American Women Suck

— 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

Love can feel complicated… But occasionally, it’s really quite simple. You don’t necessarily have to have grand gestures or over-the-top confessions to be sure if someone is entirely in love with you. Actually, psychology teaches us that it is often the small, persistent behaviors that reveal the extent of someone’s feelings. As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship psychologist, once stated: “Successful long-term relationships are created through small words, small gestures, and small acts.” So, how do you know whether your partner is deeply in love with you? Let’s dissect three strong, real-life indications. … 1. They Put Your Happiness Above Their Own When someone loves you deeply, your joy becomes their joy. It doesn’t imply that they give themselves up totally — that’s not healthy. But you’ll see they make little choices for you: picking a place to eat you adore, leaving you the last piece of pizza, or getting up and sitting up late with you when you’ve had a terrible day. A friend once said to me, “I knew he loved me when he spent three hours watching a Bollywood film — with subtitles — because it was my favorite.” That is the magic of love: it flexes comfort zones. Psychologists refer to this as compassionate love — when your partner enjoys taking care of you, without resentment. The takeaway: If you notice them light up when you smile, that is a good indication of genuine love. … 2. They Can’t Stop Including You in Their Future True love is not only about the present; it’s about incorporating someone into your future. When someone is head over heels in love with you, you’ll catch them saying these small things like: “Next summer, we should…” “When we have a bigger place…” “I wish you could come and meet my cousins at Christmas…” See how casual those words sound? There is no second-guessing. Their plans for the future instantly include you in them. According to a study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, couples who use “we-talk” more often than “I” and “me” express greater satisfaction and commitment. That is, if your boyfriend is speaking in “we,” it’s not only adorable — it’s psychological evidence that he is head over heels in love. Takeaway: If they’re dreaming about it with you as part of it, they’re already thinking forever. … 3. They Never Get Tired of Showing You Affection Affection isn’t always physical — it’s emotional, verbal, and sometimes even goofy. It may be the hasty good morning message, the manner in which they squeeze your hand in a crowd, or the way they boast about you to their friends. These little gestures are love deposits that keep the relationship bank in balance. I recall a couple I know who’ve been together for more than 20 years. Each night, religiously, he prepares her a cup of tea. Nothing elaborate. No grand details. Simply a daily routine that softly says, “I still choose you.” Psychologists tell us that affection builds “emotional safety” — the type of connection where you never doubt you’re loved, even on bad days. The takeaway: If your partner continues to discover ways, small or large, of reminding you how much you mean to them, they’re not only in love — they’re committed. … Final Thought Love doesn’t always scream; sometimes it whispers. It’s in the sacrifices, the mutual dreams, and the loving habits that never get old. If your partner is doing these three, odds are, they’re head over heels in love with you — not in a Hollywood-style, whirlwind romance kind of way, but in the constant, life-grounding type of love we all yearn for. And be aware of the small things. Because in love, the small things are the big things. … If this resonated with you, follow me — I post weekly musings on love, relationships, and the psychology of human connection. What is one tiny sign that made you feel like someone genuinely loved you? Let me know in the comments — I’d love your story. — 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: Jennifer Marquez On Unsplash The post 3 Things People Do When They’re Deeply in Love (Without Even Realizing It) appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The first time I canceled my own plans to wait by the phone, I told myself this was what love required. The second time I muted my favorite music because he called it “annoying,” I called it a compromise. By the third time I found myself anxiously rehearsing conversations to avoid disappointing him, I didn’t recognize the person in the mirror. I had become a satellite orbiting someone else’s sun, and the darkness where my own light had been was beginning to terrify me. This wasn’t love, it was self-erasure disguised as devotion. … The Slow Fade of Self We often enter relationships with the unconscious belief that love means merger. We trim our edges to fit together more seamlessly, mistake enmeshment for intimacy, and call disappearing an act of love. This pattern often stems from attachment adaptations formed in childhood, the belief that we must make ourselves smaller to be loved. Neurologically, this self-abandonment triggers dopamine withdrawal in our own reward systems. We literally become less satisfied with ourselves as we transfer the power of validation to our partner. The very structures meant to support connection instead become cages. … The Systems of Self-Preservation