American Women Suck

📞 Nice try, scam daddy: Heads up, if your phone rings and it says “Google Support” (+1-650-253-0000), don’t pick up. Hackers are spoofing Google’s real number, pretending to be tech support, and tricking people into resetting their Gmail password. Do that, and you’re locked out of your own inbox. Google swears they’ll never call you, so just hang up and check your account yourself. The post Nice try, scam daddy appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

That’s the suspected IQ of Terence Tao, the reigning brainiac of Earth with the highest recorded IQ. The UCLA math prodigy was doing calculus while the rest of us were apparently eating glue in third grade. Now he’s published 300+ papers, 18 books and advises the U.S. president. My math teacher told me my IQ was pretty average. I thought, “That’s just mean.” The post 230 appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

New Delhi’s long-standing relationship with Moscow is anything but short-term opportunism, Kanwal Sibal has said US criticism of India’s growing ties with Russia and China is “absurd,” former Indian Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal told RT on Monday. Last week, White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro accused India of “getting in bed with authoritarians” for its increased diplomatic engagement with China and its growing friendship with Russia. “The absurdity of his claims is that [US President Donald] Trump himself has engaged with [Russian] President Vladimir Putin,” Sibal said. “They met in Alaska where they seriously discussed not only ending the [Ukraine] conflict but also normalizing ties. At the same time, Trump has reached out to China, paused tariffs, and even said he wants to visit Beijing. Is Navarro listening to his own president?” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tianjin for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit and his bilateral talks with Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have received significant coverage in the Western media. ❗️"Shame to See Modi Getting in Bed with Putin & Xi... He Should Be With Us & Ukraine" - 🇺🇸 WH Adviser Peter Navarro STILL Dictating to India "The road to peace runs partly through New Delhi," the US advisor claims about the Western proxy war in Ukraine. Adding India needs to… pic.twitter.com/aso8vAbSiD — RT_India (@RT_India_news) September 2, 2025 Navarro claimed on Monday that it was a “shame to see Modi getting in bed with Putin and Xi.” Sibal, who has served as India’s ambassador to Russia, said New Delhi’s longstanding relationship with Moscow cannot be equated with opportunistic alignments. “Russia has never sanctioned us, whereas the US has sanctioned India for decades – and now again for buying oil and defense equipment from Moscow,” he pointed out. “What signal is the US sending? That we can’t fully rely on them, even though our relations are expanding and valuable.” The former diplomat also dismissed Western criticism of India’s imports of Russian crude. “We bought Russian oil from the spot market. No law of any kind had been violated. Frankly, it’s a joke. The EU, the US, and even Ukraine have purchased Russian oil,” he remarked. Responding to the US imposing 50% tariffs on most Indian imports, Sibal said New Delhi was looking for a fair trade deal. “Trump wants a totally one-sided deal with India, like the ones he has with the EU, Japan, and South Korea, and to show his people that tariffs are working,” he said. “What we want is a fair and equally beneficial deal.” View the full article

Not too long ago, I had a revelation in the weirdest of places: a fictional fantasy book. When reading A Court of Silver Flames, I related to the main character more than anything I’ve read before. The self-hatred, the need to punish herself, her inability to feel deserving of anything good, the bad behaviors to numb herself, the underlying rage from her past…it struck a chord on infinite levels. I decided, at the very least, that the daily crying had to stop. Was I going to be on my deathbed in my old age and think how the entirety of my life was nothing but sadness? Shouldn’t I get a reprieve from my own punishment for merely existing? To help curb the spiral of crying, self-bashing, then more crying (lather, rinse, repeat), I began telling myself that I can always cry next month. The crying and heartbreak won’t go away. My tears aren’t a debt that I owe to the Depression Overlords. Going down to one job has helped. Well, it’s helped emotionally. I didn’t realize the full extent of the mental load of juggling multiple jobs, even if I didn’t have immediate work due at any given moment. Unfortunately, the financial part of that is catching up to me. I knew it would be a tight call, but I didn’t think I’d ever pull from my emergency savings. Now I have to replenish those savings while also paying my regular bills. My 401 (k) contributions went from 15% to 1% but the burden of the extra one-off bills is getting to me. My kids needed new clothes. I somehow got stuck with a $200 birthday meal bill when going out with a guy (I ended that soon after). I’ve stretched out my son’s allergy appointments to avoid the copays this month and completely ended my daughter’s therapy (saving $800 from her sessions), but it didn’t boost my bank account. My ex-husband and I agreed to take her to a pediatric neuropsychologist, per the therapist’s recommendation. There are very few of them in my kids’ insurance plan and even then, it’s $300 for the initial consult. A year ago, I would have dropped that cash without question. There’s my daughter’s overnight field trip coming up in two months. Even splitting the $500 cost with her dad is out of my budget. Does she need to go? Of course not. But it’s been a hell of a year getting her interested in anything and keeping her out of online trouble. I’ll rob a bank if it provides an opportunity for her to learn and experience something new. I panicked buying a $6 cinnamon bun for her yesterday. I hesitated to pay the $13 in shipping to Otterbox for the warranty replacement of a broken phone case (justifying that it’s significantly cheaper than replacing the phone). Is this what will slip me back into depression? I keep debating if I should go back to a second job, but I know I’m not ready yet. I’m barely surviving my current job because when I started, I barely paid attention to anything taught to me (what with juggling all the jobs). Now that it’s been almost a year, I’m not in a position to act dumb and ask questions that were answered months ago when I was in New Girl mode. Once I get the hang of it, then I’ll go for another job. Fuck. I just remembered that I have to take my daughter for a haircut this evening. Cha-ching. On a good note, I found a few things to sell on eBay. The bad news is that my limited online purchases have left me with no shipping boxes. There’s irony somewhere in there. I’m gonna need money. … Another two weeks have passed. The past few days have been rough. Financially, I had to bump out my mortgage payment to coincide with payday. It’s been years since I’ve been in I-don’t-have-the-cash-for-rent mode. But for now, I’m surviving. My divorce parenting guilt crept up on me and came to a head when dropping off old toys and clothes at Goodwill. Suddenly, every memory of my kids’ faces during that time flashed in my brain. Every moment of pain that I caused their little hearts. Pain that I caused. I caused it. That was me. I managed to stop myself from crying too much when driving (which is usually when I have my meltdowns, carryover from my married era when it was the only alone time available) with a mantra of “you can cry later, you’ve cried enough, it’s not going to change anything” repeating on loop. Yesterday, my daughter wanted Chipotle. I told her I could only afford a kid’s meal. She wasn’t stoked with that. Her pre-teen attitude carried into a tantrum because, since we got the meal to go, I didn’t get the beverage she wanted. Instead, I opted for a milk carton because those don’t expire for months, and there are plenty of times when I didn’t properly calculate my grocery requirements (when you have your kids part-time, you can’t have everything all the time or else they’ll expire). I felt like the worst parent, arguing with her over a beverage while deep down, I was panicking over the cost of a fucking Chipotle kid’s meal. I can afford a singular meal, but I’m the master of saving money and I know that it’s the little expenses that matter, not the big ones. It seems finances and parental guilt are enormous triggers for my depression. To add to it all, I met a guy that I like. I mean, really, really like. I haven’t felt this way since Jeremy. It’s been ages since I haven’t immediately felt an “ick” after a date, let alone plan my exit strategy within a week. It’s stirring up the worst in me. We’re talking Gwi-Ma whispering in my ear about all the ways that I’m unlovable, I’m too much, I’m not enough, and that no one can love the real me. It results in me blasting What It Sounds Like as my personal anthem. It’s utterly exhausting to fight against generational trauma and my childhood while playing the role of a functioning adult human. My beliefs that I don’t deserve a happy life like other people are so deeply rooted that I don’t acknowledge them on a surface level. I know I need to change that. At the very least, I need to continue silencing the demon in my head whispering all the ways I should isolate and wallow in misery. Feeling loved and wanting to reciprocate it is foreign to me. It’s uncomfortable because it feels fake, like I’m pretending to be someone I’m not. But nothing will change if nothing changes. If I’m going to battle depression, then I also need to accept the good things that can come of it. For now, I’m still battling the Depression Monster within me but I feel like I’m winning. For now. … If you’re in the mood to donate to my diet soda addiction to keep me awake as I juggle my hot mess of a life, I would be forever grateful: https://ko-fi.com/ninjagirl. — 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: Jakob Owens on Unsplash The post This Is the Longest Stretch of Non-Depression I’ve Had in Years appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23 fighters, claims state forces are attacking South Kivu in defiance of ceasefire efforts A coalition of armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has accused the government of breaching agreements intended to end the decades-old brutal conflict in the Central African country’s eastern provinces. Corneille Nangaa, political coordinator of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes the M23 rebel group, said at a press conference on Monday that Congolese forces and their allies were carrying out attacks in South Kivu despite a pledge to cease hostilities. “We are obliged to inform the Congolese people and the international community of the successive violations of the ceasefire, which are hindering the principle agreement,” Nangaa told journalists at the event held at a hotel in Goma, one of the major Congolese cities seized by the M23 earlier this year. Regional and international actors have pushed for a ceasefire since M23 rebels intensified their offensive earlier this year in Congo’s mineral-rich east. The militants have captured key mining hubs, including North Kivu capital, Goma, and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, reportedly killing thousands. In June, the DR Congo signed a US-brokered agreement with Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of arming the rebels – a claim Kigali denies. US President Donald Trump has said the pact, including calls for a joint security mechanism, gives Washington rights to local mineral wealth. Congolese officials and the rebels also signed a declaration in Doha in July outlining a timeline for peace after months of Qatar-mediated talks. The parties agreed to launch negotiations on August 8 and finalize a peace deal by August 18. However, the deadline passed without progress, with each side accusing the other of violations. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said last week that Congolese officials and representatives of the armed group had resumed negotiations in Doha. On Monday, Nangaa called on Qatari mediators, the African Union, and the UN to pressure Kinshasa to honor its commitments, warning of an “appropriate response” to any renewed attacks by state forces. On Saturday, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi hailed talks in Washington and Doha as efforts to ensure that “foreign negative forces finally and definitively leave” his country in peace. View the full article

By Mass General Brigham Communications | Harvard Gazette New research suggests that following a Mediterranean-style diet may help offset a person’s genetic risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in Nature Medicine and led by investigators from Mass General Brigham, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, found that people at the highest genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease who followed a Mediterranean diet — rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and low in red and processed meats — showed slower cognitive decline as well as a greater reduction in dementia risk than those at lower genetic risk. “One reason we wanted to study the Mediterranean diet is because it is the only dietary pattern that has been causally linked to cognitive benefits in a randomized trial,” said study first author Yuxi Liu, a research fellow in the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard Chan School and the Broad. “We wanted to see whether this benefit might be different in people with varying genetic backgrounds, and to examine the role of blood metabolites, the small molecules that reflect how the body processes food and carries out normal functions.” These findings suggest that dietary strategies could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and stave off dementia by broadly influencing key metabolic pathways. –Yuxi Liu, study’s first author Over the last few decades, researchers have learned more about the genetic and metabolic basis of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. These are among the most common causes of cognitive decline in older adults. Alzheimer’s disease is known to have a strong genetic component, with heritability estimated at up to 80 percent. One gene in particular, apolipoprotein E, or APOE, has emerged as the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer’s disease — the more common type develops later in life and is not directly inherited in a predictable pattern. People who carry one copy of the APOE4 variant have a three- to fourfold higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s. People with two copies of the APOE4 variant have a 12-fold higher risk of Alzheimer’s than those without. To explore how the Mediterranean diet may reduce dementia risk and influence blood metabolites linked to cognitive health, the team analyzed data from 4,215 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, following participants from 1989 to 2023 (average age 57 at baseline). To validate their findings, the researchers analyzed similar data from 1,490 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, followed from 1993 to 2023. Researchers evaluated long-term dietary patterns using food frequency questionnaires and examined participants’ blood samples for a broad range of metabolites. Genetic data were used to assess each participant’s inherited risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Participants were then followed over time for new cases of dementia. A subset of 1,037 women underwent regular telephone-based cognitive testing. They found that