops after a peace settlement. Russia has rejected the idea of NATO countries sending a ‘peacekeeping force’ to Ukraine, and this remains a contentious issue. On security guarantees, Europe and Ukraine want NATO-style commitments akin to Article 5. But the Western camp is divided. The US has hinted at offering air cover, while Russia insists that any guarantees must include it and be underwritten by the UN Security Council. Guarantees cannot, Moscow argues, be directed against Russia but must be structured in partnership with it – another thorny point. With regard to territorial concessions, Zelensky’s refusal to compromise is a crucial obstacle. His political survival depends on it. For Moscow, the incorporation of four former Ukrainian provinces into the Russian Federation cannot be reversed. Even while pursuing peace, Trump has issued periodic threats of harsh sanctions on Russia. He has claimed that he asked Zelensky whether he would attack Moscow if provided with long-range missiles, and has said he warned Putin directly that continued attacks might force the US to bomb Moscow – a threat he believes Putin did not altogether dismiss. Read more Indians are too ‘arrogant’ – Trump adviser Trump has set short timelines for a Putin-Zelensky meeting, with himself as mediator. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov insists that the summit would require careful preparation, as is typically the case, and has also questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy to sign a peace deal given the absence of elections. Putin, speaking in Beijing, publicly called on Zelensky to have talks in Moscow, but Kiev rejected the proposal. Contrary to his peace posture, Trump has approved $90 billion in US arms sales – funded by Europe and destined for Ukraine – as well as an $825 million package including 3,350 extended-range missiles. He has also increased pressure on Russia indirectly by targeting India. Ahead of the Alaska summit, Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil and defense equipment, on top of an earlier 25% tariff imposed over India’s tariffs. On August 27, Trump’s 50% tariffs against India took effect. Trump said the new tariff was meant to signal to Russia that he could choke its oil revenues by blocking key buyers like India. He claims this pressure helped bring Putin to Alaska. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Adviser Navarro have elevated India’s oil purchases to a major US-India issue, accusing New Delhi of profiteering, acting as a “laundromat” for the Kremlin, and enabling the war. They even labeled the Ukraine conflict “Modi’s war” and claimed that the “road to peace runs through New Delhi.” Read more Will Trump’s India tariffs hurt American consumers? This overblown rhetoric, aimed at straining India-Russia ties, has not succeeded in swaying New Delhi. India has refused to buckle under Trump’s pressure. On Friday, Trump made yet another cryptic post on Truth Social. “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” he said. If taken literally, the post implies that the US has concluded that India-US ties have irretrievably broken down. New Delhi, which has so far abstained from diplomatic rhetoric leading to a further deterioration of relations and which has maintained that it is not shutting the door on future positive interactions with the US, will watch closely for any possibilities of new coercive steps against it. As for Russia, Trump’s style is unique, and Putin seems to consider it worthwhile to work with him pragmatically. For Moscow, there are many upsides: Trump’s outreach breaks the ice, pressures Zelensky, deepens European disarray, revives talks on nuclear disarmament and Arctic issues, and even opens space for economic cooperation. With India, however, Trump has significantly set back relations and eroded the trust that was carefully built over the past two decades. View the full article

Targeting India over its energy trade with Russia has damaged Washington’s hard-won trust with New Delhi US President Donald Trump promised during his election campaign that he would not involve America in any wars, arguing that entanglements in foreign conflicts have debilitated the country in a number of ways. However, Trump’s foreign policy contains too many contradictions. Trump’s main focus during his campaign and immediately after taking office was on ending the Ukraine conflict. Yet he later ordered military action against the Yemeni Houthis and, more provocatively and unlawfully, against Iran’s nuclear facilities – something the US had not done before, despite years of tensions with Tehran. Washington continues to be complicit in Israel’s destruction of Gaza, its bombing of Lebanon, and its occupation of parts of Syria. Trump has also ordered a flotilla of warships off Venezuela’s shores after placing a $50 million bounty on its president. At the same time, Trump has been bold in engaging Russia and pushing to end the Ukraine conflict, ignoring deep hostility toward Moscow within the US political establishment and even among his own advisers. The Trump-Putin summit in Alaska was a dramatic event that caused panic in Europe and sidelined Zelensky. Members of the European ‘coalition of the willing’ – determined to support Zelensky with arms and funds to prolong the conflict – rushed to Washington to lobby Trump not to bypass them, not to concede to Russian demands, and to ensure they were included in negotiations on security guarantees for Ukraine. Trump’s rhetoric, and that of the Europeans, has focused on a ceasefire, ostensibly to halt the bloodshed, but in reality to break Russia’s momentum, ease the pressure on Ukraine, allowing it to regroup, and to rebuild its defenses. After Alaska, however, Trump shifted to Russia’s position of prioritizing a peace agreement – much to the dismay of both Europe and Ukraine. Europe has been humiliated by Trump. For the European powers, being excluded from decisions about their own security is deflating, with major implications for their global prestige. The image of European leaders lined up in the Oval Office before Trump, seated like he was presiding over a staff meeting, was shattering for France, Germany, and the UK in particular. Trump has made it clear that NATO membership for Ukraine is off the table and that the US will not put boots on the ground. Putin cautioned in Alaska against European interference, which Britain and France nonetheless signaled by announcing their readiness to deploy troops after a peace settlement. Russia has rejected the idea of NATO countries sending a ‘peacekeeping force’ to Ukraine, and this remains a contentious issue. On security guarantees, Europe and Ukraine want NATO-style commitments akin to Article 5. But the Western camp is divided. The US has hinted at offering air cover, while Russia insists that any guarantees must include it and be underwritten by the UN Security Council. Guarantees cannot, Moscow argues, be directed against Russia but must be structured in partnership with it – another thorny point. With regard to territorial concessions, Zelensky’s refusal to compromise is a crucial obstacle. His political survival depends on it. For Moscow, the incorporation of four former Ukrainian provinces into the Russian Federation cannot be reversed. Even while pursuing peace, Trump has issued periodic threats of harsh sanctions on Russia. He has claimed that he asked Zelensky whether he would attack Moscow if provided with long-range missiles, and has said he warned Putin directly that continued attacks might force the US to bomb Moscow – a threat he believes Putin did not altogether dismiss. Trump has set short timelines for a Putin-Zelensky meeting, with himself as mediator. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov insists that the summit would require careful preparation, as is typically the case, and has also questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy to sign a peace deal given the absence of elections. Putin, speaking in Beijing, publicly called on Zelensky to have talks in Moscow, but Kiev rejected the proposal. Contrary to his peace posture, Trump has approved $90 billion in US arms sales – funded by Europe and destined for Ukraine – as well as an $825 million package including 3,350 extended-range missiles. He has also increased pressure on Russia indirectly by targeting India. Ahead of the Alaska summit, Trump announced an additional 25% tariff on India for buying Russian oil and defense equipment, on top of an earlier 25% tariff imposed over India’s tariffs. On August 27, Trump’s 50% tariffs against India took effect. Trump said the new tariff was meant to signal to Russia that he could choke its oil revenues by blocking key buyers like India. He claims this pressure helped bring Putin to Alaska. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Adviser Navarro have elevated India’s oil purchases to a major US-India issue, accusing New Delhi of profiteering, acting as a “laundromat” for the Kremlin, and enabling the war. They even labeled the Ukraine conflict “Modi’s war” and claimed that the “road to peace runs through New Delhi.” This overblown rhetoric, aimed at straining India-Russia ties, has not succeeded in swaying New Delhi. India has refused to buckle under Trump’s pressure. On Friday, Trump made yet another cryptic post on Truth Social. “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” he said. If taken literally, the post implies that the US has concluded that India-US ties have irretrievably broken down. New Delhi, which has so far abstained from diplomatic rhetoric leading to a further deterioration of relations and which has maintained that it is not shutting the door on future positive interactions with the US, will watch closely for any possibilities of new coercive steps against it. As for Russia, Trump’s style is unique, and Putin seems to consider it worthwhile to work with him pragmatically. For Moscow, there are many upsides: Trump’s outreach breaks the ice, pressures Zelensky, deepens European disarray, revives talks on nuclear disarmament and Arctic issues, and even opens space for economic cooperation. With India, however, Trump has significantly set back relations and eroded the trust that was carefully built over the past two decades. View the full article

— As soon as the month of December comes, some miraculous thing occurs in the American neighborhoods. Houses are transformed into glowing cities of Christmas joy, and families go to watch the glittering visuals that transform otherwise boring streets into winter wonderland. By offering such unique experiences as Expert Christmas Light Setup, many of these memories are easier to make than ever before. But all too frequently, the task of making this magic come alive, still remains squarely on the shoulders of one individual–the mom. The men need to come forward to play their part in one of the traditions that the season is most widely known for. The art of crafting beautiful Christmas lights is not only about decoration but about making family memories, being creative, and demonstrating leadership in the ways that are most important to those we love. Stereotyping The Holiday. Society has somehow made us believe that the decoration of holidays is a female affair only. But consider it–Christmas light installation requires planning, problem solving, electrical installation and in many cases, use of ladders or tools. It is something that many men already know, and like to do. The actual wonder occurs when fathers become the owners of the family holiday decoration. Not only the bulbs make children light-up, but they also see their father turn their home into something extraordinary. It turns into a lesson on attention to detail, on fulfilling promises and being proud of where you live. Take the Johnsons of suburban Cleveland. Mike Johnson wasted years allowing his wife to do all the preparations of the holiday while he worked. He chose to surprise his family three years ago when he took over the lights outside their house. This began with simple marking out of the roofline but soon escalated to a full scale spectacle accompanied by synchronized music and themed-sections across their entire yard. Mike remembers that first year as the children keep mentioning it. They simply could not imagine that their father could invent something this wonderful. It has now become our father-child project of the year and my teenage son is actually excited to spend those December weekends with me planning and installing. The Leadership Lesson Beneath the Holiday Lights. Leading the Christmas light display in your family helps you learn a lot about leadership and project management. Whether you are decorating a small house in Lancaster or a large suburban lawn, any successful display involves planning, distribution of resources, and safety consideration-all of which are directly applicable to professional and personal achievement. Start with a space evaluation and vision. Go around your property with the family and talk about ideas. What are the areas that you want to emphasize? What areas would require heavier lighting? What will you do with the distribution of power? Such discussions reflect strategic thinking and joint decision making. Another teaching opportunity is in budget planning. It takes money to buy quality lights and decorations but with clever purchasing and planned growth over time, amazing displays are something most families can afford. Teach your children to research, shop, and buy wisely products that are not expensive but good. The safety factor cannot be ignored. When you’re in charge of the project, proper ladder operation, electrical precautions, and weather awareness are all a natural topic. Your family observes your attitude to risk management and preparation–things that they will bring with them into their adult lives. Development of Community Relations. Professional Christmas Light Installation services—such as Expert Christmas Light Setup Lancaster—have gained popularity in places such as Lancaster as busy families identify the importance of hiring professionals to do the work and still achieve impressive results. But the DIY approach provides something the professional services cannot provide, the personal investment experience and family bonding that arise as you work together building something beautiful. Your holiday decoration is an invitation to talk with your neighbors and passers by. The kids in the block will know your house because they will always say, the house with the wonderful lights. You will find that adults will be appreciative of your efforts in bringing the holiday spirit to the community. This is not a one-month-december community connection. Friends often come to be friends because they like what you are showing. You will end up talking about methods and offering suggestions to suppliers and maybe even working together on new projects. Your Christmas lights can be the base of relationships that are built all year long. Making It Manageable The trick to Christmas light enthusiasm sustainability is to begin small and build up over time. In your first year you do not need to compete with Clark Griswold. You need to start with an easy but good design that you will be able to finish without straining and breaking your budget. Look at quality and not quantity. It is better to have fewer lights installed carefully and attached in a safe way than to make a fantastic show that will only cause disappointment. Identify one or two focal points–the front entrance and a single significant roofline–and do them really well. Record your procedure in pictures and notes. Note what outlets you used, the number of strands connected to each circuit and what worked and what did not. This documentation will help the next year easier installation and will also enable you to extend systematically. Build a family tradition concerning the installation. Some families turn it into a Saturday affair with hot-chocolate and Christmas songs. Others make it an amiable one among the neighbors. Identify a style that works best with your family and that makes the job fun instead of a drag. The Lasting Impact In a few years, no one will remember the majority of the gifts that you gave to your children. However, they will not forget about those December afternoons when they were helping dad with untangling lights, the excitement when they could flip the switch the first time of the season and how they felt when their neighbors praised their light display. By making the Christmas light tradition in your family your own, you show that you appreciate bringing happiness to others, that you will invest time and effort in family life, and that you realize that you need to help bring happiness to your own community during the holiday season. The light of those lights is far longer than the holiday season, and shines on the type of father, husband, and community member you want to be. — This content is brought to you by Sky Link Building iStockPhoto The post The Science of Tradition of the Holiday: The Men Must Learn to Embrace the Christmas Light Show appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Jackie Fortiér LISTEN: Measles. Chickenpox. Meningitis. Many vaccines can run more than $100 a dose out-of-pocket. Jackie Fortiér tells WAMU’s “Health Hub” how Trump administration changes to the federal vaccine guidelines could make some routine shots too expensive for families. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, replaced the members of a federal vaccine advisory committee in June. The committee plays an important role in recommending vaccines, and its guidance influences the coverage decisions insurance companies make. KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér appeared on WAMU’s “Health Hub” on Aug. 27 to explain why confusion over federal immunization policy has left parents and pediatricians uncertain about future access to childhood immunizations, especially for those on Medicaid. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism. Learn more about KFF. Subscribe to KFF Health News’ free Morning Briefing. This article first appeared on KFF Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. — Previously Published on kffhealthnews.org *** Subscribe to The Good Men Project Newsletter Email Address * If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. On Substack? Connect with us there. — Photo credit: unsplash The post Listen: As Kids Head Back to School, Parents Sort Out Confusion Over Vaccine Access appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Most women are bored out of their minds in bed. There. I said it. You think she’s moaning because she’s turned on. No, darling, she’s moaning because she doesn’t want to crush your delicate ego. She doesn’t want to fight about it. She doesn’t want to see the hurt flash across your face when she tells you the truth. That your “good” sex is nothing more than fast-food sex. Quick. Greasy. Predictable. Cheap. Filling in the moment but leaves her starving hours later. I’ve been called a real-life sex coach. What that really means is I don’t sugarcoat this shit. I don’t hand out fluff. I don’t stroke egos to keep people comfortable. I tell the raw, unfiltered truth, and more often than not, it lands like a grenade between the eyes of someone’s oh-so-fragile self-image. Because here’s the thing: both men and women are faking it. Women fake pleasure. Men fake confidence. And in the bedroom, both end up performing for each other while quietly starving inside. Women won’t tell you the truth. Women don’t want to admit they’re not enjoying sex. They don’t want to admit they’re bored, unfulfilled, or worse, numb. They won’t tell you because they don’t want to feel broken. They don’t want to disappoint you. They don’t want to risk your defensiveness, your anger, or the fight that might follow. So, they fake it. They give you the blowjob you want so you can drift off into that dopamine coma you call afterglow. They moan when you pump away on autopilot so you can feel like a stud. They let you think they enjoyed it while planning how they’re going to finish themselves off in the bathroom later. Reality check, she got nothing. Zip. Zero. Nada. She walked away from that encounter not feeling cherished, nourished, or lit up. but used. A masturbation sleeve with legs. And men, gods bless you, you really don’t have a clue. You think women’s bodies work like yours. You think she gets turned on as fast as you do. You think rubbing harder or faster means better. You handle her like she’s a man with a vagina. Porn told you that a woman’s body is an endless buffet of wet holes waiting for your dick. Porn told you she screams when you jackhammer her. Porn told you if you just last longer, you win. But porn has f-cked f-cking up. Porn became sex-ed for a generation, and it’s nothing like real sex. Simple truth, women are not aroused the way men are. Her orgasm doesn’t live in her clit alone (although you better play close attention to her clit, but don’t make it the first and only stop, or a quick experience). Her orgasm is layered, non-linear, moody, emotional, shifting with her hormones, her stress levels, her connection to you. One week she craves deep penetration. Another week it’s all about her nipples. Another week she needs slow, tantric breathing and sacred touch. Her body is not static. It’s a symphony that changes daily. Did you know the scientific study of the clitoris is younger than the internet? Think about that. We’ve been sending rockets into space, mapping genomes, and building empires long before we decided to take women’s pleasure seriously. Research on how women orgasm with age? Barely twenty years old. Research on men? Decades longer. No wonder men don’t understand women’s pleasure. No one ever taught them. There’s a massive orgasm gap in our relationships. Study after study shows men climax way more often than women during partnered sex. One analysis of 52,600 people found that 95% of heterosexual men usually orgasm during sex, compared with only 65% of heterosexual women. That’s a chasm, not a gap. (Garcia et al., 2018, Archives of Sexual Behavior) . And women? We’re complicit. We fake it. We let men believe they’re amazing lovers. We hand out participation trophies in bed because we’re terrified of confrontation, of rejection, of losing love. But the cost? It’s devastating. Women need sex like air. Without gourmet sex, deeply connected, soul-drenching, body-shaking, nerve-quivering sex, women fade away from the men they love. They grow distant. Closed off. Anxious. Depressed. Cold. The fun kind of crazy gets replaced with the desperate, brittle kind. A woman needs sex like she needs air. But not fast-food sex. Not friction-based pumping. Gourmet sex. Sex that nourishes. Research even backs it up. Regular orgasms harmonize hormones, reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, boost immunity, and yes, slow the aging process. A 2017 study in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that frequent orgasms in women are linked to healthier hormone profiles and improved emotional well-being. An orgasm is not just pleasure. It’s medicine. It’s vitamins. It’s spiritual nourishment. A woman needs at least two deep, real orgasms a week with her lover. Not just for her relationship, but for her vitality, her sanity, her body, her soul. Orgasms boost confidence. Heal body image. Strengthen vaginal muscles. Make her softer, more radiant, more alive. And here’s something most men don’t know, orgasm doesn’t just make her love you more. It bonds her to you. A woman can love you without being bonded to you. But orgasm is glue. One orgasm can keep her bonded to you for three days. The more she has, the more deeply she attaches. And if she’s depleted? If she’s going weeks or months without? That bond thins. And eventually it snaps. Understand that sex is interwoven with everything. Men like to compartmentalize. Work here. Family here. Sex here. Women can’t. Sex is interwoven into everything. How you touch her hand when you walk down the street. How you look at her across the dinner table. How you hold her after a fight. If you think sex is just what happens between the sheets, you’re already failing her. Here’s how I see it. Most people think they’re having good sex. But what they’re having is fast-food sex. Predictable. Processed. Basic. Gourmet sex? That’s another world entirely. It’s slow, intentional, reverent, playful, sacred, filthy and holy all at once. Gourmet sex feeds the body, mind, and soul. And once a woman has tasted it, she will never again be satisfied with a drive-thru rub the clit for 2 minutes experience. This is what my new book is about. Later this year, my book 69: Beyond the Orgasm — A Field Guide to Understanding Women will be released. It’s raw. Bold. A no-fluff guide to what women really need and what men don’t understand. It’s not another manual written by men about women’s bodies. It’s not porn culture masquerading as education. It’s the truth, straight from a woman who has lived it, practiced it, taught it, and dared to speak it out loud. And it’s going to piss people off. Because truth always does. But if you’re tired of fast food, if you want gourmet, if you’re ready to stop faking it and start living it, this is where it begins. Want to unlock the secret truths every woman feels but will never confess? 69+ Beyond the Orgasm isn’t just a book — it’s your backstage pass into the female heart, body, and desire. If you’ve ever wanted to really understand what makes her crave you, miss you, surrender to you… this is it. Don’t just guess. Learn what she hides. Make her yours forever. DM or comment WAITLIST to be first to grab a copy at release. Or just a drop a comment on your thoughts about what I shared here today. As always loving you from here, Rene Schooler — This post was previously published on medium.com. Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox. Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice. Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there! Hello, Love (relationships) Change Becomes You (Advice) A Parent is Born (Parenting) Equality Includes You (Social Justice) Greener Together (Environment) Shelter Me (Wellness) Modern Identities (Gender, etc.) Co-Existence (World) *** – Photo credit: Rene’ Schooler(Author) The post Why Your Woman Loves You But Isn’t Bonded to You appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Adam Esposito has built a career at the intersection of marketing and technology. He is a Salesforce Marketing Cloud expert and Senior Solutions Architect Manager at Offprem Technology, where he helps colleges and universities modernize their communication with students, staff, and alumni. Adam has been shaping digital transformation for over a decade, focusing on clarity, impact, and trust. A Career Built on Connecting Technology and People Adam’s journey began with an interest in how technology could strengthen communication. At American Greetings, he saw how automation and data could make engagement more personal and measurable. This experience led him to pursue roles that allowed him to merge marketing strategy with technology execution. He has held leadership positions at Hileman Group, Precision Dialogue, and Arhaus Furniture before joining Offprem Technology. Today, he manages a team of architects who design and implement Salesforce Marketing Cloud solutions for higher education. His work supports enrollment growth, retention, and long-term alum engagement by aligning institutional goals with digital tools. “I realized I wasn’t just helping teams send messages,” Adam explains. “I was helping them transform the way they connect with people. That’s what makes the work meaningful.” Helping Higher Education Modernize Communication Colleges and universities face unique challenges when managing communication. Different departments often work in silos and rely on outdated processes. Adam helps these institutions connect the dots. He designs communication journeys that guide students through recruitment, enrollment, and support. One example was a university struggling with manual admissions outreach. His team introduced automated journeys that responded to student actions, such as filling out forms or attending events. Applications increased, and students reported feeling supported rather than overwhelmed. Admissions staff also said the new system saved time and reduced stress. This project showed how, when implemented with empathy, technology can create both efficiency and connection. A Leadership Approach Based on Mentorship As a leader, Adam focuses on people as much as platforms. He looks for team members who are curious, open to learning, and willing to ask questions. Technical skills matter, but he believes mindset and communication are just as important. His leadership style is collaborative and rooted in mentorship. He takes pride in helping team members grow their skills and confidence. For Adam, success is measured by project outcomes and the development of people around him. His guidance has made him a trusted mentor in the Salesforce community, where he supports aspiring professionals and shares insights about navigating a fast-changing industry. Raising the Bar for Ethical Marketing Adam is also known for his work on ethical marketing practices. His guide, Best Practices for Obtaining Email Consent: A Guide for Digital Marketers, addresses how organizations can balance compliance with authentic engagement. As privacy regulations such as GDPR, CASL, and CAN-SPAM grow stricter, Adam translates complex rules into clear, actionable steps. He emphasizes transparent language, double opt-in protocols, proper record-keeping, and easy unsubscribe processes. His approach reframes compliance as a way to build trust rather than a task to avoid penalties. “Consent isn’t just a legal requirement, it’s a signal of trust,” Adam says. “When marketers secure it transparently and ethically, they build lasting relationships.” This perspective makes him a leading voice in the push for responsible digital practices. He encourages brands to treat consent as the foundation for lasting loyalty and engagement. Lessons Learned and Balance Gained Adam is candid about the challenges he has faced. Early in his consulting career, he recommended a fully automated solution to a client not ready to adopt it. The experience taught him that even the most advanced technology can fail if the organization is not culturally or operationally prepared. Since then, he has focused on designing solutions that fit each client’s readiness level. He has also learned the importance of balance. In the past, he pushed himself toward constant growth, certifications, and project delivery without prioritizing rest. Now, he encourages consistency over speed. He believes sustainable success requires pacing and leaders must model balance for their teams. This shift has made him stronger as both a strategist and a mentor. The Future of Marketing Automation Looking ahead, Adam sees marketing automation becoming more personalized and accessible. In higher education, he expects it will support students throughout their journey, from recruitment to alum engagement. In other sectors, he predicts low-code tools and artificial intelligence will make automation easier for teams without deep technical backgrounds. Still, he emphasizes that the role of technology remains constant. “Automation will not replace people,” Adam says. “It will empower them to create more human and meaningful engagement.” A Legacy of Clarity and Trust Adam Esposito’s work combines technical expertise, strategic vision, and human empathy. He is a problem solver who brings clarity to complexity, a mentor who invests in others, and a thought leader who champions ethical practices in digital marketing. Whether guiding a university through digital transformation, setting new standards for email consent, or coaching future professionals in the Salesforce ecosystem, Adam has shown that technology leadership is not only about tools, it is about people. His legacy is one of progress rooted in trust and purpose. — This content is brought to you by Sabrina Suleiman iStockPhoto The post Meet Adam Esposito, a Salesforce Marketing Cloud Leader Driving Digital Transformation in Higher Education appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

A conversation between Me (now) and the version of Me that used to overshare Old Me: You used to tell them everything. Every little feeling. Me: I know. I thought if I gave it all, they’d stay. Old Me: And did they? Me: No. They just learned how to use my softness as a shortcut. Old Me: So you stopped? Me: I started choosing peace over performance. Old Me: Doesn’t it get lonely sometimes? Me: It does. But at least I’m not constantly explaining the parts of me that shouldn’t need defending. Old Me: You were never wrong for feeling deeply. Me: I know. But I was wrong for handing that depth to people who weren’t ready to hold it. Old Me: So what do you do with those feelings now? Me: I write. I walk. I sit with them until they quiet down. I don’t broadcast them. Old Me: Not even to the ones who love you? Me: Only to the ones who notice the silence before I speak. Old Me: So, you’re protecting yourself. Me: I’m preserving what’s real. Not everything sacred needs an audience. Old Me: Do you miss the girl who overshared? Me: I miss how hopeful she was. But I love how whole I am now. Old Me: Do you still believe in being known? Me: Yes. I just no longer fear being misunderstood. Old Me: So silence became your language? Me: Silence became my sanctuary. Old Me: That’s… beautiful. Me: It’s survival. — This post was previously published on medium.com. Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox. Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice. Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there! Hello, Love (relationships) Change Becomes You (Advice) A Parent is Born (Parenting) Equality Includes You (Social Justice) Greener Together (Environment) Shelter Me (Wellness) Modern Identities (Gender, etc.) Co-Existence (World) *** – Photo credit: Alisson Steffens On Unsplash The post I Keep Things to Myself Because They Matter appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Psychological defenses are our habitual reactions that help us quickly release tension when we experience pain, fear, or shame. Displacement is one of these reactions that helps shift focus. For example, when we are angry or offended at one person, but pour that emotion onto someone else with whom it’s easier or safer. But such a technique only temporarily helps to relieve tension and doesn’t solve the problem at all. Moreover, it can create new complications. What Is Displacement, and Why Does the Brain Use It? Displacement occurs when we feel it’s not safe or appropriate to express our feelings directly. For example, your boss harshly criticizes your work, and you unleash your irritation only when you get home, directing it at a loved one for any minor thing like noise or an empty cup on the table. The emotion is real, but it’s misdirected. This way, we avoid the threat in the moment but postpone the emotional resolution. The anger physical effects, such as tightness in the chest, clenched fists, and a racing heart, often accompany these misdirected emotions, further intensifying the stress and making it harder to resolve the underlying issue. In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), it’s believed that displacement often arises from habitual thoughts like: “you can’t be angry at your boss” or “my feelings don’t matter.” The solution is simple: noticing your emotions, listening to your thoughts, and tracking your mood. This helps understand what’s behind the feeling and direct it where it originated, rather than at random people. How Displacement Works: From a Trigger to a “Safe Target” Displacement is generally a quite understandable reaction that we often don’t even realize. And to learn how to control it, you need to understand how it works. For this, you can break it down into simple steps: First, there is an emotional trigger.This is any situation or event that deeply affects us. For example, harsh criticism, rejection of a request, or obvious injustice. Then a rather strong feeling arises. Most often it’s anger, resentment, or fear. And sometimes, this can be an unexpected feeling, and sometimes, gradually accumulated by many small, unpleasant, and irritating situations. Next, the brain decides that expressing emotion directly may be unsafe or uncomfortable. And this may be due to fear of consequences or unwillingness to spoil relationships. And therefore, emotions remain unexpressed in the moment. And subsequently, the emotion “switches” to a safer object, family members, colleagues, oneself, or even objects. You unconsciously choose a moment when it’s easier and safer to express it, but it no longer reaches the right address. At the moment, this may seem like a release, but the real cause remains beyond. And if you explore methods of self-discovery and self-observation tools (journaling, mood tracking), then the question of liven app can be a good example of a space where such practices are collected together and explained quite simply. Such trackers help notice displacement where, before, you might have thought you were just tired. Then your emotions will have context, and you will be able to notice not only the outburst but also understand how it works, from trigger to “target”. Where Displacement Manifests Most Often Depending on the sphere of life, displacement can manifest differently. Most likely, it will look different at work than in relationships. But sometimes it happens that emotions are directed against oneself. And all these situations are worth considering in more detail. Work Most often, in work situations, the fear of consequences and differences in positions restrain direct reaction. As a result, emotions find an outlet later; you may vent your irritation in correspondence to a colleague, to a barista in a coffee shop, or a loved one at home. But, sometimes, anger can remain inside, and then we begin to reproach ourselves for mistakes, overload ourselves with tasks, and may disrupt our sleep schedule. Relationships In couples, displacement most often masks vulnerability. Usually, instead of saying “I felt lonely when you were late,” we may reproach our partner, for example, “you always think only about yourself,” or “you don’t care about what I feel.” And in the end, this only increases the distance, although behind the words lies a desire for warmth and support. In such situations, to convey your needs, you need an honest conversation and clear boundaries, but not masking feelings. Towards Oneself and the Body Sometimes anger at an external factor turns into self-criticism, “I didn’t put in enough effort,” or into bodily reactions – stress eating or, conversely, refusing food, excessive physical activity. In such cases, the body is a convenient target for displacement; it is always “at hand.” In this case, gentle self-regulation practices, such as breathing, stretching, a short walk, contact with water, or anything that will help restore a sense of support without self-destruction, can help. How Not to Confuse Displacement With Other Defenses Displacement can be quite easily confused with suppression or projection. Suppression is an attempt to “freeze” an emotion, while with displacement, the feeling manifests, but not at the right address. Projection is attributing your feelings to another person (“he is angry with me”), whereas with displacement, the person receives a flow of emotions. Definite signs of displacement are reactions that are too strong, anger or irritation that are out of place and do not match the situation at all. That is, after encountering the real trigger, emotions catch up later and pour out onto random people or objects. In such moments, you can gently ask yourself: “What would I say to the person who caused this feeling?” It’s helpful to add a bit of self-reflection, note on a scale from 0 to 10 how strong my anger is right now, what intensifies it, and what helps reduce it. Such short notes will eventually help identify recurring behavior patterns and make the picture clearer. Simple Steps for Self-Regulation Pause and vocalize emotions. Take 2-3 calm breaths and honestly name all the emotions you are experiencing at the moment. This will help reduce tension and calm down a bit. Remember the trigger. Ask yourself: “What specifically bothered me?” You can make a short note in your journal; this will help you see recurring situations. Rephrase the thought. We need to understand our automatic assumption and find a gentle replacement for it. Instead of “I am not needed”, it’s important for me to express my feelings.” Give the emotion an outlet. A walk, washing your face with cold water, and writing a few lines in your notes. These actions must be without harm to yourself or others. Speak directly. Use “I-statements,” for example, “When deadlines change without warning, I get angry. Could we discuss this in advance?” This will direct the feeling to its address without aggression. Additionally, small habits like evening mood tracking or a brief morning check-in can help your nervous system become more stable and reduce the risk of displacement. Conclusion Displacement is not a “bad” character trait, but an automatic attempt of the psyche to cope with overload. But if you don’t pay attention to it, over time, relationships, focus, and self-esteem begin to suffer. Self-observation, gentle self-regulation practices, and a CBT approach to thoughts help express emotions “to the right address.” Remember, the more accurately you see the route from trigger to “target,” the less chance it will affect random people or yourself. This is the path to choosing yourself and respecting your feelings and emotions. — This content is brought to you by Victoria Samokhval Photo provided by the author. The post How the ‘Displacement’ Defense Mechanism Works appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Michael G. Kozak, Drexel University Generative AI platforms have sent shock waves through the K-12 education sector since the public release of ChatGPT nearly three years ago. The technology is taking hold under the belief that students and teachers need to be proficient in these powerful tools, even though many concerns remain around equity, privacy, bias and degradation of critical thinking among students. As a professor who teaches future educators and is part of an AI-focused working group, I have observed the potential for artificial intelligence to transform teaching and learning practices in K-12 schools. The trends I am seeing – and that I encourage – are for K-12 educators to use AI to shift from memorization and rote learning to instead emphasize critical thinking and creativity. Jumping in the deep end After the public release of ChatGPT in late 2022, some large school districts initially banned the use of AI due to concerns about cheating. Surveys also reflected worries about chatbots fabricating information, such as references for school papers, in addition to concerns about misinformation and biases existing in AI responses to prompts. Students, on the other hand, tended to jump into the deep end of the AI pool. Common Sense Media, which offers recommendations on children’s media consumption, published a report in 2024 showing that students were using AI-supported search and chatbots for homework and to stave off boredom as well as other personal reasons, including “creating content as a joke, planning activities, and seeking health advice.” Most of the teachers and parents of the students in the study were unaware that students were using the technology. In my work at Drexel University teaching graduate students who are aspiring school principals or superintendents, I found that in 2023, K-12 students were afraid of using AI due to the policies implemented in their districts banning it. However, it quickly became apparent that students were able to mask their use of AI by instructing AI to insert some mistakes to their assignments. Meanwhile, despite teachers’ initial concerns about AI, approximately 60% of K-12 teachers now admit to using AI to plan lessons, communicate with parents and assist with grading. Concerns over students cheating still exist, but time-strapped teachers are finding that using AI can save them time while improving their teaching. A recent Walton Foundation and Gallup study revealed that teachers who used AI tools weekly saved an average of 5.9 hours per week, which they reallocated to “providing students more nuanced feedback, creating individualized lessons, writing emails and getting home to their families in a more reasonable time.” Opening up new ways of teaching I recommend that my graduate students use AI because I think ignoring emerging trends in education is not wise. I believe the benefits outweigh the negatives if students are taught ethical use of the technology and guardrails are put in place, such as requiring that AI be cited as a source if students use it in coursework. Advocates say AI is changing teaching for the better, since it forces teachers to identify additional ways for students to demonstrate their understanding of content. Some strategies for students who rely too heavily on AI include oral presentations, project-based learning and building portfolios of a student’s best work. One practice could involve students showing evidence of something they created, implemented or developed to address a challenge. Evidence could include constructing a small bridge to demonstrate how forces act on structures, pictures or a video of students using a water sampling device to check for pollution, or students designing and planting a community garden. AI might produce the steps needed to construct the project, but students would actually have to do the work. Teachers can also use AI to create lessons tailored to students’ interests, quickly translate text to multiple languages, and recognize speech for students with hearing difficulties. AI can be used as a tutor to individualize instruction, provide immediate feedback and identify gaps in students’ learning. When I was a school superintendent, I always asked applicants for teaching positions how they connected their classroom lessons to the real world. Most of them struggled to come up with concrete examples. On the other hand, I have found AI is helpful in this regard, providing answers to students’ perennial question of why they need to learn what is being taught. Thought partner Teachers in K-12 schools are using AI to help students develop their empathetic skills. One example is prompting an AI to “redesign the first-day experience for a relocated student entering a new middle school.” AI created the action steps and the essential questions necessary for refining students’ initial solutions. In my own classroom, I’ve used AI to boost my graduate students’ critical thinking skills. I had my students imagine that they were college presidents facing the loss of essential federal funding unless they implemented policies limiting public criticism of federal agencies on campus. This proposed restriction, framed as a requirement to maintain “institutional neutrality,” requires students to develop a plan of action based on their knowledge of systems and design thinking. After each team developed their solution, I used AI to create questions and counterpoints to their proposed solution. In this way, AI becomes a critical thought partner to probe intended and unintended outcomes, gaps in students’ thinking and potential solutions that might have been overlooked. AI researcher Ethan Mollick encourages educators to use AI as a springboard, similar to jazz musicians improvising, as a way to unleash new possibilities. Mollick advises people to partner with AI as co-intelligence, be the human in the loop, treat AI as a co-worker, albeit one that needs to be prodded for evidence, and to learn to use it well. I concur. Changing perspectives on AI Some early studies on the effects of using AI in education have raised concerns that the convenience of generative AI will degrade students’ learning and erode their critical thinking skills. I think that further studies are needed, but I have found in my own work and in the work of my graduate students that AI can enhance human-produced work. For example, AI-powered teaching assistants, like Khanmigo or Beghetto Bots, use AI to help students solve problems and come up with innovative solutions without giving away the answers. My experiences with other educators on the front lines show me that they are beginning to change their perspectives toward students using AI, particularly as teachers realize the benefit of AI in their own work. For example, one of my graduate students said his district is employing a committee of educators, students and outside experts to explore how AI can be used ethically and in a way that won’t erode students’ critical thinking skills. Educators are starting to realize that AI isn’t going away anytime soon – and that it’s better to teach their students how to use it, rather than leave them to their own devices. Michael G. Kozak, Associate Clinical Professor of Educational Administration and Leadership, Drexel University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. — Previously Published on theconversation.com with Creative Commons License *** Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: iStock The post AI Is Taking Hold in K-12 Schools – Here Are Some Ways It Can Improve Teaching appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Accidents can happen unexpectedly, leaving victims with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. When faced with the aftermath, having the right legal support becomes essential. Experienced legal professionals can guide accident victims through complex legal processes, ensuring their rights are protected at every stage. With years of combined experience, MNH Injury Lawyers understand the challenges clients face after accidents. They provide personalized attention, analyze each case carefully, and develop strategies to secure fair compensation. Their approach combines professionalism with empathy, helping clients feel supported during difficult times. Accident victims choose MNH for the following reasons: Extensive Experience in Handling Various Accident Cases With over 22 years of combined experience, MNH lawyers have successfully represented clients across a wide range of accident types, including: Car accidents– Can involve complicated insurance claims and require checking the damage to the vehicle carefully. Truck collisions– Need knowledge of commercial vehicle rules and who is responsible. Motorcycle crashes– Often more complicated because of driver mistakes and need special attention. Wrongful death claims– Deals with sensitive legal matters and the emotions of the family. Bicycle accidents-Usually involve road safety issues and figuring out who is at fault. Pedestrian injuries– Require careful proof of negligence and details of the accident. Whiplash cases– Soft tissue injuries that need accurate medical proof of the impact. Traumatic brain injuries– Need a thorough medical and legal review because of long-term effects. This extensive experience ensures that clients receive accurate guidance and strong advocacy personalized to their specific case. Thorough Collection and Organization of Evidence One of the most critical steps in securing compensation is presenting a well-documented case. MNH lawyers specialize in collecting and organizing all necessary evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and expert opinions. By building a strong evidence file, they provide a solid foundation for negotiations or litigation, significantly increasing the chances of a favorable outcome for their clients. Detailed Financial Compensation Checklist Understanding the financial impact of an accident is essential for victims seeking rightful compensation. MNH lawyers create a comprehensive financial compensation checklist, ensuring that no potential losses are overlooked. This checklist considers medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and long-term care costs, providing clients with a clear picture of the compensation they are entitled to. Recovering Maximum Damages MNH lawyers are committed to recovering a full range of damages for their clients. These include loss of income, pain and suffering, loss of housekeeping services, cost of future care, special