Loving without losing yourself requires building intentional architecture: The Non-Negotiable List: Identify three core activities or values you will never compromise (e.g., Sunday hikes, creative writing time, spiritual practice). These become your anchors. The Solitude Schedule: Protect regular time alone not as leftover space after relationship demands, but as sacred, non-negotiable appointments with yourself. The Voice Audit: Notice when you say “we” instead of “I.” Practice speaking your preferences clearly without appending “if that’s okay with you.” The Friendship Fortress: Maintain connections that existed before the relationship. They remember who you were and reflect who you still are. … The Boundaries That Feel Like Love Many fear boundaries will create distance, but they actually create the safety for true intimacy. A boundary isn’t a wall; it’s a gate that says, “This is where I end and you begin.” Examples that changed everything: “I need to finish my chapter before watching a movie.” “I value our time together, and I also need time with my friends.” “I feel best when I honor my commitments to myself.” These statements aren’t rejections; they’re revelations of character. They allow your partner to love the real you, not a performance. … The Return to Yourself The journey back to yourself begins with small reclamations: Reconnect with abandoned hobbies Spend time in places that remind you of your essence Notice where you’ve adopted your partner’s preferences without question Practice making decisions alone again This isn’t about building separateness but about maintaining sovereignty. The most attractive version of you isn’t the one who fits perfectly into someone’s life; it’s the one who lives fully in their own. … The Paradox of Authentic Connection Here’s the secret they don’t tell you: the more fully you inhabit yourself, the more capacity you have for real love. When you stop pouring from an empty cup, you actually have more to give. When you stop fearing abandonment, you can finally choose connection from fullness rather than need. The greatest gift you can give your relationship is your whole, undiminished self. Anything less is just two people using each other to hide from themselves. … Follow my profile for more on building relationships that honor both connection and individuality. — 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: Annie Spratt on Unsplash The post How to Love Without Losing Yourself appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The Russian leader continues his four-day visit to China Russian President Vladimir Putin is holding talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Tuesday. Putin arrived at the Great Hall of the People on Tiananmen Square, where he is also scheduled to meet with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. Moscow and Beijing describe each other as strategic partners and have pledged to deepen cooperation across multiple fields, including security and science. China remains Russia’s largest trade partner. During his four-day trip, Putin voiced support for Xi’s proposed reform of global governance. Both countries stress their shared goal of creating a fairer international system free from US dominance, while condemning what they call Washington’s “unilateral” sanctions and the weaponization of trade. View the full article

— Are you looking for a perfect web series that offers endless entertainment, full of comedy and emotion? Be sure to check out one of the most popular web series, i.e., Bakaiti, on ZEE5 now. Bakaiti is an amazing Hindi original series that makes the audience feel ike home. The series takes the audience to a beautiful small household in Ghaziabad where the family is going through strict financial situations. The movie brings the essence of sibling fights, their dreams, struggles of a middle-class family and much more. The series not only offers unlimited laughter but also the emotions, realistic struggles and the heartfelt bonds of a family. The movie has gained consistent praise from critics and the audience and has carved a unique place among one of the best and most popular web series on ZEE5. Why Bakaiti on ZEE5 Isn’t Just Another Popular Web Series Bakaiti needs to be at the top of popular web series on ZEE5, not just because of the hype but due to the entertainment and emotions it brings up for the audience. The series brings up an absolute drama that is based on the struggles of a real middle-class family, the competition and fights between the siblings, parental sacrifices and much more. The series brings up emotions slowly and leads to heartfelt confessions. The writers of the series have taken care of the small daily details, and that makes it more relatable and connected. A Story That Starts With Gossip and Builds Emotional Twists Bakaiti on ZEE5 brings a beautiful story of a middle-class family, i.e. the Kataria family. We will see Sanjay Kataria (Rajesh Tailang) as a soft-spoken father, Sushma (Sheeba Chaddha) as the emotional backbone of the family and their children Naina (Tanya Sharma) and Bharat (Aditya Shukla), whose playful fights bring emotions and comedy to the story. The movie brings up a perfect depiction of a middle-class family where we can see a series of dialogue along with late-night cricket matches in the corridors of the apartments, pranks among the siblings and humorous