American Women Suck

— After an accident, life often changes for everyone involved. Whether it’s temporary or long-term, supporting a partner through recovery requires patience and teamwork. The stress can be overwhelming. You might worry about your loved one’s health while juggling responsibilities at home. Financial concerns may add pressure. This article breaks down realistic ways to help your partner without losing yourself in the process. Set Clear Expectations Early Communication is key when life changes suddenly. Sit down with your partner and talk about what they need from you. Discuss daily tasks, appointments, and emotional support so everyone understands their role. Be honest about what you can realistically take on without overloading yourself. This can help create space to reevaluate as needs shift during recovery, ensuring you both stay on the same page throughout the process. Share Caregiving Tasks Strategically Once expectations are clear, consider how to share responsibilities effectively. You don’t have to do everything alone. Friends, family members, or even professional caregivers can step in to help lighten the load. At times, external support might extend beyond daily tasks. For instance, you may need legal help after an accident to address medical claims or secure compensation for unexpected expenses. Getting this kind of assistance allows you both to focus on recovery while ensuring financial stability stays a priority without adding more stress to your plate. Track Symptoms and Expenses Diligently Keeping detailed records is one of the most practical ways to help your partner after an accident. Write down their symptoms daily, including any pain levels or changes in their condition. This information can be invaluable during medical appointments, helping doctors make informed decisions. Additionally, track all related expenses—medical bills, transportation costs, and anything else tied to recovery. Organizing this data not only ensures nothing gets overlooked but also provides clarity if you need to apply for financial assistance or insurance claims later on. Advocate at Medical Appointments Doctors’ appointments can be overwhelming, especially after an accident. Step in as a second set of ears and eyes for your partner during these visits. Ask questions to clarify confusing details or discuss treatment options that may seem unclear. Write down important instructions, follow-up plans, or medication schedules to avoid miscommunication later on. If your partner feels hesitant to speak up about their needs, you can gently advocate for them without taking away their voice. Being actively involved ensures nothing important gets overlooked in the recovery process while reinforcing that they’re not alone. Protect Your Energy to Prevent Burnout Supporting a partner after an accident can be emotionally and physically draining. To avoid burnout, make self-care a priority. Take breaks when you need them, even if it’s just stepping away for a walk or enjoying quiet time with a book. Lean on others for support—whether that’s sharing caregiving duties or talking to someone about how you’re feeling. Remember, caring for yourself isn’t selfish; it ensures you have the energy and patience to continue helping your partner long-term without compromising your well-being in the process. Set Realistic Boundaries for Sustainable Care It’s easy to feel like you have to do it all, but setting boundaries is crucial. Define what you can and cannot manage early on, whether that’s limiting the hours you spend caregiving or deciding when outside help is necessary. Openly communicate these limits with your partner. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but clear boundaries protect both of you from emotional strain and unrealistic expectations. This approach creates a sustainable balance where your partner gets the care they need while allowing you to maintain your mental health and energy levels over time. Focus on Financial Stability Lastly, keeping your household financially secure supports both you and your partner during recovery. Review your budget to identify where costs can be adjusted or reduced. Explore options like short-term disability benefits, workers’ compensation, or other financial assistance programs if applicable. If the accident caused significant financial strain, seek professional advice for guidance in managing debts or handling insurance claims efficiently. Proactively addressing these concerns provides peace of mind and ensures stability as you navigate this challenging time together, creating a stronger foundation for moving forward when life returns to normalcy. Wrapping Up Helping your partner recover after an accident is a journey of teamwork and resilience. Focus on clear communication, practical solutions, and setting boundaries that support both of you. Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as supporting your loved one. This balance allows you to navigate recovery together while building a foundation for strength and stability in the future. Be patient with yourself and embrace small wins along the way. — This content is brought to you by Wahab Ullah iStockPhoto The post How Can I Support My Partner After an Accident appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

I used to think love was a math equation. If I just added enough kindness, subtracted neediness, and multiplied my efforts, I’d get the right answer: a happy, lasting relationship. So when things fell apart, I’d sit there with my heart in my hands, desperately scanning my memory for where I’d gone wrong. Which variable did I mess up? What more could I have done? It’s a special kind of pain — the quiet, gnawing belief that if you’d just been smarter, prettier, calmer, or more patient, they would have stayed. If you’ve ever replayed a breakup on a loop, searching for the moment you ruined everything, you’re not alone. We’re wired for it. There’s something strangely comforting about self-blame. As twisted as it sounds, believing it was all our fault feels safer than the terrifying alternative: that sometimes, love ends. And we had no control. Here’s what I’ve learned about why we do this to ourselves. … We Think Control is Comfort Thinking we messed up means the relationship was in our control. If it were our fault, then we could have fixed it. We could have said the right thing, been the right person, loved a little harder. That illusion is seductive. Because the opposite — accepting that we were powerless, that someone could just stop loving us no matter what we did — is absolutely terrifying. It makes love feel random, like lightning. It means our hearts are always one step away from getting struck. So we choose the pain of guilt over the panic of powerlessness. We’d rather be the villain in the story than a victim of chance. … We Confound Love With Worth From the time we’re little, we’re taught subtly or not that we are more lovable when we behave. When we’re “good.” We internalize the idea that love is a reward for performance. So when a partner leaves, it doesn’t feel like a choice they made. It feels like a final grade. A failing mark on our report card as a human being. You weren’t enough. We tie their departure directly to our worth. If I were truly worthy, they would have stayed. Ergo, since they left, I must be unworthy. It’s a brutal, flawed logic that ignores a simple truth: someone’s ability to love you has just as much to do with them as it does with you. … We’ve Been Telling Ourselves a Story We all have a narrative. Maybe yours is, “I’m too much,” or “I’m not enough,” or “I always get left.” When a relationship ends, our brain grabs onto that pre-written story and fits the facts to match it. It’s confirmation bias for the heart. If you already believe you’re unlovable, a breakup isn’t a singular event it’s proof. Your mind will conveniently highlight all your mistakes and ignore their shortcomings just to keep that story alive. Because as painful as the story is, it’s familiar. And the familiar, even when it hurts, feels safer than the unknown. … How to Put the Blame Down It doesn’t happen overnight. But you can start by asking yourself one radically honest question: What if this wasn’t all my fault? Not to absolve yourself of all responsibility, it’s true, we all bring our own baggage to relationships. But what if it was just… a thing that happened? A relationship between two flawed people who, for a million different reasons, couldn’t make it work. What if their leaving had less to do with your value and more to do with their own fears, their own capacity, their own unhealed wounds? Healing begins when we stop trying to be the sole author of the story and accept that we were just a co-writer. You can’t control the other writer’s pen. You can only account for your own chapters. You loved. You tried. You showed up. Sometimes, that’s all there is. And it has to be enough. — 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: Marek Studzinski on Unsplash The post Why We Blame Ourselves When Love Fails appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Moscow is also looking to sell Su-57 fighter aircraft to the South Asian nation, Dmitry Shugayev has said Moscow and New Delhi are negotiating the supply of more S-400 surface-to-air missile systems to India, TASS reported on Monday, citing a senior Russian defense official. India has already received three of the five S-400 air defense systems it purchased from Russia for $5.43 billion in 2018. The remaining two are slated for delivery in 2026. “As is known, India has our S-400 system,” Dmitry Shugayev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said, according to the report. “There is an opportunity to expand cooperation in this sector as well. It means new supplies. So far, we are negotiating this.” The S-400s played an important role in defending India’s air bases and other military installations against Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes during the 4-day confrontation between the two neighboring South Asian countries in May. “Platforms like the S-400 have given unprecedented strength to the country,” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an address to his country’s soldiers in May, a few days after the military conflict concluded. On Monday, Shugayev added that another area of bilateral defense cooperation is the supply of Sukhoi Su-57 jets. India currently requires at least two squadrons of fifth-generation fighter aircraft, with the Russian-made planes being a candidate along with F-35s. Moscow is studying investment plans to manufacture the Su-57 jets in India, ANI News reported on Monday. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, which makes Su-30 MKI planes there, could be a hub for production if the plan materializes, the media outlet added, citing local defense sources. India’s military currently relies heavily on equipment which is either made or designed in Russia; around 60% of its arsenal was produced there. With New Delhi moving towards the local production of arms and ammunition, Russian manufacturers are looking to expand joint production efforts in the South Asian country. View the full article

— Home improvement has become one of the most rewarding ways for homeowners to express creativity, add value to their property, and make daily living more comfortable. Power tools are often the unsung heroes, whether it’s assembling new furniture, installing lighting, fixing shelves, or tackling bigger renovation projects. They save time, provide precision, and enable even novice DIY enthusiasts to confidently tackle tasks. But a commonly overlooked component that drives all cordless drills, laser levels, stud finders, and portable sanders is the battery. Without reliable power, even the best tools lose their usefulness. This is where the rechargeable AA lithium-ion battery plays a critical role, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and sustainability in the modern home workshop. Why Power Tools Depend on the Right Batteries Cordless tools have revolutionized home improvement. No longer tethered to a wall socket, DIYers can move freely from the basement to the backyard. Yet, this freedom comes at a price if the wrong battery is used. Traditional alkaline batteries, while inexpensive upfront, quickly drain under the demands of power tools and must be discarded after use, adding cost and contributing to environmental waste. NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) rechargeable batteries improved upon this, but they still lacked the energy density and longevity needed for high-drain devices. That’s why lithium-ion technology has become the standard for modern power solutions. A rechargeable AA lithium-ion battery offers: Higher capacity: More energy packed into a small size, providing longer run times. Consistent voltage: Tools operate at full strength until the battery is nearly empty. Longer lifespan: Hundreds of charge cycles mean fewer replacements and better value. Lightweight design: Reduces tool fatigue, especially during long projects. For homeowners who rely on drills, flashlights, or even battery-powered measuring devices, these advantages are game changers. What Are The Everyday DIY Tools Powered by Rechargeable Batteries Many people associate batteries only with flashlights or remote controls. But in the home improvement space, AAs are at the heart of a surprising number of tools and accessories. Here are a few examples: Cordless Screwdrivers: Perfect for quick fixes, furniture assembly, or mounting brackets. Laser Levels: Essential for accurate alignment when hanging shelves, cabinets, or artwork. Stud Finders: Help locate beams in walls before drilling or mounting heavy items. Portable LED Work Lights: Provide much-needed illumination in attics, basements, or outdoor evening projects. Digital Measuring Tools: Increasingly powered by AA cells, these devices ensure precision in cutting and installation. When these devices run on a dependable rechargeable AA lithium-ion battery, users gain confidence knowing their tools are ready whenever creativity strikes. The Sustainability Home improvement isn’t just about making a space more functional or beautiful—it’s also about being mindful of the environment. Disposable batteries contribute significantly to landfill waste, releasing harmful chemicals when improperly discarded. Switching to rechargeable batteries is a small but impactful change. Over the course of its life, a single pair of high-quality batteries can replace hundreds or even thousands of disposable cells. That means less waste, fewer trips to the store, and a smaller environmental footprint. For eco-conscious DIYers, this choice aligns perfectly with the broader goal of creating homes that are both efficient and sustainable. Why Brand Matters: The Case for EBL Performance, safety, and durability can vary widely depending on the manufacturer. That’s why choosing a trusted brand like EBL is so important. EBL has built a reputation as a reliable provider of rechargeable batteries and smart chargers. Their products are designed specifically with modern needs in mind, offering: High-capacity batteries that