the people following a more Mediterranean-style diet had a lower risk of developing dementia and showed slower cognitive decline. The protective effect of the diet was strongest in the high-risk group with two copies of the APOE4 gene variant, suggesting that diet may help offset genetic risk. “These findings suggest that dietary strategies, specifically the Mediterranean diet, could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and stave off dementia by broadly influencing key metabolic pathways,” Liu said. “This recommendation applies broadly, but it may be even more important for individuals at a higher genetic risk, such as those carrying two copies of the APOE4 genetic variant.” A study limitation was that the cohort consisted of well-educated individuals of European ancestry. More research is needed in diverse populations. In addition, although the study reveals important associations, genetics and metabolomics are not yet part of most clinical risk prediction models for Alzheimer’s disease. People often don’t know their APOE genetics. More work is needed to translate these findings into routine medical practice. “In future research, we hope to explore whether targeting specific metabolites through diet or other interventions could provide a more personalized approach to reducing dementia risk,” Liu said. This study was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health. — This story is reprinted with permission from The Harvard Gazette. *** Subscribe to The Good Men Project Newsletter Email Address * If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: unsplash The post Mediterranean Diet Offsets Genetic Risk for Dementia, Study Finds appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Evelina Staykova & Ildiko Otova, The Loop A new Pact on Migration and Asylum is gradually coming into force. As it does so, Evelina Staykova and Ildiko Otova examine its solidarity mechanism, a central — but not new — element of EU migration policy. While the mechanism holds potential for positive change, they warn that it also carries significant risks The Common European Asylum System has long struggled with inconsistent implementation. The distribution of burdens among member states at the European Union’s external borders has also been unfair. That’s why solidarity was supposed to be central to the revised policy on migration management and asylum. Yet despite promising a fresh start, the EU’s new Pact on Migration and Asylum risks entrenching the very inequalities it claims to resolve. It has replaced binding responsibility-sharing with a flexible mechanism that allows states to sidestep meaningful solidarity. The EU’s new Pact offers solidarity in name, but flexibility in practice. This risks continuing unequal burden-sharing, and undermining the credibility of common asylum governance. Why the EU is reforming its migration policy Over the past decade, the EU has repeatedly been forced to respond to the events and challenges linked to irregular migration and asylum pressures. 2015’s so-called ‘long summer of migration’, the border tensions between Greece and Türkiye in 2020, and the sudden influx of migrants from Belarus to Eastern European countries in 2021 all revealed weaknesses in the EU’s common approach. With ongoing instability in the Middle East, and persistent crises across parts of Africa, the need for a more resilient migration policy is urgent. In response, the European Commission proposed a new Pact on Migration and Asylum, in 2020. This new pact, however, is already being put to the test. One of the central problems facing the EU’s migration governance is the persistent lack of fair burden-sharing among member states. Countries at the external borders, including Greece, Italy, and Spain, have long shouldered disproportionate responsibility for registering and processing asylum claims. Meanwhile, several other member states have resisted participation in relocation schemes or have offered only limited forms of support. A key problem facing the EU’s migration governance is the persistent lack of fair burden-sharing among member states This imbalance has fuelled political tensions, eroded mutual trust, and hindered the development of a truly common asylum policy. Without a more equitable distribution of responsibilities, the structural asymmetries of the current system are likely to persist, undermining the rights of asylum seekers and the EU’s internal cohesion. The ambiguous meaning of EU solidarity At EU level, various Articles, including Article 80 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, outline the principle of solidarity. However, EU law does not provide a clear definition of ‘solidarity’ or ‘fair sharing of responsibilities’ for refugees or asylum-seekers. This has led EU institutions, academics, and other stakeholders to suggest different ways to make solidarity more practical. Ideas include dividing relevant tasks and pooling resources across the EU, or offering financial and other forms of compensation to frontline member states. The migration and asylum pact adopted in the spring of 2024 sets out a new, flexible yet mandatory solidarity system. ‘Flexible’ or ‘asymmetrical’ solidarity mechanism Introduced as ‘flexible solidarity’, the mechanism lets member states choose from a range of options to support countries under migratory pressure. These options include relocating asylum seekers, making financial contributions, and providing operational support. The new Pact proposals are based on various solidarity contributions: relocation of asylum seekers not in a border procedure relocation of beneficiaries of international protection return sponsorship of illegally staying third-country nationals support for capacity-building in the member state (or non-EU country) facing migratory pressure. However, the design of this solidarity mechanism raises concerns about how much burden-sharing will actually occur. Although the Pact extends solidarity beyond relocation, it also allows member states to opt for less demanding forms of support. Such flexibility raises worries that some member states may contribute in ways that have little impact on their own asylum systems. And this, in turn, leaves frontline states to continue bearing the brunt of responsibility. Will the proposed forms of solidarity lead to ‘asymmetric’ rather than truly ‘equitable’ solidarity? The effectiveness of the solidarity mechanism relies on member states’ willingness to participate meaningfully and equitably. But will the proposed forms of solidarity lead to ‘asymmetric’ rather than truly ‘equitable’ solidarity? Will they distribute responsibility fairly — and guarantee asylum seekers’ rights? Fundamental values are at risk Supporters claim the new mechanism respects the diversity of national contexts and preferences. Critics, meanwhile, worry it may create conditional and unevenly distributed solidarity. The success of the new Pact relies on member states’ willingness to show genuine solidarity. It turns political commitments into concrete actions that ease the burden on frontline states and ensure access to protection for those in need. It is crucial to critically assess the conditions under which member states are likely to offer support — and the potential consequences of failing to do so. Externalising border controls and limiting access to asylum procedures can lead to policies that undermine migrants’ and asylum seekers’ rights According to the law, a migrant who entered a country illegally must be returned to their country of origin. The instrumentalisation of migration management can also lead to policies that undermine migrants’ and asylum seekers’ rights. These include externalising border controls and limiting access to asylum procedures. The effectiveness and ethical implications of these measures therefore require careful consideration, particularly regarding their potential impact on access to asylum and the principle of non-refoulement. If solidarity remains flexible in name only, the structural inequalities of the current system may persist. This undermines both the rights of asylum seekers and the credibility of EU migration governance. Whether the new Pact will live up to its promise depends not just on institutional design, but on the political courage of member states to act in common purpose. This blog post was prepared as part of the project Establishment of Centres of Excellence at Mykolas Romeris University, funded by the State Budget of Lithuania. It is implemented under the Centres of Excellence Initiative initiated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania — This article was originally published at The Loop 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.com The post The EU’s New Migration Pact and the Limits of Flexible Solidarity appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Jennifer Weeks Humans have turned to nature for solace and revival for centuries, without knowing exactly why it makes us feel better. “It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of the air, that emanation from the old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit,” Robert Louis Stevenson wrote in the mid-1870s. But what is that subtle something, and why does it affect us so profoundly? In “Nature and the Mind: The Science of How Nature Improves Cognitive, Physical, and Social Well-Being,” neuroscientist Marc Berman brings the data, drawing on his own research and work by other scientists into the psychological and physiological ways in which spending time in natural environments improves human well-being. He starts by recounting a 2008 study that he conducted as a graduate student with his advisers at the University of Michigan. The researchers gave subjects challenging memory tests, including one called the backward digit span task, in which they would hear a list of up to nine digits and then try to repeat them in reverse order. After completing the tests, the subjects took a 2.8 mile walk either through downtown Ann Arbor or in the university’s leafy arboretum, and repeated the tests. The urban walk did not measurably affect participants’ scores, but walking in the arboretum improved their performance on memory- and attention-related tasks by 20 percent. Looking at pictures of either natural or urban scenes produced similar, although somewhat weaker, results. “Other studies had asked people how they felt after time in nature, but none had ever quantified nature’s impact on our cognition using objective measures,” Berman writes. In Berman’s view, attention is a central element of cognition. He sees directed attention — the ability to choose what to focus on and filter out what’s less important — as a critical human capability. “Instead of knee-jerk reactions we may regret, directed attention allows us to pause, consider our intentions, and respond to people and experiences with measure,” he explains. “It keeps our flashes of anger from becoming violent behavior” and “keeps us on task when that’s what we want.” “Other studies had asked people how they felt after time in nature, but none had ever quantified nature’s impact on our cognition using objective measures.” And modern society, with its plethora of distractions — especially the digital economy and social media — has made attention “the World’s Most Endangered Resource,” in the words of political commentator Chris Hayes, author of the recent book “The Siren’s Call.” Businesses that want our attention — and the user data that comes with it — are churning out web-based products and services designed to keep us online and engaged, and, in some cases, away from their competitors. For Berman, the founder and director of the Environmental Neuroscience Laboratory at the University of Chicago, this trend is worrisome because directed attention isn’t just a vital ability. It’s also a limited one, and can easily become depleted as we multitask, juggle work and family needs, and try to tune out tech-based noise. “Today, we’re pushing our directed attention to a breaking point,” he warns. “We’re getting distracted when it’s not necessary or adaptive, and our very ability to maintain our important relationships and live meaningful lives is at risk.” Berman sees hope in a concept called Attention Restoration Theory, developed by University of Michigan psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, that posits nature as an answer to directed attention depletion. The Kaplans saw natural stimuli — think of leaves rustling on tree branches, or clouds drifting across the sky — as fundamentally different from manmade signals, like cell phone alerts or billboards. Nature’s sights and sounds engage a kind of thinking the Kaplans called “soft fascination” that doesn’t take up all of an observer’s attention. When you sit next to a flowing stream, you can listen to the water splashing and also let your mind wander more widely. That experience, the Kaplans hypothesized, offered an opportunity to replenish our directed attention. The 2008 “Walk in the Park” study was an early empirical test of attention restoration theory. Its results were encouraging, but raised more questions for Berman: How much restorative power did time in nature have? How did it work, and how could it be applied? In Berman’s view, attention is a central element of cognition. He sees directed attention — the ability to choose what to focus on and filter out what’s less important — as a critical human capability. In a follow-up study, Berman and colleagues recruited participants who were experiencing clinical depression and had them carry out the same memory tasks, followed by the same walks. Before the walks, the researchers prompted their subjects to think about something negative that was bothering them, to put them into the mode of repetitive negative rumination that characterizes depression and saps directed attention. Participants who took walks in nature showed even greater cognitive gains than those in the original study. “It felt like discovering a fifty-minute miracle — a therapy with no known side effects that’s readily available and can improve our cognitive functioning at zero cost,” Berman writes. The results echoed findings by scientists at the University of Illinois who discovered that when children with ADHD spent time in green outdoor settings, they showed fewer attention-related symptoms afterward compared to others who spent time in human-made spaces. In one study, children with ADHD showed attention performance improvements after a walk in a park that were comparable to the effects from a dose of Ritalin. Another notable aspect of Berman’s findings was that people didn’t have to like nature to benefit from it. Participants in the walking studies didn’t always experience mood benefits, but they showed clear attention-related improvements. “Good medicine doesn’t always taste sweet,” Berman observes. Another area of Berman’s research examined which features of nature provided these benefits. Through several studies that asked subjects to rate photos of natural and built settings, he and his colleagues found four key qualities that people considered “natural”: abundant curved edges, such as the bends of rivers; an absence of straight lines, such as highways; green and blue hues; and fractals — branching patterns that repeat at multiple scales. Fractals can be generated mathematically, but they also occur throughout nature, from tree branches to many snowflake designs. “Natural curves and natural fractals are all softly fascinating because they can balance complexity and predictability,” Berman writes. “They’re not so complex that they’re overwhelming, but not so predictable that they’re boring. Instead, they live in a kind of active equilibrium, like a churning waterfall or a burning campfire — things humans tend to find particularly softly