American Women Suck

— Introduction Maduro cigars have a story that stretches across centuries, blending old-world traditions with modern craftsmanship. Known for their dark wrappers and bold yet sweet flavors, these cigars continue to attract both seasoned smokers and newcomers alike. In fact, many collectors believe they hold some of the richest experiences in the cigar world. If you’re looking to try something timeless and distinctive, upgrade your collection with authentic maduros. From farms to fermentation barns, every step adds to their unique character. What Makes a Cigar Maduro? Maduro cigars are defined by their deep, dark wrapper leaves, which give them a bold appearance and sweeter flavor. The word “maduro” means “ripe” in Spanish, and it reflects how carefully the leaves are matured. Unlike lighter wrappers, Maduro wrappers are aged longer and exposed to higher temperatures during fermentation. This process produces natural oils that bring hints of chocolate, coffee, and spice. Many people assume maduro cigars are always strong, but strength actually depends on the filler blend inside. Origins of the Maduro Wrapper The history of maduro cigars begins in the Caribbean, where cigar makers first experimented with extended fermentation centuries ago. Cuban growers set the foundation, but other regions like Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic perfected their own styles over time. By the 20th century, Maduro wrappers became popular in the United States, appealing to smokers who craved richer flavors. Today, maduro cigars remain a symbol of craftsmanship and patience. Their roots show how tradition can evolve while still holding onto authenticity. The Art of Fermentation Fermentation is the soul of maduro cigars. Leaves destined to become Maduro are stacked into large pilones, or fermentation piles, where heat and pressure transform them over months or even years. Unlike natural wrappers, which ferment faster, Maduro wrappers require careful monitoring at higher temperatures. This process caramelizes sugars within the leaf, creating natural sweetness and deep, earthy flavors. The result is a wrapper that’s dark, oily, and full of complexity. Without this extended fermentation, maduro cigars wouldn’t have their famous taste. Key Regions Producing Maduro Cigars Several regions are known for producing some of the world’s finest maduro cigars. Nicaragua leads with bold, spicy flavors that appeal to fans of strong profiles. The Dominican Republic produces smoother, more balanced Maduro wrappers, perfect for those who prefer elegance. Mexico’s San Andrés Valley is legendary for its thick, dark, and oily leaves, which add richness to countless blends. Even Cuba, with its historic cigar culture, contributes small runs of Maduro. Together, these regions shape the legacy of maduro cigars. The Flavor Evolution of Maduro Cigars Maduro cigars are loved for their evolving taste. Younger Maduros often carry bold notes of cocoa and earth, while aged ones mellow into a smoother profile with hints of molasses and coffee. Each puff offers layers of flavor that keep smokers engaged from start to finish. Many people enjoy maduro cigars in cooler weather, when their warmth and richness feel especially satisfying. Whether you’re pairing them with whiskey, rum, or black coffee, Maduro wrappers always bring depth and memorable complexity. Myths and Misconceptions About Maduro Cigars A lot of myths surround maduro cigars. One is that they’re all strong, but in truth, some are mild or medium-bodied. Another misconception is that their dark color is artificial. In reality, it comes from natural fermentation, not dye. Some also believe Maduro means low quality, when in fact it often signals the opposite. Clearing up these myths allows smokers to appreciate maduro cigars for what they are: carefully crafted, flavorful cigars that reward patience and honor traditional techniques. The Rise of Maduro Popularity in Modern Times The demand for maduro cigars surged in the late 20th century as smokers looked for more complexity. Premium brands introduced Maduro lines, highlighting their craftsmanship and rich flavor. This shift made Maduro wrappers a staple in cigar collections worldwide. Today, nearly every major cigar maker offers a Maduro option, from boutique labels to historic houses. Their popularity isn’t slowing down either. As new blends continue to emerge, maduro cigars remain a go-to choice for those who appreciate refined taste. How to Enjoy Maduro Cigars Today Enjoying maduro cigars means more than just lighting up. Pair them with dark coffee, a glass of rum, or whiskey to unlock hidden sweetness. Proper storage is essential, as their oily wrappers need consistent humidity to age gracefully. Beginners should try mild Maduro blends, while experienced smokers might choose stronger options for complexity. Maduro cigars are perfect for special occasions, quiet evenings, or conversations with friends. Every moment with a Maduro reminds you why these cigars remain timeless favorites. Conclusion Maduro cigars represent patience, artistry, and flavor all rolled into one. From their Caribbean origins to the innovation seen in Nicaragua and Mexico, they’ve grown into a symbol of quality smoking. The fermentation process is what sets them apart, creating wrappers that shine with chocolate, coffee, and spice notes. They are not just cigars but a cultural tradition passed down for generations. Whether you’re new to smoking or a seasoned aficionado, maduro cigars always deliver a memorable experience worth savoring. — This content is brought to you by Sky Link Building Photo provided by the author. The post The History of Maduro Cigars: From Fermentation to Fine Flavor appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Many firms completely disregarded their losses when they left the country, the president has said Western companies that pulled out of Russia after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict amid the imposition of unprecedented sanctions are now looking to return, Russian President Vladimir Putin has said. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok, in Russia’s Far East, on Friday, Putin remarked that in 2022, “many European companies left at a loss to themselves due to ‘political reasons’.” “But we know… that many are eagerly waiting for all these political restrictions to be lifted, and at any moment they would like to come back,” Putin said. Putin also pointed out that some foreign firms continue to operate in Russia despite political disagreements between their governments and Moscow. “Companies from some countries, with which there are so-called political problems given the current situation, are still operating, they did not leave. And they even want to expand cooperation,” he said. Russia’s president added that Moscow remains committed to international cooperation despite political tensions. “To close ourselves off in some kind of ‘national shell’ is very difficult and harmful, because it would lead to reduced competitiveness… We are open to cooperation with all countries of the world, of course, primarily with those who want to work with us, with our friends. But we are not isolating ourselves from anyone,” he said. View the full article

By Jen St. Denis on DeSmog This story is being published in collaboration with The Tyee, an award-winning independent media outlet based in BC. A controversial report published this summer by the U.S. Department of Energy that alleges humans may not be the primary cause of climate change is being cited by the Donald Trump administration to abolish regulations on the oil and gas industry while being contested in federal court by environmental groups. One of the report’s authors helped guide this assault on accepted climate science from Canada. Ross McKitrick, an economics professor at the University of Guelph who regularly writes for the Vancouver-based Fraser Institute as well as the National Post, is one of five authors – and the only Canadian – who contributed to an official Trump administration study arguing that greenhouse gas emissions can be beneficial for humankind. “I have written for years about topics in climate science and economics that tend to be overlooked or downplayed in assessment reports and policy discussions, to the detriment, in my view, of decision-making on energy and climate issues,” he wrote in an email in response to questions about his involvement. “The invitation from the DoE to participate in writing the report was a good opportunity to elaborate on these themes and spark a broader discussion and debate,” he said. Canadian climate scientists are stunned that McKitrick and the report’s other co-authors have been given such a huge U.S. government platform to spread fringe climate denial views to the public and decision-makers. “I cannot state enough how insane it is that the same old debunked arguments from the same old debunked individuals are actually emerging in the year 2025,” said Simon Donner, a climate scientist and professor at the University of British Columbia. Full of ‘cherry-picked statements’ Called “A Critical Review of Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions on the U.S. Climate,” the report pulls together what scientists deem an “embarrassing collection of cherry-picked statements” that downplay the perils of human-caused climate change. The climate information website Carbon Brief identified more than 100 false or misleading claims in the report. The 151-page document disputes the role that industries like oil and gas are playing in heating the atmosphere, alleging that “attribution of climate change or extreme weather events to human CO2 emissions is challenged by natural climate variability, data limitations, and inherent model deficiencies.” It also spins some of the effects of a warming climate as positive – for instance, arguing that more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will help plants grow. That statement has been routinely shown to be misleading because it leaves out the impact of droughts, wildfires, extreme heat, flooding and increased pests on agriculture. Yet the claim that greenhouse gases will somehow cause an agriculture-boosting “global greening” continues to be a popular talking point for right-wing politicians and influencers. Throughout August, the DoE has asked for public comment on the report’s conclusions. That process will end in early September. “The public review phase allows our critics to bring their arguments forward and we will be revising our report after carefully considering the feedback,” McKitrick explained. In an interview with the Washington Examiner, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, a former fracking executive, acknowledged that errors in the report have been brought to his attention but didn’t mention specifics. “Look, the authors worked quickly to assemble a great amount of stuff,” Wright said. “Mistakes can be made, of course. And I have seen a few small mistakes identified. Of course, those will be fixed.” McKitrick has frequently written posts for the Fraser Institute and newspaper columns that have urged policy makers to push back against people he calls “climate extremists” (those who think climate change is a crisis or an emergency situation requiring action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions). In 2023, he published a column disputing whether forest fire seasons in Canada are getting worse compared to historical data; that same year, 14.6 million hectares burned, the highest number recorded since 5.8 million hectares burned in 1996. Donner said the fact that the Trump administration included a Canadian economist shows just how small the group of experts who deny the scientific consensus on climate change likely is. “They [probably] couldn’t find five Americans,” he claimed. “They had to reach out to a Canadian.” Green groups file legal challenge The other authors of the report are Judith Curry, John Christy, Steve Koonin and Roy Spencer – a quartet of American scientists who have a long and documented history of attacking the mainstream scientific consensus that climate change is caused by humans and will result in disastrous global consequences without drastic cuts to greenhouse gases. The team was assembled at the behest of Energy Secretary Wright, according to Travis Fisher, the director of energy policy at the libertarian think-tank Cato Institute, which was originally founded by oil and gas billionaire Charles Koch. Fisher claimed that he and the other report authors agree that key scientific findings around climate change remain “unsettled,” a position that even he acknowledges could be viewed as climate denial. “For those of us who can see that with our own eyes, we face the choice of rejecting what we know to be true or wearing the denier label,” he wrote in a post. “And because we cannot reject what we know to be true, we are reluctantly left with the latter.” The Union of Concerned Scientists and the Environmental Defense Fund have now launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The two groups allege the report that McKitrick and the other authors produced are part of an effort by the DoE and the Environmental Protection Agency to “manufacture a basis to reject” the accepted science on human-caused climate change and its impacts. “They have done so through a plan hatched and carried out in secret. In March 2025, shortly after being confirmed to office, Secretary of Energy Christopher Wright quietly arranged for five hand-picked skeptics of the effects of climate change to form a Climate Working Group,” the lawsuit alleges. The New York Times reported that the DoE report was published just months after the Trump administration cut an effort hundreds of scientists were participating in. That group had been working to create a federal government analysis on how climate change is affecting the United States. Long effort to undo greenhouse gas emission regulations In the United States, regulations to limit greenhouse gases have been based on a 2009 finding from the Environmental Protection Agency that recognized carbon dioxide and five other greenhouse gases as pollutants. Called “the endangerment finding,” the determination is the foundation of the EPA’s legal authority – through the U.S. Clean Air Act – to limit greenhouse gases from a range of pollutants, from cars to power plants to oil and gas production. For over a decade, industry and pro-business groups have sought to overturn the endangerment finding. Now, the Trump administration is moving to do just that. The Environmental Protection Agency announced on July 29 that if the endangerment finding is rescinded, “the proposal would repeal all resulting greenhouse gas emissions regulations for motor vehicles and engines.” According to the EPA, the move would also kill a federal government goal to boost the market share of electric vehicles to 50 per cent of all new vehicles sold in the U.S. by 2030. When making the decision to roll back the endangerment finding, the Trump administration has cited the DoE report McKitrick and the other four authors worked on. “The Endangerment Finding rulemaking was a separate undertaking. We were not involved in it and I haven’t read the EPA submission. I know they refer to our report in some places but from what I understand it mainly concerns legal, not scientific issues,” McKitrick said. “In my opinion (for what it’s worth) the US Clean Air Act is not a good framework for greenhouse gas policies,” he added. How the DoE report could affect Canadian policy In Canada, there has also been an intense political effort to get rid of federal electric vehicles targets (the Canadian government has set the target at 100 per cent of all new light duty vehicle sales by 2035). The Fraser Institute, the right-wing think tank that McKitrick regularly writes for, is now arguing that the Trump administration’s intention to roll back the endangerment finding means that the U.S. government will no longer be supporting electric vehicle adoption – so Canada should pull back as well. Under leader Pierre Poilievre, the Conservatives are also now pushing to end the federal EV targets. Prior to the most recent federal election, Poilievre had made a promise to repeal the federal carbon tax (the tax had become so unpopular with voters that Liberal leader Mark Carney also promised to get rid of it). Donner urged policy makers in Canada to look beyond the United States when it comes to the economic future of electric vehicles and renewable energy. While the Trump administration is going all-in on both the production and consumption of oil and gas, that’s not what’s happening in other parts of the world. “If you look around the world and you look long-term at the accelerated shift to electric vehicles, the expansion of solar power, how cheap batteries have become, you see that there actually are tailwinds,” he said. “And we just need to get past the craziness going on in the U.S.” — Previously Published on desmog *** 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! *** On Substack? Follow us there for more great dating and relationships content. Join The Good Men Project 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 Meet the Canadian Aiding Trump’s ‘Insane’ War on Climate Science appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— For couples who wish to live together in Australia, applying for a partner visa can be an important step. Also, learn how to apply the basic steps to follow for a seamless application. This guide provides details on prerequisites, necessary actions, and helpful advice for this procedure. Types of Partner Visas There are many different types of partner visas available in Australia, and they have different requirements. The partner visa in Australia—for those married or in a de facto relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen—is the most well-known of these visas. The prospective marriage visa is for couples who want to marry after approval. Eligibility Requirements When applying for a partner visa, applicants must satisfy specific requirements. One requirement is that they show that their relationship is legitimate. Shared financial obligations, organised living situations, and social recognition of their partnership can demonstrate this. Documents in support of the application may include, but are not limited to, evidence of joint bank accounts, joint bills, and joint photos. Both parties must also meet health and character requirements. Health checks are required to ensure that applicants will not be a threat to public health in Australia. Police checks from any country where an applicant has spent more than 12 months since the age of 18 are commonplace in character assessments. Application Process The application involves several different processes, starting with the collection of required documents. Applicants must have all paperwork prepared—including birth certificates, ID documents, and documentation to prove the relationship—before making an application. The best way to avoid a delay in processing your application is to submit a complete one. Once the documents are collected, the next step is to apply. You can do this online using the immigration official website. After the application is submitted, applicants receive a confirmation. Be on the lookout for further requests from immigration authorities. Processing Time and Fees Processing times may vary widely based on the type of visa and the individual circumstances of applicants. On average, they may take from a few months to more than a year. Processing times change regularly, so applicants should refer to the official immigration website for the most accurate estimation. Fees are another consideration. The cost of partner visa applications is substantial, and they are not refundable. Some expenses to budget for, such as having all fees paid to avoid slowdowns down the line, are also included. Common Challenges One may face challenges when going through the partner visa process. A typical reason for denial is a lack