damages, settlement negotiations, and compensation for permanent or minor injuries. By meticulously evaluating each aspect of a case, they ensure that victims receive the financial support necessary to rebuild their lives after an accident. Conclusion Accidents can disrupt lives, but choosing the right legal team can provide victims with the support and compensation they need to move forward. MNH lawyers combine extensive experience, meticulous case preparation, and a client-focused approach to deliver exceptional results. For accident victims seeking justice and financial recovery, MNH injury lawyers stand as a trusted and reliable partner. Key Takeaways MNH injury lawyers bring over 22 years of combined experience in handling varied accident cases. They provide personalized attention, analyzing each case carefully for the best outcome. They excel in collecting and organizing evidence to build strong, well-documented cases. They prepare detailed financial compensation checklists to ensure clients receive full entitlements. They are committed to recovering maximum damages and supporting clients in rebuilding their lives. — This content is brought to you by Hassan Javed Photo provided by the author The post Why Accident Victims Should Choose MNH Injury Lawyer appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Michael Allen For the first time, Europe will bury its carbon not beneath the sea, but under its own soil, heralding a new chapter in the continent’s fight against climate change. On 30 April 2025, the EU issued its first permit for onshore geological storage of CO2. Until now, all EU permits under the 2009 Directive for geological CO2 storage were offshore. The permit was awarded to Carbfix, an Icelandic company based in Reykjavík, for its injection site at the Hellisheiði geothermal power plant. The company has grown alongside an EU-funded research initiative of the same name, which received worldwide recognition for developing a novel, safe and efficient carbon storage method. The process turns injected CO2 into stable carbonate rock within just two years. From carbonated water to carbonated rock While most carbon projects focus on offshore storage, CarbFix2’s terrestrial approach marks a vital shift: it speeds up natural mineralisation processes within basalt, a volcanic rock formed from cooling lava. Our overall concept is to use the same method nature uses to regulate long-term CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Bergur Sigfússon, Carbfix At Hellisheiði, CO2 is captured from the geothermal plant and two direct air capture units. The CO2 gas is dissolved in water – much like making a fizzy drink – and pumped deep into porous layers of basalt, where minerals in the rock react with the CO2 and turn it into solid carbonate rock. “This is a major milestone and an important step toward having a real, positive impact on climate change,” said Carbfix CEO Edda Sif Pind Aradóttir, who coordinated CarbFix2 – the second leg of the EU-funded research. Aradóttir said the new permit puts the Hellisheiði plant “at the forefront of the global geothermal sector” and gives Iceland a leading role in building an industry that supports both EU and global climate goals. To date, Carbfix has stored over 100 000 tonnes of CO2. Thanks to the new permit, it can now store the same volume annually, with a long-term goal of locking away up to 3.2 million tonnes over 30 years – fully offsetting the plant’s emissions and capturing carbon from other projects operating at the site. From research to reality CarbFix began in 2007 as a partnership between industry and academia, focused on CO2 mineralisation. It became an EU-funded research initiative from 2011 to 2014. Field trials began at Hellisheiði in 2012, and by 2014, researchers had confirmed that CO2 was being successfully mineralised and had started storing the plant’s emissions. A second phase of the research, CarbFix2 (2017 to 2021), further advanced the technology with the help of research partners in France, Spain and Switzerland. Bergur Sigfússon, CarbFix’s chief of systems and a founding team member, outlined the three main research objectives: optimise the technology for capturing CO2 from industrial processes, integrate this with a means of storage, and explore the use of seawater in the storage process. “Our overall concept is to use the same method nature uses to regulate long-term CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere,” he said. Mimicking nature In the natural cycle, atmospheric CO2 dissolves in rainwater, which then seeps into the ground. The CO2 makes the water acidic, allowing it to dissolve rocks. In basalt formations, this releases minerals that react with the CO2 to form calcium carbonate – locking the carbon away. Carbfix mimics this process by injecting CO2-enriched water into basalt layers located around 300 to 1 000 metres below ground. “We speed the process up,” said Sigfússon. “By loading more CO2 into the water, we make it more acidic so it dissolves the rocks faster.” The water can contain several times more CO2 than a standard soft drink. Secure and scalable solution Unlike conventional methods that involve pumping CO2 gas into deep rock formations, like depleted oil wells, Carbfix’s approach dissolves the CO2 first, reducing the risk of leaks and locking it into solid rock permanently. Although underground storage may be more common, Carbfix offers an important alternative. Geological conditions vary worldwide, points out Sigfússon, so multiple storage options are needed to meet global climate goals. Reducing emissions is clearly the priority, but Sigfússon is pragmatic. “There are some emissions from heavy industries that we cannot reduce,” he acknowledged. That is why Carbfix has expanded its reach beyond geothermal plants to include hard-to-abate industries like cement manufacturing, steel production and chemical plants. It currently operates five injection sites around the world and also collaborates with the Swiss company Climeworks, a world leader in direct air capture. Together, they became the first team to store CO2 from direct air capture underground. Big potential According to Sigfússon, who describes himself as a geologist by training, basalt is abundant, covering nearly all of the ocean floor and about up to 5% of land areas. There are some emissions from heavy industries that we cannot reduce. Bergur Sigfússon, Carbfix “It’s not everywhere,” he said, “but it’s widespread enough for our technology to have a global impact.” Iceland alone could, in theory, store all of the world’s annual CO2 emissions, while Japan’s extensive volcanic rock formations could absorb 40 to 400 gigatonnes – enough to cover decades of its own output. Of course, practical and economic constraints mean that only a fraction of this capacity could ever be used. In 2022, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Yasutoshi Nishimura, visited Carbfix’s facilities in Iceland, and while no joint projects have yet been announced, both sides recognise the huge potential. Carbfix will feature at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, in September, where its technology takes centre stage at the Nordic Pavilion, highlighting Iceland’s leading role in climate action. Seawater injections Currently, Carbfix stores around 90 000 tonnes of CO2 underground every year, but they are working on scaling up and exploiting some of Iceland’s vast capacity. Their next major project is the development of a hub in southwest Iceland known as the Coda Terminal, which will store CO2 captured and shipped from industrial sites in Northern Europe. Starting in 2029, the terminal aims to store 700 000 tonnes of CO2 per year, ramping up to 3 million tonnes annually by 2032. The Carbfix team’s latest research is focused on using seawater – instead of freshwater – to inject CO2 into rocks below the seabed, a technique first tested during CarbFix2. “There’s an obvious appeal,” said Sigfússon. “There’s a ridiculous amount of seawater near all this basalt.” But the salts and minerals in seawater pose technical challenges that still need solving. As this Icelandic experiment gains momentum, it could offer a global blueprint – turning CO2 into stone beneath our feet – and helping the world tackle climate change on a truly global scale. Research in this article was funded by the EU’s Horizon Programme. The views of the interviewees don’t necessarily reflect those of the European Commission. If you liked this article, please consider sharing it on social media. Showcasing EU research at the World Expo Osaka, Japan 13 April – 13 October This summer, millions of people from around the world will head to Osaka, Japan, for Expo 2025. At this global gathering, countries and regions will share how they’re tackling some of today’s biggest challenges, from sustainability and digital connectivity to inclusivity and security. The central theme of this year’s event is Designing Future Society for Our Lives. Visitors will get a chance to see how EU-funded research is helping shape that future. The EU’s Nurturing Tomorrow pavilion reflects Europe’s commitment to building a greener, more connected and inclusive world. The EU pavilion is hosting exhibitions, talks and interactive experiences that spotlight cutting-edge EU research and innovation projects – all aimed at solving real-world problems and building international cooperation. Whether you’re curious about the future of clean energy, digital tech, or inclusive design, there’s something for everyone. Carbfix will feature in the Nordic Pavilion’s event From Iceland to the World on 15 September, with live demonstrations and interactive panels showcasing the project’s innovative mineralisation technology. Virtual visit Can’t go to Osaka? Explore the Expo online at: https://www.expo2025.or.jp/en/future-index/virtual/virtual-site/ — This article was originally published in Horizon, the EU Research and Innovation magazine with Creative Commons Attribution *** Subscribe to The Good Men Project Newsletter Email Address * If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo: unsplash The post From Offshore to Onshore: Europe Expands Carbon Storage With Nature-Inspired Tech appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Medical tourism isn’t just a trend—it’s a fast-growing industry that’s changing how people around the world approach healthcare. If you’re thinking about getting a medical procedure abroad, there’s one country that keeps coming up in conversations: Turkey. With affordable prices, expert doctors, and top-notch clinics, Turkey is booming as a medical tourism hub—and for good reason. What is Medical Tourism? Medical tourism is when you travel to another country to receive medical care, often at a lower cost or with better service than at home. People seek everything from cosmetic surgery and dental work to fertility treatments and organ transplants. It’s about combining healthcare with travel, and Turkey has nailed the formula. Why Are People Choosing Turkey? Turkey’s rise as a global medical tourism destination is driven by several clear advantages. For patients seeking high-quality, affordable, and accessible care, the country checks all the boxes. Here’s why more people are choosing Turkey for their medical needs. Affordable Care Without Compromising Quality Healthcare costs in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and parts of Western Europe can be prohibitively expensive. In Turkey, medical services typically cost a fraction of the price. The savings come from lower labor and operational costs—not from cutting corners on quality. Patients often find that Turkish clinics deliver equal or better results for significantly less money. Modern Infrastructure and Advanced Technology Turkey’s hospitals and private clinics are equipped with the latest medical technology. From minimally invasive surgical systems and advanced imaging equipment to digital dental labs and robotic surgery tools, many facilities rival or exceed Western standards. This access to cutting-edge technology enhances accuracy, improves outcomes, and shortens recovery times. Highly Trained Medical Professionals Doctors in Turkey are known for their high levels of training and expertise. Many have studied or practiced internationally, bringing a blend of global knowledge and local insight to their work. Patients benefit from professionals who are not only skilled in the latest techniques but also committed to patient-centered care. Most physicians and medical staff in major clinics are fluent in English and accustomed to working with international patients. Shorter Wait Times and Efficient Scheduling Lengthy waitlists are a common challenge in public healthcare systems across the world. In contrast, Turkey offers fast scheduling and minimal delays. Many treatments can be arranged within days or weeks, making it an attractive option for patients who cannot afford to wait. Integrated Medical Travel Services Medical tourism in Turkey is not just about treatment—it’s an all-inclusive experience. Many clinics offer packages that include airport transfers, hotel accommodations, translation services, and post-operative care. This integrated approach ensures a smoother experience from arrival to recovery, especially for first-time medical travelers. Recovery in Attractive Surroundings Turkey’s natural beauty and rich culture offer the ideal setting for recovery. Whether resting along the coast in Antalya or exploring the cultural heritage of Istanbul, patients can recuperate in comfort while enjoying world-class hospitality. The ability to combine medical treatment with leisure and travel adds significant appeal. Top Medical Procedures in Turkey Turkey offers a wide range of specialized medical treatments that attract patients from all over the world. Its medical tourism sector has become especially known for the following procedures. Hair Transplantation Turkey is a global leader in hair restoration. Clinics in Istanbul and other major cities have developed a strong reputation for techniques like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Direct Hair Implantation (DHI). High success rates, affordable pricing, and natural-looking results make Turkey the preferred destination for patients seeking effective hair loss solutions. Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery From rhinoplasty and breast augmentation to liposuction and facelifts, cosmetic surgery is one of the most sought-after medical services in Turkey. Surgeons often have specialized training in aesthetics and reconstructive surgery, and many clinics cater specifically to international patients. The combination of skilled professionals, modern facilities, and competitive pricing draws individuals from across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Dental Treatments Turkey is a popular destination for comprehensive dental care. Procedures commonly performed include dental implants, veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, and full-mouth reconstructions. Dental clinics often utilize digital imaging, 3D printing, and computer-aided design to enhance precision and reduce treatment time. Many patients travel for complete smile makeovers that can be completed in under a week. Eye Surgeries Refractive and corrective eye surgeries are another area where Turkey excels. Procedures such as LASIK, LASEK, PRK, and cataract surgery are widely available, with clinics employing advanced diagnostic tools and laser technology. Ophthalmologists in Turkey are highly trained and often offer services in multilingual environments, making the process smooth for international patients. Orthopedic Treatments Turkey is also a center of excellence for orthopedic surgery, including joint replacements, spine surgery, and sports injury repair. Hospitals are equipped with modern surgical theatres and comprehensive rehabilitation services. Patients appreciate the shorter waiting times and the ability to return to normal activity with expert follow-up care. Fertility Treatments and IVF Fertility clinics in Turkey offer advanced reproductive technologies, including In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), and preimplantation genetic diagnosis. With success rates comparable to top clinics in Europe and the United States, Turkish IVF centers attract patients from around the world. Fertility services are often delivered with personalized care and full confidentiality, at significantly lower costs. Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery For more complex medical needs, Turkey provides high-quality cardiovascular care. Procedures such as coronary artery bypass grafting, angioplasty, and pacemaker implantation are routinely performed in specialized cardiac centers. These facilities often collaborate with international insurance providers and adhere to rigorous safety and hygiene standards. World-Class Facilities and International Accreditation Many hospitals in Turkey are JCI-accredited—an international gold standard. That means they meet or exceed the quality you’d expect in your home country. Clinics often use the latest medical tech, and many cater to international patients with English-speaking staff. Expertise and Reputation of Turkish Doctors Doctors in Turkey are no joke. Many are trained internationally and bring decades of experience. Whether it’s a complex surgery or a cosmetic procedure, Turkish specialists are known for precision, care, and results. Cost Comparison: Turkey vs. Other Countries Here’s a quick idea of what you might pay: Procedure UK/US Price (Avg) Turkey Price (Avg) Hair Transplant $7,000 $2,000 Dental Implants $3,000/tooth $500–$800/tooth Rhinoplasty $8,000 $3,000 IVF Treatment $15,000 $4,500 You’re saving thousands—and not sacrificing quality. The Role of Technology and Innovation Turkey’s healthcare scene isn’t just catching up—it’s leading in some areas. Many clinics use robotic surgery, laser technology, and AI-based diagnostics. Post-surgery support via telemedicine is also becoming the norm, so you’re not left in the dark once you’re back home. Combining Treatment with Tourism Why not recover while exploring ancient ruins or relaxing by the Mediterranean? Popular cities for medical tourism include: Istanbul– Vibrant, historic, and full of modern clinics Antalya– A beautiful coastal city perfect for recovery Cappadocia– Stunning landscapes and unique healing retreats Many clinics offer packages that include hotels, airport transfers, and even local tours. How to Plan Your Medical Trip Ready to go? Here’s how to get started: Do Your Research: Read up on procedures, doctors, and clinics. Use a Verified Platform: Booking through Flymedi trusted marketplace ensures you’re dealing with licensed professionals and real clinics. Ask Questions: Get clear info on what’s included, the recovery process, and total costs. Check Credentials: Look for certifications and patient reviews. Turkey’s government is investing heavily in the health tourism sector. With new international partnerships, upgraded facilities, and increased visibility, the country is expected to be one of the global leaders in medical travel for years to come. If you’re considering a medical procedure abroad, Turkey should be high on your list. It’s affordable, reliable, and offers an experience that goes beyond the treatment room. And when you plan your trip through Flymedi a trusted marketplace, you get peace of mind along with world-class care. — This content is brought to you by Sky Link Building iStockPhoto The post Why Turkey Is Becoming a Global Hub for Medical Tourism appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