fascinating.” Using artificial neural networks — machine learning programs that may make decisions in ways similar to human brains — Berman and a doctoral student found that scenes with more natural elements were likely to be less memorable to humans than urban scenes. This suggests that it takes less directed attention to process natural stimuli. When we look at something like a tree with a huge mass of leaves, we don’t zero in on each individual leaf and analyze its features. Instead, we throw away a lot of the repeated elements and focus on the key features, such as the tree’s overall shape, mass and colors. This leaves us with more brainpower for other tasks. Participants in the walking studies didn’t always experience mood benefits, but they showed clear attention-related improvements. “Good medicine doesn’t always taste sweet,” Berman observes. These observations have implications for design — not just for those of us who can easily add plants and natural materials to our homes, but on a larger scale. One ongoing focus in Berman’s environmental neuroscience lab is combining brain science with urban planning to improve the designs of cities and towns. He argues that access to nature should be seen as a human right, rather than a nice perk, and that it’s especially important to provide more green space in cities, where the majority of the world’s population lives. “If we don’t investigate the increases in individual and societal health that nature can offer us — if we just go on a gut sense that nature is good — then only the wealthiest among us will continue to have consistent access to the ways nature can keep us healthy and safe,” he asserts. “Meanwhile, poor and marginalized populations will continue to lack access, and worse, be told (or shown) that nature is not for them.” While Berman is clearly frustrated by our tendency to underestimate how much we need nature, there is a strongly optimistic thread running through his highly readable and jargon-free account. Humans, he reminds us, “are not who we are by individual factors alone — we are who we are because of our environment and how individual factors interact with environmental factors (such as nature) to shape us.” “And science,” he concludes, “shows that cultivating access to green space changes minds in ways beyond our wildest expectations.” Jennifer Weeks (@jenniferweeks83.bsky.social) is a Boston-based journalist and former senior editor at The Conversation U.S. Her articles have appeared in Audubon, Slate, The Boston Globe Magazine and many other outlets. — This article was originally published on Undark. Read the original article. — 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 Book Review: This Is Your Brain on Nature appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The Russian and Chinese peoples have sacrificed much to defeat fascism in Europe and Asia, the two leaders have said Russia and China share a responsibility to preserve the historic memory of the sacrifices their peoples made in defeating the Axis powers during the Second World War, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping stated on Tuesday. The two leaders met in Beijing ahead of Wednesday’s military parade commemorating the end of the war. Xi had traveled to Moscow earlier this year to commemorate Russia’s Victory Day on May 9. Mutual visits, Xi said, “have become a good bilateral tradition and showcase the great responsibility that China and Russia hold as major victor states in World War II and permanent members of the UN Security Council.” He emphasized the importance of protecting the historic truth of the achievement. Putin praised the upcoming Chinese commemorations, saying he was confident the People’s Liberation Army would conduct the event “with its usual brilliance.” He echoed Xi’s call to preserve the memory of the war. “Our ancestors, our fathers and grandfathers have paid a huge price for peace and freedom,” Putin said. “We remember that. That is the foundation of our achievements today and in the future.” China’s war with Imperial Japan, which began in 1937, is estimated to have claimed 15 to 20 million lives, including soldiers from rival communist and nationalist forces as well as civilians. The Soviet Union lost an estimated 27 million troops and civilians and troops defeating Nazi Germany following its invasion in June 1941. View the full article

Why Relationships Aren’t About Perfect People, Just Perfectly Weird Adjustments So, I recently hit a life-size “duh” moment: we all have quirks. Some of us are hot-tempered fireballs, some of us are quiet as ninja cats, and some of us… well, we just overthink which way to hang the toilet paper. And yet, somehow, society expects us to magically fit these jagged personalities into a “happy, healthy relationship.” Newsflash: that’s not how it works. Relationships aren’t about finding a flawless human (spoiler: they don’t exist). They’re about spotting the quirks you can tolerate — and occasionally, learning to tolerate yourself too. Here’s the real trick: compromise. If your partner loses their cool, maybe you stay calm. If they prefer tea over coffee, maybe you shut up during their 3 PM “tea ceremony.” And vice versa. But — and here’s the kicker — it can’t just be one person doing all the yoga-level emotional stretching. Both people need to bend, twist, and sometimes fall flat on their faces. The fun part? Change works best when it’s self-motivated. If you start adjusting because you want to, not because you have to, it actually sticks. Otherwise, it’s like forcing kale into a chocolate cake — nobody’s happy, and it tastes weird. Nothing in life is static, not even our personalities. We’re always changing, evolving, and occasionally realizing we hate that one thing we used to love. The real question is: for whom are we willing to change? That little “whom” is where love lives — between the tea-drinkers, movie-bingers, and occasional hotheads. In short: relationships are messy, imperfect, occasionally hilarious — and exactly what makes them worth it. — 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: Scott Broome on Unsplash The post Love, Tea, and Tiny Compromises appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— In today’s digital marketplace, speed is not a luxury—it’s a requirement. Shoppers expect instant responses, fast-loading product pages, and seamless checkout processes. Yet, many e-commerce websites suffer from sluggish performance caused by excessive third-party scripts. These include tracking pixels, analytics tools, chat widgets, and personalization engines. While useful, they can slow a store down to a crawl if not carefully managed. This is where magento 2 hyva theme development becomes a game-changer. The Hyvä theme is designed to eliminate unnecessary complexity by reducing reliance on heavy scripts and bloated libraries, offering merchants a streamlined alternative that prioritizes speed without sacrificing flexibility. Why Script Bloat Hurts E-Commerce Performance Every third-party script added to an e-commerce site introduces extra requests, dependencies, and potential bottlenecks. Over time, as businesses integrate multiple marketing, analytics, and customer engagement tools, websites accumulate “script bloat.” The impact includes: Slower load times: Users abandon sites that take more than three seconds to load. Lower search rankings: Google prioritizes Core Web Vitals, penalizing slow sites. Higher bounce rates: Shoppers leave when navigation feels clunky or unresponsive. Reduced conversions: Delays at checkout or product pages directly affect revenue. For businesses competing in crowded online markets, these drawbacks are costly. Hyvä’s Approach to Reducing Script Bloat The Hyvä theme was built with simplicity and performance as its foundation. Unlike Magento’s traditional frontend, which often relies on bulky JavaScript libraries and layered dependencies, Hyvä strips back the frontend architecture and replaces it with a leaner, more efficient setup. Key differences include: Minimal dependencies: Hyvä removes RequireJS, KnockoutJS, and other heavy frameworks that contribute to bloat. Alpine.js and Tailwind CSS: These lightweight technologies replace larger, slower frameworks without compromising functionality. Reduced HTTP requests: By streamlining the number of scripts, Hyvä significantly cuts down on requests per page. The result is a frontend that is lighter, faster, and easier to maintain—delivering a noticeable performance boost for both users and search engines. Real-World Benefits of Hyvä Brands adopting Hyvä see measurable improvements in speed and user experience. Improved Page Load Speeds Hyvä consistently produces sites that load in under two seconds, even with rich media. Faster load times correlate directly with higher conversion rates. Enhanced Core Web Vitals Since Google uses metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and First Input Delay (FID) to rank websites, Hyvä’s lightweight frontend gives merchants a natural SEO advantage. Better Mobile Experience Mobile shoppers are especially sensitive to lag. Hyvä’s streamlined architecture ensures responsive, fast-loading pages that improve retention. Lower Development Costs Developers spend less time troubleshooting conflicts between outdated scripts, allowing them to focus on customizations that matter. Balancing Functionality with Performance Some businesses hesitate to cut scripts, fearing the loss of useful features like advanced analytics or personalization. Hyvä addresses this by offering compatibility with essential third-party integrations while encouraging merchants to be selective about what they include. Instead of piling on tools, merchants can: Consolidate analytics platforms. Use server-side tracking where possible. Choose lightweight alternatives to legacy plugins. By being intentional, stores retain critical functionality without dragging performance down. Why Hyvä Matters for the Future of E-Commerce E-commerce is entering an era where user experience is the brand experience. Speed, simplicity, and reliability are now competitive differentiators. A bloated frontend is no longer sustainable, especially as shoppers demand frictionless interactions across desktop and mobile. Hyvä is more than just a frontend theme—it’s a philosophy of building lean, future-proof stores that keep performance at the forefront. For merchants struggling with lagging sites weighed down by years of add-ons, Hyvä represents a fresh start. The Role of Expert Development Partners While Hyvä reduces complexity, transitioning to it requires careful planning and implementation. Partnering with specialists ensures the migration process is smooth and tailored to business needs. Agencies with proven expertise in Hyvä can optimize every layer of the frontend, ensuring scripts are managed effectively while maintaining essential integrations. By working with professionals, businesses can unlock the full potential of Hyvä, avoiding pitfalls and maximizing ROI from their Magento investment. Final Thoughts Third-party script bloat has long plagued e-commerce websites, undermining both performance and profitability. The Hyvä theme offers a clean break from this pattern by stripping away unnecessary code, adopting lightweight frameworks, and delivering faster, more responsive sites. For merchants who want to future-proof their stores, Hyvä is more than just an upgrade—it’s a strategic advantage. With expert magneto 2 hyva theme development, brands can achieve faster load times, improved SEO, and higher customer satisfaction, all while reducing complexity in their tech stack. — This content is brought to you by Rana Adnan Photo provided by the author. The post How Hyvä Reduces Third-Party Script Bloat for Faster E-Commerce Websites appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Denise-Marie Ordway We updated this piece on the four-day school week on Aug. 27, 2025 to include new research and other information. We have updated it several times since we first published it in June 2018. More than 2,100 public schools in 26 states have switched to a four-day school week, one of the leading researchers on the topic, Paul N. Thompson, estimates. Many make the change hoping to recruit more teachers, save money and boost student attendance. In Texas alone, the number of schools adopting the condensed schedule has soared — from 30 schools during the 2020-21 academic year to 506 in 2024-25, The Texas Tribune recently reported. Small, rural schools facing significant teacher shortages have led the trend, usually choosing to take off Mondays or Fridays to give employees and students three-day weekends every week. To make up for the lost day of instruction, school officials typically tack time onto the remaining four days. In some cases, teachers still work five days a week, but students only come to school for four. One day a week is set aside for planning, grading and professional development, which many teachers on a traditional school schedule have to do in the evenings after school and on their days off. After Missouri’s largest school district made the switch, job applications jumped more than 360%, Kansas City’s public radio station reported last year. Joe Erickson, superintendent of the North Iowa Community School District, told the Des Moines Register earlier this year that its four-day schedule has helped with recruiting. “When we go to a career fair, every student that stops by wants to talk about the four-day school week,” Erickson said. “That’s one thing that’s putting us on the map.” Beyond such anecdotes, it is tough to know whether the change has drawn more teachers and other employees to these schools — or helped schools hold onto the ones they have. There is little research on the topic. However, a new working paper from the Center for the Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research, a project of the American Institutes for Research, finds no evidence that adopting a four-day schedule improves teacher recruitment or retention in Missouri. A 2024 working paper from the same organization finds that teacher recruitment in Colorado improved slightly at suburban schools with four-day schedules. The impact on students There is limited peer-reviewed research on how moving to a four-day school week affects students. The research to date focuses on students in specific grade levels in a single state or small group of states, namely Oregon, Oklahoma and Colorado. Schools in rural areas have been studied more rigorously than suburban schools. But the studies conducted thus far generally find that adopting a four-day school schedule lowers student achievement, notes Paul N. Thompson, an assistant professor of economics at Oregon State University. He stresses the importance of teachers spending as much time teaching students during a four-day schedule as they did when students came to class five days a week. “Most of the evidence finds that the four-day school week reduces student achievement mostly due to reductions in the amount of time students are in school,” Thompson wrote in an email to The Journalist’s Resource on Aug. 26. “For schools that maintain adequate levels of instructional time close to what they were under the five-day school week, there is often no change in achievement, but we see noticeable declines for four-day school weeks with very low levels of time in school. Thus, implementation design of the four-day school week matters considerably for achievement outcomes.” A new analysis from researchers at the University of Oregon examines the 11 highest quality studies of student impact in areas such as academic achievement, attendance and discipline. That analysis finds that: The impact on students varies based on the location of the school and student grade level. But, overall, there is “no evidence of