of proof that the marriage is real. Couples should try to furnish ample evidence that their relationship is genuine. The second reason for denial is changes in personal circumstances. However, if she gets married to someone else or breaks the marriage with him/her, she must inform immigration authorities of the change in the status of the relationship. Not doing this can impact the outcome of the application. Tips for a Successful Application With this in mind, to maximise the likelihood of a successful application, applicants should adhere to a handful of core guidelines. One important thing is to make sure that all documentation is accurate and current before they jet off on their implementation course. We can easily avoid simple mistakes by regularly reviewing and cross-checking the information. Furthermore, keep the immigration authorities informed. Returning an email or phone call at the first available opportunity shows commitment and seriousness. A migration agent can also help with that matter. Agents are there to provide knowledge and assist applicants with confusion. Still, your agent should be registered with the right institutions. Conclusion Understanding how the partner visa process works in Australia requires some preparation and detail. If applicants stay updated and come prepared for the entrance exam, their chances of success will always be high. Repairing will take time, but this complex process is necessary to forge a common future for all people in Australia. Couples should approach the process with utmost diligence and faith, ensuring they carefully consider every requirement. Mindfully preparing, the road to having a life together in Australia will wear down. — This content is brought to you by Hubert Dwight iStockPhoto The post Understanding Partner Visa Processing in Australia appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Anand Kumar, University of Illinois Chicago and Jalees Rehman, University of Illinois Chicago Over the past two centuries, vaccines have been critical for preventing infectious diseases. The World Health Organization estimates that vaccination prevents between 3 million and 5 million deaths annually from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, influenza, measles and, more recently, COVID-19. While there has long been broad scientific consensus that vaccines prevent or mitigate the spread of infections, there is new research suggesting that the therapeutic impact might go beyond the benefit of preventing infectious diseases. An April 2025 study published in the prominent journal Nature found tantalizing evidence that the herpes zoster – or shingles – vaccine could lower the risk of dementia in the general population by as much as 20%. We are a team of physician scientists with expertise in the clinical and basic science of neurodegenerative disorders and dementia. We believe that this study potentially opens the door to other breakthroughs in understanding and treating dementia and other degenerative disorders of the brain. A role for vaccines in reducing dementia risk? One of the major challenges researchers face when trying to study the effects of vaccines is finding an unvaccinated “control group” for comparison – a group that is similar to the vaccine group in all respects, save for the fact that they haven’t received the active vaccine. That’s because it’s unethical to assign some patients to the control group and deprive them of vaccine protection against a disease such as shingles. The Nature study took advantage of a policy change in Wales that went into effect in 2013, stating that people born on or after September 2, 1933, were eligible for the herpes zoster vaccination for at least a year, while those born before that cutoff date were not. The vaccine was administered to prevent shingles, a painful condition caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, which can lie dormant in the body and be reactivated later in life. The researchers used the policy change as a natural laboratory of sorts to study the effect of shingles vaccination on long-term health outcomes. In a statistically sophisticated analysis of health records, the team found that the vaccine reduced the probability of getting dementia by one-fifth over a seven-year period. This means that people who received the shingles vaccine were less likely to develop clinical dementia over the seven-year follow-up period, and women benefited more than men. The study design allowed researchers to compare two groups without actively depriving any one group of access to vaccination. The two groups were also of comparable age and had similar medical comorbidities – meaning similar rates of other medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Results from this and other related studies raise the possibility that vaccines may have a broader role in experimental therapeutics outside the realm of infectious diseases. These studies also raise provocative questions about how vaccines work and how our immune system can potentially prevent dementia. How vaccines might be protective One scientific explanation for the reduction of dementia by the herpes zoster vaccine could be the direct protection against the shingles virus, which may play a role in exacerbating dementia. However, there is also the possibility that the vaccine may have conferred protection by activating the immune system and providing “trained immunity,” in which the immune system is strengthened by repeated exposure to vaccines or viruses. The study did not differentiate between different types of dementia, such as dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease or dementia due to stroke. Additionally, researchers cannot draw any definitive conclusions about possible mechanisms for how the vaccines could be protective from an analysis of health records alone. The next step would be a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study – the “gold standard” for clinical trials in medicine – to directly examine how the herpes zoster vaccine compares with a placebo in their ability to reduce the risk of dementia over time. Such studies are necessary before any vaccines, as well as other potential therapies, can be recommended for routine clinical use in the prevention of dementia. The challenges of untangling dementia Dementia is a major noncommunicable disease that is a leading cause of death around the world. A January 2025 study provided updated figures on lifetime dementia risk across different subsets of the U.S. population. The researchers estimate that the lifetime risk of dementia after age 55 is 42% – more than double earlier estimates. The dementia risk was 4% by age 75, and 20% by age 85, with the majority of risk occurring after 85. The researchers projected that the number of new cases of dementia in the U.S. would double over the next four decades from approximately 514,000 cases in 2020 to 1 million in 2060. Once considered a disease largely confined to the developed world, the deleterious effects of dementia are now apparent throughout the globe, as life expectancy increases in many formerly developing countries. While there are different forms of dementia with varying clinical manifestations and underlying neurobiology, Alzheimer’s disease is the most common. Prospective studies that specifically test how giving a vaccine changes the risk for future dementia may benefit from studying patient populations with specific types of dementia because each version of dementia might require distinct treatments. Unfortunately, for the past two to three decades, the amyloid hypothesis of Alzheimer’s disease – which posits that accumulation of a protein called amyloid in the brain contributes to the disorder – dominated the scientific conversation. As a result, most of the efforts in the experimental therapeutics of Alzheimer’s disease have focused on drugs that lower the levels of amyloid in the brain. However, results to date have been modest and disappointing. The two recently approved amyloid-lowering therapies have only a minimal impact on slowing the decline, are expensive and have potentially serious side effects. And no drug currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for clinical use reverses the cognitive decline. Studies based on health records suggest that past exposure to viruses increase the risk of dementia, while routine vaccines, including those against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, pneumonia, shingles and others, reduce the risk. Innovation and an open mind There is sometimes a tendency among scientists to cling to older, familiar models of disease and a reluctance to move in more unconventional directions. Yet the process of doing science has a way of teaching researchers like us humility, opening our minds to new information, learning from our mistakes and going where that data takes us in our quest for effective, lifesaving therapies. Vaccines may be one of those paths less traveled. It is an exciting possibility that may open the door to other breakthroughs in understanding and treating degenerative disorders of the brain. Anand Kumar, Professor and Department Head of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago and Jalees Rehman, Department Chair and Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois Chicago 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 Vaccines Hold Tantalizing Promise in the Fight Against Dementia appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. Houston’s busy highways are filled with commercial trucks every day, and unfortunately, accidents involving these massive vehicles can leave victims with devastating injuries, high medical bills, and overwhelming stress. When hurt in a truck accident, you deserve a legal team that knows how to fight for the best possible outcome. That is why many victims turn to Suits & Boots for strong representation. If you or a loved one has been impacted, it is essential to consult a Houston personal injury lawyer who understands the complexities of truck accident cases and knows how to maximize your compensation. 1. They help investigate thoroughly Truck accidents are rarely simple. Multiple parties could be at fault, from the truck driver to the trucking company or even the vehicle manufacturer. Suits & Boots begins by conducting a comprehensive investigation, gathering police reports, medical records, black box data, and eyewitness accounts. Their goal is to build a clear and compelling case that leaves no room for doubt about who is responsible. 2. They help prove liability with strong evidence Trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame or downplay the severity of an accident. Suits & Boots tackles this head-on by using accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to prove liability. By presenting strong, evidence-based arguments, they ensure the insurance companies cannot deny their clients the justice they deserve. 3. They help calculate the full value of damages Besides causing immediate medical expenses, truck accidents also result in long-term care costs, lost wages, reduced earning potential, and emotional suffering. Suits & Boots takes all of this into account when determining how much compensation a victim should receive. Their detailed approach ensures that clients do not settle for less than they truly need to recover. 4. They help negotiate with insurance companies Insurance companies are known for offering quick but lowball settlements in the hopes that accident victims will accept them without realizing their true worth. Suits & Boots knows these tactics well. They negotiate aggressively, using evidence and expert testimony to push back against unfair offers and secure fair compensation for their clients. 5. They help fight in court when necessary While many cases are resolved through negotiations, Suits & Boots is fully prepared to take cases to trial if insurers refuse to cooperate. Their reputation for being tough litigators means that insurance companies know they are serious about fighting for justice. This willingness to go the distance often gives clients an advantage, even during settlement talks. Conclusion A truck accident can turn your life upside down, but with the right legal team, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Suits & Boots has the knowledge, resources, and determination to help victims get the compensation they deserve. Whether it is through thorough investigations, aggressive negotiations, or courtroom advocacy, they fight tirelessly for their clients’ rights. If you are injured in a truck accident, do not wait. Instead, consult a Houston personal injury lawyer who knows how to handle these complex cases and will stand by your side every step of the way. — This content is brought to you by Hassan Javed Photo provided by the author. The post How Suits and Boots Maximizes Compensation for Truck Accident Victims in Houston appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By CSIRO “Noise” protection can be added to content before it’s uploaded online. A new technique developed by Australian researchers could stop unauthorised artificial intelligence (AI) systems learning from photos, artwork and other image-based content. Developed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, in partnership with the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre (CSCRC) and the University of Chicago, the method subtly alters content to make it unreadable to AI models while remaining unchanged to the human eye. This could help artists, organisations and social media users protect their work and personal data from being used to train AI systems or create deepfakes. For example, a social media user could automatically apply a protective layer to their photos before posting, preventing AI systems from learning facial features for deepfake creation. Similarly, defence organisations could shield sensitive satellite imagery or cyber threat data from being absorbed into AI models. The technique sets a limit on what an AI system can learn from protected content. It provides a mathematical guarantee that this protection holds, even against adaptive attacks or retraining attempts. Dr Derui Wang, CSIRO scientist, said the technique offers a new level of certainty for anyone uploading content online. “Existing methods rely on trial and error or assumptions about how AI models behave,” Dr Wang said. “Our approach is different; we can mathematically guarantee that unauthorised machine learning models can’t learn from the content beyond a certain threshold. That’s a powerful safeguard for social media users, content creators, and organisations.” Dr Wang said the technique could be applied automatically at scale. “A social media platform or website could embed this protective layer into every image uploaded,” he said. “This could curb the rise of deepfakes, reduce intellectual property theft, and help users retain control over their content.” While the method is currently applicable to images, there are plans to expand it to text, music, and videos. The method is still theoretical, with results validated in a controlled lab setting. The code is available on GitHub for academic use, and the team is seeking research partners from sectors including AI safety and ethics, defence, cybersecurity, academia, and more. The paper, Provably Unlearnable Data Examples, was presented at the 2025 Network and Distributed System Security Symposium (NDSS), where it received the Distinguished Paper Award. To collaborate or explore this technology further, you can contact the team. — Previously Published on aihub.org 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! *** On Substack? Follow us there for more great dating and relationships content. 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 New Research Could Block AI Models Learning from Your Online Content appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Introduction Thinking about restoring your smile with dental implants? In one of the tourist centers of Turkey, the very popular resort of Antalya, the high level of dental care is conquering its role, too. It also has the most affordable rates, the latest technology, and qualified dentists, thus making this city a choice for those in need of dental treatment across the globe. What Is a Dental Implant? A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made up of a small titanium screw which is surgically placed into the jawbone. It offers a stable foundation for crowns, bridges or dentures. In contrast to removable solutions, implants feel, appear, and function the same as normal teeth. Types of Dental Implants Different patients require various solutions. In Antalya, most of the dentists administer: The most frequently used implants are endosteal, which are inserted straight into the jawbone. When bone density is limited, subperiosteal implants are set beneath the gums but placed over the bone. Your dentist will guide you in selecting the right option, though you can also check the details on a reliable clinic’s website. Endosteal Implants Endosteal implants are the standard type, placed into the jawbone through a surgical procedure. They act as strong artificial roots and securely hold replacement teeth like crowns or bridges. Subperiosteal Implants Subperiosteal implants are placed over the jawbone and beneath the gum tissue, hence suitable for patients with shallow jawbones that cannot support traditional implants. Zygomatic Implants Zygomatic implants are taller and are inserted in the cheekbone rather than the jawbone, which is normally advised for patients with serious bone loss in the upper jaw. Dental Implant Procedure Steps Wish to have a closer look at how the process works? The procedure usually begins with an initial evaluation and consultation, followed by implant placement surgery. After this, a healing phase called osseointegration takes place, which is completed with the placement of the final crown or bridge. Benefits of Dental Implants Why are implants popular all over the world? They enhance natural appearance, better the ability to chew, and also have long-lasting durability. Even more important, they provide you with confidence to smile with no qualms. If you’d like to dive deeper into these life-changing advantages, just discover more from real patient stories. Dental Implant vs Dentures Patients at times wonder what the dentists recommend: dentures or implants? Whereas dentures are relatively inexpensive, they may slip off and feel awkward to use, while implants are good-looking and do not feel awkward when in use. Many people upgrade from dentures because implants simply feel better, for more insights on why the difference matters, explore healthline’s guide. Dental Implant Prices & Packages in Antalya Antalya, as far as dental implants are concerned, can boast of the quality of treatment, which is, at the same time, offered at a very impressive cost-effectiveness. Some of the clinics, such as Dentatur, offer a complete package pricing that includes the actual procedure, hotel stay, VIP transportation, and diagnostics. This renders dental tourism in Antalya to be not only stress-free but cost-effective to the international patients as well. Price Comparison Table: Antalya vs the UK Implants Antalya (Dentatur) UK Savings Single Tooth Implant £400 £1,750 75 % All-on-4 (per jaw) £1,600 £7,950 73 % All-on-6 (per jaw) £2,400 £10,750 70 % All-on-8 (per jaw) £3,200 £12,750 66 % 3-on-6 (per jaw) £2,400 £10,750 70 % Zirconium Implants £1,000 £8,750 66 % Ceramic Implants £3,000 £8,750 66 % Full Mouth Reconstruction £4,400 £16,000 72 % Dental Implant Risks and Complications The implants, similar to any kind of surgery, have their share of risks, such as infection or gum irritation. Nevertheless, high technologies and qualified hands are used in Antalya dental clinics to reduce such issues. As a safety researcher, you can be safe in the knowledge that you can now research easily and find trusted, accredited providers. How long does it take to recover? The majority of the patients recover within a couple of weeks