keep tools running longer. Smart charging systems that prevent overcharging and overheating. Durability to withstand frequent use and charging cycles. Eco-friendly packaging and designs that reduce overall waste. For homeowners, this means fewer interruptions, better tool performance, and peace of mind knowing they’re investing in a long-lasting solution. With EBL, you’re purchasing dependability for each project rather than simply batteries. How to Make the Most of Rechargeable Batteries If you’re ready to upgrade your home workshop, here are a few best practices for maximizing the life and efficiency of your rechargeable AA lithium-ion battery: Use a quality charger: EBL’s smart chargers, for example, monitor each cell individually to ensure safe and efficient charging. Avoid total drain: Lithium-ion batteries do not require a full discharge prior to recharging, in contrast to previous technologies. Store properly: Keep batteries in a cool, dry place to maintain capacity at 40%-50%. Charge as a set: If your tool requires multiple batteries, always charge and use them together for balanced performance. Rotate spares: Keep a few extra charged batteries on hand so you never lose momentum mid-project. By following these tips, DIY enthusiasts can extend the life of their batteries and ensure their tools are always ready for action. How Batteries Impact Project Quality The quality of your batteries directly influences the quality of your results. For example: A drill running on weak power can strip screws or fail to drive them fully. A laser level with inconsistent energy can misalign your measurements. A work light that flickers or dims can lead to mistakes in precision cutting or installation. Strong, steady power ensures your tools operate at their designed capacity, giving you cleaner finishes, tighter fastenings, and more professional results. It’s a detail that separates frustrating projects from successful ones. The Future of Home Improvement Power As home improvement trends continue to evolve, so will the reliance on cordless, battery-powered tools. From smart measuring devices to compact, high-performance screwdrivers, the demand for reliable, rechargeable energy will only grow. Lithium-ion technology, particularly AA-sized cells, will remain central to this future. With brands like EBL leading the way, homeowners can expect even more powerful, longer-lasting, and eco-friendly solutions in the years ahead. Final Thoughts Home improvement is about more than nails, screws, and wood—it’s about having the right tools powered by reliable energy. The AA lithium-ion rechargeable battery is a compact but essential component that allows DIYers to work smarter, faster, and more sustainably. By choosing trusted providers like EBL, homeowners can ensure their tools perform at their best, their projects run smoothly, and their impact on the environment is reduced. Whether you’re tightening a hinge, building a new shelf, or lighting up your workspace, the right battery makes all the difference. Better batteries mean better projects, and with the right power behind them, the possibilities for home improvement are endless. — This content is brought to you by Hussain Ali iStockPhoto The post Power Your DIY Projects: Why Li-ion AAs Are Best for Tools appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Faye Matthews August 29, 2005 is a day that lives in infamy in the Gulf South. On that day, Hurricane Katrina slammed onto shore at the Mississippi/Louisiana state line as a powerful and massive hurricane. Twenty years later, it remains the costliest hurricane in U.S. history. For both of us, August 29 was the day that changed everything. The storm forced us to make the heart-wrenching decision to leave our homes, businesses, and families, uncertain if we would return again. Today, that experience shapes the way that we look at and participate in conversations around immigration and the artificiality of borders. We saw in real time what it meant to have the right to remain, to migrate, and to return. Both of us left New Orleans shortly before the storm made landfall as the city warned us all that they “did not have enough body bags.” We went in two different, but equally uncertain directions. In the last hours before traffic was cut off, Andrei boarded up his windows and left behind his thriving graphic design firm and headed to Atlanta. Faye, who was on the cusp of her sophomore year of college, piled into the car with her immediate and extended family and embarked on what they expected to be a nine-hour car-ride to Dallas, Texas. It turned out to be a 24-hour journey. After the storm, like everyone else, we saw the gut-wrenching images of a city flooded, people stranded, and infrastructure toppled. Faye watched her own family members wade through the waters in an attempt to make it to safety right before communication was completely cut off. We listened with horror as people who left after Katrina were labelled as “refugees” in their own country and armed blockades prevented some from crossing into a neighboring city. They were criminalized simply for seeking safety and resources. They were labeled looters for taking food, clean water and diapers from the ruins of abandoned stores or shot at on the Danziger Bridge. When we eventually returned after the storm, we faced the difficulties of picking up the scattered pieces. Andrei’s business was ruined, both physically and financially. Like many others, he did not have flood insurance, so there was no mechanism to recover his loss. Faye’s family home was destroyed and, as renters without rent insurance, they lost pretty much everything. Still, like many others, we tried to put things back together again, as best we could. We also worked to create the conditions that would allow so many others displaced by the storm return home. Katrina launched a wave of gentrification and “poverty deconcentration” efforts like the emptying and demolition of public housing projects. These initiatives made it effectively impossible for lower-income families—the very heart and soul of New Orleans, some would argue—to return. We’re now part of Taproot Earth, a frontline climate justice organization that was born in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We work to create the conditions where those of us on the frontlines of the climate crisis can lead with our own knowledge and vision. The wisdom we carry from surviving Katrina created a vision of collective freedom. By centering frontline leadership, we move closer to a place where communities are powerful enough to shape the just future we deserve. Taproot Earth also believes that the right to remain in your generational and ancestral home, to migrate out of harm’s way, and to return to your home are basic, inalienable, human rights. In our framework, migration is not a climate problem, but a solution. As such, we believe that political borders have no place on a warming planet, and that the abolition of such barriers is critical for ultimate climate justice. To this day, the migration that took place before and after Katrina remains one of the largest movements of people in American history. It is still the largest diaspora of climate-displaced people in the country, as 40 percent of people have not returned. This is a pattern that did not stop with Katrina. Massive migrations followed Hurricane Maria, the Camp Fire, and the earthquake that ravaged Haiti in 2010. This summer, the island nation of Tuvalu started the process of evacuating its entire population due to the rising seas. Here in South Louisiana, the United Houma Nation is grappling with similar questions about how to maintain their culture as their land disappears. We live in a world where the seas are going to keep rising, and people will keep moving. We need to make it a world where people can do so with safety and dignity, and with their cultures and traditions intact. Among a long list of lessons, Katrina taught us that climate migration is not a distant possibility, it’s already here. We were among the first in recent history to be displaced by a storm of its magnitude, but we absolutely will not be the last. As survivors of Katrina, and as organizers today, we carry the lesson that migration must be understood as a fundamental human right. Twenty years later, the grief remains, but so does the will to rebuild, resist, and reimagine. — Previously Published on Resilience and reprinted with permission *** 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 $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. 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Username Email First Name Last Name Password Password Again Choose your subscription level Dating Masterclass - $999.00 - unlimited Dating Masterclass: How to Date and Create Satisfying and Lasting Love and Sexi in this Crazy, Modern World 5 Ways to Build Confidence - $99.00 - unlimited 5 Ways to Build Confidence and Make Meeting and Dating Women Less Nerve-Wracking Monthly Platinum - free - unlimited Monthly - $6.99 - 1 Month Yearly - $50.00 - 1 Year Sponsored Columnist Annual - $1,250.00 - 1 Year Sponsored Columnist Monthly - $150.00 - 1 Month Annual Platinum - $50.00 - 1 Year Annual Gold - $25.00 - 1 Year Monthly Gold - $20.00 - 1 Month Annual Bronze - $12.00 - 1 Year Credit / Debit Card PayPal Choose Your Payment Method Auto Renew By completing this registration form, you are also agreeing to our Terms of Service which can be found here. — Photo: unsplash The post Hurricane Katrina Revealed Why Climate Justice Must Include the Right to Free Movement appeared first on The Good Men Project. 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I love looking through the stamps in my passport. It’s proof that yes, I really did spend three hours at Charles de Gaulle waiting for my lost luggage. Sad news. Europe’s pulling the plug on those little inked-up souvenirs and going high-tech. Starting Oct. 12, 2025, when you enter the Schengen Area, you’ll face the new Entry/Exit System (EES), a fancy name for biometric border control. Instead of a stamp and a friendly “bonjour,” you’ll head to a kiosk where your face and fingerprints will be scanned, and your entry digitally logged into a giant EU database. Yup, it’s basically like checking into the world’s fanciest club, except instead of bottle service, you’re getting your digital identity recorded for up to three years. 🏙️ Smile, it’s border time This is important if you’re flying into popular European spots like France, Germany, Italy or Spain after mid-October. You’ll need to build in extra time to make a connecting flight. You see, under the new system, you’ll need to do the full scan, i.e., passport, face, fingers and all. And here’s the sad kicker: no more passport stamps. That’s right. Once the system fully rolls out in April 2026, border agents won’t stamp your passport, even if you ask nicely. 🚊 Not just in airports Planning to take the Eurostar from London to Paris? Driving through the English Channel? Biometric border processing will be there, too. Even if you’re coming in by ferry from the U.K., you’ll be scanned. The EU isn’t playing around with this digital gatekeeping. 📱 Back to the States? While the EU’s going full sci-fi with its border tech, don’t forget the U.S. has its own digital shortcuts, and unlike that guy in line with four carry-ons, these actually help. Here are the best apps for breezing through U.S. customs like a pro: Mobile Passport Control (MPC) (Android, iOS) It’s free, it’s official (from U.S. Customs & Border Protection), and it lets you skip the regular line at many major airports. Just fill out your info in the app, submit when you land and head to the fast lane. Global Entry app (Android, iOS) OK, it’s not at every airport, but if you can use it, you’ll cruise through the U.S. checkpoints. So if you’re traveling this fall, get your passport one last stamp while you still can. True story: I used a publicity shot for my passport photo. Let me tell you, I’m always so relieved when Border Patrol waves me through. 😅 The post Say goodbye to your passport stamps (and hello to fingerprint checkpoints) appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

— In the cutthroat business environment of today, branding is not merely done by displaying the logo and advertisements, but being seen in day-to-day existence. Whether you take care of a startup, a team at a corporation or an established brand, you need to find creative means to leave your name in the mind of the customers. The thing is that people adore objects they can use every day. This is precisely why custom acrylic keychains have become one of the most clever sets of corporate tools to brand the company. They are inexpensive, easy to use, good-looking, and, most importantly, they put your brand in the hands of your customer each and every day. Why Custom Acrylic Key Chains Are A Good Corporate Branding Tool As opposed to flyers or singular advertisements that would rapidly become lost, keychains are items that are functional and would be in the possession of the owner. Think about your logo on car keys or office keys, and on backpacks, that means instant publicity, thousands of visuals, and subtle advertising without having to be obnoxious. These are some of the reasons why companies are adopting custom acrylic keychains as a default branding tool: Daily Use = Daily Impressionability– Keychains do not dry up, unlike promotional pens. Economic Marketing– You can buy in large volumes at a low price without compromising on quality. High Customization– Shapes, colors, designs – everything can be in your brand identity. Durability– Acrylic is light and strong making it ideal to use in the long term. Advantages that Acrylic Keychains Offer Not every marketing product is manufactured equally. Acrylic keychains are memorable on their own, with their combination of functionality and innovation. Crystal-Clear Finish– Image of your logo, slogan or artwork comes out crisply. Flexible Design Schemes– Whether sleek minimalism, funky, weird shapes – the options are endless. Light but Durable– Acrylic will provide durability without being heavy or bulky. An Ideal Size to Use in Daily Contexts– Its small enough to be carried and large enough to present your brand. Consider it: when have you come across an individual discarding a thoughtful keychain? Rarely, right? That is the staying power the brands require. Five Cool Ideas Companies Are Using Custom Acrylic Keychains Corporate branding does not need to be dull. This is how firms employ custom acrylic keychains imaginatively: Business Conferences / Trade Shows– Take them there to hand out as freebies people really want to keep. Employee Appreciation– Motivate team members by sending them gifts like branded keychains. Rewards– Include some keychains as reward to purchase. Retail Merchandising– Sell branded acrylic keychains as a part of your product line. Charity & Fundraisers– Distribute them as giveaways to raise awareness to your cause. Here is a simple example: A local coffee chain included acrylic keychains bearing their logo in the cup design to give as a complimentary gift when customers bought one of their loyalty