large positive effects.” One study indicates that fourth graders attending schools in rural areas of Colorado earn higher test scores in reading on a four-day schedule. It also suggests fifth graders at rural schools in Colorado earn higher math scores on that schedule. A study in Oregon indicates a four-day schedule might reduce high school dropout rates but increase absenteeism among students in grades 9 to 12. A study of Oklahoma high school students suggests a four-day week “probably reduces bullying, fighting, and school bus incidents,” the University of Oregon researchers write. But it appears to have little to no effect on reports of vandalism. Three studies examine changes in student achievement for students in kindergarten through eighth grade in several states. All indicate that a four-day schedule may lower students’ performance in math and likely lowers their performance in reading, regardless of whether they attend school in a rural or suburban community. The University of Oregon’s HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice has created an interactive database that journalists and others can use to sift through dozens of research papers and reports on four-day school weeks. It’s worth noting the majority are student papers, including theses and doctoral dissertations. Looking for more research on K-12 schools? Check out our other collections of research on private school vouchers, student vaccine exemptions, student discipline and how school nurses can help fight chronic absenteeism. Guidance for journalists Emily Morton, another leading scholar in the field, points out that several misconceptions show up in news stories about four-day school weeks. Journalists should make clear that cutting the school week by a day does not mean schools will cut class time by 20%. All public schools must provide a certain number of hours of instructional time every week, as outlined in their state’s laws, notes Morton, a lead research scientist at NWEA, a nonprofit research and student assessment organization. “In reality, four-day week schedules vary a lot — there are ‘hybrid’ schools that use the schedule for only part of the year, and the amount of instructional time that schools add to school days to make up the time on the fifth day can vary substantially,” Morton wrote to The Journalist’s Resource on Aug. 26. Another common misconception centers on standardized test scores. If standardized test scores do not fall, that does not mean the four-day schedule does not hurt student performance, Morton adds. “District leaders may not see changes in their state test scores after adopting the four-day school week, but that observation unfortunately does not prove that the schedule is not harming achievement,” Morton wrote. “The question they really want answered is how scores would have changed if they had stayed on a five-day week relative to how they changed when they adopted the four-day week. When we compare the performance of four-day week schools to five-day week schools, we find test scores at four-day week schools are improving less over time than those at similar five-day week schools.” Thompson encourages journalists to report on how the four-day week impacts students’ health, nutrition and safety. “I would say the biggest piece people may miss about the four-day school week is that this isn’t just a story about cost savings and teacher recruitment versus student achievement,” he wrote to The Journalist’s Resource. “The four-day school week affects a whole other host of things, such as lost access to school meals, physical education opportunities, and childcare that schools traditionally provide five days per week. Thus, probing questions about how communities are wrestling with the needs of parents and students in the wake of the four-day school week along these dimensions is also extremely important to the overall story and one that may not necessarily be at the forefront of everyone’s minds.” Keep reading to learn more about four-day school weeks. Below, we have summarized several peer-reviewed papers on the subject. We update this collection of research periodically. ——————– A Multi-State, Student-Level Analysis of the Effects of the Four-Day School Week On Student Achievement and Growth Emily Morton, Paul N. Thompson and Megan Kuhfeld. Economics of Education Review, June 2024. Summary: This study looks at how switching to a four-day school week affects student achievement over the course of the school year in six states: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota and Wyoming. Researchers find that, on average, students on a four-day schedule in those states learned less during the school year than students who went to class five days a week. However, students in rural areas fared better on that schedule than students in “non-rural” areas. Researchers studied how well students in grades 3 to 8 scored on an assessment called the Measures of Academic Progress Growth, which is administered each fall and spring to gauge how much kids learned over the course of the school year. The analysis uses 11 years of test score data in reading and math, collected from the 2008-09 to the 2018-19 academic year. Researchers found that students who went to school four days a week, as a whole, made smaller gains in reading during the academic year than students who went five days a week. They also earned lower scores in reading on the spring assessment, on average. When researchers looked at the data more closely, however, they found differences between students attending rural schools and students attending schools located in towns and suburbs — communities the researchers dubbed “non-rural.” Although adopting a four-day schedule had little to no impact on kids at rural schools, student performance fell considerably at schools in non-rural areas. Those children, as a whole, made less progress in reading and math during the academic year than children attending non-rural schools that operated five days a week. They also earned lower scores in both reading and math on the spring exam. “The estimated effects on math and reading achievement in non-rural four-day week schools are ‘medium’ and meaningful,” the researchers write, adding that the difference is roughly equivalent to a quarter of a school year worth of learning in the fifth grade. Researchers also discovered that student performance at schools with four-day schedules varied by gender and race. At schools using a four-day-a-week schedule, girls made smaller gains in reading and math than boys, on average. Hispanic students made less progress in math than white students, who made less progress in math than Native American students. “The estimated effects on math and reading gains during the school year are not ‘large’ by the developing standards used to interpret effect sizes of education interventions, but they are also not trivial,” the researchers write. “For the many districts and communities who have become very fond of the schedule, the evidence presented in this study suggests that how the four-day school week is implemented may be an important factor in its effects on students.” Impacts of the Four-Day School Week on Early Elementary Achievement Paul N. Thompson; et al. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 2nd Quarter 2023. Summary: This study is the first to examine the four-day school week’s impact on elementary schools’ youngest students. Researchers looked at how children in Oregon who went to school four days a week in kindergarten later performed in math and English Language Arts when they reached the third grade. What they found: Overall, there were “minimal and non-significant differences” in the test scores of third-graders who attended kindergarten on a four-day schedule between 2014 and 2016 and third-graders who went to kindergarten on a five-day schedule during the same period. When the researchers studied individual groups of students, though, they noticed small differences. For example, when they looked only at children who had scored highest on their pre-kindergarten assessments of letter sounds, letter names and early math skills, they learned that kids who went to kindergarten four days a week scored a little lower on third-grade tests than those who had gone to kindergarten five days a week. The researchers write that they find no statistically significant evidence of detrimental four-day school week achievement impacts, and even some positive impacts” for minority students, lower-income students, special education students, students enrolled in English as a Second Language programs and students who scored in the lower half on pre-kindergarten assessments. There are multiple reasons why lower-achieving students might be less affected by school schedules than high achievers, the researchers point out. For example, higher-achieving students “may miss out on specialized instruction — such as gifted and enrichment activities — that they would have had time to receive under a five-day school schedule,” they write. Effects of 4-Day School Weeks on Older Adolescents: Examining Impacts of the Schedule on Academic Achievement, Attendance, and Behavior in High School Emily Morton. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, June 2022. Summary: Oklahoma high schools saw less fighting and bullying among students after switching from a five-day-a-week schedule to a four-day schedule, this study finds. Fighting declined by 0.79 incidents per 100 students and bullying dropped by 0.65 incidents per 100 students. The other types of student discipline problems examined, including weapons possession, vandalism and truancy, did not change, according to the analysis, based on a variety of student and school data collected through 2019 from the Oklahoma State Department of Education and National Center for Education Statistics. “Results indicate that 4-day school weeks decrease per-pupil bullying incidents by approximately 39% and per-pupil fighting incidents by approximately 31%,” writes the author, Emily Morton, a research scientist at NWEA, a nonprofit research organization formerly known as the Northwest Evaluation Association. Morton did not investigate what caused the reduction in bullying and fighting. She did find that moving to a four-day schedule had “no detectable effect” on high school attendance or student scores on the ACT college-entrance exam. Only a Matter of Time? The Role of Time in School on Four-Day School Week Achievement Impacts Paul N. Thompson and Jason Ward. Economics of Education Review, February 2022. Summary: Student test scores in math and language arts dipped at some schools that adopted a four-day schedule but did not change at others, according to this analysis of school schedule switches in 12 states. Researchers discovered “small reductions” in test scores for students in grades 3 through 8 at schools offering what the researchers call “low time in school.” These schools operate an average of 29.95 hours during the four-day week. The decline in test scores is described in terms of standard deviation, not units of measurement such as points or percentages. At schools offering “middle time in school” — an average of 31.03 hours over four days — test scores among kids in grades 3 through 8 did not change, write the researchers, Paul N. Thompson, an associate professor of economics at Oregon State University, and Jason Ward, an associate economist at the RAND Corp., a nonprofit research organization. Scores also did not change at schools providing “high time in school,” or 32.14 hours over a four-day school week, on average. When describing this paper’s findings, it’s inaccurate to say researchers found that test scores dropped as a result of schools adopting a four-day schedule. It is correct to say test scores dropped, on average, across the schools the researchers studied. But it’s worth noting the relationship between test scores and the four-day school week differs according to the average number of hours those schools operate each week. For this analysis, researchers examined school districts in states that allowed four-day school weeks during the 2008-2009 academic year through the 2017-2018 academic years. They chose to focus on the 12 states where four-day school weeks were most common. The data they used came from the Stanford Educational Data Archive and “a proprietary, longitudinal, national database” that tracked the use of four-day school weeks from 2009 to 2018. The researchers write that their findings “suggest that four-day school weeks that operate with adequate levels of time in school have no clear negative effect on achievement and, instead, that it is operating four-day school weeks in a low-time-in-school environment that should be cautioned against.” Three Midwest Rural School Districts’ First Year Transition to the Four Day School Week Jon Turner, Kim Finch and Ximena Uribe-Zarain. The Rural Educator, 2019. Abstract: “The four-day school week is a concept that has been utilized in rural schools for decades to respond to budgetary shortfalls. There has been little peer-reviewed research on the four-day school week that has focused on the perception of parents who live in school districts that have recently switched to the four-day model. This study collects data from 584 parents in three rural Missouri school districts that have transitioned to the four-day school week within the last year. Quantitative statistical analysis identifies significant differences in the perceptions of parents classified by the age of children, special education identification, and free and reduced lunch status. Strong parental support for the four-day school week was identified in all demographic areas investigated; however, families with only elementary aged children and families with students receiving special education services were less supportive than other groups.” Juvenile Crime and the Four-Day School Week Stefanie Fischer and Daniel Argyle. Economics of Education Review, 2018. Abstract: “We leverage the adoption of a four-day school week across schools within the jurisdiction of rural law enforcement agencies in Colorado to examine the causal link between school attendance and youth crime. Those affected by the policy attend school for the same number of hours each week as students on a typical five-day week; however, treated students do not attend school on Friday. This policy allows us to learn about two aspects of the school-crime relationship that have previously been unstudied: one, the effects of a frequent and permanent schedule change on short-term crime, and two, the impact that school attendance has on youth crime in rural areas. Our difference-in-difference estimates show that following policy adoption, agencies containing students on a four-day week experience about a 20 percent increase in juvenile criminal offenses, where the strongest effect is observed for property crime.” Staff Perspectives of the Four-Day School Week: A New Analysis of Compressed School Schedules Jon Turner, Kim Finch and Ximena Uribe–Zarian. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 2018. Abstract: “The four-day school week is a concept that has been utilized in rural schools for decades to respond to budgetary shortfalls. There has been little peer-reviewed research on the four-day school week that has focused on the perception of staff that work in school districts that have recently switched to the four-day model. This study collects data from 136 faculty and staff members in three rural Missouri school districts that have transitioned to the four-day school week within the last year. Quantitative statistical analysis identifies strong support of the four-day school week model from both certified educational staff and classified support staff perspectives. All staff responded that the calendar change had improved staff morale, and certified staff responded that the four-day week had a positive impact on what is taught in classrooms and had increased academic quality. Qualitative analysis identifies staff suggestions for schools implementing the four-day school week including the importance of community outreach prior to implementation. No significant differences were identified between certified and classified staff perspectives. Strong staff support for the four-day school week was identified in all demographic areas investigated. Findings support conclusions made in research in business and government sectors that identify strong employee support of a compressed workweek across all work categories.” The Economics of a Four-Day School Week: Community and Business Leaders’ Perspectives Jon Turner, Kim Finch and Ximena Uribe–Zarian. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 2018. Abstract: “The four-day school week is a concept that has been utilized in rural schools in the United States for decades and the number of schools moving to the four-day school week is growing. In many rural communities, the school district is the largest regional employer which provides a region with permanent, high paying jobs that support the local economy. This study collects data from 71 community and business leaders in three rural school districts that have transitioned to the four-day school week within the last year. Quantitative statistical analysis is used to investigate the perceptions of community and business leaders related to the economic impact upon their businesses and the community and the impact the four-day school week has had upon perception of quality of the school district. Significant differences were identified between community/business leaders that currently have no children in school as compared to community/business leaders with children currently enrolled in four-day school week schools. Overall, community/business leaders were evenly divided concerning the economic impact on their businesses and the community. Community/business leaders’ perceptions of the impact the four-day school week was also evenly divided concerning the impact on the quality of the school district. Slightly more negative opinions were identified related to the economic impact on the profitability of their personal businesses which may impact considerations by school leaders. Overall, community/business leaders were evenly divided when asked if they would prefer their school district return to the traditional five-day week school calendar.” Impact of a 4-Day School Week on Student Academic Performance, Food Insecurity, and Youth Crime Report from the Oklahoma State Department of Health’s Office of Partner Engagement, 2017. Summary: “A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) utilizes a variety of data sources and analytic methods to evaluate the consequences of proposed or implemented policy on health. A rapid (HIA) was chosen to research the impact of the four-day school week on youth. The shift to a four-day school week was a strategy employed by many school districts in Oklahoma to address an $878 million budget shortfall, subsequent budget cuts, and teacher shortages. The HIA aimed to assess the impact of the four-day school week on student academic performance, food insecurity, and juvenile crime … An extensive review of literature and stakeholder engagement on these topic areas was mostly inconclusive or did not reveal any clear-cut evidence to identify effects of the four-day school week on student outcomes — academic performance, food insecurity or juvenile crime. Moreover, there are many published articles about the pros and cons of the four-day school week, but a lack of comprehensive research is available on the practice.” Does Shortening the School Week Impact Student Performance? Evidence from the Four-Day School Week D. Mark Anderson and Mary Beth Walker. Education Finance and Policy, 2015. Abstract: “School districts use a variety of policies to close budget gaps and stave off teacher layoffs and furloughs. More schools are implementing four-day school weeks to reduce overhead and transportation costs. The four-day week requires substantial schedule changes as schools must increase the length of their school day to meet minimum instructional hour requirements. Although some schools have indicated this policy eases financial pressures, it is unknown whether there is an impact on student outcomes. We use school-level data from Colorado to investigate the relationship between the four-day week and academic performance among elementary school students. Our results generally indicate a positive relationship between the four-day week and performance in reading and mathematics. These findings suggest there is little evidence that moving to a four-day week compromises student academic achievement. This research has policy relevance to the current U.S. education system, where many school districts must cut costs.” Other resources The Education Commission of the States offers a 50-state comparison of public school students’ instructional time requirements. For example, students in Colorado are required to be in school for a minimum of 160 days each academic year while in Vermont, the minimum is 175 days and in North Carolina, it’s 185. The State of the American Teacher project offers insights into how teachers feel about their jobs and the education field as a whole. In early 2022, RAND Corp. surveyed a nationally representative sample of teachers, asking questions on topics such as job-related stress, school safety, COVID-19 mitigation policies and career plans. Survey results show that 56% of teachers who answered a question about their attitude toward their job “strongly” or “somewhat” agreed with the statement, “The stress and disappointments involved in teaching aren’t really worth it.” Meanwhile, 78% “strongly” or “somewhat” agreed with the statement, “I don’t seem to have as much enthusiasm now as I did when I began teaching.” Opinions about the four-day school week vary among school board members, district-level administrators, school principals and teachers. These organizations can provide insights: the Schools Superintendents Association, National School Boards Association, National Association of Elementary School Principals and National Association of Secondary School Principals. This article first appeared on The Journalist’s Resource and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. — Previously Published on journalistsresource.org with Creative Commons License — Subscribe to The Good Men Project Newsletter Email Address * Subscribe If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: iStock.com The post Four-Day School Week: Research Shows the Impact of a Condensed Schedule Varies by School Location and Student Grade Level appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

When was the last time you logged into that old Gmail account or your photo storage app? If it’s been a while, don’t be shocked if all your stuff is gone for good. Most tech companies have policies that let them totally wipe out your account and everything in it if you haven’t signed in for a while. This could mean losing years of family photos, important emails and priceless memories. Yeah, that’s bad. It happened to Andrew, my podcast cohost. He stored thousands and thousands of family photos on Shutterfly. One day, he went to log in and all those photos were nowhere to be found. No warning, no “are you sure?” Just deleted. ⏳ How long before your stuff disappears? For starters, these deadly time-outs mostly apply to free accounts. Paid plans usually buy you more time, but not always. Sometimes you’ll get an email telling you to log in or else, but don’t count on it. I put together this list for you so you know the dates your account could go into the intergalactic bit bucket. Google (Gmail, Drive, Photos): Two years of no activity = delete. Poof! Google Voice: Three months of silence and your number could be reassigned. Shutterfly: If you don’t make a purchase in 18 months, they can delete your photos. Dropbox (free accounts): Around 12 months of no activity and your files could disappear. Yahoo Mail: Account may be deleted after 12 months of no login. Outlook / Hotmail (Microsoft): You’ve got 24 months before your account is shut down. AOL Mail: Log in at least once every six months to keep your account alive. iCloud / Apple ID: Apple’s vague about it, but if your account is inactive for a “prolonged period” (think: years), they can disable or delete it. LinkedIn: No set timeline, but if you vanish for two or more years, your profile might disappear. X: Says it releases usernames after 30 days but is sketchy on full deletions. Snapchat: If you deactivate and don’t come back in 30 days, your account is gone for good. Instagram: They may delete accounts that go 90+ days without login or engagement, but timelines are vague (think months to years). Facebook and TikTok: Good news, if you ghost your account, they don’t delete it automatically. Your profile stays alive unless you remove it or break the rules, and then you won’t see the likes of anyone again. Take one minute, log into that dusty old account and hit send on an email to yourself. Yes, even that backup inbox from 2009 where your only messages are spam and a Chili’s coupon. 👋 Know someone who hasn’t logged into that old Yahoo or Gmail account in a while? Forward this to them. It might save years of photos, emails and digital memories from disappearing into the void. Because if you don’t, poof, your digital memories could vanish faster than a Zoom invite on a Friday afternoon. The post The great digital purge is upon us appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

By Jarah Jacquay “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” — Sir Winston Churchill Churchill made this point in 1943 as Parliament debated how to rebuild the bombed-out House of Commons. He insisted it be restored to its original, narrow form — not for efficiency, but for its formative effect. The intimacy of the space had cultivated directness, accountability, and serious engagement. Its physical constraints had produced moral habits. Design doesn’t just reflect our values — it forms them. Whether it’s a debating hall or a neighborhood street, the built environment teaches us how to live together — or how to avoid one another. If we want citizens who are engaged, generous, and resilient, we need places that cultivate those virtues. Every Block Is a Teacher Every place teaches us what — and who — matters. Does the sidewalk invite us to linger or expect us to move along? Does the street say “this is yours” or “you’re in the way”? Our neighborhoods catechize us daily in presence or isolation, care or consumption, attention or distraction. Theologian James K.A. Smith describes this as the “liturgy” of everyday life: our loves are shaped by repeated, embodied practices. Likewise, sociologist Robert Bellah reminds us in “Habits of the Heart” that identity is formed “not independently of others, but through others.” And our physical proximity to others — neighbors, shopkeepers, elders — conditions the possibilities for that formation. When the built environment invites connection, it fosters moral ecology. When it fragments us, it fosters disconnection — even despair. From Piney Woods to Pilgrimage I grew up in Freeport, Florida, a rural town where improvisation often stood in for intention. We fished hidden creeks in a jon boat and biked down clay roads flanked by trailers on crumbling blocks. But across the bay was Seaside — a master-planned town that would become a mecca for urbanists and architects. My parents worked there off and on. For me, it was more than a job site. It was a place of longing. The pastel homes, front porches, and walkable streets were unlike anything in my own neighborhood. At the time, it felt elitist — out of reach for “ordinary” people. But in hindsight, Seaside’s genius was not novelty, but ressourcement: a return to timeless development patterns found in cities for millennia. Its beauty wasn’t ornamental; it was intentional, human-scaled, and steeped in memory. Years later, I realized that what we now call New Urbanism is often just old urbanism rediscovered — without the lead paint and with better HVAC. The traditional development pattern — compact, adaptable, and relational — wasn’t utopian. It was normal. Until we abandoned it. Squirrel Hill and Civic Wealth Graduate school brought my wife and me to Pittsburgh, where we lived in Squirrel Hill — Fred Rogers’ real-life neighborhood. Unlike Seaside, it had no branding, no pastel charm. But it was alive. Jewish bakeries buzzed on Sunday mornings. Sidewalks hummed with errands and greetings. Porches invited conversation. It wasn’t luxurious. Our upstairs duplex was drafty. The streets were narrow and potholed. But they forced people to slow down. Walk. Wave. Yield. What Squirrel Hill offered was civic wealth: the abundance that comes from shared rhythms of daily life. We came to see that good urbanism doesn’t require perfection — just intention. Sidewalks aren’t just infrastructure; they’re invitations. Parks aren’t just green space; they’re common ground. Even the Sabbath boundary — an eruv — marked on utility poles reminded us of embedded meaning in place. In a world where civic life often erodes behind windshields and garage doors, Squirrel Hill quietly taught us: formation flows from friction. And friction — the good kind — requires proximity. Place Is a Moral Decision Strong Towns often speaks of productive places — neighborhoods that generate enough value to sustain themselves over time. But financial productivity is downstream of moral and social health. When we design neighborhoods for cars, not people, we privatize convenience and externalize cost. Wider roads, bigger yards, and cul-de-sacs may seem benign, but they often come at the cost of civic trust. You can live in a suburban-style development for 20 years and never know your neighbors’ names. That’s not just poor design. It’s a poor moral ecology. St. Thomas Aquinas taught that human flourishing is social. In “De Regno,” he wrote: “The good of the many is more divine than the good of the individual.” Urban planning, then, is a form of moral philosophy: it either strengthens the common good — or undermines it. As Wendell Berry put it, “A community is the mental and spiritual condition of knowing that the place is shared.” That knowing depends not on ideology, but on encounters: waves on the sidewalk, shared tools, common struggles. Civic Liturgies vs. Consumer Habits Public spaces shape civic imagination. Parks, porches, plazas — these are civic liturgies, spaces that cultivate presence, memory, and accountability. They train us in the subtle choreography of being neighbors. By contrast, auto-oriented spaces train us to transact, not to commune. Strip malls and drive-throughs teach us to consume and move on. They reinforce speed over presence, efficiency over encounter. They tell us that to be human is to be a customer — not a citizen. Urbanism, then, is not a neutral field. It is a moral craft. Every cul-de-sac or connector street, every zoning map or sidewalk width, tells a story about what we value — and what kind of people we hope to become. What We Build Reveals What We Believe In “Laudato Si’,” Pope Francis writes, “The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs things to buy, own and consume.” Places designed for consumption will never call forth communion. This is why the Strong Towns principle of bottom-up, small-scale development resonates so deeply with Catholic social teaching. Both prioritize subsidiarity, stewardship, and the dignity of the person in community. Both reject the illusion of wealth and technocratic abstraction