and resume their regular operations, but recovery may take a few months. Following your dentist’s instructions on diet and oral hygiene after getting dental implants in Antalya helps speed up recovery, and you can go here for recovery tips trusted by professionals. Healing Stages After Surgery The healing is divided into phases: in the first week, you may experience swelling and slight pain, the gums slowly heal during the next weeks, and it may take several months before the implant becomes a part of you. Tips for Faster Recovery Take medicine as prescribed by your doctor, clean your mouth, visit your doctor frequently, and sleep well, in case you want to cure easily and quickly. Foods to Avoid During Recovery Sticky, crunchy, and spicy foods are not recommended at all because they can lead to irritation or pressure on the implant. Foods rich in nuts, but that do not harm your gums, should be consumed to speed up the healing process. Choosing dental implants in Antalya is a good option. An effective choice of clinic counts a lot. Seek approved dentists, modern clinics, transparent quotes, and positive customer references. If you need help deciding, you should check out patient testimonials before booking your appointment. Dental Implant Care and Maintenance Once fitted properly, it’s easy to maintain your implants. It is recommended by physicians to brush two times with floss, rinse with antibacterial mouthwash, and eschew negative behaviors like nail-biting. Periodic reviews guarantee you a long-lasting implant. These steps are not large ones; nevertheless, they are powerful ones, and numerous clinics make patients learn more during the aftercare sessions. Why Antalya for Dental Implants? Antalya is not only the place where tourists go; it also attracts medical tourists, as well. High-tech dental offices, well-qualified staff, and low costs make it one of the most popular destinations to get dental solutions. Most international patients say that the quality here is comparable to that of Western countries, and you can visit the page to find out why. Preparing for Your Dental Implant Journey Prior to travel, you should collect your medical history, have a health check, and verify a treatment plan. Beforehand preparation makes it a smooth process, and you should check practical travel guides and treatment tips, too. Conclusion To restore your smile and self-esteem, use dental implants as a certain option. The process of recovery is explained by understanding the procedure together with the recovery timelines, as each step leads to long-lasting results. It will make the journey easier and cheaper by selecting the appropriate clinic in Antalya. Ready to smile with confidence? Explore now at Dentatur dental clinic in Antalya and start your journey to a healthier smile! FAQs What is the recovery time after the dental implant procedure? The initial healing in most of the patients requires a few days to two weeks. Osseointegration can require up to 3-6 months in order to occur fully, although implants that have healed are functional after 1-4 weeks. What sets dentures and dental implants apart? On the contrary, implants are permanent and fixed as compared to dentures, which could shift and need adhesives. A lot of patients consider implants comfortable and natural-looking. Do dental implants hurt? The process is performed with the administration of local anesthesia or even under sedation, thus almost painless. There may be some mild symptoms, but most of the time they disappear after a couple of days. What makes Antalya the right choice for dental implants? Antalya has a combination of experienced dentists, high-tech facilities, and low prices, even the travel bonus of a beautiful touristic destination. It is an ideal combination of healthcare and travel. — This content is brought to you by Chris Reyes Photos provided by the author. The post Step-by-Step Guide to Dental Implant Procedures in Antalya appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

It was raining that night. Rain — the kind that doesn’t fall, but seeps. Where it eventually climbs to your chest and settles, sneaking into your clothes and through your skin and into the marrow of your bones, until you wonder if that shiver is from cold or something breaking in you. I lay back on my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, pretending that I was okay. I have been pretending a lot lately. Pretending with my friends that I was fine. Pretending with my boyfriend, that me sitting in silence was just because I was “tired.” And pretending with myself that I had moved on. And then my phone lit up. I didn’t even have to see the name to know it was him. Some calls have this weight — it feels like the universe holds its breath for a moment. I should have let it go straight to voicemail. I told myself over and over again that I would never walk through that door again, not physically and especially not emotionally. But then I heard his voice, rough and broken as though a man were close to weeping. It crushed me inside. He said he was nearby. That he just needed to talk. That he had nowhere else to go. I told him to come. He appeared smaller somehow when I opened the door, wet from the rain, his hair pasted to his forehead and his jacket sticking to him. But his eyes signaled my undoing. There was no rage, there was no begging — it was just… exhaustion. As if he were already carrying a tremendous weight and was on the brink of being crushed by it. We didn’t start with words. We started with silence. While the tea went cold and we never drank it, he sat on my bed. I wanted to ask him what was wrong; but I didn’t. We spoke in a language that didn’t need sentences. The kind where a sigh was “I’m sorry” and his hands shook — “I don’t know how to do this anymore.” I spent months learning to be the perfect girlfriend for someone else… smiling when I didn’t want to, hiding my messiness, swallowing my loneliness as though it were some sort of pill. But, with him, I had no need to hide. He had seen all the broken parts of me and loved me anyway. I felt empty that night. I wanted shelter. His touch wasn’t hungry; it was desperate. His hands weren’t exploring for enjoyment but rather, they were searching for proof that he still belonged in the world. And mine… mine were searching for the same thing. It wasn’t a decision. It was an instinct. Two people flailing in a storm, clutching at one another for dear life, because the alternative is drowning. After, we just lay there. He fell asleep reaching for me in the old way, his breathing calm and slow, heartbeat peaceful. I lay in the dark, every breath counted off as I watched the ceiling, terrified that if I moved, the whole world would know somehow, that something had happened in me that could not be fixed. I couldn’t help but think about the guy I was going out with now. The smile on his face when I entered a room. And the way he tried — so hard! — to make us all happy. I thought about how I had accidentally cheated on him. The guilt was sharp, immediate. But beneath that, some measure of relief. I guess for the first time in months, I simply wasn’t acting. It wasn’t like I had been keeping it all together with smiles and small talk. I wasn’t pretending I was better. I was just being myself — messy, foolish, and still bleeding old wounds — but someone held me anyway. Feel free to read this and think I am an awful human. Maybe I am. Maybe I’m selfish. Maybe I’m weak. But I also know what it feels like to be so alone that you would light yourself on fire just to feel warmth. I haven’t seen him since. I haven’t heard his voice. And maybe I won’t. Although some nights I wake up and my hand is outstretched, searching for a hand that was never there to begin with but suddenly feels like it should be, and my heart breaks as if I am losing him all over again. And on those nights… man, I wish it twice. Not because I want him. Not because I don’t love the man who shares my bed. But because for a night, in a small quiet room with the rain pressing against the window, I felt truly seen. I don’t think I’ll ever feel like that again. — 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: charlesdeluvio on Unsplash The post I Slept With My Ex While Dating Someone New appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

West Jerusalem has demanded that the French leader drop his plan to recognize Palestine Israel has rejected a proposed visit by French President Emmanuel Macron in protest of his plan to formally recognize Palestinian statehood. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar conveyed West Jerusalem’s position on Thursday during a phone call with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot. Saar told Barrot that there is “no room” for Macron’s visit as long as France “persists in its initiative and efforts that harm Israel’s interests,” according to his office. The minister argued that recognizing Palestine would undermine Israel’s security, insisting that Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is “not a reliable partner for dialogue.” Earlier, Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declined Macron’s proposal for a brief visit before the upcoming UN General Assembly session. “We will not allow Macron to have it both ways,” an unnamed Israeli official told the network. Macron has vowed to recognize the State of Palestine at the General Assembly later this month, while calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and for the release of Israeli hostages. He has dismissed Netanyahu’s claims that the move would fuel antisemitism. European countries and the UN have urged Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, where more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Israel has promised to provide more aid but not through distribution centers it says are controlled by Hamas. View the full article

The investment writer Joachim Klement pointed me via his newsletter to a paper that attempts to quantify the impact of sea level rise on cities by 2100 at different degrees of climate change. Allan Hsiao’s paper is short (literally five pages plus references), but it’s for the American Economic Association, so it also has its share of equations. The killer table is below, though, and Klement summarises it like this: Analysing satellite data, he can rank the 30 largest cities by the percentage of infrastructure at risk from sea level rise. The table below shows that for a sea level rise of 1m, Osaka, Jakarta, and Tokyo face the largest possible loss of infrastructure. But once you go to 2m or 3m sea level rise, the cities that are much more at risk are Chinese and Southeast Asian cities, such as Bangkok and Shanghai, which are particularly affected. The 1.5m tipping point The notes say that the percentage shows the proportion of infrastructure that is submerged at different levels of Sea Level Rise (SLR). The tipping point seems to be around 1.5 metres, which sounds fine in theory since the base case IPCC projections are for around a one metre increase by 2100, but that doesn’t allow for subsidence (often caused by water extraction), or the possibility of cascading climate change. Hsaoi summarises his conclusions at the start of the article: How exposed are cities to the threat of sea level rise? I quantify this exposure worldwide with a focus on urban infrastructure. I document three facts. First, Asian cities are highly exposed. Second, poorer cities and neighborhoods are less exposed. Third, exposure accelerates as sea level rise passes 1.5 meters. The actual method is pretty complicated, and involves a huge amount of data—this is one of those studies that would have been unimaginable in the days before computers. The dataset is also available separately on his website. Sea level risk But broadly, he starts with the IPCC sea level rise projections, and uses multiple maps and satellite data to break cities into ‘cells’ of 30 square metres. A set of rules is applied to each cell to decide if it is inundated, and if so, what the impact is on adjacent cells. The model captures permanent risk under SLR (sea level rise). SLR is a relative quantity: Inundation depends on land elevation above sea level, and so it occurs whether the sea rises or the land sinks. Cities thus experience SLR as the sum of global mean SLR and local land subsidence. ­ Fast-subsiding cities experience each SLR scenario before slow-subsiding cities do. But the model doesn’t capture risk from storm surges or tidal surges—the modelling for this would be much more complex. But that does mean that you have to allow for the possibility that in practice these maps might be worse. Infrastructure risk And here’s a couple of his maps, for the worst affected cities at one metre sea level rise and two metre. On the left: Osaka at a one metre rise in sea level, on the right Bangkok at a sea level rise of two metres. As well as just assessing impact, Hsaio is also interested in the social equity of all of this, and that requires more analysis: For a given SLR scenario, I compute the percentage of education, health, and transport infrastructure at risk of inundation in each city. Education infrastructure is schools, health is hospitals and clinics, and transport is highways and primary roads… I define infrastructure exposure as the average of these education,health, and transport percentages. Being a finance guy, Klement wonders about this from the perspective of insurance companies, since, as he points out, there are large chunks of Miami that are largely uninsurable already. Hsaio’s more interested in policy response. Moral hazard Hsiao has also done more specific work on Jakarta, which experiences frequent flooding. There are some interesting conclusions here, broadly that a strong government commitment to sea defences (in Jakarta’s case a sea wall) creates a moral hazard, because it attracts coastal residents, slows inland migration, and lowers the incentives for inland development. The consequence is continued spending on coastal defense and large damages should it fail. Insurance doesn’t work because places that don’t flood don’t want to pool with places that do (“Zurich doesn’t want to pool with Jakarta”). Alternatives that might place more of the financial burden on people who choose to live in coastal areas might work, but is open to political lobbying. And once you’ve decided to go with sea defences, and people decide to live behind them, you face political pressure to keep on strengthening the sea defences. Options Taking the bigger, global picture, Joachim Klement thinks this leaves us with three options. We do nothing and hope that our models are correct in forecasting sea level rise of 1m or less (I call this the ‘what could possibly go wrong’ choice). We continue to accelerate the decarbonisation of our economy to ensure that we have a margin of safety in place, in case our forecasts are overly optimistic (but that would require the coordinated efforts of all countries in the world, including the US). We increase our efforts in climate change adaptation to make sure that when sea levels rise, our infrastructure doesn’t drown. He seems to think we’ll go for option 1. And judging by our current responses to climate change, he’s probably right. The normalisation of climate change But it is maybe also noticing this as part of a wider change—the normalisation of climate change effects in our policy discourse. Similarly, The Conversation had an article by Paul Behrens in the last week about the impact of climate change on food prices. (H/t to Ian Christie for the link). Just a quick couple of extracts from that here: Climate change is pushing up the prices of the food that we buy and therefore changing what we eat. One-third of UK food price increases in 2023 resulted from climate change, according to research by agricultural economists. This extra cost contributed to food price inflation and the UK’s cost-of-living crisis. This trend, he says, is likely to continue. But we can make changes to our diets that reduce the impact: The scientific consensus shows that the biggest opportunity we have for reducing food’s environmental impacts across many countries is increasing the amount of plants we eatand reducing meat and dairy intake… The plant-rich diet we investigated isn’t vegan. It’s not even vegetarian, although it does include a reasonable (and healthier) amount of meat and dairy. Breaking the silos The wider point here is that we’ve now reached a point where climate change has become a fact of life. One of the problems with this is that people in different silos are used to thinking of their climate change problems as being different from other people’s, rather than connected. Another one—this isn’t my point, but it came up in a work meeting and I can’t credit it, at least yet—is that climate change people are used to thinking of themselves as insurgents, or, in Three Horizons language, as the Horizon 2 innovators. But all of this is now firmly in the domain of the people who maintain our Horizon 1 systems, and this requires a whole new language. — Thumbnail image of Shirahama, Japan, by Wikimedia contributor Gpwitteveen, CC BY-SA 4.0 A version of this article is also published on my Just Two Things Newsletter. — Previously Published on thenextwavefutures.wordpress.com 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 The Impact of Sea Level Rise on the World’s Cities appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Indecision parks the bus. Confidence hits the gas. Closed minds ignore the cliff. The Confidence Trap #1 Deceptive belief: Believing something doesn’t make it true. Belief feels powerful—it shapes perception. But if the map is wrong, you’re lost. Check your assumptions. Challenge loud certainty. #2 Destructive sincerity: Sincerity isn’t moral high ground. You can be sincerely wrong. Good intentions don’t guarantee good outcomes. A sincere mechanic can’t fix your teeth. Sincerity without truth is destructive. Combine sincerity with curiosity—What if I’m wrong? #3 Unexamined certainty: Unquestioned confidence kills adaptability. Flexible leaders ask, “What am I missing?” Ego presses forward and suffers. How to lead with confidence: Ego makes certainty dangerous. Humility makes it useful. Humble leaders value truth over ego. Invite constructive dissent. Welcome challenges. Seek alternative points of view. Self-assurance isn’t about being right—it’s commitment to get it right. Humility is open to being wrong. Don’t fake certainty; practice curiosity. Combine boldness with teachability. Anchor to evidence, not emotion. Application: Test your convictions in community. Listen to critics, but don’t obsess over them. You can’t please everyone. Lead with conviction, not arrogance. Self-assurance explores questions. Bravado stifles dissent. Be certain of your purpose, not your perfection. Say, “I might be wrong, but I’m committed to learning what’s right.” Self-assurance rooted in service—not self-importance—builds trust. Lead with purpose, not for glory. People follow leaders who pursue what’s right but don’t need to prove they’re right. Untested assumptions make leadership a runaway train. What dangers of self-assurance do you see? How can leaders determine if their self-assurance is healthy or destructive? 