cards. In less than two months repeat visits rose by a quarter. This is one of the returns that promotional merchandises are capable of bringing. The Solution to Common Concerns You may be asking, “Are keychains really treasured?” Fact is not every giveaway is memorable. However, the advantage of acrylic is that exceptional and outstanding creative designs that will showcase character and brand essence are possible. Rather than a generic trinket, you are giving the customers something both stylish and usable. The other issue is durability. We are used to the poor quality of low-cost paper and low-grade plastic that is supposed to be glued to the frame. Nothing like that happens with acrylic. These keychains do not fade, and they keep your brand high profile months or even years. Why You Need To Order Custom Acrylic Keychains Online The process of ordering online is quick and less stressful. A well-liked eCommerce store enables you to: Easily upload your logo or work of art Design Preview Before ordering Order in bulk discounts on requiring corporate needs Quick delivery to meet event deadlines Custom clear acrylic keychains can be found on sites such as Vograce where custom works and simple logo designs are available in a variety of shapes. You can order 50 or 5000 pieces to keep your small team or your nationwide campaign as one and coherent. Final Thoughts: Little Spending with Great Results Branding is all about being memorable. Personalised acrylic keychains may not be a large item, but its effect is big. They are also cheap, practical and adaptable; the kind of things that businesses require to maintain their brand in the limelight. — This content is brought to you by Prime Star Photo provided by the author. The post Order Custom Acrylic Keychains for Corporate Branding appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Sarah Watts-Rynard The newly elected federal Liberal government has no shortage of ambition, outlining the ingredients for a robust economic transformation, with investments in artificial intelligence (AI), national defence and housing. In this vision, Canada will become an energy superpower and, by removing internal trade barriers, a robust single economy less reliant on trade with a fickle southern neighbour. The prospect is compelling. But it relies, first and foremost on a skilled and ready workforce. The kind of workforce that Canada’s post-secondary institutions develop in spades. So, why are governments across the country standing on the sidelines as higher education in Canada is eroded? In stark contrast to the aspirations of a more prosperous, productive Canada, governments at all levels have abandoned the post-secondary sector to campus closures and shuttered programs. Highly qualified personnel are being displaced at an unprecedented rate. Changes to policies on international study have been disruptive and chaotic, with little attention given to reasonable levels of public funding, leaving no room for institutions to adapt. A recent report from the Ontario Public Service Employees Union speaks to the suspension of more than 600 programs and 10,000 job losses in Ontario colleges alone. To achieve any vision for a more productive Canada, the essential role of post-secondary institutions cannot be overlooked. Here are just a few ways institutions hold the key to creating a stronger Canada. AI It’s one thing to be a global leader in AI development and quite another to broadly access its benefits across the business community. The latter requires an AI-enabled workforce to apply the technology to boost productivity regardless of the sector or region. Rather than focusing on AI to streamline the delivery of government programs, emphasis should be on empowering the next generation with AI skills. A skilled workforce is the secret sauce for technology adoption. At Seneca Polytechnic, AI is being integrated in operations, student support and across programs. The school is awaiting ministry approval of an applied Master of AI Design and Development for fall 2025. Defence Post-secondary institutions have long supported veterans transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, helping them find new ways to apply their skills. As government looks to recruit an expanded military, polytechnics are positioned to make substantive contributions to training the next generation of Canadian military in fields as diverse as marine technicians, signal operators, engineers and skilled tradespeople. With a new emphasis on defence procurement come opportunities to engage institutions like the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, which has expertise in drone and aerospace technology, not to mention capacity as a NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator. Housing and infrastructure It’s hard to imagine that Canada will reach its residential housing targets or its desire to build a new cross-country energy infrastructure without skilled tradespeople. Apprenticeship technical training remains heavily reliant on the spaces, equipment and expertise resident at polytechnic institutions across Canada. Despite a move among governments across the country to boost capacity at union training centres, nearly 64 per cent of apprentices work for non-union employers. It isn’t a matter of either/or: according to BuildForce Canada, the construction sector will require more than 380,000 new workers by 2034. To meet requirements, Canada needs its entire training system to be turning out qualified tradespeople at maximum capacity. Conestoga College hosts one of the country’s largest skilled trades training centres, boasting a modern, light-filled campus that delivers apprenticeship and post-secondary programs in industrial, manufacturing and construction trades. One economy Removing trade barriers and enabling labour mobility across the country sounds easier than it is. Many occupations have region-specific training requirements, regulations and exams. Institutions that offer industry-aligned training programs are ideally positioned to evaluate and assess competency against local labour market needs. Where gaps exist, the same institutions can point learners to full-time, part-time and continuing education options. At Saskatchewan Polytechnic, for example, learners can apply for equivalency, prior learning assessment and transfer credits. The institution has one of the country’s leading programs for preparing internationally trained nurses to work in Canada. While many believe Canada’s post-secondary institutions have become too reliant on international students to pay the bills, the haphazard handling of study visa policy is actively undermining programs local businesses and domestic students need most. Any grand vision for Canada requires a skilled workforce and a ready supply of talent. A weakened public post-secondary sector is a risk we cannot afford. *** About Sarah Watts-Rynard Sarah Watts-Rynard is CEO of Polytechnics Canada, a national association of the country’s leading polytechnic institutions. — This post was previously published on Quoimedia.com and is republished here under a 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: iStock The post A Stronger Canada Needs a Healthy Post-Secondary Sector – So Why Are Governments Across the Country Abandoning Institutions? appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Throughout history, the holiday season has always been centred around creating family memories that can last a long time. From a Christmas tree to baking gingerbread cookies, every tradition adds value to the magic of the season. Matching family Christmas pajamas have become a popular practice in many homes in recent years. These comfortable sets have evolved into more than just festive pajamas; they are now a joyful method for families to share the joy of Christmas and a sign of unity. Christmas pajamas family sets are a must-have for 2025, whether you’re searching for matched ensembles for Christmas morning pictures, comfortable movie evenings, or simply a way to get into the holiday spirit. Why Families Love Matching Pajamas Family Christmas pajamas are not a new concept, but their popularity has risen due to social media and a growing desire for meaningful rituals. Everyone, from parents to babies, wearing the same comfy attire creates a humorous and joyful atmosphere. Aside from the entertaining images, pajamas promote a sense of unity. They remind both children and parents that Christmas is more than simply gifts; it is about spending time together. Wearing matching PJs while opening presents or sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace provides memories that youngsters will treasure long after the season has passed. A Tradition That Continues To Grow Many families have made matching Christmas pajamas a yearly custom, just like decorating the tree or hanging stockings. Parents frequently select a different design each year, making it fascinating to predict which pattern will define the season. Some families go for classic looks like red-and-green plaids, while others like whimsical prints with Santa, reindeer, or snowflakes. In 2025, neutral tones and modern designs are also popular, providing appealing options for individuals who want a more basic holiday style. And it’s not just children that enjoy the games; teenagers and adults are equally likely to participate. In fact, many parents say they like watching everyone, regardless of age, participate in the tradition together. Matching Styles for Each Member The inclusive nature of matching family Christmas jammies is enticing. Today’s brands make it simple to discover matching outfits for everyone in the family. Parents can choose from conventional button-down flannels to modern jogger-style pajamas that are both comfortable and stylish. Kids: Fun prints like Santa, elves, or Christmas trees keep the excitement alive for young children. Babies and toddlers: With soft, soothing fabrics and simple snap closures, even the youngest family members may join in the fun. Pets: Many collections feature pajamas for dogs and cats, so no family member is left out of holiday photos. This inclusion is why pajamas are such a popular holiday trend—they bring everyone together in a simple but significant way. Photo-worthy Moments Let’s be honest: one of the reasons families enjoy Christmas pajamas family sets is the photo opportunity. Coordinated pajamas make holiday cards stand out and express the feeling of community in a way that nothing else can. Imagine everyone in matching pajamas gathered around the Christmas tree, unwrapping presents with big smiles or lazing on the couch for a Christmas movie marathon. These are the kind of genuine, heartfelt photos that become treasures for years. Comfort Meets Festivity Pajamas are not merely about appearance. The ideal matching sets include comfortable, easy-to-breathe fabrics that are ideal for sleeping, relaxing, and snuggling up on cold winter evenings. Cotton blends, fleece, and flannel blends are popular options for warmth and festivity. Parents especially love how modern designs strike a balance between comfort and durability, and hence are ideal for late nights of storytelling, family gaming, and lounging by the fireplace. Shopping for the Perfect Set When it comes to finding matching family Christmas pajamas, there are several alternatives. Families can select from a variety of designs, including entertaining cartoons, exquisite patterns, and personalized sets. The goal is to pick pajamas that reflect your family’s personality. Brands such as PatPat have gained popularity for providing a diverse range of matching pajamas that are both inexpensive and fashionable. They make it easy to coordinate the entire family, with sizes ranging from infants to adults. While many families love shopping at local businesses, internet retailers frequently provide a wider selection and the convenience of having everything in one location. Making it part of your holiday traditions The beauty of matching pajamas is how easily they can be incorporated into your existing holiday rituals. Some families open a fresh set of pajamas on Christmas Eve so that everyone can wear them the next morning while they receive presents. Others bring them out early in December for family movie nights, baking activities, or even holiday parties at home. Pajamas, no matter how they are used, give a whimsical, comfortable touch that boosts the Christmas spirit. Finally The beauty of Christmas is in the traditions we share, especially matching family Christmas pajamas have swiftly become some of the most popular. They’re a simple yet significant way to celebrate the season by bringing warmth, laughter, and community into the house. From Christmas Eve movie marathons to Christmas morning present exchanges, these pajamas elevate ordinary occasions to spectacular ones. Whether you favor classic plaid, playful prints, or sleek modern designs, there is something for every family. So, this year, try to include Christmas pajama family sets in your celebrations. It’s more than just matching outfits; it’s about making lasting memories, having nice nights, and adding a little extra holiday enchantment for everyone. — This content is brought to you by Chris Reyes Photo provided by the author. The post Matching Family Christmas Pajamas: Cute Christmas Pajamas for the Whole Family appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