in favor of place-based formation. Our neighborhoods are not static. They’re complex adaptive systems. Small changes — a new trailhead, a coffee shop, a civic bench — can start a virtuous cycle. They invite presence. They create memory. They spark stewardship. Toward the Common Good The closing bell is ringing for many places built during the Suburban Experiment. Infrastructure costs are rising. Loneliness is deepening. And despair — not crime — is the true danger of disconnection. But the inverse is true, too. Places that reward slowness, that invite care, that encourage walking and waving — these places form us into citizens, neighbors, even saints. A true civitas, rooted in societas and aimed at humanitas, is not just the work of planners or architects. It is the sacred responsibility of us all. Jarah Jacquay will present at the Civic Leader Summit in Pensacola, Florida, September 23-25. Click here to learn more and register. Jarah Jacquay is a husband and father of seven, a convert to Catholicism and the merits of walkable urbanism, and a Northwest Florida native. He serves as Managing Principal of Virtuous Cycle LLC and President of Bluffline Inc., working at the intersection of health, ecology, political economy, and community formation. — Previously Published on strongtowns.org with Creative Commons License Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today. CLICK TO JOIN All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: unsplash The post How Places Form People: The Moral Pedagogy of Urban Design appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The US president has labelled Washington’s relationship with New Delhi “one-sided.” US President Donald Trump has once again criticized New Delhi after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in bilateral and multilateral meetings in Tianjin, China with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a post on his Truth Social account on Monday, which came just hours after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit concluded, Trump said Washington’s relationship with New Delhi has been “one sided” for decades. ”What few people understand is that we do very little business with India, but they do a tremendous amount of business with us,” Trump wrote in his post. “In other words, they sell us a massive amount of goods, their biggest ‘client,’ but we sell them very little.” The US president added, “Until now, a totally one-sided relationship, and it has been for many decades. The reason is that India has charged us, until now, such high Tariffs, the most of any country, that our businesses are unable to sell into India. It has been a totally one-sided disaster.” ❗️ Trump Labels Relationship with India as “Totally One-Sided” He also points out that “India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia, very little from the US.” pic.twitter.com/seBfN55apq — RT_India (@RT_India_news) September 1, 2025 Modi held talks with Xi on Sunday, where the leaders agreed that the nations needed to view each other as partners, and not rivals. A day later, the Indian leader held bilateral talks with Putin, first in his Aurus limousine and then in a delegation-level format. “Also, India buys most of its oil and military products from Russia, very little from the US,” Trump wrote on Monday. “They have now offered to cut their Tariffs to nothing, but it’s getting late. They should have done so years ago.” Last month, the US imposed 25% tariffs on most imports from India after the two countries failed to arrive at a trade deal. This was followed by an additional 25% duty for New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian crude, resulting in a combined total import tax of 50%. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, bilateral trade between India and the US stood at $131.8 billion, with a trade surplus of $41.18 billion in favor of New Delhi. View the full article

— Educated youth are successful in school and life. Both teachers and parents need uncomplicated, effective resources that will teach young people effective literacy skills. Reading worksheets provide repetitive practice in a structured way that strengthens necessary skills such as comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking. When adults choose appropriate materials and correctly implement them, youth become confident and appreciate reading. Why Reading Worksheets Assist Children in Learning? Research shows that regular practice with quality worksheets improves reading skills measurably. Students who do systematic reading exercises score higher on understanding tests and read more fluently. Worksheets break complicated skills into easy tasks and allow kids to accomplish a task with each exercise. Worksheets provide continuous practice on important concepts such as main ideas, story points, new vocabulary, etc. Essential Skills That Worksheets Develop Quality worksheets have specific skills that children must master in order to become good readers. Such skills include, Ownership of basic phonics patterns Fluency in recognizing sight words Basic strategies to understand what they read Through guided practice activities, kids learn to identify characters, settings, and the sequence of important events in the plot. Worksheets also help kids develop vocabulary as they learn new words within meaningful context. Quality 2nd grade worksheets are concerned with skills at the age level that correlate with what children are taught in their grade. How to Select the Appropriate Worksheets? Teachers and parents must search for worksheets that are aligned with their child’s reading level and interests. Resources must challenge students without frustrating or confusing them. Good worksheets should have explicit directions, interesting topics, and a variety of activities to keep students interested. Search for materials related to areas children are already familiar with, such as home life, animals, or basic science concepts. Easy Ways to Utilize Worksheets at Home Home reading worksheet practice can really enhance a child’s literacy learning if done properly. Allocate 10-15 minutes every day for concentrated worksheet practice in a quiet, comfortable area. Read the instructions together at first, then have the child work on his or her own while you remain available to help. Have fun with finished work and talk over what the child has learned in each activity. Classroom Strategies That Make Worksheets More Effective Teachers can optimize worksheet advantages by using them as part of daily reading instruction in a deliberate manner. Utilize worksheets during small group time when you can immediately provide feedback and support. Present new ideas through direct instruction before assigning students independent practice sheets. Allow students to work in pairs at times to promote discussion and peer learning. Indications That Worksheets Are Effective Teachers and parents notice a number of positive differences as worksheets successfully aid literacy development. Kids read more confidently and raise fewer questions regarding fundamental concepts. Kids show better understanding by recounting stories in the proper sequence and logically guessing what will come next. Students also augment their vocabulary and employ new words in talking and writing. Common Mistakes to Avoid Some methods of using worksheets can really stifle instead of support literacy progress. Never provide children with worksheets that are at a level of difficulty above the current skill of the child. Avoid using worksheets as punishment or busy work, as this fosters bad attitudes towards reading. Do not fill in a half-dozen worksheets in one sitting, which can confuse young learners. Technology and Modern Worksheet Alternatives Educators today can use both old-style paper worksheets and digital options that provide some special benefits. Online worksheets commonly include instant feedback and adjust automatically to students’ answers. Paper worksheets, however, assist students with developing fine motor skills and minimizing screen time issues. Good 2nd grade worksheets are provided in several formats to suit different learning situations. How to Track Progress and Success? Regular review allows adults to understand which worksheets are working best for individual children. Keep simple records of completed activities and note where children are struggling or excelling. Take a picture of completed work to demonstrate improvement over time and praise them for their achievement. Encourage the children’s reflections of their own learning and what worked and didn’t work. Supporting Readers Who Struggle Students who are asked to do reading worksheets may need much more help and accommodations. Students who are struggling should be encouraged to break longer learning tasks into smaller pieces and teacher expectations amended for more time allowances. Use labels, manipulatives, and activity-based learning to reinforce the concepts students are expected to show they learned from the worksheets. Read directions and preview to foster comprehension prior to independent work time. Establishing a Positive Reading Environment The physical and emotional environment plays a significant role in how children respond to worksheet activities and literacy acquisition. Create comfortable spaces with good lighting, appropriate seating, and easy access to materials such as pencils and erasers. Display students’ work and reading achievement to create pride and motivation for continued effort. Establish consistent routines that help children know what to expect during worksheet practice time. Conclusion Quality reading worksheets serve as valuable tools that help children develop essential literacy skills when used thoughtfully and consistently. Adults who understand how to select appropriate materials and implement them effectively give children the foundation they need to become confident, successful readers who enjoy learning throughout their lives. — This content is brought to you by Mala Khan iStockPhoto The post Enhancing Literacy Skills with Classroom Reading Worksheets appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Those days… it was all wild and messy. Like jumping straight into the ocean without even checking how deep it was. I didn’t care if I drowned — in fact, I wanted to drown in it. Back then, if I liked someone, the rest of the world just disappeared. My heart would beat faster just seeing them walk into the room. One small glance from across the crowd, and it felt like my whole body woke up. I didn’t hold back. I didn’t think twice. I didn’t even know how to slow down. But now… it’s different. Not worse, not better, just different. Somewhere along the way, I learned what it feels like to lose someone you’ve given everything to. So without even realising it, I started loving in smaller sips, not big gulps like before. In my thirties, love became slower. Softer. Comfortable, yes — but there’s also a quiet kind of sadness in it. I miss the old me sometimes… the one who’d stay up all night talking, the one who thought forever could fit inside a single summer. Last night, I found myself remembering a man I loved years ago. We didn’t last. We weren’t even good for each other. But God, the way it felt… like we were the only two people in the whole world. I’m not sure if I’ll ever feel that exact way again. And maybe that’s how it’s meant to be. Maybe love changes with us — from fire to embers, from lightning to candlelight. And maybe that’s fine. Still… even now, I sometimes wonder if a part of me is still there in that storm — hair dripping wet, heart racing, twenty-something and completely unafraid. — 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: Dalton Smith On Unsplash The post Why I Can’t Love Like I Did in My 20s appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. Rear-end collisions are some of the most common types of traffic accidents in general, and Phoenix is not an exception. This sprawling city sees its share of rear-end collisions, but the consequences of these accidents are often underestimated. People often imagine rear-end collisions as not much more than “fender-benders”, but in reality, these accidents often have far more serious consequences. Serious injuries, and lengthy legal disputes are often the result of rear-end collisions in Phoenix, which is why understanding how an experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer can protect your rights is paramount for anyone unfortunate enough to be involved in such an accident. Common causes of rear-end collisions in Phoenix With its bustling roads and highways which cater to an ever-growing population, Phoenix is the busiest traffic hub in Arizona. There’s constant congestion on roads like Route 51, Loop 101, and the I-10, making rear-end collisions almost unavoidable. These types of accidents can usually be attributed to several factors that influence their frequency: High Traffic Zones Downtown Phoenix, like most major American cities, has plenty of busy intersections, particularly near popular venues like the Phoenix Convention Center or Chase Field. Drivers in these areas will often experience stop and go traffic, with frequent braking and accelerating, which are conditions perfect for rear-end collisions. Distracted Driving With smart phones and navigation systems being a part of everyday life, it has never been easier to get distracted while driving, and just a quick glance on your phone screen can be enough to not notice the car ahead of you suddenly breaking. Sudden Stops In an urban setting like Phoenix there are numerous hazards that can result in sudden stops. Everything from jaywalking pedestrians, to cyclists or cars improperly merging, can force a sudden stop. Drivers who follow too close rarely have time to react. Urban Layout Wide multi lane roads, frequent traffic signals and construction zones are some of the factors related to urban layout that drastically increase the chance of rear-end accidents by increasing the likelihood of changes in speed. Why Minor Accidents Can Lead to Major Injuries Many people often think that rear-end collisions at low speeds are harmless, but that truly is a misconception. Our bodies are, in reality, very vulnerable even to the forces generated in collisions under 15 miles per hour. Whiplash and hidden spinal injuries are some of the most common ones. Whiplash, caused by violently snapping the neck back and forth is often dismissed as a minor issue, but is one that can cause great discomfort in the future, including long term stiffness and decreased mobility. Our spines are also extremely vulnerable, and even low speed collisions can cause pinched nerves, herniated discs, and a host of other problems that are often undetectable by X-ray, instead requiring advanced imaging. These injuries, including others, are usually masked by the shock and adrenaline, which can block or mask the pain and discomfort of tissue damage, concussions, and even internal bleeding. If these injuries aren’t immediately discovered and recorded, insurance companies will usually try to avoid responsibility by claiming that the injuries aren’t related to the accident, which is where a Phoenix car accident lawyer can step in and prove the connection between the accident and the injuries. The Role of Comparative Negligence in Arizona Arizona is one of the states that adheres to the comparative negligence rule. This basically means that more than one person can be held partially responsible for the same accident. Although it might seem that the fault is always with the trailing driver in case of rear-end collisions, there are of course instances like suddenly breaking where the driver in front has to take the blame, or a part of it Even if you’re partially at fault, in Arizona you can still receive compensation and recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by the percentage that you were found at fault for. For example, if you were awarded $1,000 in compensation, but the fault was half yours, your compensation would be reduced 50% and you would receive $500. This system of comparative negligence adds to the complexity of rear end collisions in Phoenix, and Arizona in general, which is why choosing an experienced Phoenix accident lawyer is going to be crucial in receiving the appropriate compensation. How a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Proves Liability Although rear-end collisions might seem fairly straightforward, when injuries, and high medical bills are involved, proving responsibility becomes much more difficult. Some of the strategies that a good Phoenix car accident lawyer might use would include: Gathering witness statements from everyone involved, and nearby drivers and passers by. Checking traffic camera footage can be crucial as Phoenix is furnished with numerous traffic cameras that a skilled lawyer can utilize to prove their client’s case. Accident reconstruction experts are professionals who analyze road conditions, skid marks, etc to scientifically reconstruct the accident. Their findings can often make or break a case. Reviewing Cell Phone Records is another strategy that an accident lawyer can use. They can subpoena cell phone records and see if a driver was texting or on a phone call at the time of the accident. Combining the findings from these techniques will build a strong case that can significantly improve the victim’s chances of compensation. When to Seek Medical and Legal Help Immediately Many people hesitate in seeking medical or legal help if they feel their injuries aren’t serious enough. This is a big mistake, and it’s highly recommended that you seek help in case of any accident. Having medical records of any injury, regardless how minor it might seem, will be crucial in seeking compensation, and contacting your lawyer immediately will help preserve crucial evidence and give you important advice on how to proceed. Conclusion Rear-end collisions in Phoenix are a complex issue which many of the city’s drivers will unfortunately have to face at some point of their lives. It’s crucial to remain calm, gather all the evidence, and seek both medical and legal assistance immediately, so that you would have the best chance of proving the other driver’s fault, and receiving compensation. — This content is brought to you by Wahab Ullah iStockPhoto The post The Hidden Hazards: Why Rear-End Collisions in Phoenix Lead to Complex Injury Claims appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

We tend to imagine love arriving with fireworks. A grand confession. A kiss in the rain. A movie scene we can replay in our heads. But in real life, it’s almost never like that. It’s in the coffee they remember you like. The way they text to ask if you made it home. The half-smile they give you across a crowded room, like the two of you share a secret nobody else knows. … Why the Brain Loves Small Gestures From a neuroscience lens, our brains respond to patterns more than single moments. A one-time act might make you smile, but repeated small kindnesses build trust, releasing steady waves of oxytocin — the same hormone that bonds newborns to their parents. That’s why love often feels like safety before it feels like passion. It’s your brain learning: This person shows up. This person stays. … Three Small Signs That Often Mean More Than “Just Friends” 1. They Remember the Unimportant Details Not your birthday — that’s easy. But the fact that you hate the sound of ticking clocks? That you once said thunderstorms make you feel at peace? That’s someone listening beyond surface-level. … 2. They Adjust Without Making It Obvious Maybe they slow their walking pace to match yours. Or they tilt their chair so you’re not sitting in direct sunlight. Tiny, wordless adjustments that tell your nervous system: I notice you. … 3. They Find Reasons to Stay in the Moment It’s late, and the conversation could have ended three times already. But they keep asking one more question, keep laughing a little longer, like they’re quietly refusing to let the night be over. … Why It Matters to Notice Most people miss these signs because they’re looking for something louder. But the quiet things — the consistent, almost invisible things — are where the deepest affection hides. If you catch them, hold them close. These moments are the threads that weave something real. … Because love isn’t always a lightning strike. Sometimes, it’s the steady light in the window, showing you the way home. — 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: Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash The post The Small Gestures That Secretly Say “I’m Falling for You” appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. Florida courts encourage alternative dispute resolution (ADR) as a way to move cases toward resolution without the cost, delay, and uncertainty of trial. One of the tools in this system is non-binding arbitration. Although less widely discussed than mediation, non-binding arbitration plays a distinct role in Florida’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) landscape. Understanding how it works — and how to prepare for it — can help attorneys, clients, and mediators make the most of the process. What Is Non-Binding Arbitration? In Florida, non-binding arbitration is a court-ordered or agreed-upon hearing where a neutral arbitrator (or panel) reviews evidence and issues a decision. Unlike binding arbitration, the arbitrator’s decision is not final unless both parties accept it. If neither side objects within the statutory time frame, the award can become enforceable. If a party rejects the award, the case proceeds to trial — but with potential cost-shifting consequences if the rejecting party does worse at trial than in arbitration. Thus, while technically “non-binding,” the process creates strong incentives for parties to treat the hearing seriously. Florida’s Framework for Nonbinding Arbitration Authority: Governed by Chapter 44, Florida Statutes, and local court rules. Application: Often used in civil cases (contract disputes, insurance claims, personal injury) where the court believes ADR could save judicial resources. Procedure: Informal compared to trial — rules of evidence are relaxed. Each party presents documents, witness testimony, or expert opinions. Florida Arbitrator issues a written decision. Appeal/Trial Rights: Parties dissatisfied with the award may demand a trial de novo. Why Parties Should Take It Seriously Even though labeled “non-binding,” Florida Arbitration carries significant weight: Cost Risks: Rejecting the award and doing worse at trial can trigger attorney’s fee and cost consequences. Settlement Pressure: The Florida arbitrator’s decision often serves as a reality checkfor both sides. Discovery Value: The process gives attorneys insight into how a neutral views the evidence. Negotiation Leverage: The award can frame settlement talks. Preparing for Non-Binding Florida Arbitration Both attorneys and neutrals should promote good decision-making. In non-binding arbitration, that means: Documentation and Case Framing Just as in mediation, organized documentation is the anchor. Presenting clear, credible records (contracts, damages evidence, expert reports) ensures the Florida arbitrator has a reliable factual base. Litigation Interest and Risk Assessment The parties should analyze the likely court outcome, tangible litigation costs, and intangible costs (stress, delay, reputational harm) before Florida arbitration begins. This helps the parties evaluate whether to accept the Florida arbitration result or roll the dice at trial. Client Counseling Manage expectations: Florida arbitration is less formal than trial, but it still requires preparation. Explain both the potential benefits (faster, cheaper, informative) and risks (cost penalties if rejecting award). Common Pitfalls in Florida Non-Binding Arbitration Treating it as a “practice run”rather than a serious proceeding. Failing to prepare the partiesfor the possibility that the Florida arbitrator’s award will influence later settlement or litigation strategy. Inadequate documentation, leaving the Florida arbitrator with incomplete or unclear evidence. Conclusion: A Bridge, Not a Dead End Florida Non-Binding arbitration sits between mediation and trial. It is less flexible than mediation, but less final than binding arbitration or trial. Its greatest value may be in how it shapes parties’ expectations, narrows disputes, and supports settlement — if attorneys and clients prepare thoughtfully. For practitioners, the lesson is clear: treat non-binding arbitration not as a procedural detour, but as a serious opportunity for evaluation and resolution. Done well, it can anchor realistic negotiations, reduce decision errors, and save parties the stress and expense of full litigation. — This content is brought to you by Hussain Ali iStockPhoto The post Florida Non-Binding Arbitration appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By David B. Sarwer, Temple University On July 28, 2025, a 27-year-old gunman entered a New York City office building that is home to the National Football League’s headquarters. He shot and killed four people and injured one other before killing himself. In a note found in his wallet, he claimed he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, a degenerative brain condition believed to develop from repeated traumatic brain injuries. He asked experts to study his brain. CTE has received much attention over the past two decades as multiple NFL players have been diagnosed with the condition after their deaths. The 2015 movie “Concussion,” about a forensic pathologist named Dr. Bennet Omalu who documented the first case of CTE in an NFL player, also highlighted the issue. The gunman in the New York City shooting played high school football, but he did not play professionally. It is not known whether he had CTE. I’m a clinical psychologist who studies mental health issues and their relationship to physical illness. Although people generally associate CTE with professional athletes, a growing body of research, including my own work, shows that adolescents and young adult athletes experience traumatic brain injuries that can have both short-term and long-term effects on mental health. In my view, young players and their families, as well as coaches, should pay attention to these emerging risks. A 27-year-old gunman who targeted NFL headquarters in New York City on July 28, 2025, believed he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy. From traumatic brain injuries to CTE At least 55 million people worldwide are thought to experience a traumatic brain injury each year. The actual number may be higher, as many brain injuries are never diagnosed or treated. Some people with a brain injury recover quickly. Others do not. Over half of people with a brain injury reported mental health symptoms one year later. These include difficulties concentrating, memory problems and irritability, as well as physical concerns such as recurrent headaches and difficulties with balance. Many people who sustain a traumatic brain injury also report difficulties with anxiety, depression and substance misuse as they are recovering. Some report thoughts about ending their lives or suicide attempts. Although the link between traumatic brain injuries and CTE is still being studied, many experts believe that the condition is caused not by a single, severe blow to the head but by repeated trauma to the head over time. It is not uncommon for former competitive athletes across a range of contact sports to believe they may have CTE – not only because they remember the injuries or being diagnosed with a concussion, but also because they experience many of the cognitive symptoms that affect people with traumatic brain injuries and sometimes misuse alcohol, pain medications or other substances to cope with them. However, there’s no way for someone to get a diagnosis for the condition while they are experiencing these symptoms. There is currently no test for CTE. Doctors generally diagnose it after an autopsy. Repeated brain injuries in youth sports The focus on CTE has brought greater interest in the effects of traumatic brain injuries in general. Such injuries are common not only in professional athletes but also in adolescents and young adults who play sports. They are seen frequently in military veterans as well. In a study published in March 2025, my colleagues and I assessed more than 500 varsity and club sport athletes. We found that 75% said they had experienced a head injury before starting college. Almost 40% reported being diagnosed with at least one concussion, and just over half of those athletes experienced a loss of consciousness. We also found that student athletes who had experienced head injuries were much more likely to be diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder in their lifetime. They were more likely to drink alcohol excessively and have a substance use disorder in their history. Greater symptoms of an alcohol use disorder were associated with having their first head injury at an earlier age, as well as having more head injuries, diagnosed concussions and losing consciousness from those injuries. These troubling observations highlight the often overlooked mental health effects of head injuries in adolescents and young adults. Our study aligns with others that have found a relationship between sports-related traumatic brain injuries and mental health symptoms – and it is among the first to look not only at self-reported symptoms but also at formal psychiatric diagnoses. How exactly these cases might relate to CTE is unknown, but there are hints of a link: Researchers examining the records of 152 former contact sport athletes who died before age 30 identified signs of CTE in the brains of 40% of them. Family members described mental health symptoms in the majority of them, and alcohol and substance misuse were reported in approximately one-third. Increasing safeguards for brain health in young athletes While head injuries in youth sports were once met with a shrug, youth sports leagues are increasingly paying attention to the issue. Studies suggest that limiting the amount of physical contact in preseason training or between games can reduce young players’ head injury risks. Coaches of contact sports such as football and soccer often receive training on identifying the signs and symptoms of head injuries and are given strategies to manage them. Athletic trainers, routinely available at many high school sporting events, are involved in sporting events for younger children as well. As first responders to athletic injuries, they are trained to assess symptoms of head injuries and can provide guidance, as part of a medical team, on when an athlete can return to play. Athletic trainers also may be well positioned to observe some of the mental health symptoms commonly seen after head injuries. Following a head injury, parents and guardians should also keep an eye on their athlete. Changes in mood or behavior after a head injury warrant a referral to a neurologist or mental health professional for additional assessment and treatment. David B. Sarwer, Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Temple University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. — Previously Published on theconversation.com with Creative Commons License *** Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: unsplash The post Youth Athletes, Not Just Professionals, May Face Mental Health Risks from Repeated Traumatic Brain Injuries appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— Holydaying