5 Lies About Self-Confidence How to Build Confidence & Improve Performance — 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 Confronting the Confidence Trap appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— The Zero Trust security model is based on a simple yet effective idea of “Never Trust, Always Verify.” Zero Trust assumes that no inside or outside network request can be trusted by default, unlike traditional approaches that relied on a strong perimeter to keep intruders out. Firewalls and VPNs once provided a clear boundary, but in a cloud-first and remote-friendly world, the perimeter no longer exists in any meaningful way. The Zero Trust framework offers a way to address such realities. It is not a product that can be purchased off the shelf, but a mindset and architecture shift. Zero trust can redefine how enterprises grant access, monitor behavior and contain threats if adopted correctly. Why Enterprises Are Moving Toward Zero Trust The push toward Zero Trust isn’t happening in a vacuum. Several factors are accelerating adoption across industries: 1. Remote and Hybrid Work Employees are no longer bound to office space. They connect from coffee shops, airports, or personal devices and networks. This has dramatically expanded the attack surface. Traditional VPNs that such employees used grant broad network access and once authenticated, they create dangerous blind spots. Organizations are recognizing that perimeter defenses alone can’t keep up with modern threats. A stronger approach is to secure every user and access point individually, so that attackers don’t find gaps beyond the network edge. 2. Cloud Adoption Modern day enterprises don’t operate from a single location. Workloads are spread across cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, GCP and many critical apps run on SaaS platforms such as Salesforce or Office 365. Traditional firewalls cannot keep pace with this spread, and security must be moved into the places where data, devices, and users actually are. The sensitive information may fall through the gaps posing breaches and compliance issues. Zero Trust solves this by enforcing security rules consistently. No matter where workloads run whether in the cloud or on-premises. It makes sure that every access request is verified and nothing is trusted by default. 3. Rising Cyber Threats Malicious actors move laterally rather than staying at their initial entry point. They reach systems that should be out of bounds. High-profile breaches like the Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Attack and the SolarWinds Supply Chain Exploit explained how precarious blind trust can be. Their access could have been limited easily if the Zero Trust model had been effectively adopted in their organization. Proactive monitoring and segmented access can stop attackers before they escalate privileges which would have made lateral movement far more difficult. 4. Regulatory Pressure Compliance checklists of HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR demand stronger identity, data, and access controls. These requirements can easily be fulfilled by a Zero Trust architecture and stay ahead of evolving mandates. Organizations that adopt Zero Trust demonstrate due diligence to regulators and customers alike. They also benefit from streamlined audits, since access policies and security controls are already enforced systematically. Many people assume Zero Trust is a product you can just install across an organization. In reality, it’s a strategic approach for a digital world where implicit trust has become the weakest link. Instead of just defending a perimeter, Zero Trust focuses on protecting every user, device, and data asset individually. Core Principles of Zero Trust Architecture Before jumping into implementation, it helps to understand the core principles behind every Zero Trust strategy. These aren’t just abstract ideas, they act as the “rules of the game” that organizations need to follow when building their Zero Trust approach. Least Privilege Access Users, devices, and apps should only have the access they need to get their work done. Giving more than that just creates unnecessary risk. When access is kept tight and consistent, both internal teams and outside vendors are safer, and every permission becomes a deliberate choice. Continuous Verification Trust shouldn’t be a one-time thing. Access decisions don’t end at login, regular context checking should happen such as how a user behaves, the state of their device and where they’re connecting from. Continuous verification makes sure trust is earned all the time, not just assumed, helping spot unusual activity right away. It also makes the organization stronger against insider threats and hacked accounts. Microsegmentation To prevent attackers from freely moving across systems, the network can be divided into smaller parts. Isolated zones can be created so that even if one zone is breached, the blast radius is contained. Granular controls like policy enforcement, allowing organizations to protect critical applications and sensitive data, are all supported by Microsegmentation. Visibility and Analytics It’s essential to have a comprehensive insight into traffic, users, and devices. Enforcement becomes guesswork without visibility. Analytics enables faster detection and mitigation of threats by identifying anomalies and triggering adaptive responses. With a continuous analysis of behavior and patterns, organizations are able to respond to emerging threats immediately rather than reacting after damage. Step by Step Guide to Implementing Zero Trust Step 1 – Assess Your Current Security Posture The first step is not about buying tools but understanding where you stand. First of all create a full inventory of users, devices and applications. Doing this will surface shadow IT, unmanaged devices and unapproved SaaS applications that have been weakening visibility. Next, review your IAM policies, encryption practices, and endpoint compliance standards. Are passwords still the first and only line of defense? Are employees accessing SaaS apps on personal devices with no monitoring? These gaps define the starting line for your Zero Trust journey. Key takeaway – You can’t protect what you don’t know exists, and this baseline becomes your map for where Zero Trust controls should be applied first. Step 2 – Define Protect Surfaces While the term “attack surface” is broad, Zero Trust focuses on protect surface the critical data, applications, and assets that matter most. This may include customer records, payment systems, intellectual property, or regulated workloads. Map out how applications and data interact with these protect surfaces. For example, which APIs touch customer data? Which internal apps access payment systems? This mapping guarantees you don’t miss hidden dependencies. Secure your applications by combining strong authentication, safe coding practices and regular automated checks for vulnerabilities. When you focus on smaller well-defined areas it becomes much easier to set meaningful security boundaries that actually hold. Key takeaway – Shrinking the focus to protect surfaces makes Zero Trust achievable without much hassle. Step 3 – Build Microperimeters and Segment Networks Once protect surfaces are defined, surround them with microperimeter security zones along with custom policies. Unlike a monolithic firewall, microperimeters assure controls are applied closest to the resource. Don’t let a single breach put your whole network at risk. Split your network into separate zones so attackers can’t move freely if one segment is compromised. Using software defined perimeters or virtual network segmentation makes this practical, even in hybrid cloud setups. It also provides your team with greater visibility and control of data moving through the network. Ensure that communication between zones is through TLS/SSL certificates and keep all your data encrypted including in transit. In case of sensitive information, use Data Loss Prevention to prevent any accidental or intentional leaks. Key takeaway – Think of segmentation as fire doors in a building, it doesn’t stop every fire, but it stops flames from spreading unchecked. Step 4 – Enforce Strict Access Controls Zero Trust pivots on the principle that identity is the new perimeter. Organizations should establish layered access controls to enforce this: Identity Controls Adopt Role-Based Access Control or Attribute-Based Access Control to limit permissions. Require Multi-Factor Authentication as a baseline. Conditional access policies should be implemented that factors in context like device type, IP address or geolocation. Device Validation Access should only be granted to compliant devices which have patched OS, up to date security tools and no jailbreak/rooting. Use device certificates or posture check mechanisms before allowing access. Application-Level Policies Build authentication and authorization directly into applications. Limit API integrations with least privilege and monitor third-party access continuously. Key takeaway – Access is never binary. It should adapt in real time based on risk, identity, and device health. Step 5 – Monitor, Analyze, and Adapt Zero Trust is not a one-time project but an ongoing practice. Policies need to be revisited regularly. As business models evolve, new SaaS tools are adopted, or compliance requirements change. Accordingly, your Zero Trust approach must adapt. Continuous monitoring for anomalies should also be done. Suspicious data transfers or unusual logics can also be an early sign of threat in the network. Wherever possible, responses should happen automatically. For instance, if a device stops meeting security requirements, its access can be blocked. If some unusual activity happens the system can ask for extra authentication. Using tools like Security Information and Event Management or User and Entity Behavior Analytics helps you stay aware of what’s going on. Key takeaway – Zero Trust is an ongoing approach, not something you can set once and forget. Conclusion Zero Trust is a cultural and architectural change in enterprise security. It adopts the principle that every user, device, and application has to be proven on a regular basis, instead of assuming insiders can be trusted. The journey for enterprises starts with understanding the current environment and then progressively layering in protection surfaces and segmentations. Zero Trust isn’t a product you can just set up and be done with. It’s more about changing the way trust works in a world where networks don’t really have borders anymore. If you get it right, it keeps your important assets safe, helps with compliance, and makes sure attackers can’t move around freely even if they break in. For most companies, putting Zero Trust in place takes time, but over the long run it makes them much tougher against modern threats. — This content is brought to you by Will Linkbuilding iStockPhoto The post Implementing Zero Trust – Practical Strategies for Eliminating Implicit Trust Across Enterprise Networks appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Kim Krisberg, Public Health Watch The first sign that Lynda Smith had epilepsy happened almost 20 years ago while she was driving down Interstate 30, near Hope, Arkansas, on her way to work at an HVAC installer. First her right leg started shaking uncontrollably. Then her right arm did the same. She used her left arm and leg to veer off the highway and push on the brakes. She arrived at work dazed, bawling and still seizing. Her co-workers called an ambulance. “That was the beginning,” she says. At the time, Smith, now 50, had no health insurance and turned to a local community health center for help. Doctors tried treating her, but it wasn’t working. She was having up to six seizures a day. One of the harshest adjustments was losing the ability to drive. Even harsher, she says, was that some providers treated her like she was faking it. Unable to work, she applied for Arkansas Medicaid and qualified as a low-income parent with minors at home. With coverage, Smith could afford a specialist and more complex care. She got much better, though the medications often made her feel like a “zombie” and she wasn’t seizure-free. Then, in 2017, she moved to Texas. She was born there, and wanted to be near family. She thought she could get Medicaid in the state, but even with little income, she can’t qualify and has been uninsured for eight years. “I can go to any of the four states that border Texas and get Medicaid,” said Smith, who lives in Floresville, southeast of San Antonio. “In Texas, no ma’am.” Lack of health insurance is a well-known barrier to medical care and is especially risky for people living with chronic conditions such as epilepsy. In Texas, the chances of going uninsured are greater because the state — unlike 40 other states — has not adopted Medicaid expansion to widen coverage of low-income adults. That means some low-income Texans with epilepsy may not be eligible for Medicaid until their conditions constitute a severe disability, meaning they can no longer work or are expected to die. If Texas had expansion, adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level — or less than $22,000 a year for a household of one — would qualify for Medicaid. Today, a single parent in Texas can’t qualify if she or he makes more than $1,300 a year. Republican leaders in Texas have long opposed Medicaid expansion, although studies showing it leads to wider access to care, better health outcomes for many and more financial stability for providers, including hospitals. Republicans are concerned about the significant rise in Medicaid enrollment and costs and want to lessen dependence on the program. In 2022, Gov. Greg Abbott told Public Health Watch that expansion is “a tax increase waiting to happen … The best way to get health care insurance is through an employer.” In a 2024 poll, 71% of Texans said they support Medicaid expansion. “There could be such a difference in our patients’ lives if they had insurance,” said Rebecca Moreau, chief operating officer at Epilepsy Foundation Texas, which operates free epilepsy clinics around the state for uninsured adults living at or below 200% of the poverty level. For years, such safety-net clinics, which are funded partly with state dollars, have been a lifeline for poor Texans with the brain disorder, allowing them to access basic neurology services and medications. But the clinics can’t afford to cover all treatment possibilities, such as surgery, even if it’s a patient’s only chance to live seizure-free. “When you’re uninsured,” Moreau said, “treatment options decrease exponentially.” Steep risks and barriers About 3 million U.S. adults, including almost 300,000 Texans, have epilepsy, a chronic neurological disorder characterized by unpredictable seizures. Even with health coverage, research shows people living with it face barriers to continuous care, from high medical costs and unemployment rates to lack of transportation. Their risk of an early death is two to three times greater than the general public’s. Epilepsy can affect people of any age, and there are many causes, including genetic factors, brain abnormalities and traumatic injury, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. About half don’t know the cause of their condition. Not everyone with epilepsy suffers the same type of seizure, either. Some seizures make a person’s muscles wildly contract; others cause a sudden loss of muscle tone. Sometimes there’s no movement at all, yet an “absence seizure” can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness. From the outside, it looks like the person is daydreaming. “Someone could have hundreds of those a day,” Moreau said. “A couple seconds each time, hundreds of times.” Because epilepsy is classified on a spectrum, patients need individualized care and may try many different medications and combinations of therapy before finding a regimen that lets them live as seizure-free as possible. For more than a third of people with epilepsy, the disorder is drug-resistant and seizures continue despite treatment. Affording the care is difficult, and employment options can be limited. Jobs that involve driving, heights or being near fire, for example, might be too dangerous for a person experiencing seizures. The Americans with Disabilities Act offers workplace protections for people with epilepsy, but surveys show people with the disorder continue to report stigma and discrimination on the job; some research shows employers are less inclined to hire someone with epilepsy. The situation means many people hide the condition from their employers, said Kimberly Martin, CEO of Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas, which also runs free epilepsy clinics for uninsured Texans — a total of six serving 79 counties. “Get seizure-free, get a job, have a seizure, lose their job, lose their insurance and they’re back at our clinic,” said Martin. “We see this cycle over and over.” Patients’ experiences are reflected in studies that show epilepsy is associated with higher unemployment, lower income, lack of access to employer-based health insurance, problems paying medical bills and delayed care due to lack of transportation. In Texas, people with uncontrolled seizures are banned from driving; one must be seizure-free for three months to get a license. Nationwide, about 40% of people with epilepsy between ages 18 and 64 depend on Medicaid, according to the nonprofit Epilepsy Alliance America. From doctors to emergency rooms to anti-seizure drugs and costs of assembling documents and filing claims, “it’s an expensive disease,” said Lisa Gallipoli, executive director of the alliance. Soon after Smith moved back to Texas, she got a job she really enjoyed working as a gas station clerk. Even though she had spotty access to medication, she was feeling healthy and hadn’t had a seizure for a while. But she still wasn’t comfortable telling her new boss she had epilepsy. A few months later, Smith witnessed a fatal traffic crash and had a stress-induced seizure. Her co-workers called her an ambulance. Smith didn’t lose her job then, but she had to quit about a year later, as her health worsened and she was having too many seizures each day to safely work. “I loved that job,” she said. “I wanted to stay.” Help from the state, with limits After 2014, when the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion took effect, the number of uninsured people with epilepsy plummeted. Overall, the uninsured rate for U.S. adults ages 18 to 64 and with active epilepsy decreased by more than half, from nearly 18% in both 2010 and 2013 to just more than 7% in 2015 and 2017, according to researchers. How many Texans with epilepsy are uninsured is unclear, but the number is likely significant because the state has not expanded Medicaid and federal data show about half of adults with active epilepsy have low incomes. Texas has the nation’s highest uninsured rate, at almost 22% of working-age adults in 2023. In general, uninsured people with epilepsy face challenges similar to other uninsured patients with chronic conditions, and go without, or ration, needed care and medicines, said Dr. Steven Croft, a Houston neurologist who sees patients at the free clinics run by Epilepsy Foundation Texas. “They have a seizure, they go to the ER, they get loaded with medication, maybe a 30-day supply, and that’s it,” Croft said. But if they’re lucky, someone points them to the foundation for help. In that aspect, Texas is fortunate, said Moreau, the group’s chief operating officer. Most states don’t have places focused on serving uninsured people with epilepsy — places that offer routine care from a specialist. The foundation’s clinics, which reach about 400 patients in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and West Texas, are funded largely by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s Epilepsy Program. The program was established in 1981 through legislation authored by then-state Rep. Frank Madla, a Democrat from the San Antonio area who had epilepsy. Funding for the current five-year grant cycle, 2025-2030, is about $9.3 million, the same as the last cycle, HHSC told Public Health Watch. State-supported epilepsy clinics fill a dire need for the uninsured, but don’t offer all of the treatment options, only basic neurology care. For example, the foundation can’t afford to pay for hospitalization or surgery, which for certain patients is more effective than medications at stopping or reducing seizures. Without insurance, patients also get stuck with expensive emergency room bills they can’t afford to pay. Research shows people with epilepsy use emergency medical services at much higher rates than the general population. “We’re really serving the working poor,” Moreau said. Jose De La Rosa, 42, has been seeing a specialist at the foundation’s Houston clinic for about 10 years. His seizures began as a teenager in California, two or three times a day at first. Credit: Kim Krisberg De La Rosa works in construction and said if he lost access to the clinic’s help, he would try to pay out of pocket for his care. But it would be difficult on his income with two young children and his wife depending on him. With proper treatment, he’s been seizure-free for almost seven years. “The good news is most people’s seizures are controllable,” Croft said. Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas operates similar clinics for about 1,700 low-income, uninsured patients from Austin to the Rio Grande Valley. Rebeca Deluna, social services associate at the nonprofit, said many of their patients struggle with stable employment and transportation. Isolation is also common. “It’s a challenge for them emotionally, it’s a challenge for them physically,” Deluna said. “We really try to overcome all those barriers.” The clinics can be a patient’s home for epilepsy care. But without insurance, their other health care needs may go unaddressed, sometimes making it harder to control the seizures, said Martin, the foundation’s CEO. Unmanaged diabetes, for example, can increase the risk of a seizure. Martin said Medicaid coverage could help their patients cover treatment options the clinic can’t, including surgery or implant devices. The public insurance plan covers transportation to medical appointments, too. Under the current state system, Texans with epilepsy who successfully apply for federal disability assistance are automatically eligible for Texas Medicaid. But Martin said the process is not easy and it’s common for patients to apply and get rejected multiple times. It can take months for a disability applicant to receive a determination, and months more to appeal a denial. “In states that don’t have clinics like ours, people don’t know where to go,” Martin said. HHSC’s epilepsy funding is critical, Martin said, but has never covered the full cost of running the clinics. She’s bracing now for a 15% drop in annual state funds to her organization over the next five-year grant cycle, which starts in September. The nonprofit will need to raise about $170,000 in donations to maintain current service levels in the coming budget year. According to HHSC, the Texas Epilepsy Program, which is funded with general revenue dollars, served about 3,700 people annually in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, down from a reported 13,400 in 2021. HHSC attributed the large decline not to a decrease in patients, but to an improved tracking methodology. “This new method provides a more accurate count of clients served in the program using HHSC funds,” the agency said in a written statement. Federal cuts raise alarms Recent changes at the federal level could make circumstances even harder for people with epilepsy, both coverage-wise and for patients hoping for medical breakthroughs. In the early months of Donald Trump’s second term, epilepsy research and programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health were included in the administration’s scientific layoffs and funding cuts. Trump also signed his “big, beautiful” tax bill in July, which will cut almost $1 trillion in Medicaid spending and mandate work requirements for Medicaid expansion enrollees. About 10 million people are expected to become uninsured in the next decade because of the cuts. It’s too early to know exactly how the changes will impact people with epilepsy. The White House says people with disabilities on Medicaid “will receive no loss or change in coverage.” But Gallipoli, at Epilepsy Alliance America, said it’s hard to believe such a massive Medicaid cut won’t affect people with epilepsy, who are significantly more likely to be insured by the program than those without the disorder. “We need all of our members of Congress to be looking out for people with epilepsy and in the current moment, they are not,” she said. Smith, in Floresville, finally found epilepsy care about four years ago at a clinic run by Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas. Providers there helped her get her seizures under control; now they are few and far between.The last one happened almost a year ago. She can drive again. She got more good news this summer. During an emergency visit for a different health issue that left her with more medical bills she can’t pay, a navigator helped her apply again for Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage. Smith qualified for a zero-premium plan — the only kind she can afford. But she’s scared it might not last. If her premiums increase, which could happen if insurers raise prices and Congress lets enhanced ACA subsidies expire this year, she said she’ll have to drop it. “It’s taken so much away from me,” she said about living with epilepsy. “It steals your time, it takes your memory away … It hinders everything.” This story is part of “Uninsured in America,” a project led by Public Health Watch that focuses on life in America’s health coverage gap and the 10 states that haven’t expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. — This article was originally published by Public Health Watch, a nonprofit investigative news organization. Find out more at publichealthwatch.org. *** 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: publichealthwatch.org/Lynda Smith has been living with epilepsy for almost two decades and struggled for years to get her seizures under control. She’s been uninsured ever since moving back to Texas and can’t qualify for Medicaid. Instead, she depends on a local safety-net clinic. Credit: Billy Calzada The post Having Epilepsy and No Health Insurance Can Exact a Heavy Toll. The Plight Is Likely More Common in Texas. appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— In 2025, creativity is no longer reserved for professional designers or writers with years of training. Thanks to free AI-powered tools, everyone—from tattoo enthusiasts to digital content creators—can bring their ideas to life with precision and personality. Today, we’re highlighting two standout tools that serve very different, yet equally valuable purposes: the Free Tattoo Font Generator by Tat.ink, and the Free AI Humanizer by Decopy.ai. Whether you’re picking the perfect script for your next tattoo or turning robotic AI writing into natural, human-sounding content, these tools are powerful, free, and ready to use—no login required. Tattoo Font Generator: Choose the Right Ink, Before You Ink Tattoos are permanent, but your font choice doesn’t have to be a gamble. The Free Tattoo Font Generator by Tat.ink helps users explore and visualize hundreds of fonts for tattoo designs—instantly. Whether you’re getting a quote, a name, or a meaningful word tattooed, the font you choose affects how the piece feels: bold, elegant, mysterious, or minimalist. Key Features: Real-Time Preview: Type your word or phrase and instantly see it rendered in multiple tattoo-style fonts. Hundreds of Font Options: Gothic, script, blackletter, cursive, tribal, modern, and more. No Design Experience Needed: Just type, scroll, choose, and download your favorite style. Free Image Downloads: Take your font sample to your tattoo artist, use it in a design mockup, or save it for later inspiration. Mobile & Desktop Friendly: Works perfectly on any device, so you can explore tattoo fonts on the go. This free tattoo font generator makes the design phase interactive and stress-free—so you get a tattoo you’ll never regret. AI Humanizer: Make Your Writing Sound Like… You While AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini are great for generating content quickly, their output doesn’t always sound “human.” You might end up with bland phrasing, unnatural tone, or obvious AI cues—especially in formal emails, blog posts, or job applications. That’s where the Free AI Humanizer from Decopy.ai comes in. This powerful yet simple tool transforms AI-generated text into content that reads naturally—like it was written by a real person, not a robot. Key Features: Paste and Humanize: Copy in your AI-generated content and hit “Humanize” to instantly receive a more authentic version. No Sign-Up Needed: Use it anonymously, directly from your browser. Adjusts Tone & Flow: The tool improves sentence rhythm, removes robotic repetition, and adds nuance to your content. Safe for All Uses: Great for blog posts, essays, social media captions, marketing copy, resumes, and more. Completely Free: No word limits or subscriptions required. Why These Tools Are a Perfect Pair At first glance, a tattoo font generator and an AI humanizer might seem unrelated—but both tools serve a common purpose: self-expression with confidence. With ink, you’re customizing how something appears on your body. With ai, you’re customizing how something sounds to your audience. Whether it’s ink on skin or words on a screen, both tools allow you to take control of how your ideas are communicated and perceived. Final Thoughts Whether you’re preparing for a meaningful tattoo or writing content that represents you authentically, these two AI tools have you covered. The Tattoo Font Generator puts creative control in your hands before you commit to ink. The AI Humanizer makes sure your content reflects your voice—not just a machine’s. Both tools are 100% free, beautifully simple, and incredibly useful. Perfect for everyday creators, writers, and anyone who cares about how they look or sound—online or offline. — This content is brought to you by Hussain Ali Photos provided by the author. The post Design Boldly and Write Authentically: Two Free AI Tools That Let You Express Yourself Better appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

“We all experience numbness when we’ve been in pain for too long because we’re simply too exhausted to process our own emotions anymore. But eventually, we feel again…the highs and the lows, the joys and the sorrows. If you’re a deep-feeler, nubness will always be a short reprieve. You cannot hold back an ocean.” — Ranata Suzuki I have been in a state of emotional numbness( or Emotional Detachment) in a certain stage of my life. It was not what I wanted for myself, but as life passed by, the hardships associated with it made me accept it as a kind of power — a power I possessed to escape from the overwhelming life events I was experiencing. As time passed, I started to delve into it more deeply and began to feel like it was one of my strengths, but sadly, it is not. This feeling leaves individuals feeling disconnected from both their inner emotions and the outside world; it’s like observing life through a fog, rather than living it. It is often triggered by conditions like depression, grief, anxiety, or trauma; it’s the brain’s protective “freeze” response to overwhelming emotional pain. Classic signs include: Feeling emotionally flat or robotic. Disinterest in activities that once brought joy. Sense of detachment from self and others. Difficulty forming connections or maintaining relationships. Withdrawal or social isolation. Inability to feel sadness or enthusiasm. For me, it was as if life was on autopilot, unable to connect with my feelings, my surroundings, or my loved ones, even as life moved on around me. It helped me do the things I wanted to and was supposed to do without any pain or emotion, like a robot. It was as if my brain just froze when the emotional overload was unbearable. Living through emotional numbness can be disorienting. You may do all the tasks — work, chores, socializing while feeling nothing. Hobbies feel empty, conversations feel distant, and even love feels muted. It’s like wearing an emotional blindfold. During my journey through this, my partner’s love, understanding, and unintentional actions acted as a lifeline that helped me reconnect with my own life. It was not easy, but as time passed by, I recovered from it somehow completely. Here’s how she helped me heal: 1.Consistent Communication & Emotional Safety: It was not easy for me to open up to my partner in the beginning stage of our relationship. Also, I was a person who used to give emotional support to people whenever they needed me, making it hard for me to share everything so easily, and being an introvert and an unexpressive person increased the difficulty. But my partner, being curious about me, wanted to know why I am feeling the way I am. This small act of sharing everything lightened me from being cold. It created a safe space between us where we could trust each other and share anything and everything. My partner never failed to give me reassurances and ask the question that mattered to me most back then — “Are you okay?” This became a habit over time between both of us, and I started realizing that letting myself out was okay! These consistent, genuine check-ins without pressure or judgment signaled one simple truth to me: I mattered. 2. Invisible Support: My partner offered support that I could feel but seldom see — Encouragements, pushing me to do more, believing in me, forcing me to create new hobbies — these subtle things helped reduce my stress and build trust without making me feel incapable. These gestures reinforced that she was there for me, even when I couldn’t reach back emotionally at times. 3.Shared Rituals: We started many rituals together— Reading books, playing online games, watching YouTube and having discussions. These mustered tiny emotional sparks in me — some laughter, tears, comfort. Over time, these tiny sparks helped rekindle emotional warmth. 4. Sense of purpose: Amid the emotional numbness, I was in the middle of rediscovering myself, and I had lost any sense of purpose. My partner acted as a mirror — I mattered to someone, and that gave my life meaning again. It helps me work harder towards my goals- for myself and for us, for a brighter and purposeful future together. … Parting Lines Emotional numbness is not a personal failure. It’s a temporary refuge — one that becomes harmful over time. Though recovery involves therapy, mindfulness, and creative reconnection, the compassionate presence of a loved one, someone who holds space without judgment or giving up, can make the difference between lingering numbness and genuine rediscovery. Today, I feel more alive than I have in months, and credit the gentle support of my partner as a cornerstone of that healing. –Anushka & Vishnu — 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: Stormseeker On Unsplash The post This Is What Emotional Numbness Really Feels Like — And How I Escaped It appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Rhett Ayers Butler Tim Christophersen argues that humanity’s crises of climate, biodiversity, and pollution stem from a fractured relationship with nature—one that cannot be abandoned, only repaired. He sees restoration as both urgent and possible: ecosystems, once given diversity and space, can recover quickly, offering resilience, carbon storage, and abundance. From UN diplomacy to corporate initiatives, he presses for treating ecosystems as essential infrastructure, requiring imagination, investment, and a “century of ecology” to secure civilization’s future. Christophersen was interviewed by Mongabay Founder and CEO Rhett Ayers Butler in August 2025. See All Key Ideas The forests of northern Europe provided Tim Christophersen with his first education. As a child in rural Germany he followed his grandfather, a forest ranger, on long walks among the trees. Fishing trips and mushroom hunts instilled habits of observation that would shape his later career. Today, after decades spent in international negotiations and corporate boardrooms, he still returns to nature daily, tending a regenerative farm outside Copenhagen. The rhythm of that farm, he says, reveals the “flywheel” of ecological balance: diversity begets resilience, resilience produces abundance. The contrast with industrial agriculture—built on simplification, fossil fuel inputs and fragile yields—is stark. This dual perspective, part diplomat and part farmer, underpins Christophersen’s views on humanity’s entanglement with the natural world, explored in his book Generation Restoration: How to Fix Our Relationship Crisis with Mother Nature. There he argues that the crises of climate, biodiversity and pollution are not external threats but symptoms of a broken relationship with nature. Repairing that relationship, he insists, is not optional. Unlike a failing marriage, humanity cannot simply walk away. Without functioning ecosystems, civilization itself is imperilled. Yet Christophersen’s analysis is not bleak. He stresses that nature is an ally as much as a victim. Forests, peatlands and mangroves can store carbon at vast scale, buffer coasts from storms, secure water supplies and rebuild soil. Even amid accelerating loss, restoration can succeed quickly once diversity is re-established. The evidence, he suggests, is there for anyone who cares to imagine landscapes not as they are—dry, degraded, denuded—but as they might be if given space to recover. Imagination, for him, is central. He worries about “shifting baselines”: the gradual amnesia that blinds each generation to past abundance. Children today may take silent seas or treeless plains as normal. Overcoming this requires both science and storytelling, to remind societies that the present scarcity is neither natural nor inevitable. He invokes Hölderlin, the German poet, who wrote that “where there is danger, the saving powers also grow.” In Christophersen’s view, solutions are already sprouting—in new technologies, in shifting financial flows, and in the persistence of ecosystems themselves. His years at the United Nations Environment Programme taught him the value of patient diplomacy, but also the limitations of policy without capital. He now works from the private sector, seeking to channel corporate resources toward restoration. At Salesforce, he champions initiatives from mangrove coalitions to AI-powered ecological tools. He argues that treating ecosystems as infrastructure—no less vital than roads or energy grids—could unlock both political will and investment. The sums required are vast, but the costs of neglect are larger still. The Amazon’s looming dieback, coral reefs under siege, and thawing permafrost offer reminders of how little time remains before ecological tipping points cascade beyond control. Still, Christophersen insists that a “century of ecology” can follow this UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, provided societies learn to see economy and ecology not as rivals but as two expressions of the same root idea: the management of our common home. In conversation, he returns often to the personal. Food, he says, is the daily expression of nature on our plates. Asking where it comes from, and what ecosystems sustained it, is the simplest starting point for reconnection. Nature, after all, is waiting. An interview with Tim Christophersen Mongabay: What first sparked your passion for nature and environmental restoration? Tim Christophersen: I grew up in a small village surrounded by forests, and there was not much else to do than spending time in nature. My grandfather was a forest ranger who took me out for long walks, and I went mushroom hunting, fishing and camping from an early age. And while most kids both at that time and today have a very different childhood, usually within cities, I agree with E.O. Wilson’s ‘biophilia’ theory: humanity has lived from and with nature during basically all of our existence, and a deep understanding and love for nature is hardwired into our genes and brains. That passion for other life lives within each one of us, and it keeps bubbling up to the surface. We currently see a resurgence of that deep connection between humans and nature, and a new state of consciousness around the world is emerging. As nature is under existential threat, millions of young people and people of all ages realize this means that we are under threat, too. Mongabay: After 25 years working to protect biodiversity and address climate