At first glance your relationship might seem smooth sailing with just the occasional bump. If you’re with a narcissist those bumps might actually be subtle red flags that are easy to miss. Over time these signs can become more apparent and help you see the true nature of the relationship. Here are ten key signs to watch out for 1.Defensiveness to Criticism: When you offer constructive feedback, they may react with hostility or dismissiveness instead of considering your perspective. 2.Lack of Admiration: If they don’t receive praise or attention, their mood can shift quickly, sometimes turning sour or even resentful. 3.Need for Control: When their sense of control is challenged, they might resort to manipulation or guilt-tripping. 4.Reluctance to Share the Spotlight: They might downplay your achievements or try to outshine you whenever possible. 5.Denial of Flaws: When confronted with their own shortcomings, they might deny reality or deflect blame. 6.Feeling Slighted or Ignored: They may seek revenge or become passive-aggressive when they feel overlooked. 7.Envy or Sabotage: If you’re equally or more successful, they might become envious or try to undermine you. 8.Risk to Their Image: They might lie or distort the truth to protect their public persona. 9.Not the Center of Attention: They can act out or become dramatic if they feel ignored. 10.Threatened Status: If their status is challenged, they may become insecure and overcompensate. When these signs go unrecognized over time they can slowly erode your self-esteem and leave you feeling less valued or even worthless. This can create a lasting impact that might affect future relationships as well. Please recognize these red flags early to help you protect your well-being and ensure healthier, more fulfilling connections in the future. — 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: Belinda Fewings on Unsplash The post 10 Signs Your Relationship Is Hiding Signs of Narcissism appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Ethan DeWitt In March: a 25% tariff imposed by the U.S on Canadian steel and aluminum. Soon after: a host of retaliatory tariffs passed by Canada against American goods. And then, in late August, a new pledge by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to remove most — but not all — of those counter-tariffs by Sept. 1. The trade policies between the U.S. and its northern neighbor have careened in recent months, sending businesses into uncertainty as President Donald Trump pushes through aggressive and evolving negotiating tactics. In New Hampshire, they appear to be having an impact. By June 2025, exports to Canada for the year were 42.6% lower than at the same point in 2024, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade Bureau. But this fall, lawmakers and state officials are hoping to push past the chaos and make a simple pitch: The Granite State is still open for business. Over multiple days in early September, New Hampshire leaders will carry out a trade mission with Canadian and American businesses to try to strengthen cross border ties. The efforts will culminate in Quebec City, when Gov. Kelly Ayotte will participate in what has been billed as an “intimate reception” for politicians and business leaders at a Hilton hotel. Plans for the trade mission, which are still under development, include a Sept. 8 bus tour to Nova Scotia — by way of Littleton — with business leaders from both countries, according to Sen. Tim McGough, a Merrimack Republican and the chairman of the New Hampshire Canadian Trade Council. That will be followed by a journey to Quebec ahead of the event with the governor, “We’re pretty happy to have a good contingent of significant business leaders joining us on the bus,” said McGough during a council meeting Monday. “They’re a captive audience,” he added, speaking of the Canadian business representatives. “And they’re looking forward to the captive audience too.” The effort comes as New Hampshire’s economy has shown signs it has been affected by the trade war between Washington and Ottawa. Canada is still New Hampshire’s No. 2 export country, bolstered in large part by sales of aircraft and spacecraft parts from companies such as Marmon Aerospace & Defense and GE Aviation. The state also sends machinery and fabricated metal products, according to a 2019 fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Commerce. But while in the full 2024 calendar year, the Granite State sent $1.2 billion worth of products over the northern border, it had only sent about $400 million by June of this year. In contrast, exports to New Hampshire’s leading export country, Germany, were 3.2% higher in June 2025 than in June 2024. And exports to Mexico, the state’s third highest importer, were up 14.9% in June. Overall, New Hampshire’s exports to all countries, which totaled $7.1 billion in all of 2024, were down 4.19% in June. Uncertain times The state’s Department of Business and Economic Affairs is watching those numbers. The department cannot be certain the drop in exports to Canada was caused by the tariffs; it could be supply chain changes that are unrelated, said Adam Boltik, program manager of the department’s Office of International Commerce. “But with something like a 40% drop, that does make you look,” he said in an interview. To help businesses keep up with the changing conditions, the BEA has regularly posted the latest tariffs on a page on its website. But Boltik said companies must make their own decisions over what to do with that information. “We are here to be a resource,” he said. That can mean helping businesses affected by the tariffs to find “mitigating measures” such as alternative sources for their materials. The department can also help companies look for new markets to sell their products if the Canadian tariffs are hurting their business, he said. The department is limited in what it knows. While some top line economic figures exist, much of the BEA’s understanding comes from anecdotes. “When companies will come to me and say, ‘Hey, I’ve got this coming in from Country X and all of a sudden, there’s a tariff on it. What happens?’” In many cases, there is no way to collect the aggregate data needed to better understand those anecdotes, he added. Carney’s announcement that Canada would be lifting many of its retaliatory tariffs is good news for many New Hampshire businesses, Boltik said. Still, there is a new worry. On Friday, Trump’s executive order ending the “de minimus” tariff exception for U.S. imports will take effect. That change will mean that goods coming into the U.S. worth $800 or less, which were previously exempt from tariffs, will suddenly be subject to the taxes. That, Boltik fears, could lead Canada to retaliate by imposing tariffs on small-dollar imports from the U.S. as well. “There may be enough of an outcry from those Canadian producers and small businesses that Canada does something,” he said. An enduring relationship René Sylvestre, Québec’s delegate to New England, is optimistic the longstanding ties between the two geographic reasons can survive the tumult. “Our economies are so intertwined that we’re still looking to do business and work with companies and folk in New England,” he said in an interview. Despite the tariffs, Sylvestre said he hasn’t seen major changes in operations by Québécois companies, partly because the supply chains are so established. That includes aerospace companies. One source of that optimism: the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, passed during the first Trump term as a replacement for the North American Free Trade Agreement. The agreement protects a swath of products from tariffs, including agriculture, automobile products, textiles, machinery, and digital products. “Pretty much most of our products are under the USMCA,” Sylvestre said. That agreement did not stop the Trump administration from adding 25% tariffs to automobiles, steel and aluminum from Canada and Mexico, which the White House has said is allowed by security exceptions. Sylvestre said trade missions such as the one in September are intended to reassure businesses.And the idea has precedent: In April, soon after the tariff standoff kicked off, a delegation of Canadian businesses visited Portsmouth for a similar trade mission. Tourism decline If businesses are staying the course, tourism is a different story. The number of tourists visiting New Hampshire from Canada has dropped around 30% this year, BEA Commissioner Taylor Caswell said earlier this month. Animosity toward the United States, in addition to economic anxieties and fears about having trouble at the U.S. border have helped to contribute to the drop in tourism, Sylvestre said. Before the trade war, there was “a kind of unconditional trust and love” between the countries,” he said. Now, feelings are unsettled. “It’s really a perfect storm,” he said. During Monday’s meeting, some said they have seen the effect of the drop in tourism. Janet Wall, a Madbury Democrat, noted that the Seacoast usually sees a late-summer burst of tourism from Canadians. This year, she said, beachside parking lots are not full, and business owners say there has been a “huge decline” in Canadian visitors. McGough had a different take. Browsing the parking lots of the Merrimack Outlets this year, he has seen plenty of Québec license plates, he said. The dip in tourism comes after New Hampshire and Canada were only just rebounding from the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which the land border between the two countries was largely closed. In February 2024, Canadian Consul General for New England Bernadette Jordan paid a visit to the New Hampshire House to tout that turnaround. “Whether it’s tourism, whether it’s trade, whether it’s people visiting families: We can’t impede that,” Jordan said in an interview with the Bulletin then. “But we still have to make sure that what we’re doing is still working. It does seem to be working.” Today, under very different circumstances, Slyvestre hopes that that relationship will endure. “I see this as one corridor,” he said. “Even though it’s two countries, there are so many things that we’re doing together.” YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT New Hampshire Bulletin is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. New Hampshire Bulletin maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Dana Wormald for questions: info@newhampshirebulletin.com. — New Hampshire Bulletin is an independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit, statewide news organization dedicated to covering all things health care in New Hampshire. Visit NHB at newhampshirebulletin.com 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. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: unsplash The post Rocked by Tariffs, NH Plans Overture to Canadian Businesses appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— The pandemic struck only a few years ago, yet many of us already see it as a distant memory, forgetting that, for a time, society lived under strict limitations and restrictions. This uneasy period accelerated consumer interest in shopping online, making it quite common to compare, search, and order all types of products ‘blindly’, without testing them in real life. Many people saw this shift in shopping habits as a sort of liberation – you do not waste half of the day driving around different stores and make a purchase in a matter of minutes. Nevertheless, despite the rise in the popularity of digital shopping, the offline market still retains its importance, and many buyers prefer to visit the store, test, and have a full-fledged shopping experience, especially when it comes to furniture and searching for perfect beds Cyprus options. Online Shopping for Beds in Cyprus It is undeniable that online shopping offers numerous advantages, giving customers instant access to a wide variety of bed models with just a single click. Online marketplaces and stores provide a wide selection, ranging from budget-friendly beds to luxurious transformable bases, with catalogues that can be easily filtered by size, price, and material. One of the greatest advantages of online shopping is the transparency and simplicity, as people can compare prices across different retailers, get acquainted with reviews, and even find promotions that are often limited only to online purchases. Moreover, the convenience of home delivery and flexible return policies adds another point to the attractiveness of purchasing beds Cyprus online. Still, the drawbacks of digital shopping are also evident and can even outweigh the advantages. A bed is not a small accessory that you can easily substitute: it is a piece of furniture that is a real investment in your health and comfort that will be the central element of the bedroom. Even detailed pictures and specifications cannot fully convey the quality of the materials or the tactile experience, softness, firmness, and ergonomics. These features can only be tested in offline stores, and buyers risk disappointment when the delivered model does not meet their expectations, and the return option can take a lot of time and be rather inconvenient. Offline Shopping for Beds in Cyprus Traditional shopping for beds Cyprus in offline stores remains relevant, and customers prefer testing the mattress or the bed frame in person. And offline stores and showrooms manage to deliver exactly that: a chance to touch the materials, lie down on the mattress, and fully evaluate the level of comfort. Additionally, offline shopping offers buyers a chance to have a personalised consultation with an expert and select the best possible option. Sales representatives are usually highly qualified and can guide clients through a range of models, explain features, and suggest the best beds Cyprus model for allergy prevention, back support, or other health conditions. For sure, offline stores have a set of limitations, including the potentially inconvenient operating hours or lack of a wide selection of beds Cyprus models within one showroom. Visiting stores also requires quite a lot of effort and free time, and the heat during the summer season can make the experience unbearable. Askona: Quality Beds Cyprus Can Rely On Askona is one of the few companies that manages to successfully bridge the gap between offline and online shopping experiences. The brand is widely known internationally for its focus on introducing ergonomic solutions and improving sleep quality. Askona has successfully managed to establish itself as a trustworthy provider of bedroom furniture and beds Cyprus, and customers can explore modern collections both in showrooms and online. The selection of models includes a variety of modern upholstered frames, durable options for long-term use, innovative transformable bed Cyprus bases, and many sleep accessories to help you achieve an ultimate level of comfort. For loyal clients who value cosiness, durability, and the health benefits of proper sleep systems, Askona has become a trusted name in the industry. Creating the Perfect Mix The dispute between the advantages of online and offline shopping for beds Cyprus won’t probably have a single winner. Ultimately, the final decision depends on individual preferences, lifestyle choices, and priorities. Many buyers tend to adopt a hybrid approach, when they begin their search online, select the models they like, and later visit a showroom to finalize the decision or make a different choice. When you are shopping for beds Cyprus, you are not simply looking for furniture; you are investing in your well-being. Whether the final piece is purchased online or offline, the ultimate aim is the same: to secure a restful, healthy, and restorative sleep. Companies like Askona illustrate how quality and trust of loyal customers can bring together the two options, ensuring that clients do not have to compromise between convenience and certainty. — This content is brought to you by Sky Link Building iStockPhoto The post Beds Cyprus: Online vs Offline Shopping Experience appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Hilary Lustick, UMass Lowell It’s been about six months since the U.S. Department of Education sent a “Dear Colleague” letter to all schools that receive federal funding, warning them that they could risk losing this money if they promote what the department calls “pervasive and repugnant” racial preferences. The letter, among other things, reversed previous presidents’ positions on how diversity, equity and inclusion influences schools’ disciplinary measures. It advised schools to, within two weeks, begin to eliminate all discipline protocols rooted in DEI, on the grounds that this work is discriminatory against white students. Trump also issued an executive order, “Reinstating Commonsense School Discipline Policy,” in April 2025, doubling down on the letter. Trump’s letter and executive order exert an unusual level of