in generic beach resorts is not the vibe anymore. They are getting too common. Then what better plans do you have to make your honeymoon exquisite? If it is privacy and serenity perfectly blended with unparalleled adventure, luxury, and romance, the trending “it” destination is Nile cruises. Yes, the same legendary Nile River in Egypt. Gliding through the Nile River, enjoying the ancient culture and scenic sites is more than just a vacation; it’s a voyage through time, a private escape, and an unforgettable shared experience. A very unique choice, right? Here’s why Nile cruises have become the top choice for modern couples building their first chapter together. Luxor – The world’s greatest open-air museum Even though it is named the world’s greatest open-air museum, Luxor isn’t just a tourist stop; it’s one of the grandest, awe-inspiring prologues to your romantic adventure. Imagine standing hand-in-hand with your partner before the towering statues of the Temple of Karnak, soaking in the golden glow falling on the ancient hieroglyphs. This is such a palpable and humbling shared experience. To make your moment even more intimate, a hot air balloon ride at dawn is a must for couples. Floating silently through the skies over the Valley of the Kings, the Temples of Queen Hatshepsut, and the vast desert, especially with a fresh and breathtaking sunrise on the horizon, is a once-in-a-lifetime memory that symbolizes soaring into your new life together. Edfu & Kom Ombo – A journey of whimsy and mystery Between Luxor and Aswan, you will find two exquisite temples. The best time to visit here is during early morning or late afternoon. In Edfu, you can wander around the massive corridors and hidden chambers of the Temple of Horus; your own private exploration, uncovering the tales of the falcon god Horus carved into the walls. Later, you can relax at the riverside setting of the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. If you go there in the evening, you can experience an even more profound and romantic atmosphere as the temple is beautifully illuminated against the night sky. Aswan – The Nubian Oasis of Serenity The ancient sites of Egypt are more than just a walk through history, especially in Aswan. You will feel the serenity and romance in the air almost instantly because the air is warmer, the pace is slower, and the giant granite boulders and shimmering water create an incredibly beautiful landscape. This place represents connections. The romance is in the experiences, not in the tangible: Go for a private felucca ride around the botanical gardens on Elephantine Island, listening to the mystic sound of the sail catching the wind. The mesmerizing and vivid colors of a Nubian village. An astonishing day trip to the monumental Temple of Abu Simbel. Aswan delivers a peaceful, picturesque interlude that will make you feel worlds away from everyday life. The Nile itself – Your moving sanctuary While enjoying all your romantic yet historical escapades, remember that you are cruising along the Nile River. This itself is the most romantic journey or destination. Nile cruise is your private, moving sanctuary. You spent days together with your partner, in a faraway land, sailing across the tranquil Nile, magic is bound to happen. Romantic, uninterrupted time together, and sipping chilled drinks on your private balcony as a timeless painting of local Egyptian life unfolds along the banks. Glowing sunsets on the river, gourmet dinners, dancing under the stars, and at the end of the day, retiring to your cabin knowing you’ll wake up to a new adventure. The Nile River itself presents the tranquility and breathtaking scenery that allows you to truly focus on each other, making the journey just as important as the destinations. Why a Nile Cruise is the perfect honeymoon choice A honeymoon is the first chapter of your new life together. Choosing to start that unpredictable chapter with Nile cruises means forging unforgettable first steps with shared wonder, unparalleled luxury, and adventures that will become the baseline of your family’s stories for years to come. It’s no wonder that couples are increasingly opting for Nile cruises. — This content is brought to you by Hassan Javed Photo provided by the author. The post 4 Romantic Escapes: Why Couples are Choosing Nile Cruises for Their Honeymoon appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Brussels will blacklist two “extremist ministers” and boycott settler goods Belgium will recognize Palestinian statehood and impose sanctions on Israel over its war in Gaza, the government announced on Tuesday. The small nation, which hosts the headquarters of both the EU and NATO, unveiled the measures on Tuesday as pressure grows on Israel to reach a ceasefire with Hamas and allow more humanitarian aid into the besieged Palestinian enclave. In light of the “humanitarian tragedy in Gaza,” Belgium has decided to “increase pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas terrorists,” Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot wrote on X. “This is not about punishing the Israeli people, but about ensuring that their government respects international and humanitarian law and takes action to change the situation on the ground,” he added. The sanctions include a ban on imports of products from Jewish settlements in the West Bank and restrictions on consular assistance for Belgian nationals living in settlements considered illegal under international law. Brussels will also review procurement involving Israeli companies and blacklist “two extremist Israeli ministers, several violent settlers, and Hamas leaders,” Prevot said. He added that Belgium would push for the suspension of the EU’s trade agreement with Israel. Several countries, including France, plan to recognize Palestine at the UN General Assembly later this month, drawing strong criticism from Israel. Last month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused France and Australia of failing to tackle antisemitism, arguing that recognition of Palestine would only embolden Hamas. Israel has rejected UN warnings of famine in Gaza, where more than 63,500 people have been killed since October 2023. West Jerusalem has pledged to allow the delivery of aid, but not through distribution points it claims are controlled by Hamas. View the full article

By Jill Rosen-Johns Hopkins Kanzi could also recognize caregivers from their voices alone, an ability never before tested on bonobos. The work, led by Johns Hopkins University’s Social and Cognitive Origins Group, answers key questions about how animals manage to keep track of their groupmates and uncovers yet another aspect of human social cognition shared with our closest relatives. “People think social intelligence is a thing that makes humans unique—that because we have to manage so many different relationships, we might have a range of cognitive tools for doing so that will only be found in an ultra-social species like humans,” says senior author Chris Krupenye, a Johns Hopkins assistant professor who studies how animals think. “But most of us who study apes have a strong intuition that because the social world is so important for them too, they must, like humans, be keeping track of these critical social partners. They must share with us at least the foundations of our rich social intelligence.” The findings appear in Proceedings of the Royal Society B. Humans intuitively track the whereabouts of others, mentally. If you’re at home and your partner leaves the room, they don’t leave your mind—you mentally maintain information about their whereabouts, as well as the locations of your other friends and family in the world, near and far. Bonobos and chimpanzees in the wild often live in dense forests where their groupmates regularly go out of view, so they too would benefit from the ability to keep mental tabs on groupmates they cannot see. Research has shown that bonobos and chimpanzees recognize the faces and vocalizations of familiar groupmates, even after years apart. Chimpanzees have recognized familiar humans, even when they had masks on. While field studies have hinted that apes might be able to mentally track groupmates, this is the first study to test in a controlled environment whether any animal can track multiple individuals at once. During experiments, as Kanzi watched, two caregivers that he knew well would hide behind different barriers, in an array of three, that blocked them from his view. An experimenter would hold up a photo of one caregiver and ask Kanzi to point to where that person was. The test was repeated and switched up many times. “Kanzi very quickly understood the task and performed well,” says lead author Luz Carvajal, a PhD student in Krupenye’s lab who studies apes’ knowledge of their social relationships, adding that the team also wanted to see if Kanzi could identify the caregivers not just by photos of their faces, but by the sound of their voices. For this further test, the caregivers again hid behind barriers, but this time Kanzi was not able to see which barrier they hid behind. Once they were hidden, however, they each called out to Kanzi, saying “Hi Kanzi,” so that he could hear who was behind each barrier. The experimenter would then show Kanzi a photo of one of the caregivers and ask Kanzi to point to where they were. “Here he also performed above chance and especially well with one of his two caregivers,” Carvajal says. “He does have the capacity to use voice as a marker for identity. This face matches this voice.” While Kanzi did make mistakes across trials, the results demonstrate a fundamental capacity to mentally track, and keep straight, the locations of multiple familiar people at once. “Across these studies the results suggest that Kanzi has a memory of these individuals that brings together their vocal and visual of identities—who they are and what they sound like, and where they are in space,” Krupenye says. “If he hears them he might imagine what they look like. If he sees them he might bring to mind an idea of what they sound like. We think this is one integrated memory. He’s using the same photo prompt to refer to an individual whether he can see them or not.” Next the team hopes to test the boundaries of how many individuals can apes mentally track at once and how long those memories last, to better understand what is happening in the minds of apes during these separations. “These animals are rich and complex,” Krupenye says. “Even if we just want to understand ourselves better there’s an urgency to this work and to saving this endangered species.” Support for the work came from the Templeton World Charity Foundation and the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Program. Source: Johns Hopkins University Original Study DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2025.0640 — Previously Published on futurity.org with Creative Commons License *** – The world is changing fast. We help you keep up. We’ll send you 1 post, 3x per week. Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: unsplash The post Apes Can Keep Track of Familiar Humans Even When Out of Sight appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice. The pharmaceutical industry has long been a cornerstone of modern healthcare; however, in recent years, its reputation has come under intense scrutiny. A rising number of class action lawsuits against major drug manufacturers have exposed safety concerns, misleading marketing practices, and questionable pricing strategies. For many consumers, these lawsuits have triggered a deep mistrust of “Big Pharma” and sparked a growing demand for alternative, affordable health solutions—chief among them, vitamin supplements. The Growing Shadow of Class Action Lawsuits Class action lawsuits allow groups of consumers to take collective legal action against powerful corporations, particularly when harmed by unsafe or improperly marketed drugs. These legal challenges often reveal that some manufacturers prioritized profits over patient safety, leaving individuals to suffer devastating side effects. As Sarah N. Westcot, Managing Partner at Bursor & Fisher, P.A., notes: “Drug manufacturers have a responsibility to be transparent about risks and to put consumer safety above profits. When they fail in that duty, class action lawsuits not only hold them accountable but also remind the public why healthcare trust must be earned, not assumed.” These cases don’t just lead to financial settlements—they leave a lasting mark on consumer confidence in pharmaceutical products. Turning Toward Affordable Alternatives As skepticism toward traditional pharmaceuticals grows, more consumers are exploring accessible and natural wellness options. Vitamin supplements, in particular, have become a popular way for people to maintain health and prevent deficiencies without relying exclusively on prescription medications. The demand for affordability is a crucial factor. With healthcare costs rising, families are searching for safe, low-cost solutions that fit into their daily routines. Supplements like vitamin D, multivitamins, and omega-3s are increasingly viewed as reliable preventive tools, especially when offered at prices that don’t rival prescription drugs. Dean Lee, Head of Marketing at Sealions, explains: “Healthy living doesn’t need to be expensive. Affordable supplements can provide the same nutritional support as costly alternatives, as long as people choose wisely and combine them with a balanced diet. The goal is to give people confidence that they can protect their health without breaking the bank.” This balance of accessibility and effectiveness is driving many toward supplements as a safer, budget-conscious alternative. The Role of Trust and Transparency Supplements are also benefiting from a wider cultural shift toward transparency and wellness-driven marketing. Consumers increasingly favor companies that clearly communicate what’s in their products and how they are made—values that stand in stark contrast to the mistrust created by pharmaceutical lawsuits. Today’s consumers want transparency and authenticity from the brands they trust with their health. They’re not just looking for a quick fix—they want products that align with their values, whether that’s clean ingredients, ethical sourcing, or an honest approach to wellness. This emphasis on openness has helped supplement companies’ position themselves as consumer-first, offering not only cost-effective products but also peace of mind. A Shift in the Health Landscape The rise of class action lawsuits against drug manufacturers is more than a legal battle—it’s reshaping the way people think about health. Where once pharmaceuticals were seen as the gold standard, many are now questioning whether they always represent the safest or most sustainable option. Affordable vitamin supplements are filling that gap, offering a combination of trust, value, and wellness-focused benefits. This shift does not mean consumers are abandoning medicine altogether. Rather, they are adopting a more balanced approach, integrating affordable supplements with traditional care while holding corporations to higher standards of accountability. Conclusion Class action lawsuits against Big Pharma have uncovered deep cracks in the trust between drug manufacturers and the public. In their wake, affordable vitamin supplements are emerging as a practical and transparent alternative for health-conscious consumers. By prioritizing safety, accessibility, and authenticity, supplement brands are not only meeting a growing demand but also redefining what it means to take control of one’s health. — This content is brought to you by Ava Sinclair iStockPhoto The post How Big Pharma Lawsuits Are Fueling Demand for Affordable Supplements appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article