change, what gives you the most hope? Tim Christophersen: What gives me most hope is that nature is our staunchest ally! Nature is incredibly resilient, strong and patient. As we realize that we are part of nature, we will rise to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss and pollution. It is the only possible outcome for humanity, because the alternative is unthinkable. Runaway climate change, large-scale ecosystem collapse and lethal levels of pollution would mean the end of civilization as we know it, possibly for centuries to come. I am sure we are not ready to give in to that fear and anxiety. Instead, we can still choose a positive future, if we have the right narrative and vision. “Where there is danger, the saving powers also grow” is a saying attributed to 19th century German poet Friedrich Hölderlin. We are seeing a strong and fast growth of powerful solutions, both in technology and in our relationship with nature. The inertia of existing systems and power structures is strong, but the force of renewal, innovation and collaboration have always been stronger in the long term. Mongabay: In your book, you mention “shifting baseline syndrome.” How can we overcome it? Tim Christophersen: The cure for shifting baseline syndrome – the gradual amnesia of what natural abundance and diversity look like – is imagination! It can be triggered by storytelling based on the scientific evidence of the true wealth of nature. Imagine if we would see landscapes around us not as they are, but as they could be if they were fully restored. I don’t mean restored in the sense of going back to some romanticized past and static ecological state. I mean restored in terms of nature and humans living in a mutually beneficial and fully intentional, healthy, and productive relationship. That is within reach if we have basic ecological literacy, and the right imagination. Generative AI can help with creating that knowledge and imagination. Take for example the Mediterranean basin, now plagued by record drought, fire, and floods. A geological millisecond ago, countries like Spain, Italy and Greece and also Morocco, Tunisia or Egypt were mostly covered in towering forests, providing for a cool, moist climate, fertile soil, and abundant nature on which all ancient civilizations in the area built their prosperity and naval power. All of that natural wealth has disappeared. We live in a ‘ten percent world’, as I describe in the book. And at the same time, we are the first generation that has the scientific knowledge, and the technological and financial means to restore entire biomes to that previously unimaginable levels of productivity and abundance. An exciting opportunity! But we first need the imagination to get started. We need to understand our role on this planet as stewards of nature. We are Earth’s most powerful ecosystem engineer, and we can use that power for good. Mongabay: You’ve worked at high-level political negotiations and in the corporate sector—where do you see the greatest potential for transformative action on the environment? Tim Christophersen: I have tried to distill 25 years of experience on climate and nature policy and projects around the world into my book. In my view, the greatest untapped potential for more decisive action is in more effective collaboration between the public and private sector, which can spark a virtuous cycle of creating more political will and more resources. One key step would be to lift the discussion about ecosystem restoration to the same level of discussion we have about other essential infrastructure. Germany, for example, has just committed several hundred billion Euros for improving the country’s infrastructure. Having sufficient clean water, sufficient nutritious food, and a stable climate are essential infrastructure for any country’s future, including for its defenses. However, we don’t see nature in that way yet, and still take her for granted. This might change with recent rulings from the International Court of Justice, requiring countries to address climate change, and with changes in how countries measure national wealth, which now includes the state of natural capital. We are on a better track than we think, and we need the public sector to provide more courageous, clearer policy and market signals, and the private sector to be more bold and open to new public-private partnerships. Mongabay: Why is ecosystem restoration critical for addressing climate change? Tim Christophersen: Mongabay: When I worked for the UN Environment Programme, our team issued a report on the potential of nature-based solutions for climate mitigation. We found that nature can solve about one third of the climate crisis in terms of putting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere back into biomass, soils, and the depth of the ocean. However, that is only part of the story. The other part of climate action from ecosystem restoration is in resilience and adaptation to climate change. We are now in the process of overshooting the 1.5 degree Celsius global warming target of the Paris Agreement. Climate change is upon us. Nature can help us to adapt by securing water, food, and buffer us from extreme weather events. Mangrove forests, for example, are an effective coastal protection against storm surges. They have disappeared from much of their original range, but we can bring them back. Every ecosystem and biome, from peatlands to wetlands, grasslands, forests and the ocean, holds multiple benefits, beyond addressing climate change, for humanity and for all other species if we would restore them at scale. Mongabay: What have you learned from your own regenerative farm in Denmark about restoring nature at a local level? Tim Christophersen: One chapter in the book is about our own farming adventure that started 5 years ago when we bought an old dairy farm, which we are now converting to an agro-forestry permaculture. We are learning new things every day about the life around us that we share the farm with. The biggest learning is that nature works like a flywheel: with critical mass and momentum, it becomes self-stabilizing. Once there is sufficient diversity, nature runs beautifully and in a self-correcting way, producing abundance including a surplus that can be harvested. All we need is diversity, and nature will provide abundance, over time. Industrial farming pushes for the exact opposite. Instead of diversity, we have pushed for simplification. The abundance we seem to see in industrial farming is based on a trick to pump external energy in the form of industrial fertilizers, fossil fuels, and pesticides into the few remaining plant and animal species on factory farms. The model is now coming to a dead end, because the flywheel of nature has almost stopped on those farms. And once it stops, no amount of industrial input can replace soil biodiversity, or the natural equilibrium of nutrients, or the natural carbon and water cycle. What we still need to learn is how to monetize our regenerative form of farming in a way that allows for sufficient income. Some regenerative farms have solved this issue, but it takes time, and initial investment, with higher productivity in the long term. Fortunately, agricultural subsidies are starting to shift towards regenerative agriculture in the EU, though the process is still too slow. Mongabay: Can you share a favorite success story from your time at UNEP or Salesforce where environmental action clearly made a difference? Tim Christophersen: There are many! One of my favorites is the establishment of the Climate Finance Unit in my Team in UNEP’s Ecosystem Division in 2017. At the time, investing in nature conservation and restoration at commercial scale was a rare occasion. The multilateral development banks, including the World Bank Group, were not investing sufficiently in nature, and private finance was not flowing, because it was an unknown asset class with unknown risks. Since 2017, UNEP and the UNEP Finance Initiative have systematically built the foundations for nature as an asset class, together with many others. And we now see the results. UNEP’s State of Finance for Nature annual report, which my team started in 2021, shows that just in the past few years, since 2020, private investments in nature have gone up eleven-fold, to over $100 billion per year. This is still only ten percent of the estimated need to invest in nature, but it is a good start. Another great success story from my time at Salesforce is the Global Mangrove Breakthrough. It started as a small idea to form a coalition in support of the world’s mangroves, and now has well over 100 governments, companies, and all the major NGOs working closely together to achieve a collective finance goal of $4 billion toward the restoration and conservation of 15 million hectares of mangroves. We are proud to be the initial funder of the Breakthrough initiative, and of 12 mangrove projects around the world. Mongabay: What role do you think large technology companies should play in global sustainability? Tim Christophersen: I like working for Salesforce because the company puts its money where its mouth is. In addition to having a $100 million grant fund for nature and sustainability, and being a global leader on decarbonization, we invest significantly in carbon credits from nature-based solutions such as agro-forestry, or mangrove restoration. And our team has a goal to conserve and restore 100 million trees by 2030. I describe in the book some of the main lessons we have learned. As a tech company, we can of course also bring our ‘superpower’ of our technology into the equation for a nature positive world. Through a program called the Agents for Impact Accelerator, we have helped NGOs like the Forest Stewardship Council, Rare, and the Ocean and Risk Resilience Action Alliance to tap into the power of AI to improve and scale their programs. I hope we will see more of the essential capacity building for the nature movement, as we need to ensure this powerful new technology is a force for good. Mongabay: What practical steps can ordinary individuals take to contribute to the restoration of our planet? Tim Christophersen: The main change is first and foremost a change in how we see the world. As agricultural pioneer Don Campbell once put it “‘If you want to make small changes, change the way you do things. If you want to make major changes, change the way you see things.” We are now at a time in history and in climate change where making small changes is no longer enough, so we have to change the way we see nature, and our role in it. So the practical step for everyone is simply to learn more about nature, to be curious, and spend time in nature. To listen and observe, until we understand that we are part of nature, and we live from nature everywhere, all of the time. Once everyone builds a deeper relationship with nature, changes in our actions will come naturally, like eating a more plant-rich, local and seasonal diet, and learning more about ecology. Nature’s rights will be recognized more formally in our laws, instead of seeing all other species as a commodity. And we will more openly acknowledge that other species are closely related to us, and we to them. These changes in our behavior will come on gradually, once we have made the fundamental shift of how we see the role of ourselves on Planet Earth: we are the guardians and gardeners of creation. We are Earth’s most powerful ecosystem engineer. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 marks the beginning of this necessary mindshift. It is an idea whose time has come. As Jane Goodall writes in her foreword, “Let us enter into a new era of moral and spiritual evolution”. Mongabay: What do you mean when you describe our current situation as a “relationship crisis with nature”? Tim Christophersen: The signs of that relationship crisis are all around us. Our global climate, after ten thousand years of relative stability, is spiraling out of control. Ecosystems are imploding. We are now in the sixth planetary mass extinction event – the first one caused by a single species: us. Since the 1970s alone, we have lost about 70 percent of all wildlife populations, according to WWF’s Living Planet Index. If this was a human relationship, I would say we are headed for divorce. But unlike in a human relationship, we cannot divorce from nature, because we cannot live without nature. We have no choice but to repair the relationship, because we otherwise undermine our own well-being and ultimately our survival. What we tend to underestimate in the relationship with nature are the power structures. We believe we are stronger than nature, because we can turn a forest into a parking lot, and cultivate and even genetically modify species. However, nature is infinitely more resourceful, resilient, and patient than we are. So rather than a marriage, our relationship with nature is perhaps more like that of a rebellious child who believes they have it all figured out. In fact, we don’t even play in the same league yet at nature’s ingenuity. And the sooner we recognize how much we still need to learn, the better. Recent advances in ecology are mind-blowing, and show that nature is so much more sophisticated than we ever imagined. It is becoming clear that collaboration and synergies are more important organizing principles of nature than competition, and we need to learn from that. Competition is often mistaken as the inherent main organizing principle of human society, when in fact it should be collaboration. In the book, I trace the philosophical origins behind some of the underlying principles that are at the heart of some of our current challenges. It is fascinating to me that much of the world seems to be on a philosophical autopilot programmed about 300 years ago during the so-called era of ‘Enlightenment’. Mongabay: You advocate that restoring nature is economically beneficial—why then do you think we are still slow to invest in it? Tim Christophersen: Financial institutions like banks and pension funds are not yet investing significantly in nature and ecosystem services because it has not been a well-defined asset class, like real estate or technology, for example. That has made it difficult to correctly price risks and invest at large scale. This situation is now improving due to initiatives like the Responsible Banking Initiative and the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, which are helping to establish nature as an investable asset class. The other change we still need is to better recognize ecosystem services, such as clean water, and link their maintenance with the consumers of nature’s goods and services. And finally, we have to stop spending taxpayer money on destroying nature, through harmful subsidies for industrial pesticides and fertilizers, for example. In the case study from Andhra Pradesh in the book, the state government is saving about $1 billion per year in fertilizer subsidies because they have restored soil biodiversity as the main driver of agricultural productivity. The return of their investment comes in the form of more public goods, and monetizing these for private investors has been difficult to date. Fortunately, there are huge strides in technology, including artificial intelligence and in financial technology, to enable the development of high quality nature conservation and restoration projects at large scale, and related significant investments. Mongabay: What do you hope will be the lasting impact of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030)? Tim Christophersen: Ten years are not sufficient to ‘halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide’ which is the sweeping goal of the UN Decade. The Decade can trigger awareness and the basic ecological literacy, which I also write about in my book, to lead into a new relationship between humans and nature. I suggest we need a century of ecology to repair our relationship with nature, and the basic life support systems of our common home. Ecology and economy have the same roots in ancient Greek, one is the knowledge of our common home, and the other the management of it. We cannot run a global economy without the fundamental knowledge of ecology. The UN Decade can usher in this century of ecology, and the ecological literacy we need to rediscover a mutually beneficial relationship with nature. And it is already happening. China even made the ‘ecological civilization’ the main focus of their Presidency of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Decision makers are waking up to the fact that we have basically been flying the global economy blind, without ecological knowledge. The good news is that everybody can contribute to our global ecological literacy by getting closer to nature. Mongabay: Which global biodiversity hotspot or ecosystem gives you the greatest concern today, and why? Tim Christophersen: Scientists have identified several planetary-scale ecological tipping points in the climate system, which could shift Earth irreversibly and rather quickly into a different ecological state if they are triggered. They include Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheet meltdown, the widespread dieback of coral reefs, and the thawing of permafrost. The one that worries me the most is the potential of the Amazon basin flipping from a moist tropical rainforest to a savannah woodland, with more frequent droughts and fires. Because it is a tipping point we are fairly close to, and it would not only destroy a lot of unique biodiversity, but also endanger most of South America’s agriculture, and could cause a cascading effect to trigger other tipping points. Fortunately, the current government in Brazil has slowed deforestation rates in the Amazon, as have other countries that share the Amazon basin, and projects like the Arc of Restoration are aiming to bring back millions of hectares of degraded rainforest across the Amazon. The danger of this tipping point for our global civilization is one of the reasons we need the UN Climate Summit in November, COP30, to be a success. It will contribute to turning the tide on ecosystem degradation, and we should all support the government of Brazil in their efforts to have a strong outcome of the Summit. Mongabay: If people could do just one thing to start reconnecting with nature, what would you recommend? Tim Christophersen: Think about what you eat and drink. Your food is your daily dose of nature. Which farms produced it? How do they contribute to restoring nature, or are they rather degrading nature? Where does your water come from? Find out which ecosystems filter and store your drinking water, and how you can better connect with them and protect and restore those ecosystems. Make nature tangible for you. Make your connection with nature count, and build a personal relationship with nature. Nature will answer your queries and your curiosity! We are all part of nature, and that is why we will collectively rise to the challenge to defend and restore nature. Nature is waiting. It is time to come home. Christophersen’s website: TimChristophersen.com Header image: Redwoods in the San Francisco Bay Area in August 2025. Image by Rhett Ayers Butler — Previously Published on news.mongabay with Creative Commons Attribution — 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: iStock.com The post Ecosystems as Infrastructure: Tim Christophersen on How to Rebuild Humanity’s Ties to Nature appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Homeownership and Stability Homeownership is considered to be a pillar of stability and individual accomplishment. A home to create life, make memories and escape. Yet that stability is on the structure itself. Neglecting the gradual silent indicators of decay and disrepair can make the most valuable thing to you a very costly liability. The key to escape this trap is no secret, it is regular, seasonal maintenance. By addressing minor matters on a year-round basis, you can avoid the type of calamitous breakdowns which translate into four-figure and five-figure