influence over how schools can decide the best way to teach and, when necessary, discipline students. It also cuts against recognized research that Black, Latino and Native American students are disciplined more frequently and harshly than white and Asian students. I am an educational scholar who has spent the past 13 years analyzing school discipline policy. While previous administrations have issued “Dear Colleague” letters to schools, Trump’s is the first that frames itself as though it were law – setting a potential new precedent for the executive branch to issue educational mandates without the approval of the judicial or congressional branches of government. While all but two states have responded to Trump’s letter, about half of them have said they are not going to comply with its terms – despite the administration’s threat of cutting funding if they do not follow the guidance. Understanding DEI in education Equity-oriented education, or diversity, equity and inclusion, refers to an ideology and programming that intend to ameliorate patterns of racial inequality. In the context of discipline in schools, DEI strategies could include teachers having conversations with children about their behavior, rather than immediately suspending them. Research shows that these techniques can help reduce racial discipline gaps in academic achievement and disciplinary outcomes. The Obama administration in 2014 recognized this research in its own “Dear Colleague” letter to schools. The administration advised schools to either reform their discipline practices toward nonpunitive alternatives to suspension or risk being investigated for discrimination. The first Trump administration rescinded this letter in 2018. Then, in 2023, the Biden administration released a document along the same lines as Obama’s letter. Trump’s February 2025 letter grouped all of these recommendations under the banner of “DEI” and argued that such practices are discriminatory, privileging students of color over white and Asian students. In his April executive order, Trump reiterated that if schools did not eliminate DEI, they would be out of compliance with Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, Public school districts regularly have to issue a certificate of compliance to the government showing that their work is in line with Title VI. While the Trump administration characterizes DEI as “smuggling racial stereotypes and explicit race-consciousness into everyday training, programming, and discipline,” it does not define exactly what constitutes DEI programming. This puts school districts at risk of losing funding if they maintain any initiatives related to racial equality. Legal concerns with Trump’s directives The executive office and members of Congress typically issue “Dear Colleague” letters, which are not legally binding, to advise schools and others on policy. Yet Trump’s letter was written like a mandate and reinforced by an executive order, which is legally binding. Some scholars are calling the letter an “overreach” of legal authority. In the spring of 2025, I analyzed states’ responses to Trump’s letter and executive order. Two states, Iowa and Tennessee, had not yet provided public responses. Twenty-three states complied with the administration’s directive by signing the letter as of May 30. Some, like Oklahoma, not only certified the letter but also passed state laws banning DEI policies and programs. The remaining 25 states refused to certify the letter, asserting that they already complied with Title VI and that their policies are not discriminatory. In addition, 19 of those 25 states sued the Trump administration over the letter in April, culminating in a court injunction later that month that temporarily released states from having to comply with its demands. I noticed that many states that refuted Trump’s letter used the same exact words in their responses, signaling a concerted effort to resist Trump’s directives. States that did not sign on to the letter but objected to its intent generally resisted on legal grounds, ethics or both. A legal argument Most states that rejected it grounded their refusal to sign Trump’s letter in federal law. They cited the Civil Rights Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act, which protects states from having to file redundant paperwork. Because these states already certified compliance with Title VI, this argument goes, they should not have to do so again under Trump’s directive. Education commissioners from a few states, including Illinois and Minnesota, also cited specific language used by Betsy DeVos, Trump’s former education secretary in his first term, who supported DEI policies. Charlene Russell-Tucker, the education commissioner for Connecticut, also pointed out that in order for the federal government to cancel DEI programming, it would have to first legally change the definition of Title VI. States resisting on other grounds Some education officials also argued that their DEI work is ideologically necessary for providing supportive learning environments for all students. Patrick Tutwiler, Massachusetts’ interim education commissioner, wrote in an April 16 letter, for example, that “Massachusetts will continue to promote diversity in our schools because we know it improves outcomes for all of our kids.” Other officials displayed more subtle resistance. Randy Watson, Kansas’ education commissioner, for example, affirmed the state’s “commitment to comply with all Federal statutes,” including Title VI – but did not explicitly address Trump’s “Dear Colleague” letter. Similarly, Kentucky informed the Department of Education of its compliance with federal law, while simultaneously encouraging local districts to continue diversity, equity and inclusion work. Mississippi’s state department of education pointed out that school districts operate independently, so the state cannot force policies on them. However, Mississippi signaled compliance by citing a new state law banning DEI and confirmed that each of its individual school districts have already certified compliance with federal laws. More legal pushback It is not yet clear what might follow the April court injunction, which largely prevented the Department of Education from cutting federal funding to schools that continued their DEI-related programs and policies. While the Trump administration has made major cuts to the Department of Education, it has not announced that states refusing to certify the letter will lose funding. This is the first time an administration is issuing such a direct threat to withhold K-12 funding, placing schools in an unknown place, without a clear blueprint of how to move forward. Hilary Lustick, Associate Professor of Education, UMass Lowell 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 Trump Has Promised to Eliminate Funding to Schools That Don’t Nix DEI Work – But Half of the States Are Not Complying appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Russia will continue to resist attempts to distort the legacy of World War II, the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman has said Moscow is committed to countering the xenophobia promoted by the West, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told RT. She made the remarks as President Vladimir Putin concluded his four-day visit to China by attending a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday, marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. She argued that efforts by some politicians and media outlets to downplay or “distort” the victory of Russia and China in World War II show that “fascism, Nazism, racism, and xenophobia have not been completely eradicated.” “These were the views our country fought against 80 years ago, and we are still confronting them on the international stage today,” she said. Zakharova added that Russia is determined to preserve the memory of WWII, as well as defend international law and “the true values that our world is built on.” “They haven’t yet been crippled by the Western liberal dictatorships that try to sway us towards a distorted understanding of people,” she said. DETAILS TO FOLLOW View the full article

— Introduction In today’s fast-paced digital world, mobile app development has evolved into an essential business strategy. Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, the choice of the development framework can define your product’s success. One of the most sought-after frameworks today is Flutter—Google’s open-source UI toolkit that lets developers build natively compiled applications from a single codebase. Flutter app development companies are in high demand, and for good reason. In this blog, we’ll explore the advantages of Flutter app development, what to look for in Flutter app development companies, and why you should consider hiring Flutter developers for your next mobile project. What is Flutter? Flutter is a UI toolkit created by Google for crafting beautiful, fast, and natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. With a Dart-based programming language and widgets designed to mirror native components, Flutter allows for a consistent and smooth user experience across platforms. Benefits of Flutter App Development 1. Cross-platform Capabilities One of Flutter’s biggest advantages is the ability to build apps for both iOS and Android using a single codebase. This dramatically reduces development time and cost. 2. Fast Development with Hot Reload Flutter’s “hot reload” feature allows developers to instantly see changes without restarting the app. This speeds up the development cycle and boosts productivity. 3. Beautiful UI with Custom Widgets Flutter provides an extensive library of customizable widgets, enabling the creation of visually stunning and highly responsive apps that look and feel native. 4. Excellent Performance Because Flutter compiles to native ARM code and doesn’t rely on web views or interpreters, it delivers near-native performance on both iOS and Android. 5. Strong Community and Support With backing from Google and an ever-growing developer community, Flutter is here to stay. Regular updates and active support make it a reliable long-term solution. Why Hire Flutter Developers? Cost Efficiency: One Flutter developer can build apps for multiple platforms. Faster Time to Market: The development process is streamlined, reducing turnaround time. High-Quality Output: Skilled Flutter developers can create performant and visually engaging apps with minimal bugs. How to Choose a Flutter App Development Company When considering Flutter app development companies, look for: Proven Portfolio: Check for successful apps built with Flutter. Client Testimonials: Reviews and ratings reflect credibility. Expertise in Dart: Since Flutter is based on Dart, expertise in this language is crucial. Post-launch Support: Ensure they offer maintenance, updates, and performance optimization. Final Thoughts Flutter is revolutionizing the way apps are built. With quicker development, stunning UI capabilities, and native performance, it’s no wonder that Flutter is the go-to choice for modern mobile development. If you’re planning a new mobile app, now is the perfect time to hire Flutter developers or partner with a leading Flutter app development company to bring your vision to life. — This content is brought to you by Soffy Loren iStockPhoto The post Why Flutter App Development Is the Future of Cross-Platform Mobile Apps appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Your five-star review of a park may have more weight than you think. Scientists just turned it into data, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). Researchers at the University of Florida based in Fort Lauderdale used machine learning to analyze more than 30,000 Google Maps and TripAdvisor reviews for parks, gardens and greenways throughout Broward County. Their analysis identified 11 types of “cultural ecosystem services” or nonmaterial benefits provided by nature, such as beauty, recreation, relaxation and inspiration. By using this type of AI, they pinpointed which parks offer the richest mix of these services. Their findings, published in the journal Ecosystem Services, show that parks with more trees, more space, diverse plants and wildlife and water features tend to deliver the most value. AI also revealed that cultural benefits often overlap. For example, a trail popular for jogging might also offer birdwatching, family time and quiet reflection – all bundled together in one green pocket of the city. “By applying AI to countless online reviews, we can now measure these cultural values and understand how park design and planning can be optimized for public wellbeing,” said Haojie Cao, lead author and a doctoral student at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC). The study’s authors suggest this AI-driven approach could be used anywhere, turning what people are already saying online into actionable insights for building healthier, happier communities. It’s a blend of cutting-edge tech and hometown values, the same kind of algorithms driving innovation in healthcare and business are now helping decode how people experience and value nature in one of Florida’s most urban counties. For Broward, where nearly two million residents share limited open space, researchers found that certain parks offer the greatest boosts to well-being. Features like shade, trees, walking paths and water access emerged as especially important in shaping people’s experiences. “Social media data, empowered by AI, could provide a valuable means to understand where and how urban residents benefit most from parks and track progress towards management and planning efforts to optimize greenspaces that benefit both people and nature,” said Jiangxiao Qiu, associate professor of landscape ecology at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center and the senior author of this work. “In some ways, the results could be considered citizen science data since the observations are right from the source.” Among other study takeaways, findings revealed that aesthetics, entertainment and physical and experiential offerings are the most reported cultural ecosystem services provided by urban greenspaces. Authors suggest these bundled benefits are opportunities to design and manage parks in ways that enhance the user’s experience adding value to the park for the public. Ultimately, the research offers an adaptable roadmap — powered by AI and big data — for studying, mapping and understanding the intangible cultural values of urban nature, said Qiu. “These cultural ecosystem services are among the most valuable benefits that urban parks and greenspaces provide to its residents,” he said. “As cities grow in size and population, sustainable greenspace planning and management can be informed and empowered by AI and big data to understand where and how to allocate efforts and resources to improve their cultural values and social wellbeing and to track progress towards these urban policy and intervention goals.” — 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 The post Researchers Use AI to Turn Park Reviews Into Science; Findings Reveal Secret to Parks People Love appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