… The kind of night that sticks to your skin like a second layer. We had just fought again. It wasn’t about anything big — it never is, at least not at first. Just a missed call. A half-hearted apology. Another promise that “things will be different.” I sat on the bathroom floor after he fell asleep, still dressed in his favorite hoodie, the sleeves swallowed my hands like they always did. And for a moment, I whispered to myself, “He’ll change. Just not yet.” That was the lie I lived in for far too long. Here’s the truth most of us don’t want to say out loud: He won’t change. At least not for you. Not because you love him enough. Not because you waited long enough. Not because you kept giving him second, third, fourth chances while quietly breaking yourself down into pieces just to hold the relationship together. We romanticize this idea that if we love someone deeply, patiently, selflessly… eventually, they’ll become the version we’ve always believed they could be. But more often than not, we fall in love with a version of potential, not reality. And potential can keep you hostage. But what if his change is not your responsibility? Let that sink in for a second. Because I wish someone had looked me in the eyes and said this to me back then: “You don’t have to keep proving you’re worthy of someone treating you right.” It’s not your job to be so lovable, so understanding, so forgiving that he finally decides to grow. If he hasn’t changed after you’ve cried, begged, compromised, stayed, left, come back, tried again — then maybe, just maybe, he doesn’t want to. Not everyone wants to grow. Not everyone wants to heal. Not everyone is willing to confront the parts of themselves that hurt others. And love — real love — cannot survive in a place where one person is doing all the work and the other is comfortable watching them do it. The hardest part? Letting go of who you thought he could be. I get it. You’ve built dreams with him in mind. You imagined your future like a house you both would one day live in. Letting him go feels like burning down everything you’ve been hoping for. But sometimes, walking away isn’t giving up — it’s coming back to yourself. It’s choosing peace over chaos. It’s picking self-worth over waiting. It’s deciding that you deserve love that doesn’t require you to shrink yourself just to keep it. And maybe the saddest part is realizing: he won’t change because you stayed. Sometimes, they only begin to change once you leave — and by then, it’s not your healing to witness anymore. If you’re reading this while still waiting — I see you. You’re not weak for loving someone who didn’t love you right. You’re not foolish for hoping he’d grow. You’re human. But please don’t waste your golden years playing therapist, mother, fixer, or savior to someone who only ever needed to want to change and didn’t. You deserve love that doesn’t feel like begging. You deserve honesty that doesn’t come with a catch. You deserve someone who chooses growth because they want a future with you — not because you forced them to become worthy of one. So here’s what I wish someone had told me before I wasted years waiting: Stop waiting. He won’t change. And that’s not your fault. Thanks for reading my story . Please Clap and Drop a Comment — and if you enjoy my writing stories, please follow me. It means the world to me and helps me stay inspired — This post was previously published on medium.com. Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox. Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice. Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there! Hello, Love (relationships) Change Becomes You (Advice) A Parent is Born (Parenting) Equality Includes You (Social Justice) Greener Together (Environment) Shelter Me (Wellness) Modern Identities (Gender, etc.) Co-Existence (World) *** – Photo credit: Louis Galvez on Unsplash The post Still Waiting for Him to Change? He Won’t appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Do you ever feel like your life is scattered across a hundred different apps? One for tasks. Another for habits. A different one for finance. Notion for notes. Google Docs for goals. And before you know it, productivity becomes the opposite of productive. I used to bounce between all these apps until I realized the problem: I didn’t need more tools. I needed one system. So, I built one. Why “One System” Beats Ten Apps When everything is spread out, you waste energy just switching contexts. Tasks don’t connect to goals. Habits don’t connect to reflections. Budgets don’t connect to projects. But when everything lives in the same dashboard, patterns start to appear. You see how daily habits fuel your long-term goals. You connect your money choices with your projects. You reflect on your progress without digging into five different tools. That’s when productivity stops being about “doing more” and starts being about living better. Meet the Clarity Dashboard (My All-in-One Notion System) Instead of juggling ten apps, I now run everything from a single Notion dashboard I call the Clarity Dashboard. Here’s what’s inside: Task & Project Manager → Keep track of work and personal projects in one place. Goal Tracker → Break yearly goals into quarterly and monthly action steps. Habit & Routine Builder → Stay consistent with streak counters and routines. Finance Dashboard → Track income, expenses, and savings without another budgeting app. Knowledge Hub → A vault for notes, articles, and book highlights. Reflection Journal → Daily gratitude + weekly reviews for perspective. It’s not fancy — it’s simple, clean, and customizable. But that’s the point. It works because it’s one place for everything. Who It’s For Students balancing classes, side hustles, and personal goals. Freelancers or creators managing multiple projects. Anyone tired of being scattered across apps and craving clarity. Why I’m Sharing It When I built this for myself, I didn’t plan to sell it. But friends kept asking for the template, and I realized others might need the same system. So, I polished it up, added a quick-start guide and a video walkthrough, and now it’s available for anyone who wants to stop juggling apps and finally run life from one place. Take Back Control If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or scattered, the Clarity Dashboard might be exactly what you need. You can grab it here on Gumroad: Clarity Dashboard — All-in-One Notion System One dashboard. One system. Your life, finally organised. — This post was previously published on medium.com. Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox. Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice. Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there! Hello, Love (relationships) Change Becomes You (Advice) A Parent is Born (Parenting) Equality Includes You (Social Justice) Greener Together (Environment) Shelter Me (Wellness) Modern Identities (Gender, etc.) Co-Existence (World) *** – Photo credit: Ravi Sharma On Unsplash The post Stop Juggling Apps — How I Built One Dashboard to Run My Entire Life appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The future isn’t waiting—it’s under construction now. Words are hammers. Habits are nails. The world you live in today was built—in part—by the way you talked yesterday. If tomorrow feels dark, how will you talk to remodel it? Talk That Demolishes the Future: #1 Gossip Gossip doesn’t just spread rumors—it fractures relationships. Say, “Let’s talk with them, not about them.” One sentence protects someone’s dignity. #2 Criticism Constant criticism chips away at confidence. People stop showing up with heart. Swap blame for questions that build the future. Ask, “If things looked the way you want, what would you be doing now?” #3 Complaining Complaining is demolition. It weakens morale and stalls construction. Daily Habit: Ask, “Where are we gaining ground?” Every win lays a brick. Talk That Shapes the Future: Words are scaffolding around tomorrow’s reality. You build the future every time you say yes or no. What mindset are your conversations reinforcing? Speak in ways that build up and reinforce. Repeat things like: “That’s progress.” “You have more in you.” “You’re great at that.” Shape the Future with Questions: What matters today? What does success look like? What do you want? What’s next? What’s preventing you from…? What do you want to do about that? What’s energizing you? What are we learning? Power Tip: Twice a day, hammer in this sentence: “I admire…” Want a brighter future? Don’t grab a mic—craft your next sentence. Why Talking Habits Matter Patterns: Build trust or create suspicion. Shape environments. Reinforce values. Accelerate growth or drain energy. Are you building a place worth living in—or something people want to escape? Which words weaken your future? What kind of talk will help you build the future you long for? The Best Use of Words 3 Ways to Serve Your Future Self Today How Words Will Create Your Future! — Previously Published on leadershipfreak with Creative Commons License *** Does dating ever feel challenging, awkward or frustrating? Turn Your Dating Life into a WOW! with our new classes and live coaching. Click here for more info or to buy with special launch pricing! *** Subscribe to The Good Men Project Newsletter Email Address * If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. On Substack? Connect with us there. — Photo credit: unsplash The post Talk Builds the Future appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Are you looking for a place where you can spend summers or weekends or relocate to full-time after retirement or to continue working on a remote basis? Or do you want to buy property that you can rent out either short or long-term for additional income? If so, you need to look at property located in Topsail Beach. Located on the coast of southeastern North Carolina, Topsail Beach is on a 26-mile-long barrier island named Topsail Island. It’s a laid-back community perfect for spending lazy weekends or for attracting those who want an affordable rental for their next family vacation. Here is more information on Topsail Beach and the many benefits of owning Topsail Beach real estate. Why Topsail Beach? There are many reasons why you should consider Topsail Beach real estate. Here are just a few of the reasons: Its atmosphere. Unlike some beach communities, Topsail Beach is laid-back, serene, and has a slower pace of life. This is ideal for retirees, renters who want to relax on their vacation, or those who simply want to enjoy a quiet environment. It’s family-friendly. Owners or renters who have children will enjoy the clean beaches and variety of family-friendly activities available in the area. The beaches. With 26 miles of sandy beaches, those who own or rent Topsail Beach real estate can build sandcastles, sunbathe, or enjoy the water without worrying about huge crowds. It has a unique culture. The area has a rich past filled with military secrets and connections to pirates, perfect for the history buff. Benefits of Owning Topsail Beach Property Want to know more benefits of owning Topsail Beach real estate? Here are a few more reasons to consider investing: There is a strong rental market. Topsail Beach is a popular destination for renters, especially during the summer and spring months, making it a smart investment. It’s ideal for personal use. Whether you decide to rent your property part time or not, you can always know that you have the perfect getaway for a long weekend or summer vacation. There is a focus on preservation. No need to worry about the area becoming industrialized when you invest in Topsail Beach real estate. The area prioritizes preserving their environment to maintain the natural beauty and charm of the region. Topsail Beach Options From quaint cottages to large multi-million dollar homes, there are plenty of options when it comes to Topsail Beach real estate. For example, a two bedroom, one bath home near the water sells for around $650,000 while a four bed, five bathroom house on the beach sells for a little over two million. Topsail Beach real estate can go fast, so it’s important to work with an agent who is familiar with the area and can let you know when something you may be interested in becomes available. Topsail Beach Real Estate: Is it for You? If you’re looking for investment property in a coastal location or you want to find a home where you can vacation or snowbird in, you need to consider Topsail Beach real estate. If you’re interested in finding out what’s available in the area, reach out to a local real estate agent who can introduce you to the community and show you what’s on the market. — This content is brought to you by Ava Sinclair iStockPhoto The post Unlocking Coastal Living: The Benefits of Owning Topsail Beach Property appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Michelle Crouch and Charlotte Ledger When city of Charlotte workers get sick, they don’t have to wait weeks for a primary care appointment or shell out a co-pay for an urgent care visit. Instead, they can often be seen on the same day, at no charge, at one of six local clinics run by Marathon Health. Like a growing number of other employers, the city has embraced a health care model known as direct primary care that sidesteps traditional health insurance for its 9,000 workers and 3,500 retirees. Under the arrangement, the city pays Marathon a flat monthly fee for each employee; in turn, employees are guaranteed same-day or next-day doctor’s appointments. Think of it “like a gym membership for health care,” said Dr. Meaghann Bernardy, regional medical director for Marathon Health’s East region. At the appointments, employees can get care for minor injuries or illnesses, nutrition coaching, lab work, mental health therapy and even physical therapy. Some of the clinics are open outside of typical business hours. Depending on their insurance plan, employees pay nothing or a $30 fee. The employees still have traditional insurance for bigger-ticket needs, such as specialist visits, complex procedures and hospital stays. Christina Fath, the city’s benefits manager, told a group of local human resources professionals last week that the city has saved millions since contracting with Marathon in 2016 by reducing emergency room visits and making it easier for city workers to get care before health problems turn into crises. “Our health care costs have not gone up as much as national averages,” she said. “While this may be attributed to various factors, the data shows that if our plan members had sought the same care in another health care setting, the plan would have paid more for that same health care. We’ve seen a reduction in non-emergent emergency room visits, urgent care visits, lab spend and (an) increase in preventive care visits and screenings.” Employees also save money, she said, by avoiding copays and coinsurance payments. “That’s money in their pockets,” she said. Popping up all over The direct primary care model is catching on nationwide. Between 2017 and 2021, direct primary care memberships nationwide grew 241%, according to a 2023 industry report. Another analysis predicted the global market for direct primary care would grow from $61.34 billion in 2025 to $96.4 billion in 2033. Some direct primary care practices operate like so-called concierge medicine practices, which sell memberships directly to patients. But benefits experts said a lot of the growth has been employer-based, like the city’s