arguments. The series takes on a serious twist when Naina makes a decision and disappears from her home. And that change further pushes everyone thinking about her dreams, financial sacrifices and sibling equations. Performances That Melt Everyone The cast of the Bakaiti web series on ZEE5 brings up absolute nuance to the story. Rajesh Tailang’s character is quite powerful and silent, and his sadness and loneliness can be witnessed through different scenes. Sheeba Chaddha adds strength, emotions and softness to the series as a mother who we can see balancing the reality with the expectations. Tanya Sharma perfectly shows the irritations, frustration, emotions, ambitions and expectations of a teenager, whereas Aditya Shukla, with Tanya, brings sarcasm to the story and brings up a perfect sibling duo that adds refreshing authenticity to the series. Perfect Writing Writers Tatsat Panday, Gunjan Saxena, and Sheeta Kapoor have done a tremendous job and have brought up a beautiful story that humorously presents the small truths where a kid dreams of cricket fame, parents worrying about rent and a teenager thinking of his future career. The series brings up absolute suspense for the audience, where we can easily witness the ordinary moments, and that makes it quite entertaining and relatable. The dialogues of the series have also been placed perfectly and beautifully, reminding one of those that are happening in real life. If we talk about the screenplay, it is quite amazing and builds the emotional arc slowly. Layered Conflicts Rooted in Comedy in Emotional Truth Where the first half of the series brings up perfect family comedy, the second half of the series brings up emotional beats for the audience. The denial of Nania’s scholarship and sudden choice escalates the story. Moreover, her disappearance from her house also triggers guilt, anger and realisation of the family about her lost dreams. The nuanced conflicts and emotions not only make the show comedy but also make it engaging and connective as well. The series beautifully presents the conversations about the cost of higher education, disappointed parental expectations as a raw. Moreover, the fine acting and clean dialogue delivery also add more to the overall story of the series. The series perfectly reflects the different small sacrifices an Indian middle-class family makes in their daily life. Bakaiti on ZEE5 is one of the most popular web series, not just about comedy, but also evoking strong emotions through everyday household scenes of a middle-class family. The movie is a perfect watch for people of all age groups. It is a movie that brings up the spirit of a normal household family and keeps the audience connected throughout. The movie brings up the fine performances of the cast along with refreshingly clean direction, excellent writing, making it a must-watch. — This content is brought to you by Rana Adnan Photo provided by the author. The post More Than Just Comedy: Bakaiti Blends Heart and Humour Like No Other Popular Web Series on ZEE5 appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

The crew in the treatment bay of the Life Flight helicopter saved my life. I sought them out on the one-year anniversary of my accident (11/20/2011). I asked the pilot how he dealt with the trauma behind him. He talked about ignoring stuff. Curt said, “I turn away when they load accident victims in the back. If I looked, the medical team would probably have another patient. I don’t want to know what’s going on back there. I can hear it when things are getting dicey, but I try to ignore it.” Curt is a pro at ignoring stuff because he cares. He tunes out so he can do his job. What happens in the treatment bay is irrelevant. Paying attention to everything will drive you nuts. How to Become a Pro at Ignoring Stuff: #1 Don’t worry about occasional failures in others. Let people learn on their own. Pay attention to patterns, not isolated incidents. #2 Forget offenses. People won’t always understand. They may insult your sincerity. #3 Ignore guilt feelings. Take responsibility, learn and move forward. Don’t waste energy beating yourself down. The worst failure is letting failure grip you. #4 Ignore counsel from advisors that don’t ask questions. #5 Plug your ears to those who never see good. #6 Disregard feedback that comes from people who don’t understand your role or values. #7 Turn from coddlers. Too much compassion weakens potential. Choose challengers who support progress. #8 Limit approval seeking. Approval from the right people matters. Needing it drains you. #9 Let go of overthinking. Lean into ‘learn as you go.’ Don’t perfect first. #10 End distraction. Meaningful work requires focus. Turn off notifications and skip the urge to fix trivialities, for example. Warning: Ignoring the wrong things can be dangerous. What should leaders ignore? How might leaders practice ignoring stuff? 