A viral post on X by Lila Rose claiming that “Men don’t need sex” has sent the internet into a frenzy. The tweet racked up over 9 million views and thousands of comments, many of them furious. One man shot back, “If men don’t need sex, women don’t need emotional validation or cuddling. You’re not going to die without them, right?” Well — yes. We won’t die without cuddling. And no, men won’t die without sex either. But the real problem is how quickly people dismissed the deeper message. The outrage itself proves just how blind we’ve become. Because here’s the truth; men today are facing a crisis. We’re seeing an epidemic of loneliness, disconnection, and a loss of purpose. Much of it stems from cultural misconceptions about masculinity — the idea that being a man means suppressing vulnerability and centering sex as the ultimate proof of manhood. But now sex, the very thing men were told defines them, is destroying lives. Look at the rise of incel culture. Look at the millions trapped in porn addiction. Instead of addressing the problem, we’ve turned to cheap gratification — a release that lasts minutes while the real damage lingers for years. No one is really checking on boys who have become addicted to sexual content. Pornography, the evil hiding behind a mask of “entertainment,” is destroying an entire generation of men from the inside out. And if nothing changes, we might as well forget about our survival. A recent international study spanning 42 countries found that 17% of people globally struggle with problematic porn use. And while older studies often zoomed in on white men in the U.S., this new data shows the problem cuts across culture, income, and age. Porn addiction is everywhere. And it’s not harmless. From birth to 25, the brain is still wiring itself — experiences literally shape the way we see the world. When kids and teens watch high-intensity porn — gangbangs, violent clips, multiple partners — their brains start treating that as “normal sex.” Reddit is full of heartbreaking confessions from men who admit they can’t enjoy intimacy with a partner anymore unless it matches the extremes they’ve seen online. One man admitted he broke up with his girlfriend because he “wasn’t aroused by anything vanilla.” Another wrote that porn was easier than dating, until he woke up at 30, addicted, single, and depressed. And the age of exposure is terrifying. 75% of teens between 13–17 access porn regularly. Even younger kids — sometimes as young as 8 — stumble onto hardcore sites that show rape or violent sex, and they take it in as “education.” Imagine being 8 years old and thinking that’s what love looks like. We are creating a sexual template that damages an entire generation before they even get the chance to figure out who they are. Porn and sexual disconnection aren’t just stealing intimacy. They’re quietly pushing men toward extinction. A man whose brain is wired to endless novelty on a screen has little drive left for a real woman, for family, for children. Pair that with rising global birthrate declines and you start to see the bigger picture. Porn isn’t just a private vice. It’s a cultural collapse. The saddest part? Many men have openly admitted they feel stuck. They know porn has stolen their confidence, their drive, their ability to connect. But they also say quitting feels impossible — because unlike drugs or alcohol, porn is always one click away. How Porn and Sex Culture Are Killing Masculinity Now let’s talk about what happens inside your brain every time you watch pornography. You see, porn isn’t just a “bad habit.” It’s designed to hijack your wiring, the same way junk food and social media are engineered to keep you hooked. I’ve read countless stories from men online who say the same thing: it starts harmless, just curiosity, but slowly it becomes something else. One man on Reddit admitted his marriage collapsed because he lost all attraction to his wife. “It wasn’t her,” he wrote, “it was me. I couldn’t respond to her touch anymore. Only porn worked.” That’s the brutal reality — porn replaces intimacy until real love feels boring. The damage doesn’t stop with adults. Children are copying what they see. There are disturbing cases of 13- and 14-year-old boys acting out porn scenes on other kids and later admitting that’s where they learned it. At that age, they don’t separate fantasy from reality. They imitate. And what they’re imitating is dangerous. Even physically, the body starts to betray you. More and more young men in their twenties — guys who should be in their sexual prime — can’t perform in bed without a screen. Doctors are even giving it a name now — porn-induced erectile dysfunction. Imagine being 24, in love, finally in bed with someone you care about — and nothing works because your brain has been rewired by years of clicking and swiping. But here’s the bigger truth. Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s not only porn. It’s food, gaming, scrolling TikTok until three in the morning. The way we live today — lonely, anxious, overworked — makes us desperate for escape. Porn just happens to be the most powerful drug of all because it taps into our most primal drive: sex. Every time you watch, your brain floods with dopamine. It feels good. Too good. That hit of pleasure shuts down the survival part of your brain, the side that worries about consequences, risk, and shame. For a moment, the fear is gone, the loneliness is gone, the anxiety is gone. But when the clip ends, the cravings are worse. So you chase more novelty, more extremes, something you never thought you’d even look at — because that’s how the brain works. You get stuck in the loop. Watch. Regret. Repeat. Many men online admit they don’t even enjoy it anymore. They just need it, like air. Porn promised them an escape, but it left them trapped in a cycle that eats away at confidence, relationships, and even basic human connection. Porn as a Substitute for Real Relationships Porn taps into the oldest instinct we have — the drive to procreate. But here’s the catch: when the brain wants sex, it doesn’t just want an orgasm. It wants the whole package — connection, safety, belonging, love. Porn only gives us a slice of that package. It delivers the climax without the closeness, the body without the heart.The sexual hunger is met, but the emotional hunger is left starving. That’s why men often describe the feeling of “post-nut clarity.” Before release, the desire is powerful, almost overwhelming. But once it’s over, the motivation to connect disappears. A guy on Reddit confessed he couldn’t stay interested in dating anymore. After porn, he didn’t want to cuddle, didn’t want to text, didn’t want to build anything real. “It felt like too much effort,” he said. Porn was easier. But porn also left him emptier each time. And that emptiness has consequences. The more men turn to porn as a substitute for real intimacy, the less they invest in relationships. Some even lose interest in relationships altogether. It’s not just about individuals; this is shaping society. When intimacy is replaced with fantasies, you don’t just see loneliness — you see anger. You see entitlement. You see women who feel unsafe around men, because too many men are walking around frustrated, disconnected, and desperate for something they can’t name. Look at the bigger picture on declining birth rates. In many countries, women are still having children, but increasingly without men — thanks to sperm banks and reproductive technology. The imbalance is striking. Women can procreate without men. Men, on the other hand, cannot procreate without women. A man who turns to porn instead of partnership may think he’s avoiding rejection, but in the long run, he’s opting out of the future. That leaves us with a growing group of men — anywhere from age 15 to 50 — who find themselves with no real options. They can’t build relationships, they won’t pass on their genes, and they know it. Some lash out. You see it in angry forums, in frustrated Reddit rants, in men who are bitter at women for not filling the gap porn created in their brains. However, it isn’t women they should be angry at. It’s the trap they fell into. Porn tricked them into thinking they were getting what they needed, but really it was only giving them half of the picture — and stealing the other half before they even realized it. Men aren’t just lonely. They’re going extinct, and we can no longer ignore the facts. Case studies cited: https://bircheshealth.com/resources/sex-porn-addiction-learnings https://ifstudies.org/blog/what-happens-when-children-are-exposed-to-pornography https://x.com/LilaGraceRose/status/1954743971416023503?t=v-Gf2KIpR97s7ZYqz0cSFw&s=19 — 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: Kino VN On Unsplash The post Why the Internet Went Wild Over the “Men Don’t Need Sex” Tweet appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

You know the feeling. That dizzying, all-consuming infatuation that feels like destiny. The magnetic pull toward someone who is clearly wrong to everyone but you is all wrong. You see the red flags, but they look like flags of passion. You hear the warnings, but they sound like background noise to the symphony of chemistry playing in your mind. We’ve all been there. We mistake anxiety for excitement, intensity for intimacy, and trauma bonds for soulmate connections. It’s easy to blame ourselves, to think we’re just “bad at love.” But the truth is far more fascinating — and far more compassionate. Our attraction to the wrong people is rarely random; it’s a psychological pattern, often written by our past and executed by our subconscious. Here’s the psychology behind why we fall for them, and how to rewrite the script. … The Familiarity of Childhood Wounds: The Blueprint of Love Our earliest relationships form our “blueprint” for love. If love in childhood felt conditional, unpredictable, or intertwined with anxiety, our adult brain seeks out that same familiar feeling. It’s not that we want pain; it’s that we recognize it as love. Why We Do It: The brain is a pattern-matching machine. It confuses the anxiety of inconsistent love (a parent who was sometimes loving, sometimes cold) with passion. A stable, secure partner can feel “boring” because it lacks the dramatic highs and lows our nervous system is primed to expect. How to Break It: Awareness is the first step. Ask yourself: “Does this dynamic feel familiar?” “Does this person remind me of anyone from my past?” Healing involves consciously choosing the unfamiliar calm of secure attachment over the addictive chaos of the familiar. … The Savior Complex: The Need to Be Needed Some of us are drawn to projects — people we can “fix,” “help,” or “save.” We pour our energy into someone emotionally unavailable, believing our love will be the thing that finally heals them and makes them commit. Why We Do It: This often stems from a need to feel worthy and valuable. If we can “earn” love by fixing someone, we avoid the terrifying vulnerability of being loved for who we are, flaws and all. It also creates a sense of control in the unpredictable realm of love. How to Break It: Recognize that you cannot love someone into being healthy. True love is a partnership between two whole people, not a rescue mission. Shift your focus from “Can I fix them?” to “Do they meet my needs?” … The Echo of Low Self-Worth: “This is What I Deserve” Sometimes, we pursue people who treat us poorly because, on a deep level, it confirms our own hidden beliefs about ourselves. If we feel unworthy of love, a partner who is critical, dismissive, or unreliable feels like a perfect match. Why We Do It: A rejecting partner echoes the negative voice in our own head. It’s a painful confirmation bias: “See? I knew I wasn’t good enough.” Being with someone who reflects our low self-esteem is perversely comfortable because it doesn’t challenge us to grow. How to Break It: The work here isn’t about finding the right partner; it’s about becoming the right partner for yourself. Build self-worth through therapy, self-compassion, and achievement outside of romance. You will start to repel what no longer matches your rising vibration. … The Illusion of Potential: Falling for Who They Could Be We don’t fall for the person in front of us; we fall for the idealized version of them we’ve built in our minds. We see their potential — the person they could be if they just got sober, grew up, dealt with their trauma, or committed to us. Why We Do It: Falling for potential is a form of control and fantasy. It allows us to live in a future that hasn’t happened yet, avoiding the painful reality of the present. It’s also a way to avoid the scarcity fear of “what if there’s no one better?” How to Break It: Train yourself to see only who the person is now, today, based solely on their actions. Believe people when they show you who they are the first time. Choose reality over fantasy. … The Chemistry of Dysfunction: Your Nervous System’s Addiction That intense, can’t-eat-can’t-sleep feeling of “chemistry” is often not love — it’s your body’s stress response. Intermittent reinforcement (when praise or affection is given unpredictably) is a powerful psychological trigger that creates addiction-like patterns in the brain. Why We Do It: The highs of a breadcrumbing partner — the occasional text after silence, the moment of warmth after distance — trigger a dopamine rush more potent than consistent kindness. We become addicts chasing the next hit of validation, mistaking this rollercoaster for love. How to Break It: Learn to identify the calm, safe feeling of secure attachment. True connection should feel like peace, like coming home. If it feels like a rollercoaster you’re trying to survive, it’s not love; it’s drama. … Rewiring for the Right Love Falling for the wrong person is not a life sentence. It’s data. It’s your subconscious mind trying to work out an old problem. The path to the right love isn’t about finding a perfect person; it’s about untangling the patterns within yourself that confuse pain for passion. The right relationship won’t feel like a constant battle to be valued. It will feel like a soft place to land. It won’t drain you; it will energize you. It may not have the dizzying highs of a toxic rollercoaster, but it will offer a profound and steady peace, the kind of love that heals, rather than wounds. And you are worthy of nothing less. — 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: Caleb Ekeroth on Unsplash The post The Psychology of Why We Fall for the Wrong People appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Securing your financial future is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure peace of mind. However, for many people, the idea of saving money feels overwhelming. The good news is that you don’t need to commit to a complex or strenuous savings plan to begin. Starting small, creating simple goals, and understanding the tools at your disposal are all you need to take the first step toward a more secure future. In this article, we’ll explore easy and practical ways to start saving without putting yourself under