repair bills. This is not about taking on a little extra thing to add to the already overloaded to-do list, it is really a matter of being smart and proactive. Think of it as an investment in your home’s future and your own peace of mind. Just by taking a few minutes to check your roof, gutters, heat and air conditioning, and the exterior surfaces about every season you will save yourself a ton of stress and money later. We can deconstruct why this proactive is one of the most responsible things you can do as a homeowner. The Roof is the First Defense of Your Home Your roof is taking the beating of all seasons- scorching summer sun, torrent seasonal rains, autumn leaves, and winter ice. Lacking attention to it is a guaranteed invitation to calamity. Even a little, undetected leakage can cause rotted wood, ruined insulation and a severe mold issue within your walls and attic. Spring Roof Check-Up Once all the winter snow and ice has melted, then it is an excellent time to check on your roof. Find shingles that are curling, cracked or missing. Be careful of the flashing of chimneys, vents, and skylights, which are prone to failure. Any hole that is compromised is an invitation to water to creep in during the heavy spring storms. It is much less expensive to fix these small problems in the early stages such as putting a few shingles, or re-sealing the flashing, than it is to clean up a large amount of water damage. Autumn Preparation Getting rid of debris on your roof before the winter comes is important. Heaps of wet leaves may trap moisture against your shingles causing them to rot at an increased rate and algae or moss to grow. Another visual check is also appropriate now so that you can be sure that your roof can hold the snow and the pressure of ice dams. One needs a sound and properly-maintained roof that will cover all that is beneath the roof. The Unsung Hero: Your Gutter System One of the least considered parts of a home is gutters, but they have a very important role to play. They push thousands of gallons of water off the foundation of your house, its siding and landscaping. Once they are clogged, this water has no place to flow but down your walls and to the ground just beside your foundation. The Dangers of Clogged Gutters During fall and spring, gutters are clogged with leaf, twigs and other debris. Otherwise they will overflow. Such overflow may cause a number of expensive issues: Damage to Foundation:The pooling of water on your foundation may result in foundation cracks as well as water leakages resulting in a wet basement and weakening the structural integrity of your house. Damage to Siding and Masonry:The water continuously dripping down your siding may cause rot in wood, staining in your vinyl siding, and mortar removal in your brick and stone. Ice Dams:This occurs when gutters blocked with ice in winter form ice dams. Melted snow accumulates, refreezes at the overhang of your roof, and may cause considerable damage by pressing water up under your shingles. Washing your gutters at least two times a year, once in late spring and once in late fall, is the job that cannot be compromised. It is a non-complicated, preventive measure that can avoid a chain of costly, and complicated fixes. Breathing Easy: Maintenance of HVAC Systems The core of comfort in your home is your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It labours so hard to ensure you are cool during summer, and warm during winter. It is like any complex machine that needs frequent tune ups to run effectively and continually. Such neglect will cause not only increased energy expenses but also the danger of a total failure of the entire system, when it is most needed, usually in the most extreme weather. Biannual Professional Check-Ups Have your air conditioner and furnace serviced by a professional in the spring and the fall respectively. A technician will also clean the parts, verify the levels of refrigerant and electrical contacts and verify that the system is in optimum operation. This preventive maintenance will save your unit life, increase the efficiency of your operation, and will save you the panic attacks of the mid-summer air conditioner malfunction or the freezing of your unit on the lowest night of the winter. One thing you can easily change on your own is to replace the air filter once in 1-3 months. When the filter becomes clogged, the system will have to labor more, increasing your energy usage and unnecessary stress to the motor. Keeping Your Curb Appeal and Structural Integrity Your home and the roof, as well as inner mechanisms, are as important as the exterior. As time passes, your siding, driveway, and walkways collect a coating of dirt, algae, mold, and mildew. This accumulation goes beyond being something unpleasant to look at; it may have actual, permanent harm. Mold or mildew may dissolve paint and building siding materials and algae can cause walking paths and driveways to be very slippy. This grime is able to trap moisture which may speed up the rotting of wood and dissolve the mortar between bricks. It is here that professional cleaning plays the crucial role of seasonal maintenance. Residential driveway and siding power washing services in Indianapolis IN may be among the widest decisions that homeowners make in order to safeguard their investment. A professional clean eliminates the damaging contaminants, regaining the look of your home and eliminating the wear and tear of the exterior surfaces of your buildings. This lowly thing might save your siding, your concrete, and your brick. Being in Charge of the Health of Your Home A responsible homeowner also involves changing your mindset to stop reacting but rather be proactive. You do not have to wait until the ceiling leaks, the basement gets flooded, or the AC goes out to start doing something about it. When you combine these seasonal maintenance activities with your annual routine, you are not only doing any chores, you are literally safeguarding your biggest investment. An inspection of the roof, the gutters, a professional service to your HVAC and exterior, a weekend is a tip you reap the benefits many times over. It spares you the economic induction of finding yourself in the situation of having to make hefty repairs to your house whose causes remain unknown and the invaluable peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that your home is safe, secure, and in a good condition. — This content is brought to you by Sky Link Building iStockPhoto The post The Role of Seasonal Maintenance in Preventing Costly Repairs appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

We expect love to be loud. We think it will come in grand gestures — roses, confessions, fireworks. But more often, it’s hidden in moments so small you almost miss them. Neuroscience calls it micro-affection: the unconscious, almost automatic ways we signal care. Your brain recognizes these cues faster than your mind can process them — which is why sometimes you “just know” someone loves you, even before they’ve said a word. … 1. They Remember the Small Stuff Not your birthday or your favorite color — anyone can do that. They remember how you take your coffee, the exact way you laugh when you’re tired, the name of the song you hummed months ago. It’s their way of saying: I see you. I keep you in mind even when you’re not here. … 2. They Tilt Their Body Toward You A subtle one, but powerful. When someone loves you, their body naturally turns toward yours — shoulders, knees, even feet. It’s called proxemics, the science of personal space. Love makes people want to close the gap. … 3. They Notice Your Silence Anyone can listen when you talk. But the ones who love you? They notice when you stop. They hear the pause, the shift in tone, and ask, “Are you okay?” — not to fix you, but to stand beside you in the quiet. … 4. They Adjust for Your Comfort Pulling the blanket higher when you’re half-asleep. Switching sides of the street because the sun is in your eyes. Slowing their pace so you can keep up. It’s their way of saying: Your ease matters to me more than my own convenience. … 5. They Share Their Last Bite Anthropologists say food sharing is one of the oldest human bonding rituals. When they offer you the last fry, the bigger slice, or their favorite piece, they’re sending a primal message: I want you to have the best of what I have. … 6. They Mirror Your Mood Without Realizing Watch closely — do they light up when you’re excited? Do they frown when you’re worried? This isn’t just empathy — it’s called emotional contagion. When love runs deep, your emotional state becomes a shared experience. … 7. They Show Up Not just for the big moments, but for the in-between ones — the airport drop-offs, the late-night phone calls, the “just checking on you” texts. Because love isn’t always about doing something special. It’s about being there, consistently. … The Quiet Truth Love doesn’t always announce itself with a bang. Sometimes it’s just a coffee placed in your hand, a blanket tucked under your chin, a “text me when you get home.” If you pay attention, you’ll see that the loudest declarations of love are often whispered. — 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: Timo Stern on Unsplash The post 7 Tiny Ways People Show They Love You (Without Saying It Out Loud) appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Learning about your ancestry can offer deep meaning. However, sharing such information with your parents must be done tactfully and with a plan. This is not only a matter of fact. It involves dealing with feelings, respecting boundaries, and fostering connection. This article provides practical tips on navigating these discussions. Respect family history conversations, valuing your parents’ opinions and memories. Preparing for the Conversation: Mindset and Research Taking time to prepare the ground before any conversation is held is necessary. This preparation can be useful in making the conversation constructive and respectful to all parties. Know Your Goals Understand your motivation for giving such information. Is it to bond, gain medical history, or preserve stories? Knowing your primary motivation guides the discussion. It maintains a positive conversation and does not overburden your parents. You must know what you would like to achieve. Gather Facts Present your findings in an organized fashion. Begin with the most informative or provable fact. Determine the gaps or sensitive areas. Make yourself willing to admit that you are in these uncertainties. Furthermore, do not present speculations as facts. Some people explore records on platforms such as MyHeritage. However, they should keep in mind that these are starting points for discussion, not final truths. Weigh the Emotions Think about how your parents might react to receiving this information. Could this news make them happy, confused, sad, or resistant due to past experiences? Considering their feelings helps you talk with more empathy. It prepares you to respond in a supportive way. Choosing Your Approach How and when you begin this conversation significantly influences its outcome. The right environment and opening can make parents feel safe and respected. Finding the Right Moment Take a peaceful, private moment free from distractions and without a deadline. Avoid family gatherings or stressful times. For instance, a quiet afternoon at home gives a relaxed feeling. This creates openness and attempts to reduce defensiveness. Ensure that you spend sufficient time engaging in a purposeful conversation. Opening Lines That Invite Collaboration Start gently. Invite them to explore together, not to present final truths. Use phrases like, “I have looked into our family background and found some interesting things. Would you be open to talking about it sometime?” or “I found some info about Grandpa’s side. Could I share it with you and hear your thoughts?” This sets a collaborative tone and effectively starts the family history talk. Navigating Resistance or Hesitation If parents seem hesitant, don’t push them. Acknowledge their feelings. You might say, “I understand this is unexpected or brings up a lot.” Trust can be created by respecting their pace. And you can delicately raise the subject again at a later date in case it seems appropriate. Tools and Techniques for Sharing Your Findings Sharing your discoveries turns a solo performance into an engaging conversation. Focus on connecting with your parents and valuing their insights. Presenting Information as a Starting Point Introduce your findings tentatively. Use phrases like, “I found this record suggesting…” or “This photo album shows… what do you remember?” Position information as clues or prompts for discussion, not definitive conclusions. This invites their knowledge and corrections. Interactive Methods to Engage Parents Make the conversation real. Use maps, pictures, heirlooms, or documents as visual aids. Proposing a joint family tree initiative may be especially useful. Working on it together provides a neutral, constructive focus and visualizes connections. Frame it as, “I thought we could start mapping this out together; your memories are the key pieces.” Documenting Their Reflections and Stories Stay active and interested when they express their memories and opinions. The queries should be open-ended to get elaborate answers. As an example, you may ask the question, “What was your grandma like?” Consider taking notes or recording stories after seeking permission. Emphasize that their personal stories are invaluable for completing the picture. Sharing family history sensitively means prioritizing their lived experiences over documents. Transforming Insight into Shared Legacy The conversation’s value extends beyond the initial sharing. It’s about preserving meaning and deciding how this knowledge lives on for future generations. Deciding Together What to Preserve and How There are many ways to save stories and information. Try digital archives, scrapbooks, written stories, or audio recordings. Never go beyond what they want to keep or share. This is a collaborative effort, so you can feel a sense of belonging. Research by the Pew Research Center shows that knowing your family history makes you who you are. That’s how important family memories are. Handling New Information: Continuing the Dialogue Frame this as an ongoing journey, not a single conversation. Let them know if you discover more and gauge their interest in future updates. Say, “I might find more details later. Would you like me to share anything new with you?” Keeping the door open respects their ongoing role. Honoring Sensitive or Complex Histories Some discoveries may involve hardship, loss, or unexpected truths. Acknowledge these complexities with compassion. Avoid judgment and focus on understanding the context and resilience involved. Not all family roots are easy; honoring them means acknowledging the full spectrum of experiences with respect. Navigating Challenges in Family Discussions An obstacle may apply to discussions even when one is prepared. Boundaries and patience are paramount factors to respect. Responding To Skepticism or Emotional Pushback If parents question findings or react strongly, stay calm. Confirm their perspective: “I see this is surprising/upsetting for you.” Reiterate your sources without being confrontational. Focus on their perspective and not on having to be correct. Sometimes, just being listened to resolves the tension. What If Parents Reject The Information? Acceptance isn’t guaranteed. Your parents can ignore the facts, or they might refuse to discuss the issue; do not judge them. You could say, “This might be hard to take in. I’ll leave this with you to look at when you’re ready.” Transform the meaning of success: plant a seed, not a forced belief. Their comfort level determines the pace, which may not be there at all. The Ripple Effect: How Understanding Roots Strengthens Bonds Participating in discussions about family backgrounds has a lot to offer. It’s more than just completing a family tree. It brings a greater connection and greater understanding. Fostering Intergenerational Empathy A common ancestry creates a rich pattern of family relationships and customs. Parents have untold stories, hidden gems that can be found. These stories give new information about their lives and decisions. This exchange brings empathy, closes generation gaps, and develops understanding. Preserving Family Memories These talks capture unique oral history and personal stories that documents can’t show. Recording these tales creates a lasting legacy. They share unique family stories and identities. This helps future generations understand their roots better. Conclusion Talking with parents about family roots sparks ongoing conversations. Sharing discoveries builds bridges, regardless of the emotions they bring. Focus on empathy and connection, not accuracy or correction. This honors your shared legacy. What matters is making room for future talks, not finding quick answers. Start the conversation, and you might discover more than just your history. — This content is brought to you by Rana Adnan iStockPhoto The post How to Share Information about Your Roots with Your Parents appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Keaton Ross and Sierra Pfeifer The John H. Lilley Correctional Center doesn’t scream high-tech. The men’s minimum-security prison, built in 1925 as the Oklahoma State School for Incorrigible Negro Boys and repurposed in the early 1980s to accommodate adult offenders, sits among soft rolling hills and cattle farms. One-third of its 825 prisoners are elderly or medically frail, with many requiring wheelchairs or walkers to get from their dormitory-style bunk beds to the chow hall. It’s one of 23 state prisons that Department of Corrections Executive Director Steven Harpe envisions as the next frontier for artificial intelligence. “We’ve got facility needs,” Harpe said. “We have a lot of old buildings. But right now, we are undergoing a transformation that we’re going to invest money on.” The revolution Harpe envisions includes drones sweeping the perimeter of prison yards for contraband, artificial intelligence programs to monitor phone calls and other technology he said will eliminate mundane administrative work from staff responsibilities. Harpe said he sees artificial intelligence as the future, with Oklahoma uniquely positioned to incorporate it into public safety initiatives. Critics questioned the reliability of the technology and said the effort could shift focus from other agency goals like boosting staff recruitment. Gov. Kevin Stitt appointed Harpe to lead Oklahoma’s prison system in October 2022. Before entering state service as the director of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services in 2019, Harpe’s previous professional experience was in the technology sector, with stints at companies such as CGI, Capital One, HireRight and HP. He traveled to Washington, D.C. in July at a congressional briefing on behalf of the American Correctional Association and said his background has made him the go-to guy for all things AI. Efforts to incorporate AI into state prisons have already begun. Correctional officers statewide began wearing body cameras in October. In March, the Department of Corrections signed a one-year, $1.07 million contract with Texas-based Leo Technologies, LLC, to automatically transcribe phone conversations in near real-time and alert staff to security risks. John H. Lilley is one of seven prisons selected to incorporate the Verus system, which has been implemented at a handful of state prisons and county jails nationwide. Staff can select certain keywords for flagging, such as “kill” or “snitch.” Developers say the technology is unbiased, with staff unable to filter results based on race, ethnicity, religion or sexual preference. Perhaps the most aspirational technology would use strategically placed cameras to automatically conduct prisoner counts. Harpe said the camera system could eventually be used to gather other data, such as gang affiliation, and