plan with Marathon, as companies look for ways to provide better care for their workers while keeping soaring health care costs in check. “The whole issue has always been that it’s difficult to get your employees to go to a primary care physician, so they end up going to ER instead,” said Jon Rankin, CEO of the North Carolina Business Coalition on Health, an employer group that advocates for improved health care delivery. “Oftentimes, folks are waiting six months to a year to see somebody,” he said. “Employers are saying: ‘What are our options? How can we improve that?’” Jordan Harris, an employee benefits consultant for Main Street Insurance Group, said direct care providers are “popping up all over the place.” He mo said some operate strictly through telehealth while others, like Marathon, run on-site or near-site clinics. The monthly fee typically ranges from $25 to $100 per person and can depend on the total number of employees, their ages and how many extra services, such as physical therapy or health coaching, are included. New law could boost direct care trend So why isn’t every company jumping on the direct primary care bandwagon? Rankin and Harris said employers with staff scattered across multiple locations can run into challenges guaranteeing that every worker has a clinic nearby. Even if geography isn’t an issue, some companies hesitate to make the up-front investment or aren’t convinced of the promised long-term savings, they said. However, Harris said he expects the trend to accelerate as a result of recent federal legislation that allows Health Savings Account dollars to be used for direct primary care. Previously, he said, many employers hesitated to offer it to workers on high-deductible plans who have HSAs to pay for their out-of-pocket costs. About 20 percent of the city’s workers are currently on such an HSA plan and have to pay a nominal fee for using Marathon’s services, Fath said. Marathon Health is one of the largest employer-based providers of direct primary care in the U.S., with more than 720 locations nationwide, including 60 in North Carolina. In addition to the city of Charlotte, it has contracts with 27 other N.C. organizations, including Mecklenburg County, Lenovo and Reynolds American. Marathon estimates that employers who sign up save $1,100 per year on each enrolled worker, and up to $4,400 annually on those with a chronic condition. Tryon Medical’s homegrown approach In Charlotte, Tryon Medical Partners has built a direct primary care program that has steadily expanded since 2019 and now serves about 25 Charlotte-area employers, according to Chief Operating Officer Jordan Archer. Archer, who described the model as “all-you-can-eat primary care,” said enrolled workers receive unlimited, preferred access to Tryon Medical doctors and longer appointments than other patients. Local companies see the program as a way to cut costs and as a retention benefit, Archer said. What sets Tryon apart, he added, are its local providers. “Do you want a physician who just got plopped down in this market coordinating your care?” he said. “Or do you want a doctor who has been here 20 years building their career, who knows the best orthopedic surgeon to do your hip?” More time with patients Doctors said they like the direct care model because they can avoid the hassle of dealing with health insurers and spend more time with patients. Family medicine physician Ajiri Barnes joined Marathon Health in 2023 after 18 years at a large Charlotte-based hospital system. At the hospital, she said, she was pressured to refer patients to in-house specialists, not always the ones she felt were best for her patients. And appointments were limited to 20 minutes. “I didn’t feel like I had the time to spend with patients to do what they needed,” she said. “Invariably, you ran behind. Then you’re charting for hours after work.” Although Barnes took a small pay cut when she left the hospital system, she said the change was worth it. She now sees about half as many patients per day, and she spends 30 to 40 minutes with each. She also leaves on time almost every day. “I finally feel like I can finally practice medicine the way it should be practiced,” she said. “In my old job, patients sometimes waited a year to see me. Here, they can see me tomorrow.” Support beyond primary care Menshana Briana McNeil, 25, receives care at a Marathon Health clinic through her father, a Charlotte sanitation worker. Nearly three years ago, she said, she asked her Marathon Health physician for help losing weight and was paired with nutrition coach Amy Hanson. They met twice a week at no cost. McNeil said the coach’s support helped her to lose 63 pounds, run her first 5K and reverse her prediabetes. At Hanson’s urging, she also completed her CNA certification, which helped her to get a better-paying job. ‘She is like my guardian angel,” she said. “I don’t know where I would be without her.” McNeil will soon turn 26 and age off of her father’s insurance plan — a change she is already dreading. “It’s hard to believe that all of this is included because he works for the city,” she said. “When I turn 26, I’m going to cry.” This article is part of a partnership between The Charlotte Ledger and North Carolina Health News to produce original health care reporting. You can support this effort with a tax-deductible donation. This article first appeared on North Carolina Health News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. — North Carolina Health News is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit, statewide news organization dedicated to covering all things health care in North Carolina. Visit NCHN at northcarolinahealthnews.org with Creative Commons License *** — Subscribe to The Good Men Project Newsletter Email Address * Subscribe If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: unsplash The post Doctors on Demand, No Insurance Required appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Teaching in 2025 is more demanding than ever. Educators juggle large class sizes, diverse learning styles, and growing administrative responsibilities—all while trying to keep students engaged in a world of endless digital distractions. One area where teachers spend countless hours is preparing worksheets and classroom materials. What if there was a way to cut this preparation time in half while creating personalized, engaging, and visually appealing worksheets? That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in. Today, AI tools empower teachers to transform lesson planning by generating custom learning worksheets—complete with coloring pages, practice questions, and visual activities—at the click of a button. This article explores the best AI tools available, why ColorArt.ai should be your first choice, how OpenColor.ai and other platforms can supplement it, and how teachers can combine these tools into powerful workflows that save time and enrich student learning. Why Custom Worksheets Matter in Modern Education Before diving into AI tools, it’s worth asking: Why focus on custom worksheets at all? Personalized Learning Every classroom includes students with different strengths and weaknesses. Tailored worksheets allow teachers to meet these varied needs—whether by adjusting difficulty, adding visuals, or creating bilingual versions. Increased Engagement Worksheets that include interactive activities, illustrations, or coloring tasks make learning fun. When students enjoy their materials, they participate more actively and retain knowledge longer. Teacher Efficiency Preparing worksheets manually can take hours of research, design, and formatting. Automating parts of the process frees up valuable time for teachers to focus on actual instruction. Curriculum Flexibility Custom worksheets allow teachers to adapt quickly. Whether it’s adding seasonal activities (e.g., Halloween math puzzles) or reinforcing a concept a class struggled with, personalization keeps learning relevant. In short, worksheets are more than just handouts—they’re learning amplifiers. AI makes producing them faster, easier, and smarter. Types of AI Tools for Teachers AI-powered teaching tools generally fall into three categories: Image-Based Tools Convert photos into coloring pages, diagrams, and illustrations. Great for visual learners and cross-disciplinary teaching. Example: Colorart.ai, OpenColor.ai. Text-Based Tools Generate reading passages, comprehension questions, math problems, or quiz items into Coloring Page, among these tools, Colorart is thebest AI Coloring page generators in my usage experience.. Example: ColorArt,ChatGPT, Claude, Quillionz. Integrated Design Tools Combine visuals and text into polished, ready-to-print templates. Example: Canva with AI, Adobe Express AI, BookWidgets. Together, these categories cover everything a teacher needs to create professional-quality worksheets in minutes. Spotlight on ColorArt.ai: The #1 Tool for Teachers Among image-based tools, ColorArt.ai stands out as the best option for teachers. Why Teachers Love It Photo-to-Coloring Conversion Upload any photo—whether of an animal, plant, landmark, or even a classroom project—and instantly convert it into a clean, black-and-white coloring page. Batch Generation Create sets of 20–50 themed pages in minutes (e.g., rainforest animals, historical figures, planets). Perfect for building entire unit packages. Print-Friendly Output Unlike many AI art tools, ColorArt.ai ensures line consistency, pure white backgrounds, and resolution suitable for classroom printers. Age Flexibility Teachers can choose designs simple enough for preschoolers or detailed enough for middle school art and science classes. Classroom Applications Science:Convert insect or plant photos into coloring worksheets with labeling sections. History:Generate black-and-white sketches of historical monuments for students to color and annotate. Language Arts:Create story-based worksheets where illustrations encourage creative writing. Early Education:Alphabet or animal coloring pages to pair with phonics practice. Why it’s the top recommendation: ColorArt.ai saves teachers hours while producing professional-grade worksheets ready to print or upload to platforms like Google Classroom. OpenColor.ai: A Helpful Secondary Tool While ColorArt.ai is the most robust option, OpenColor.ai is a solid alternative for teachers who want something quick and simple. Key Strengths Very user-friendly for beginners. Generates basic coloring pages without much setup. Good for experimenting with new ideas or supplementing an existing worksheet set. Limitations Output sometimes requires manual cleanup before printing. Limited customization compared to ColorArt.ai. Not ideal for creating large batches of consistent worksheets. Teachers may find OpenColor.ai useful for small-scale activities, but for serious classroom use and publishing-level quality, ColorArt.ai is the better choice. Other AI Tools to Complete the Workflow ColorArt.ai and OpenColor.ai handle the visual side of worksheets, but teachers often need text, layout, and interactive elements too. That’s where these tools shine: ChatGPT / Claude Generate reading comprehension questions, vocabulary exercises, word problems, or discussion prompts. Example: “Write a short story about a dog at the park, followed by 5 comprehension questions.” Canva with AI Take text and images, then arrange them into worksheet templates with headers, instructions, and answer spaces. Canva even offers classroom-ready designs. Quillionz Specialized in creating quiz questions from any text, useful for building assessment worksheets. Khanmigo (Khan Academy AI) Offers adaptive tutoring suggestions and can help design personalized practice activities for students. By combining these with ColorArt.ai, teachers can cover all aspects of worksheet creation—from visuals to exercises to polished formatting. Workflow: How Teachers Can Use AI to Build Worksheets in Minutes Here’s a step-by-step process for leveraging multiple AI tools efficiently: Choose Your Topic Example: “Life Cycle of a Butterfly” (biology). Generate Visuals with ColorArt.ai Upload butterfly photos → AI outputs coloring pages for each stage (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly). Add Questions with ChatGPT/Claude Ask AI to create age-appropriate questions: labeling diagrams, true/false statements, or open-ended writing prompts. Design Layout in Canva Combine images and text into a clean, printable PDF worksheet. Publish or Print Upload to Google Classroom, distribute via email, or print physical copies for class. Total time: Less than 30 minutes (compared to hours manually). Case Studies: AI in the Classroom Case 1: Elementary Science Teacher A 3rd-grade teacher used ColorArt.ai to create a “Rainforest Animals” worksheet pack. Each student colored an animal, wrote three facts about it, and presented to the class. The teacher reported higher engagement and saved nearly 5 hours of prep time. Case 2: History Teacher A high school teacher generated black-and-white sketches of Greek temples with ColorArt.ai, then used Canva to add fill-in-the-blank questions about Greek architecture. Students learned visually while reinforcing vocabulary. Case 3: Art Therapy Program In a counseling setting, educators created stress-relief coloring worksheets with AI, blending mindfulness exercises with simple line art. Students used them for quiet reflection sessions. The Benefits of AI for Teachers Time Efficiency Reduce worksheet prep from hours to minutes. Customization Tailor worksheets to student needs, class themes, or seasonal events. Accessibility Create bilingual worksheets or adapt materials for special education with ease. Engagement Add creativity and interactivity to lessons, making learning enjoyable. Scalability Batch-generate dozens of worksheets, supporting entire units or curricula. Recommendations: Which Tools Should Teachers Use? Best Overall Tool: ColorArt.ai The most reliable, flexible, and print-ready option for creating custom coloring worksheets. Best Secondary Tool: OpenColor.ai Good for quick activities but less robust. Best Textual Support: ChatGPT/Claude Great for generating practice questions, reading passages, and problem sets. Best Design Tool: Canva with AI Essential for assembling final worksheets into polished handouts. Together, these tools form an AI-powered toolkit for educators, helping teachers work smarter, not harder. Conclusion: Empowering Teachers with AI Teachers today are expected to do more with less—more engagement, more customization, and more results, often with limited time and resources. AI offers a way to bridge this gap. By leveraging platforms like ColorArt.ai, educators can create engaging, personalized worksheets in minutes, not hours. While OpenColor.ai and other AI platforms play useful supporting roles, ColorArt.ai remains the standout choice for teachers who want professional-quality, print-ready visuals. When combined with text-generation and design tools, the result is a classroom experience that is both richer for students and less stressful for teachers. — This content is brought to you by Sky Link Building iStockPhoto The post AI Tools for Teachers: Create Custom Learning Worksheets in 2025 appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