pressure. Whether you’re just beginning or need a refresher on where to begin, these strategies will help you create a savings routine that fits your lifestyle. The Importance of Saving Early The earlier you start saving, the more time your money has to grow. Even modest savings, when left to accumulate over time, can have a significant impact on your financial future. Whether it’s for retirement, buying a home, or simply building an emergency fund, establishing a savings habit can put you on the path to financial freedom. But starting doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your quality of life or taking on extra work. There are simple ways to begin, no matter where you’re starting from. Set Clear, Achievable Goals One of the most effective ways to make savings manageable is by setting clear and realistic goals. A vague goal like “save more money” can be daunting and lead to procrastination. Instead, break it down into specific, measurable, and achievable objectives. Short-Term Goals If you’re new to saving, start small. A good short-term goal might be saving for an emergency fund or setting aside money for a vacation. This could mean saving a set percentage of your monthly income, such as 5% or 10%, and putting that into a dedicated savings account. Long-Term Goals Long-term goals could include saving for retirement or buying a home. These goals will take longer to achieve, but that doesn’t mean they should be put off. The key is to start with a small amount and increase your contribution as your finances allow. Setting automatic deposits into a savings account or retirement fund can help ensure you stay consistent. Use a High-Yield Savings Account A savings account can be a great place to start when building your savings. But not all savings accounts are created equal. Traditional savings accounts tend to offer minimal interest, which means your savings won’t grow much over time. Instead, consider a high-yield savings account. These accounts often offer significantly higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, allowing your money to grow faster. They also tend to be low-risk, making them a great option for those who are just getting started with saving. For example, if you’re looking for a hassle-free way to start saving, you might want to open an online savings account with SoFi. With competitive interest rates, no fees, and the convenience of managing your account online, it’s a straightforward option that fits well into any savings strategy. Automate Your Savings One of the easiest ways to save without overwhelming yourself is to automate your savings. Many banks and financial institutions offer automatic transfer options that allow you to move money into savings accounts without having to think about it. This approach removes the temptation to skip saving each month. It’s a simple and efficient way to build your savings without the mental effort of manually transferring money each time. Consider setting up automated transfers from your checking account to your savings account, making sure the amount fits your budget. You could set it for payday, so you’re saving before you even have a chance to spend the money. Cut Back on Unnecessary Expenses It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of saving when you’re already living paycheck to paycheck. But often, small adjustments to your daily spending habits can make a significant difference. Cutting back on non-essential expenses allows you to divert those funds into savings without feeling deprived. Take a look at your monthly spending and see where you might be able to make changes. Could you make your coffee at home instead of buying it every day? Could you unsubscribe from a service you rarely use? By trimming these small expenses, you can free up money to put toward your savings goals. The 50/30/20 Rule One popular method for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which divides your income into three categories: 50% for necessities (housing, utilities, groceries, etc.) 30% for discretionary spending (entertainment, dining out, hobbies, etc.) 20% for savings and debt repayment By following this rule, you’ll ensure that a significant portion of your income is being set aside for the future. Even if your savings contributions are on the smaller side at first, this rule can help keep you on track. Take Advantage of Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans Many employers offer retirement savings plans like 401(k)s, which come with some serious benefits. In many cases, your employer will match a portion of your contributions, meaning they’ll essentially be adding money to your savings for free. This is essentially “found money,” and it’s one of the best ways to build your retirement savings without much effort on your part. If your employer offers a match, make sure to contribute at least enough to take full advantage of it. Even if you’re not sure where to begin with your retirement savings, contributing to your 401(k) is a great starting point. It’s also worth exploring other retirement savings options like IRAs if your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k). Start Small and Scale Up Gradually When it comes to saving, the key is to start small and gradually increase your contributions over time. Trying to save large amounts right away can lead to burnout or frustration, especially if it’s difficult to manage within your budget. Instead, aim to save a small percentage of your income each month and slowly increase it as you get more comfortable. You can increase the amount as you pay off debts, get a raise, or reduce your living expenses. This gradual approach helps you build a savings habit without feeling overwhelmed. Stay Consistent Consistency is one of the most important aspects of successful saving. Even if you start small, regular contributions over time can add up to significant amounts. It’s important to stick with your savings plan, even when it feels challenging. If you find yourself tempted to dip into your savings, remind yourself of the long-term benefits. The more consistent you are, the easier it will become to save regularly, and the more financial security you will build for your future. Conclusion Securing your future doesn’t have to be a complicated or overwhelming process. By setting clear goals, automating your savings, and making small, manageable changes to your spending habits, you can start building a solid foundation for your financial future. The key is to begin now—no matter how small—and remain consistent as you work toward your goals. The sooner you start, the better off you’ll be in the long run. — This content is brought to you by Bianca Cairinasis iStockPhoto The post Securing Your Future: Easy Ways to Start Saving Without Overwhelming Yourself appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The survival of Ernest Shackleton’s crew is the greatest survival saga in human history. AUGUST 8, 1914—28 men depart for Antarctica. JANUARY 18, 1915—Their ship, the Endurance, is caught in pack ice. NOVEMBER 21, 1915—The ship sinks. AUGUST 30, 1916—The crew is rescued. The survival of all 28 men is a tribute to the human spirit and Ernest Shackleton leading through crisis. Leading Through Crisis #1 Eliminate Happy Talk Optimism isn’t pretending. It’s constructive explaining. “Everything’s fine” insults common sense when the ship is sinking. Constructive explaining accepts reality and adapts. Pessimists say, “Why bother?” Optimists believe hard work makes a difference. Optimists act. Happy talk prolongs catastrophe. #2 Reduce Weight Let go of what doesn’t matter. Stop polishing the brass. Trim the red tape. Protect work that contributes to survival. Let go of wishful thinking. Imagine a crew watching their ship sink. Don’t waste energy pining for a glorious past. Wishing doesn’t change things. Simplify by focusing on essentials when leading through crisis. #3 Don’t Forget the Banjo Morale is survival gear during crisis. People need more than direction. They need music – fun and connection. The crew were instructed to leave personal items behind. But Shackleton allowed one extravagance. He told the expedition’s meteorologist, Dr. Leonard Hussey, to bring his banjo. Morale makes successes seem bigger and failure less enduring. Cut the fluff, face reality, and don’t forget the banjo when leading through crisis. When leading through crisis, morale is the line between resolution and collapse. What do leaders forget when leading through crisis? What are some key factors to success when leading through crisis? Leadership Practices from two years of Survival in the Antarctic you can use Today 3 bonus tips from Ernest Shackleton’s example: Keep routines, even in chaos. Listen closely to the crew. Make tough decisions quickly. Image source for Dr. Leonard Hussey’s banjo: Royal Museums Greenwich The Endurance was found on March 5, 2022. — 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 Don’t Forget the Banjo: Leading Through Crisis appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— A website is no longer an electronic placeholder—it’s the contact point of a brand with its users. For today’s competitive web environment, websites must move beyond functional design and deliver a real connection. Translating code into people-centric engagement requires purposeful strategy, technical proficiency, and understanding behavior patterns. This is where a vetted and well-versed Australian website development company can help. The Paradigm Shift from Code to Connection Traditional web projects focus mostly on functionality. However, it has to be not only about functionality. People need to have a high level of trust in order to act. This is why developers need to go beyond technical execution if they want to move from code to community. This equilibrium turns platforms into experiences that people really care about. Getting to Know What Users Want Understanding why people come to your website in the first place is the most important part of building a successful website. Are they looking for solutions, things, or information? A competent website development company takes care of each project and makes sure that the way the site functions is connected to how real people use it. You may break this down into three groups: Ease of Navigation: It should be easy to get to what you want. Visitors won’t become frustrated and will stay engaged if the menus are clear, the pages are logically structured, and the style is easy to understand. Seamless Transactions: Simple-to-use forms and fewer steps at checkout make it simple for users to sign up for an offer or purchase something. Interactive Engagement: Search boxes, chat help, and interactive graphics are some of the features that make surfing fun and keep people on the site longer. Companies can keep customers and build loyalty by making design decisions that reflect what users want. Telling Stories Through Design Websites are like machines that tell stories. Instead of hitting visitors with walls of text, good websites create tales using pictures and interactive elements. A story that grabs you is made up of carefully picked color schemes, real photographs, and well-written headers. The top website developer company will combine these creative ideas with technical know-how to make sure that both the look and the function are good. Companies may contact visitors on an emotional level by delivering a narrative that makes sense. Mobile-first Experiences Mobile-first design is no longer just a trend; it’s a must-have since most people use their phones to explore the web. Users may browse your site smoothly on any device if it is responsive. But just being responsive isn’t enough; mobile experiences need to be smooth, quick, and easy to use. A website development business that focuses on mobile optimization is interested in shorter load times, simpler layouts, and shorter calls to action. The Worth of Professional Knowledge While DIY sites exist, the development of a site that resonates on an emotional level cannot be done through template usage. It requires technical proficiency, imagination, and long-term strategic thinking. A website developer in Australia can help ensure businesses capture the demands of technology and connectivity. They have local market familiarity as well as best international practices, ensuring sites are not only technically resilient but culturally relevant. Measuring What Matters It’s not a one-time task—building connections is ongoing. Along with click and bounce rate analytics, businesses need to track emotional engagement. Are users returning? Are they sharing? Are they spending more time on key pages? These metrics indicate whether a site is really connecting with humans. With the ever-changing nature of design and functionality, the site is evolving along with user expectations. — This content is brought to you by Sky Link Building Photo provided by the author. The post From Code to Connection in Website Development: Building Websites People Actually Care About appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Irshad Ahmad Mughal Water is governed by a fundamental and unyielding principle: it flows downward. From its origins in the melting ice of glaciers, it follows the relentless pull of gravity, carving its way through continents until it merges with the sea. This journey is an immutable force of nature that cannot be halted—only misguidedly altered, often with severe and unintended consequences. This dynamic is acutely visible in regions like the Himalayas, the vital source of the great river systems that sustain Pakistan and India. Here, extensive human intervention has profoundly disrupted the natural hydrological cycle. A proliferation of infrastructure—including dams, barrages, and canals—has been constructed in the name of hydroelectric power, irrigation, and urban development. While designed for control, these artificial hurdles often achieve the opposite effect. By constricting the river’s natural path, they accelerate its velocity, transforming a managed flow into a devastating torrent. The result is written across the subcontinent in the increasing frequency and intensity of catastrophic flooding, where engineering marvels become catalysts for disaster. Furthermore, water is inherently oblivious to human geopolitics. It recognizes no political borders and requires no visa or government permission to cross from one nation to another. Recent cross-border flood events serve as a stark demonstration of this reality, where surging waters effortlessly obliterate human-drawn lines on a map, destroying communities and ecosystems without distinction. This presents a profound challenge that demands international cooperation over isolated national policy. Ultimately, the escalating destruction is not a purely natural disaster but a man-made crisis amplified by natural forces. We have profoundly disrupted the environment through a trilogy of unsustainable practices: rampant deforestation, which strips the land of its natural absorbency; the emission of greenhouse gases, which accelerates glacial melt and disrupts global precipitation patterns; and the large-scale engineering of rivers without a comprehensive understanding of the systemic consequences. These actions have created a dangerous feedback loop: in our attempts to control water, we have instead intensified the very deluges we seek to master, revealing a critical failure to work with, rather than against, the logic of nature. — Previously Published on pressenza 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: iStock.com The post The Unyielding Logic of Water: How Human Intervention Fuels a Crisis appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— In today’s fast-paced world, finding the time to prepare nutritious meals can feel like an uphill battle. Between juggling work commitments, family responsibilities, and social engagements, it’s no wonder that many of us are turning to quick solutions that don’t compromise our health. Enter meal replacement protein bars: the ultimate game-changer for busy lifestyles! Packed with essential nutrients, these portable powerhouses offer a delicious way to fuel your day without the fuss of cooking or cleanup. Whether you’re rushing out the door in the morning or need a midday pick-me-up at your desk, these bars provide convenience without sacrificing quality. Dive into our guide as we explore why meal replacement protein bars might just be your new best friend on this whirlwind journey called life! What Are Meal Replacement Protein Bars? Meal replacement protein bars are a convenient and portable food option that offers a quick and easy way to fuel your body with essential nutrients. These bars are designed to provide a balanced mix of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat — just like a regular meal), making them an ideal substitute for traditional meals. They are typically low in calories, high in protein, and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals to support overall health. In addition to their nutritional benefits, meal replacement protein bars are also an excellent option for those with busy lifestyles, as they require minimal preparation and can be easily consumed on the go. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply maintain a healthy diet, meal replacement protein bars can be a valuable addition to your daily routine. Why Choose Meal Replacement Protein Bars? There are a variety of reasons why meal replacement protein bars have become so popular in recent years. Here are just a few benefits of incorporating these bars into your diet: Convenient and Portable One of the most significant advantages of meal replacement protein bars is their convenience and portability. They are pre-packaged and can be easily carried in a purse, backpack, or gym bag, making them perfect for on-the-go snacking. Whether you’re running late for work or need a quick post-workout snack, these bars offer a convenient solution without the need for cooking or cleanup. Time-Saving With our hectic schedules, finding the time to prepare nutritious meals can be a challenge. Meal replacement protein bars provide a quick and easy solution, allowing you to fuel your body with essential nutrients without spending hours in the kitchen. This makes them an ideal option for busy individuals who are constantly on the go. Balanced Nutrition Meal replacement protein bars are designed to provide a balanced mix of macronutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, and fat. This makes them an ideal substitute for traditional meals, as they offer a similar nutrient profile without the need for cooking or meal planning. Additionally, many bars also contain a variety of vitamins and minerals to support overall health. Weight Management For those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, meal replacement protein bars can be a valuable tool. These bars are typically lower in calories than traditional meals, making it easier to control your calorie intake. Additionally, the high protein content can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Types of Meal Replacement Protein Bars There are a variety of meal replacement protein bars on the market, each with its own unique ingredients and nutritional profiles. Here are some of the most common types of meal replacement protein bars: Whey Protein Bars: Whey protein bars are made from whey protein, a type of protein derived from milk. These bars are typically high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making them an ideal option for those looking to build muscle or lose weight. They are also easily digestible and absorbed by the body, making them a great post-workout snack. Plant-Based Protein Bars: Plant-based protein bars are made from a variety of plant-based protein sources, such as pea protein, brown rice protein, or hemp protein. These bars are an excellent option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, as they provide a complete protein source without the use of animal products. Conclusion Meal replacement protein bars are a convenient and nutritious option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. They offer a balanced mix of macronutrients, are easy to carry on-the-go, and can help with weight management. With a variety of flavors and types to choose from, there is a meal replacement protein bar for everyone. Just be sure to read the nutrition label and ingredients list to ensure you are choosing a bar that fits your specific dietary needs and goals. — This content is brought to you by Soffy Loren Photo provided by the author. The post Meal Replacement Protein Bars: Nutritious, Portable, and Perfect for Busy Lifestyles appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Madeline de Figueiredo Based in Sauk County, Wisconsin, the Farmer Angel Network is the founding organization behind a growing rural mental health initiative serving South Central Wisconsin and reaching audiences across the state and country. Its mission is to ensure that all farmers can lead resilient, healthy, and productive lives. With a vision rooted in farmer-to-farmer peer support, the network works to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and strengthen rural communities through connection and support. Two of the network’s founders, Brenda Statz and Dorothy Harms, bring deep personal experience to their advocacy. Brenda, a lifelong farmer, co-owns Statz Circle S Farms LLC and Dorothy and her husband, Don, formerly ran a grass-fed beef operation and now host guests at their farm stay. After Brenda lost her husband to suicide and Dorothy lost two farmer friends while navigating her own transition out of dairy farming, both became strong advocates for mental health in agriculture. In this conversation Brenda and Dorothy share their insights on mental health in agriculture, the power of peer support, and what the Farmer Angel Network is doing to make a difference. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. The Daily Yonder: What is the Farmer Angel Network and what inspired its creation? Dorothy Harms: The farmer Angel Network is a collaboration of a lot of different groups, but grounded in supporting farmers and providing educational resources in the mental health field for rural communities. We got started about six years ago when Brenda’s husband, Leon, died by suicide. He was a good friend and the community really came together to say that we have to do something. At the time, we weren’t quite sure what that was going to look like. But here we are, six years later and very established in the work we are doing. But I think at its core, Farmer Angel Network is the grassroots efforts by farmers themselves to make space for mental health support. DY: What gap in services and support is the Farmer Angel Network filling? Brenda Statz: The network we have created is committed to bringing visibility. I know when I went through things with my husband at the time, I really didn’t know what resources were out there, and so one of my goals when we started this was just to bring more awareness and visibility to what is available. I figured the more that we can shine a light on the help and resources available, the better. Now we are able to link people when they do reach out to us either online or just by word of mouth in the rural communities. We have made space for people to say, “Hey, can you check in on my neighbor? They’ve been having a really challenging time.” A lot of what is needed is just listening, because people need to be heard. DY: How does the farmer-to-farmer support model fight stigma around mental health in agricultural communities? DH: I think when people hear another farmer’s story and realize they’re going through a lot too, it helps them reflect and think, “I’m not the only one.” One of our ongoing messages is that it’s okay to not be okay. Farmers are traditionally very strong, independent, and stoic. They’re used to pulling themselves up by their bootstraps and fixing things on their own. And that mindset can be a barrier we often work to break down. When those of us who are farmers are willing to tell our own stories, it helps open the door for others to recognize and talk more openly about their own struggles. BS: I’ve seen that stigma come to life again and again, especially when we table at events. There’s such a stigma, even just to accept a resource off the table. People are afraid someone will see them take it. So I say, “This could be for a neighbor, or maybe a family member.” That way, it gives them a reason to take it without feeling exposed. And I always say, “When you have a phone number or something tangible to hold onto, even in your most challenging times, it’s a reminder that you’re not alone.” DY: Have you observed notable changes in the stigma around mental health in agricultural communities over time? How have these shifts affected attitudes and practices both within the community itself and among healthcare providers? BS: I think some of it’s generational. Older generations were always told to ‘man up.’ My husband, the first time he went to the doctor for depression, was really struggling. It started after I quit working full-time to stay home. We had a three-year-old, a four-month-old, and we had just taken over the farm. Leon felt so much pressure. He told me, ‘If I fail, we all fail.’ Eventually, Leon started medication, but it wasn’t until he was hospitalized that his dad finally opened up and admitted he’d gone to counseling once, though he never said what for. That gave Leon a little validation. The older generation often sees asking for help as weakness. Younger folks still feel pressure to handle things alone, thinking they’ll be judged. But once they see someone get help and improve, the mindset starts to shift. The first doctor Leon saw, our family doctor, just told him to ‘chin up’ and said he’d laugh about it in a year. But it didn’t go that way. He was hospitalized for a week just to get on the right medications. That doctor was later reprimanded, had to take additional training, and eventually apologized to me. Leon’s been gone seven years this year. So that mindset – even in rural healthcare – goes back almost 40 years. DH: And just to add to what Brenda said, some of our efforts have focused on working with healthcare professionals to help them understand the culture of agriculture. We’ve done SafeTALK trainings, for example, to give them tools to be better active listeners. When a farmer takes time to see a doctor, it usually means things are pretty bad; it’s hard for them to leave the farm. And even then, they might talk about the weather, their dog, or a cow before getting to the real issue. Providers have to learn how to ask the right questions to get past that. Helping them understand what farmers value, and how their mindset differs from someone with a typical 8-to-5 job, can make a big difference. The more healthcare providers understand that culture, the better they can support our farmers. DY: What are your hopes for the future of the Farmer Angel Network? BS: This area relies heavily on dairy farming, and the industry is struggling. Farmers are facing serious financial pressure, so there often isn’t extra money for outings or family activities. That’s why we try to offer free or low-cost opportunities that give them a break and a sense of connection. I think we need more fun, proactive events to bring farmers together and help them get off the farm. I’d like to see more group activities. It could be something simple, like an adult night or a small social gathering. It doesn’t have to cost much. The goal is to build community and give people something to look forward to. I always talk about what I call “tailgate talk.” Farmers used to stop by a neighbor’s place, drop the tailgate, visit for ten or fifteen minutes, then move on. These days, people are so busy they don’t take that time anymore. But we need to slow down, check in on each other, and be willing to ask questions or just listen. Sometimes all it takes is showing someone you care. Many farmers carry a heavy burden and are afraid to talk about it. But once they open up, it can make a huge difference. They realize they are not alone, and they can get through it. DH: We’ve built a community model through a collaboration of public and private agencies working together. We now have one sister chapter in the northwest, and we’d like to see more communities like ours develop across the country. That way, farmers would have a trusted place to go for help and feel secure. Having farmers involved in the planning and providing farmer-to-farmer mentoring and counseling is a strong part of the model, one we believe could work well nationwide. This article first appeared on The Daily Yonder and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. — Previously Published on dailyyonder.com 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. A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo: unsplash The post Q&A: Building Support and Breaking Mental Health Stigma in Agricultural Communities appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The US president made his remarks in the wake of WWII victory celebrations in Beijing President Donald Trump has accused China, Russia and North Korea of conspiring against the United States. He made the remarks on his Truth Social platform during a military parade in Beijing on Wednesday marking the victory over Japan in World War II. “Many Americans died in China’s quest for Victory and Glory. I hope they are rightfully honored and remembered for their bravery and sacrifice!” Trump wrote. He also wished Chinese President Xi Jinping “a great and lasting day of celebration.” “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against the United States of America,” he added. pic.twitter.com/txC0J5wu75 — Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 3, 2025 Trump did not attend the celebrations in Beijing, which are said to be the largest in decades. US relations with both China and Russia remain strained by his trade war, sanctions, and the Ukraine conflict. Trump met with Putin in Alaska last month as part of his push to mediate a ceasefire in Ukraine. Although there were no breakthroughs, both sides hailed the summit as a positive step. DETAILS TO FOLLOW View the full article