even identify prisoners experiencing mental health problems. “What if I was able to take that labor [for prisoner counts] and instead of using people to do it, I was using facial recognition AI, not just one time, but use it all the time,” Harpe said during a July 11 Congressional briefing on AI in public safety. “I always know where they are. You get logistics of who’s talking to who. Technology now exists where you can look at a body in real-time and tell if you’re carrying something, if you have something stowed somewhere on you. It also lets us do really cool things like suicide prevention.” Bryan Duke, a sergeant at John H. Lilley, said he has concerns about using AI to conduct counts. He walks through the dorm-style rooms of the prison with a list of names clipped to a wooden clipboard and pen in his hands. “You’re going to run into problems there,” he said. “I’m not computer smart anyway, but I’d rather do a paper count. When you do a paper count, you’re physically counting everybody that’s here.” Duke said a count will usually take 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the officer. The day shift has three counts, at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. The night shift counts prisoners once per hour after lights out. Privacy Risks, Cost Scrutinized Staff and prisoners alike laud the correctional officer body cameras as an effective accountability tool. The technology hasn’t caught on as quickly in corrections as policing, as prisons and jails are equipped with closed-circuit camera systems, but proponents argue the devices help fill in blind spots and provide audio of encounters. “It’s like an eye in the sky,” John H. Lilley prisoner Cortez Elston said. He said he appreciates that the cameras are always rolling, regardless of whether the officer manually activates the device. But some experts are skeptical of the agency’s full-sprint push to implement other technology, including an Oklahoma prison staff advocate, a researcher and a state lawmaker. Bobby Cleveland, a former state representative and executive director of the Oklahoma Corrections Professionals group, said he doesn’t doubt that drones and more cameras could assist prison staff. But he said the technology won’t alleviate a prison staffing shortage that’s been linked to violence at multiple facilities. “Who’s going to look at those cameras?” Cleveland said. “It can’t do it all on its own.” Oklahoma’s correctional staffing levels dropped 7.6% from June 2021 to June 2025, according to budget documents presented to the Board of Corrections. The Department of Corrections reported having funding to fill nearly 300 vacant correctional officer positions. “I just think it’s a way for him to talk about all these good things he can get, when he can’t even handle what he’s got,” Cleveland said. Beryl Lipton is a senior investigative researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a San Francisco-based digital rights group. She said the organization is concerned AI technology would create a biometric profile of an individual in order to count or track them, which could follow them after release. There have also been problems with AI call monitoring in places such as Alabama, where the technology was programmed to alert staff to words like “abogado” and “abogada,” Spanish for attorney. “Sometimes people speak in another language,” Lipton said. “They have an accent. Those are things that are likely not going to be easily captured by a transcription service. And we worry about what inaccurate transcriptions can mean for people’s due process.” Rep. Tom Gann, R-Inola, has been the Legislature’s most vocal critic of automated license plate readers. He said he fears technology tested behind prison walls could be deployed into public settings. “Whatever capability is exercised within the prison walls can be applied outside,” he said. “That’s the issue there. The technology is so pervasive.” Harpe acknowledged the importance of mitigating bias and pairing the technology with human expertise. He said his department thoroughly vets all the vendors it contracts with. “I don’t care if it’s proprietary or not,” he said. “We can sign NDAs, but we get in-depth on every solution that we utilize to make sure that it’s going to meet, I guess, the expectations of Oklahomans.” Evolving Regulations Lieutenant Jeffrey Hawman said the technology that would be most useful for his staff in Boley has been around since the 1990s but is outlawed under federal law. “The only reason to use a cell phone is to conduct illicit activities,” Hawman said. Hawman said cell phone jammers top his technology wish list. He said cell phones get into the facility from visitors, people throwing bags over the razor-wire prison walls and leaving packages at a nearby farm where some prisoners work. Federal regulators have long banned cell phone jammers, including in prisons and jails, because of their potential to interfere with legitimate communications such as 911 calls, but that could change. A coalition of 31 state attorneys general, including Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, is pushing Congress to pass legislation that would allow cell phone jammers in housing areas of prisons and jails. Measures were introduced in the U.S. House and Senate in March but haven’t received a vote in either chamber. “The proliferation of illegal cell phones in our prison systems represents a serious public safety threat to Oklahomans,” Drummond said in a Mar. 26 statement. “These devices are not just communication tools for inmates, but dangerous instruments that enable criminal activities that extend far beyond prison walls and directly impact our communities.” Federal rule changes will also be required to allow all of the anti-drone technology Harpe wants to use. Current regulations authorize prison and jail officials to deploy passive drone-detection devices, but they can’t shoot down or interfere with a device in flight. Prison staff flying drones over facilities must comply with a lengthy list of FAA rules. The stakes of not expanding counter-drone technology in state prisons are high, Harpe said, referencing a June 2024 incident in a Georgia state prison where a prisoner killed a kitchen employee with a smuggled gun. Investigators suspect the gun was dropped into the facility via drone. “There are a lot of real-world things going on now that have forced our hand to be involved,” he said. As technology advances, Lipton said state and federal lawmakers and regulators will have to balance perceived security threats with protecting individual privacy. She said the data collected behind bars could outlive a person’s prison sentence if sufficient safeguards aren’t implemented. “Creating a biometric profile of individuals, whether or not they’re in prison, is incredibly invasive,” she said. “If people are implementing those types of technologies in prison, there has to be a very clear policy and a real guarantee this information is not going anywhere.” Gann, the state lawmaker from Inola, said he fears the technology could skirt constitutional protections and unduly implicate people. But the quick rate of technological advancement and agency adoption can make developing AI regulation difficult. “Legislatively, it’s no man’s land,” he said. “There’s not anything out here guiding law enforcement in what they can do, and the restriction that’s out there is being totally ignored. We just need to get it all out in the open and work through this.” Harpe warned against too much regulation from federal or state officials. He said bad actors will have access to advanced technology either way, and his department needs to be able to respond. “We tend to get afraid of these things, and then we pull levers too far back,” he said. “And then the tools that could be useful are no longer available.” This story was the result of a collaboration between Oklahoma Watch and public radio station KOSU. This article first appeared on Oklahoma Watch and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. — “Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that covers public-policy issues facing the state.” 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: Lieutenant Jeffrey Hawman opens the body camera storage locker at the John H. Lilley Correctional Facility in Boley on Aug. 8, 2025. (Sierra Pfeifer/KOSU) The post As Oklahoma Prisons Embrace AI, Critics Warn of Risks appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Fuel for Kiev’s long-range weapon will reportedly be made on Danish soil The fuel for Ukraine’s new Flamingo long-range cruise missile will be produced in Denmark, broadcaster DR reported on Thursday, citing a government memo. The facility will reportedly be located near the Skrydstrup air base in the south of the country and owned by FPRT, a subsidiary of the Ukrainian company Fire Point. According to Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky, the weapon, unveiled last month, can travel up to 3,000 kilometers – far enough to reach Siberia. Mass production is not expected for several months, he said. Denmark is expected to pass a law next week granting the Ukrainian company exemptions from certain regulations and immunity from civil complaints, DR said. Production is scheduled to begin on December 1. Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen previously stated that Ukrainian weapons manufacturers are “on the way” to starting production on Danish soil. British media have questioned whether the Flamingo was actually developed in Ukraine, pointing to similarities with the British-made FP-5 cruise missile unveiled earlier this year. Fire Point is also reportedly facing a probe by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau over suspicions of misleading the government on pricing and deliveries. Russia has repeatedly said that no amount of foreign aid to Kiev would stop its troops, and has listed the halt of arms deliveries to Ukraine among its conditions for a ceasefire. View the full article

By Matt Shipman-NC State In proof-of-concept testing with synthetic skin, the researchers demonstrated that the patches could collect biomarker samples over periods ranging from 15 minutes to 24 hours. “Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes, which can help us monitor health and diagnose medical conditions,” says Michael Daniele of North Carolina State University, corresponding author of a paper on the work. “The vast majority of conventional biomarker testing relies on taking blood samples. In addition to being unpleasant for most people, blood samples also pose challenges for health professionals and technology developers. That’s because blood is a complex system, and you need to remove the platelets, red blood cells, and so on before you can test the relevant fluid. “The patch we’ve developed uses microneedles to sample the fluid that surrounds cells in the dermal and epidermal layers just below the very top layer of cells that make up your skin,” says Daniele, who is a professor of electrical engineering at NC State and in the biomedical engineering department at NC State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “This is called dermal interstitial fluid (ISF), and it contains almost all of the same biomarkers found in blood. What’s more, ISF makes for a ‘cleaner’ sample—it doesn’t need to be processed the way blood does before you can test it. Essentially, it streamlines the biomarker testing process.” Specifically, Daniele and his collaborators have made a fully passive microneedle patch that doesn’t rely on either batteries or external energy sources to take or store ISF samples. Here’s how it works. The patch consists of four layers: a polymer “housing”—which is effectively the part of the patch you can see; a layer of gel; a layer of paper; and the microneedles themselves. The microneedles are made of a material that swells when it touches the ISF. The ISF wicks through the microneedle—like water through a paper towel—until it comes into contact with the paper. As the paper begins absorbing the ISF, the fluid comes into contact with the gel that is on the other side of the paper. That gel contains a high concentration of glycerol. The imbalance of glycerol between the gel and the ISF creates osmotic pressure that pulls more ISF through the paper until the paper is saturated. “The paper is where the ISF is stored,” Daniele says. “When you take the patch off, you remove the paper strip and analyze the sample.” The researchers tested the patch on two synthetic skin models. “It worked well,” Daniele says. “The patches collected measurable results in as little as 15 minutes and were capable of storing the biomarker samples for at least 24 hours.” For the proof-of-concept testing, the researchers monitored for cortisol—which is a biomarker for stress that fluctuates over the course of the day. “That means it’s something people may want to monitor multiple times a day without having to draw blood repeatedly,” Daniele says. “And there’s no reason the patch wouldn’t work for many of the biomarkers found in ISF.” Another attractive aspect of the patches is that they’re made from relatively inexpensive materials that are widely available. “The highest cost of the patches would be manufacturing the microneedles, but we think the price would be competitive with the costs associated with blood testing,” Daniele says. “Drawing blood requires vials, needles, and—usually—a phlebotomist. The patch doesn’t require any of those things.” The researchers have already begun human testing with the patches and are developing electronic devices to “read” the paper strip from the microneedle patch. “We’ve already developed an electronic device that can ‘read’ cortisol levels from the paper strip and are working on another device that evaluates a different biomarker,” Daniele says. “We’re now looking for industry partners on two fronts. We’d love to talk with companies in the diagnostic space to explore additional applications, and we’d also like to talk with potential partners about scaling up production.” The paper appears in the journal Lab on a Chip. Support for this work came from the National Science Foundation’s Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST), the NC State Institute for Connected Sensor-Systems, the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund at NC State, and SEMI-NBMC. Daniele is an officer and founder of DermiSense, Inc. (Cary, NC), which commercializes microneedle-based technologies. Source: North Carolina State University Original Study DOI: 10.1039/D5LC00590F — Previously Published on futurity.org with Creative Commons License *** – The world is changing fast. We help you keep up. We’ll send you 1 post, 3x per week. Join The Good Men Project 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: NC State The post Patch Monitors Health Without Drawing Blood appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Known for its unique blend of cowboy culture and modern city living, Fort Worth is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. From its vibrant arts scene and historic Stockyards to major employers and top-rated universities, it’s easy to see why people are flocking to live here. But just like in any large city, safety is a top concern when it comes to choosing a neighborhood. Whether you’re moving with your family, relocating for work, or buying your first home, finding a safe area is probably at the top of your list. So, how do you go about choosing the safest neighborhoods in Fort Worth to live in? Here’s a guide to help you make a smart, informed decision. 1. Do Your Homework on Crime Rates Start by looking up local crime data. Fort Worth has areas that are statistically much safer than others, and this information is publicly available. You can use resources like: Fort Worth Police Department Crime Mapping Tool These platforms give you access to up-to-date reports on everything from violent crimes to property theft. Look for areas with consistently low crime rates and good reputations. 2. Visit the Neighborhood at Different Times Online research is helpful, but nothing beats actually visiting the area yourself. Walk or drive through potential neighborhoods during the day and at night. Pay attention to: Street lighting and visibility The condition of homes and yards How active the neighborhood is (Are people out walking dogs? Are kids playing outside?) These subtle cues can tell you a lot about how safe a place feels, and whether residents take pride in their community. 3. Talk to Locals and Neighbors If you’re seriously considering a neighborhood, try to strike up conversations with people who already live there. Ask about their experience with crime, how responsive the police are, and whether they feel safe walking around after dark. You can also check local social media groups or neighborhood apps to get unfiltered feedback. 4. Check for Nearby Amenities and Emergency Services Living near well-lit public areas, good schools, hospitals, and active police or fire stations can significantly impact your overall sense of safety. Fort Worth has many neighborhoods with close access to: Emergency services Grocery stores and pharmacies Parks and recreation centers Areas that are well-served by amenities tend to be better maintained and safer overall. 5. Look at School Ratings (Even If You Don’t Have Kids) School quality often correlates with neighborhood safety. In Fort Worth, areas with highly rated public or private schools generally have more community involvement and lower crime. Even if you don’t have children, this is a good indicator of a stable, family-friendly environment. 6. Hire a Local Real Estate Agent Local agents know the city’s layout better than anyone else. They can provide insight into up-and-coming areas, places to avoid, and neighborhoods with long-term stability. A good agent will help you balance safety with affordability and other lifestyle needs. Key Takeaways Fort Worth is a growing city with a wide range of neighborhoods—some are safer than others, so research is crucial. Use crime maps and online tools to compare neighborhoods and spot trends. Visit neighborhoods in person and observe their condition and activity levels. Talk to residents to get real-world perspectives on safety and community involvement. Look for proximity to schools, emergency services, and amenities, which often correlate with safer areas. Even if you don’t have kids, school quality is a good indicator of neighborhood safety and stability. A trusted local real estate agent can save you time and help you make a well-informed decision. Finding the safest place to live in Fort Worth isn’t just about avoiding crime—it’s about choosing a community where you feel comfortable, connected, and secure. With the right tools and a bit of legwork, you’ll be well on your way to finding a neighborhood that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind. — This content is brought to you by Hassan Javed iStockPhoto The post How to Choose the Safest Neighborhoods in Fort Worth to Live In appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The Volunteer says life in his home country felt “very empty” A British national fighting with the Russian army against Ukraine has told RT that life in his home country felt “problematic.” The man, who did not reveal his identity, spoke from the trenches while wearing a balaclava and a cap with a Soviet flag. “I do have many reasons why I am here. Unfortunately, my country is very problematic for myself and many other citizens,” he said. “I suppose the simple premise is I am looking for a better life. Our life feels very empty.” “Why [do] we continue to provide to a country that just simply doesn’t provide to us?” the soldier asked. He added that he was moved by the hospitality of ordinary Russians. “I genuinely can’t say a bad thing about the Russian people,” he said. Volunteers from the US and several European countries have joined the Russian army since 2022. In April, the channel Rossiya-1 broadcast interviews with French volunteers in Donbass. View the full article