I have sat and contemplated what we are most as human beings and have always found myself going back to the same thing: love as a teacher is a treasure trove of lessons any classroom can never impart. This is an exploration, whether you are someone who has been seeking a deeper meaning in your relationships or you are wondering why some of your experiences have been so transformative. Love and personal growth are related in a way I did not imagine. I’ve seen love change a character within me and others, shifting selfish inclinations to being selfless and fear to courage. The universal lessons of love are non-judgmental — they speak to the teenager who has been dumped just as authoritatively as the parent holding his or her newborn baby. I would like to tell you about some of what I have come to know about what the transformative influence of love is on the character of the person, in the good sense as well as in the bad sense. And starting with patience and forgiveness for the nakedness of self-exposure that love alone can reveal to us, we will explore the universal lessons of life that can be imparted to us by love alone. I’ll also dive into how love shapes understanding relationships by showing us who we really are when we care about someone more than ourselves. It does not just relate to love in the romantic sense. Informed love is extremely diversified, and family love, friendship, and love for people one does not even know are some of them, and each of them has its lessons. Love is training us to be prepared not to quit on challenges in life since it is what makes us tough and kind and gives us the get-up-and-go to keep our hearts open when they are shattered. … How Love Changes Individual Character And Personal Development Building Empathy Through Understanding Others’ Perspectives I found that love can make me forget about my own small world and actually open my eyes and look through the eyes of another individual. When I make a deep commitment to another person, naturally I begin to understand the fears, hopes, and motivations of that person in a manner that alters the way I interact with everyone around me. literally lets me Developing Patience And Forgiveness In Challenging Relationships It is in my most difficult relationships that I learned the most about patience and forgiveness. As a teacher of love has taught me that I am the one who gets hurt by being angry, and that instead of inflicting anger on others, if I choose to forgive, it opens the door to more intimacy and freedom for myself. I have learned when it comes to loving imperfect people that patience is not just waiting — it is making a conscious decision to see a possibility in someone in the midst of someone else’s inability to see it for themselves. Learning Vulnerability As A Source Of Authentic Strength The only way to open my heart to love is by risking getting hurt, and I have discovered that this is the best place of real strength that I possess. When I allow myself to be known and seen by people, I get the courage that I had no idea I had. This emotional vulnerability has taught me that power does not exist in the need to defend oneself but in the actual connectedness with others around us. Cultivating Selflessness Through Being For Others The love of the others has gradually changed the focus from “what can I get” to “what can I give.” I’ve learned that your fulfillment is not in serving your own interest but in contributing to the happiness and development of someone else. This transition to selflessness has made me a better man than any self-centered activity would have ever allowed. … Universal Life Lessons That Only Love Can Teach Discovering The Power Of Unconditional Acceptance Love has become an instructor that does not believe everything that an individual does. As I love someone in my heart, I observe imperfections, errors, and flaws that they have, and I accept them as they are. This form of acceptance is useful in changing the giver and receiver and works in an environment of growth without the fear of being abandoned. Understanding Sacrifice And Its Deeper Rewards One of the lessons I’ve learned from love is that sacrifice is never loss, but investment in something bigger than oneself. I believe when I give up my time to caring for someone else, give up my comfort or give up my wants for someone else, I find greater connection and purpose. Love says that the most fulfilling rewards are not what I end up with, but what I freely give to others. Learning To Communicate With Compassion And Honesty Love has shown me the way I can say the truth in a soft manner. Honesty without compassion is painful and compassion without honesty is empowering. Love demonstrates to me the way to move between these aspects and to learn the hard lesson of telling them in a manner that will be healing, not painful, in personal, real communication that builds more lasting bonds. … How Love Shapes Our Understanding Of Human Connection Breaking Down Barriers Between Different Cultures And Backgrounds I’ve witnessed the universal translator that is love, holding hearts directly to their core in the absence of words or when words are spoken in different tongues, skin colors, and traditions. The individual cannot be too different from me. When I permit myself to love a new individual, I break the barriers in my mind, and I discover our humanity beneath the skin-deep dissimilarities. Teaching Us The Importance Of Community And Belonging I am learning that belonging doesn’t mean finding more of me but making space for real connections to develop. Love shows me how to give back to my community while gaining strength from our collective support and I learn that isolation makes us less than we are. Showing Us How To Build Trust In Relationships My dearest relationships have taught me that trust is built with many small acts rather than grand gestures. This is something that love has taught me: vulnerability can be used to form a relationship that is strong and which can withstand the pressures of life when treated with respect and care. Demonstrating The Healing Power Of Genuine Human Bonds I know firsthand how love turns wounds into wisdom. If I can be loved through my darkness, it teaches me that the place of healing is in relationship — not in isolation, not in my own small world, but in the real world of a human being loving another, restoring what truly feels like irreparably broken. Revealing The Interconnectedness Of All Human Experiences Love has taught me how much happier people are when I am happy and that people feel my sorrow in places I never thought they would. Through loving relationships I’ve learned that human experiences are not isolated incidents but threads in a tapestry where every connection becomes part of the fabric of humanity as a whole. … Love As The Foundation For Moral And Ethical Development Instilling Values Of Kindness And Compassion In Daily Actions I’ve come to realize that kindness and compassion grow considerably out of love in simple moments. When I love someone, my behavior changes to kindness and acceptance. Love, as a teacher, reveals to me that small efforts (non-judgmental hearing, supportive presence, offering assistance) can spread out and impact the lives of so many, beyond my intimate relationships. Teaching Justice Through The Lens Of Caring For Others Fairness is related to justice, but I changed my view of justice when I began to think about justice in terms of love. The two concepts of love and moral development go hand in hand because I know that true justice is about caring for the well-being of others and not just about adhering to the rule. This compassionate identification with others advances my choices toward what is right in the true sense, resulting in a moral sense based on empathy instead of simple duty. … The Role Of Different Types Of Love In Human Learning Parental Love Teaching Security And Foundational Values My earliest educators weren’t in classrooms but in my parents’ arms. Their love built a foundation of unassailable security from which I learned I was important and worth protection. As a child, their presence and mentoring gave me my first lessons in trust, respect, and moral boundaries that would inform all of my future relationships. Romantic Love Revealing Partnership And Commitment I knew that in falling in love, I was really learning a master class in vulnerability and partnership. This love taught me how to walk in compromise and not lose myself, supported your petal’s dreams while exploring my own, and helped me see what it’s like to be fully committed when life’s storms and celebrations come to shake the branches. Friendship Love Demonstrating Loyalty And Mutual Support My friendships were experiments, working out how to relate with people without the pretense of permanence. With these relationships, I learned the lessening of love as dependency, how to be helpful without love’s negative feelings, and how wonderful it feels to celebrate others’ successes as honestly as my own. Self-love Creating The Foundation For All Other Relationships I came to learn that it was only after I understood my value and my own boundaries that I would be able to love others in an authentic manner. Self-love made me realize that I could not give out of an empty cup and that my moral treatment and kindness towards myself made me understand how I expected others to treat me as well. … Love Prepares Us To Overcome The Biggest Hurdles In Life Building Resilience Through Emotional Support Systems I’ve learned to recognize love as an invincible safety net in my darkest moments. In overwhelming times I turn to those trusted people who love me, and the encouragement and perspective they provide is impossible for me to find myself. I have learned in my relationships that vulnerability is not the sign of weakness, but it is a path to getting empowered by everyone. Developing Courage To Face Uncertainty With Hope Love as a teacher lets me know that there is a purpose to pain even when I may be unable to see that purpose. In loving relationships I discover that the weight of suffering is taken away and loss is accepted as a lesson of what I have gone through. What my friends teach me is that grief liturgy celebrates what was important to me, and love enables me to keep an open heart to new possibilities for the unpredictability of life. … Conclusion In my search for love as our greatest teacher, I’ve understood that love defines all aspects of our very being. Love transforms my personality and renders me tolerant, kind, and selfless as I never imagined I was. It teaches me universal lessons of forgiveness, sacrifice, and the ugliness of considering my own needs first. My experiences with love in each of the forms of romantic, familial, and platonic love, and even love toward humanity, all have something to offer that no textbook or lecture on the subject could possibly offer. Training Life Love is my home to the most difficult events on the planet; it makes me more resilient and emotionally resilient than any other training can. It not only makes me realize what human connection means but also develops a moral compass that I use to make decisions. Once my heart is open to love in all its expressions, my experiences and all of my relationships will make a classroom, and all of my interactions will be a lesson. I ask you, love, to be your teacher: to provoke you, remake you, and bring you where you have to be to be the person you are to be. … Thank you for reading! If you liked this story, hit the , leave your thoughts, and follow me on Medium for more honest, engaging content every day. Thanks for reading! — This post was previously published on medium.com. Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox. Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice. Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there! Hello, Love (relationships) Change Becomes You (Advice) A Parent is Born (Parenting) Equality Includes You (Social Justice) Greener Together (Environment) Shelter Me (Wellness) Modern Identities (Gender, etc.) Co-Existence (World) *** – Photo credit: Mahmudul Hasan On Unsplash The post Why Love Is Humanity’s Greatest Teacher appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The new name “Department of War” better signals the will to win conflicts, the US president said US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War. The move is part of Trump’s broader plan to project strength on the world stage and to purge the military of what he has called “woke ideology.” The department was originally called the Department of War from its establishment in 1789 until 1949, when President Harry Truman renamed it as part of a post-World War II reorganization. The new name better “ensures peace through strength, as it demonstrates our ability and willingness to fight and win wars on behalf of our Nation at a moment’s notice, not just to defend,” Trump’s order stated. “I think it sends a message of victory,” the president said in the Oval Office. According to the AP, the US Congress must approve the change. In the meantime, Trump has authorized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to be referred to as the Secretary of War as his “additional secondary title.” DETAILS TO FOLLOW View the full article

— Trust between the customer and business is among the best assets of an enterprise. Lack of trust is one of the factors as to why most businesses fail. In fact, it is what causes people to purchase and keep coming back. Going beyond the service or product, trust extends beyond the delivery of a product or service. It concerns integrity, trust, and stability. In this guide, you will learn ways to build trust with customers and keep it for the long term. After knowing these strategies, you can confidently grow your brand while building a loyal customer base. Why Customer Trust Matters in Business The report by Edelman Trust Barometer revealed that 81% of consumers indicated that they need to trust a brand before purchasing it. This demonstrates that it is not a good idea to build trust among the customers. It is one of the main aspects of developing a successful business. The customers will be loyal due to trust. It minimizes the switch to a rival. Trust has a simple business meaning of trust. Customers feel that you will not disappoint in terms of the promises of your brand. They would like you to remember their interests and offer them quality at all times. In the absence of trust, your marketing campaign will not yield as much because people will not feel safe when purchasing from you. What Is Trust in Business? The trust definition in business is the assurance that customers have in you being in their best interest. The conviction that you are pure and transparent in each and every transaction. Trust means that customers have the belief that their money and personal information are in safe hands with you. It also implies that they have faith in the quality of what you are selling. When you lose customer trust, it is hard to get it back. A study by PwC found that 87% of consumers will take their business elsewhere if they lose trust in a company. This shows why winning trust is not optional. It is essential for survival. How to Build Trust with Customers Building trust with customers starts with consistent action. It is not about one promise. It is about many small actions over time. These actions show that you care about your customers and respect them. Here are some effective steps to establish trust: Deliver what you promise every time. Keep your pricing transparent and avoid hidden charges. Respond quickly to customer questions and complaints Share clear information about products and services. Protect customer data with strong security measures. Trust grows when customers see your brand as honest and reliable. It is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Ways to Build Trust Through Communication A strong sense of trust can be built through good communication. When you explain your products clearly, it makes customers feel confident. It is best to avoid making claims that sound fantastic. Do not just present hype. Customers don’t really like big promises; they like to be told the truth. Transparency can also be practiced by telling the story of your brand. People want to know with whom they are purchasing. Share your values and targets. This helps customers feel connected to your business. When people relate to your brand, they trust it more. Show Quality Through Packaging and Presentation Presentation is also important for trust. When customers receive a product, the first thing they notice is the packaging. High-quality packaging shows that you pay attention to details. If you run an online store, consider custom packaging to make your products look more professional. A good unboxing experience leaves a positive impression and makes customers trust your brand. Developing Trust in Relationships with Customers Trust in business is the same as trust in relations with people. It is time-consuming and taxing. You can not put it off by force. You obtain it in the consistency of doing so, E.g., if you are responsive to customers in terms of replies being within 24 hours, this becomes a positive understanding of reliability on your part. That constructs trust. The republicans must make up their minds. We are the people, and we must see that The republicans need to go and clean house. The other prospect of creating a level of trust is to provide useful material. Publish trends, ideas, and tutorials that can help the targeted audience solve real problems. This demonstrates that you are concerned with assisting them and not making a sale. Customers will not forget brands that add value to their lives. Winning Trust Takes Time but Pays Off Trust does not occur in a day. It is a long process that requires regular effort. You have a chance to show that you are honest in every contact. Keep promises and make sure to deal with complaints appropriately, as well as treat each customer like they are important. Such efforts create loyalty in the long run. Trust also ensures that customers do not move away. It converts them to spokespersons also. When your consumer trusts your brand, they will refer others. Word of mouth marketing is one of the most powerful growth drivers of any business. It can only occur when customers have complete trust in you. Eco-Friendly Choices Build Stronger Trust Modern consumers care about the environment. A Nielsen study shows that 73% of global consumers would change their habits to reduce environmental impact. This means you can win trust by using eco-friendly solutions such as custom printed pizza boxes made from sustainable materials. It shows that your brand cares about sustainability. Customers trust companies that act responsibly because it aligns with their values. Final Thoughts Trust can be developed through repetitive behaviors over time with the customers. It is not done in a single attempt or by way of a promise. Everything also counts, such as in the way you communicate and in the delivery of your products. Once a customer becomes sure of the same level of honesty and care in all steps, s/he will trust your brand. This is a difference maker in terms of focusing on real value and transparency. Customers are now watching marketing that delivers and responds to concerns in a timely manner. When you incorporate these principles into your everyday procedures, you are not only getting customers, you are getting followers. — This content is brought to you by Chris Reyes Photos provided by the author. The post How to Build Customer Trust: Practical Strategies for Success appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

We human beings are magicians of delusion, artisans of self-deception, and connoisseurs of personal fairy tales. We do not merely lie to others; we build elaborate stage sets of falsehood within ourselves and then applaud the performance as though it were Shakespearean. What follows is our little numbered carnival of self-trickery, each exhibit more ridiculous than the last, yet all curiously familiar. 1. Pretending Friendship Is Profound. We tell ourselves that simply being in the company of others means we are weaving golden threads of lifelong camaraderie. In reality, sometimes we are just drinking tepid wine in someone’s kitchen and politely asking if they are “having fun.” We call this profound connection what is more accurately a mutual agreement not to flee the room. But in our heads, we declare, “These are my eternal companions,” as though a slightly awkward evening were the cement of human history. The fear of loneliness can make even the most beastly company seem like a friend in unfair weather. 2. Pretending Our Choices Were Strategic. We like to pretend our failures of opportunity were acts of supreme wisdom. Did we skip university? Ah, yes, it was not because tuition was terrifying or grades uninspiring, but because we cleverly calculated that paying thousands of dollars merely to acquire friends was a poor return on investment. We make it sound like Warren Buffett whispered this into our ears rather than us just not wanting the debt. Rivising history in hindsight to masquerade as a master plan is a fantastic way to avoid learning from our mistakes. We convince ourselves we dodged a bullet when, in fact, we never stepped into the firing range. 3. Pretending we are beyond learning. We adore the lie that we already know what experts teach. Why pay someone to teach movement when we already learned to walk at two years old? Clearly, falling over as a toddler equips us with lifelong mastery of biomechanics. The lie comforts us because it lets us reject vulnerability, ignore humility, and keep money in our pockets. We tell ourselves we are sophisticated autodidacts when we are, in fact, refusing to try something new because the thought of stumbling again terrifies us. 4. Pretending that vice belongs only to others or that we are noble despite never having the opportunity. We scoff at the sins of others, insisting we are too pure, too upright, too uniquely sensible. When tales of orgiastic chaos or questionable intimacy appear, we declare with moral clarity that such behavior is “creepy and disgusting.” We cast ourselves as paragons of restraint, as if the universe should give us a medal for not being strapped into a harness in a stranger’s basement. We lie by pretending our tastes are not merely personal preferences but universal truths carved into tablets of stone. We scoff at the opportunistic indiscretions of others from a moral high ground when it is that our capabilities or circumstances have shielded us from physically dominating our fellows or the folly of philandering. Not cheating on your spouse or bullying your employees comes from a different place if nobody else wants to sleep with you or you’ve never been a manager. 5. Pretending we are talented beyond criticism. When someone offers feedback, we armor ourselves with the lie of inviolable artistry. We sneer, “What do you even know about music? You press buttons.” In this grand delusion, we become prophets of creativity misunderstood by the dull masses. This lie is delicious because it absolves us of ever considering whether critique has merit. We are geniuses, and if the audience fails to appreciate us, they are clearly uncultured swine. A stoic wall fortified against opportunities for improvement guards a treasure of diminishing value. 6. Pretending singleness is enlightenment. We like to insist that our single life is a utopian dream. “I am so much happier on my own,” we declare while eating cold noodles at midnight. We convince ourselves that the movies are more enjoyable solo, that empty closet space is a triumph of independence, and that echoing silence is peace rather than loneliness. This lie comforts us by painting solitude not as something endured but as a badge of evolved superiority. We lie by crowning our isolation with laurels. Enjoying solitude is one matter; an elaborate shroud of justifications for a hollow existence driven by a fear of connection is entirely another. 7. Pretending consumerism equals emotional growth. We also enjoy the illusion that buying products can sculpt our emotional intelligence. A scented candle, a cleverly branded journal, or a subscription box of wisdom becomes a substitute for the long, grueling work of self-reflection. We insist we are developing our inner worlds, while in truth, we are curating a collection of coffee table ornaments. The lie thrives because it flatters us with progress without requiring the unpleasantness of actual change. These are the marvelous fictions we spin for ourselves. We do not only deceive; we decorate the deception, install mood lighting, and charge admission. What unites all these lies is the intoxicating hope that if we keep repeating them long enough, they might transform into truth. Yet beneath the glitter is the persistent hum of reality, waiting with dry patience for us to stop congratulating ourselves and actually look it in the eye. — This post was previously published on medium.com. Love relationships? We promise to have a good one with your inbox. Subcribe to get 3x weekly dating and relationship advice. Did you know? We have 8 publications on Medium. Join us there! Hello, Love (relationships) Change Becomes You (Advice) A Parent is Born (Parenting) Equality Includes You (Social Justice) Greener Together (Environment) Shelter Me (Wellness) Modern Identities (Gender, etc.) Co-Existence (World) *** – Photo credit: Thought Catalog on Unsplash The post 7 Strange Joys of Pretending to Ourselves appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The US president is reportedly weighing options to hit cartels in a foreign countr US President Donald Trump is considering carrying out strikes against drug cartels on Venezuelan soil, CNN reported on Friday, citing its sources familiar with the matter. The reported deliberations come as the Pentagon deployed at least eight warships and one submarine in the eastern Caribbean. According to CNN, Tuesday’s missile strike on a boat allegedly smuggling drugs from Venezuela was just the first step in Trump’s efforts to neutralize drug trafficking in the region and potentially topple Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro. The US imposed sweeping sanctions on the socialist-ruled South American county during Trump’s first term in office, targeting its oil trade and financial sector. Last month, Attorney General Pam Bondi doubled a reward for information leading to Maduro’s arrest to $50 million. Although Trump denied plans of regime change on Friday, he described Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election as “very strange.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated earlier this week that the US would “take on drug cartels wherever they are.” Maduro has denied the accusations of involvement in drug trafficking and vowed to declare Venezuela “republic in arms” if attacked by the US. “Just as it wasn’t true that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, what they’re saying about Venezuela isn’t true either,” Maduro said on Friday, referring to the rationale behind the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. View the full article

Scoping out long-term relationships between fertility and other variables, I’ve done some reading and made some figures to look at. More on the reading another day. Here are some figures, all using data from World Bank World Development Indicators. (Sidenote: I wouldn’t have to make these figures if the people doing slower, more serious research took the time to also publish simple descriptive figures and tables on these relationships. Read more about how important this is in my blockbuster book, Citizen Scholar: Public Engagement for Social Scientists.) Question one: Inequality and fertility One question was whether inequality might reduce fertility because it increases the pressure to raise successful children, which is more feasible if you have fewer of them. You have to believe me I thought this pattern would emerge in rich countries. 1. Since 1980 overall, fertility and income inequality have been positively correlated. The relationship is weakest in rich countries. 2. Looking more closely at just the rich countries, you can maybe see the negative relationship emerging. You just have to isolate the USA and Israel, which are high-inequality, high fertility outliers. 3. If you zoom in on the period 2010-2023, again just the richest countries excluding USA and Israel, with country codes as symbols, you can get some ideas about how this works. Korea, Spain, and Italy are high-inequality / low fertility; Norway and Slovenia are holding up the left side; France, Great Britain and Austria are not cooperating with the trend (does immigration play a role here?). Question two: Population growth and economic growth We turn economic size or growth into a standard of living indicator by converting it to per capita metrics. The traditional challenge is to grow the total economy more than the population grows, so that per capita income increases. Output per capita (or worker, or work-hour) is how that is often expressed, with the term productivity. Technology, capital investment, and energy consumption are key factors, as a worker who creates tons of grain by pressing a button creates more value per hour than one who wields a hoe. This kind of question has consumed, so to speak, social science analysis for ages, with modern antecedents dating to Adam Smith and Malthus. Anyway, what happens when population growth slows or even reverses? For elites in poor countries — especially the Chinese communists, but also India and pretty much everywhere else — reducing population growth looked like the best way to increase per capita income. In particular, today’s rich and middle-income countries all experienced a “demographic dividend,” when for a couple of generations declining birth rates lead to relatively few children and lots of working-age adults — so more output per capita. Now pronatalists are very worried we’ve gone too far. The demographic dividend is turning into a retirement albatross and we won’t have enough workers per retiree. (The policy experiment I would pay to see involves massive wealth redistribution to test whether that’s enough to take care of the old people.) Anyway, growing population is a challenge for increasing per capita income, because you’re increasing the denominator. There are lots of ways to specify these relationships, and as far as I can tell little consensus on the overall pattern of relationships beyond the simplest (and, again, not enough real experts do persuasive descriptive work on this). So this is nothing like definitive, just doodles. 1. The overall relationship just showing faster population growth in poor countries, by decade: 2. At the country level, there are lots of outliers and small countries with huge changes in population, so there is some wrangling that I haven’t done. But it helps if you take the 10-year population growth and use it to predict this year’s economic growth, giving you a little more stability and also a causal lag. This is to think about the question: is population growth good for raising living standards? Here is that relationship by decade. Maybe higher 10-year population growth is associated with less 1-year economic growth. 3. Just among rich countries maybe the relationship is stronger, though not in the 1970s or 2020s. A specific concern of pronatalists is that very low fertility rates will lead to economic stagnation. This is really a long-term proposition, having to do with population aging causing an economic drag, so we wouldn’t expect to see it much yet in most places. But there is also an argument that low birth rates sap the vitality of societies more immediately. Here’s a look at a few countries with very low fertility in Asia (China, Japan, S. Korea) and Europe (Italy, Spain), and Chile. It looks like Chile, Japan, S. Korea, and to a lesser extent China in the last decade, show the pattern of long-term population growth slowdown associated with lower increases in standard of living. Italy and Spain had some better economic years after the pandemic which came after population bounces in the 2000s. Anyways, some doodles and food for thought. Happy to have your reading recommendations. I put the messy Stata data and code files in this folder if any of it looks useful to you. — Previously Published on familyinequality with Creative Commons License *** Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: unsplash The post Fertility Trends, Inequality, and Economic Growth Doodles appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Financial struggles leave more than unpaid bills behind—they reshape the way we think about money itself. Anyone who has faced months of uncertainty, juggling which bill to pay first, or feeling the weight of constant phone calls from creditors knows how deeply those experiences linger. While tools like debt consolidation in Pennsylvania can help manage multiple debts and reduce stress in the present, the emotional side of money management often stays long after the immediate financial pressure is gone. That’s because money isn’t just a practical resource; it is tied to feelings of safety, security, and even self-worth. Anxiety Becomes the Default Lens When someone goes through financial hardship, it’s common for anxiety to color every financial decision afterward. Even small purchases can feel overwhelming because the brain has learned to associate spending with fear. This can show up as hesitation to invest, reluctance to take calculated risks, or even guilt over buying something enjoyable. While this hyper-awareness can prevent careless spending, it can also hold people back from opportunities that might improve their situation. The Scarcity Mindset Financial struggles often trigger a scarcity mindset—the belief that there will never be enough. This mindset doesn’t disappear easily, even when circumstances improve. People may find themselves saving excessively without enjoying the benefits, or constantly worrying about the next downturn. Scarcity thinking narrows focus, making it difficult to plan for the long term because energy is spent surviving the present. This pattern can create a cycle where fear limits progress, reinforcing the very insecurities people want to escape. Distorted Perceptions of Value Periods of financial stress also shape how people perceive the value of money and possessions. A person who has struggled might become extremely cautious, always searching for the lowest price, or on the other hand, they might overspend when they finally have extra cash, feeling they need to “make up” for lost time. Both behaviors are rooted in emotional responses to hardship rather than purely logical decision-making. Over time, these distorted perceptions can become ingrained habits that influence spending and saving for years. Emotional Consequences Beyond the Wallet The effects of financial struggles extend into self-esteem and relationships. Struggling with money can lead to feelings of shame, frustration, and comparison with others. These emotions often affect how people communicate with family and friends, sometimes creating tension or secrecy around finances. Even after achieving stability, many carry an undercurrent of embarrassment about their past, which influences how openly they discuss money or ask for help. Breaking the Cycle of Negative Associations The good news is that financial struggles don’t have to define your lifelong relationship with money. Awareness is the first step—recognizing that your current habits and beliefs may be rooted in past challenges rather than present realities. Building healthier habits, such as setting clear financial goals, creating a balanced budget, or seeking professional guidance, can help reframe the role of money from a source of fear to a tool for growth. It’s also important to practice self-compassion, understanding that financial missteps or difficult times don’t define your worth. Turning Struggles into Strengths Many people who have experienced hardship find that it ultimately sharpens their financial awareness. The same caution that once came from fear can evolve into discipline, leading to smarter saving and thoughtful decision-making. Financial resilience often grows out of adversity, giving people the skills and perspective to handle future challenges with confidence. By reflecting on past struggles without judgment, it’s possible to transform old wounds into new wisdom. Final Thoughts Financial struggles do more than strain budgets—they shape the way we see and interact with money long into the future. They can create anxiety, reinforce scarcity thinking, and even affect self-image. But they can also serve as turning points, offering valuable lessons about resilience, responsibility, and the importance of balance. With time, self-awareness, and intentional practices, it’s possible to shift the narrative from one of fear to one of empowerment, using past struggles as the foundation for a healthier, more confident financial life. — This content is brought to you by Sky Link Building iStockPhoto The post How Financial Struggles Influence Our View of Money appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article