20 Useful Ways to Create Focus Today 4 Strategies for Overcoming Distraction — Previously Published on leadershipfreak with Creative Commons License *** Does dating ever feel challenging, awkward or frustrating? Turn Your Dating Life into a WOW! with our new classes and live coaching. Click here for more info or to buy with special launch pricing! *** Subscribe to The Good Men Project Newsletter Email Address * If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. On Substack? Connect with us there. — Photo credit: iStock The post Become a Pro at Ignoring Stuff 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. Personal injury cases occur when someone gets hurt because of another person’s careless or wrongful actions. These claims cover many situations, from car crashes to unsafe workplaces. With guidance from skilled personal injury legal advocates, injured people can better understand their rights. These professionals help victims pursue fair compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Below are the most common categories explained in simple terms. Motor Vehicle Accidents Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of personal injury claims. Distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving are common reasons behind crashes. Victims can seek compensation for injuries ranging from minor sprains to severe brain or spinal injuries. Slip and Fall Accidents Slip and fall cases happen when someone is injured on another person’s property. This usually involves unsafe conditions like wet floors, poor lighting, or uneven walkways. Property owners have a responsibility to keep their spaces safe for visitors. Medical Malpractice Medical malpractice arises when a healthcare professional provides care that falls below accepted standards, causing harm to a patient. This may involve misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or medication errors. These cases are often complex and require expert testimony to prove negligence. Workplace Accidents Workplaces, especially construction sites and factories, can be dangerous environments. Employees injured on the job may be entitled to workers’ compensation. In some cases, third-party claims may also apply if defective equipment or outside contractors were involved. Product Liability Defective or dangerous products can cause serious injuries to consumers. When this occurs, manufacturers, suppliers, or sellers may be held responsible. Common examples include faulty electronics, unsafe children’s toys, or contaminated food items. Dog Bites Animal attacks, especially dog bites, are a frequent source of personal injury cases. Laws vary by state, but many hold pet owners accountable if their animal injures someone. Victims may suffer not just physical wounds but also emotional trauma. Wrongful Death Wrongful death cases arise when negligence or intentional actions result in someone’s death. Surviving family members can file a claim to recover damages for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. These cases often involve car crashes, medical errors, or workplace accidents. Less Common but Notable Cases Nursing Home Abuse Physical, emotional, or financial harm to elderly residents Staff neglect, poor hygiene, or unsafe conditions Legal action ensures accountability and patient safety Assault and Battery Unlike accidents, these involve intentional harm Victims may pursue both criminal charges and civil claims Compensation can cover medical costs and emotional distress Premises Liability Beyond Slips Injuries from falling objects or poor security Harm in amusement parks, shopping centers, or private homes Property owners must prevent foreseeable dangers Final Word Personal injury cases cover a wide range of scenarios, but the goal in every case is the same: to help injured people recover fair compensation. Knowing the common types of claims can make it easier to understand your legal options if you or someone you know gets hurt. Whether it’s a car crash, a workplace injury, or a defective product, personal injury law exists to protect victims and hold the responsible parties accountable. — This content is brought to you by Hassan Javed iStockPhoto The post Common Types of Personal Injury Cases Explained appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Global Voices Brazil In four days, a video published by a Brazilian influencer at the beginning of August reached over 26 million views, became a topic of discussion online and offline, and brought a new angle to the discussion on the regulation of tech platforms in the country. The subject: children emulating adult behavior online, and who profits from it. “Felca,” as Felipe Bressanim is known on the internet, has 17.9 million followers on Instagram, 6.8 million on TikTok and 6.2 million subscribers on his YouTube channel. The video “adultização” opens with a trigger warning for content such as child sexual abuse, pedophilia, and early sexualization. As TV channel Globo News defined, the term is used to describe when children and teenagers are prematurely exposed to adult behavior, responsibilities and expectations. In the video, the influencer presents cases of individuals who often feature underage people in their posts. One of them is from a mother who sold graphic videos and pictures of her teenage daughter, on Telegram, after followers asked for more content of her, he says. Another one is Hytalo Santos, an influencer who had over 18 million followers on Instagram, known for frequently recording content with children and teens. One of the girls who became famous on his profile first appeared there when she was 12 years old, according to Felca. He claims the more the audience engaged with her, the more often she would show up in Santos’s videos, in situations such as dancing, sleeping with her underage boyfriend or after her breast implant surgery. Now 17, she grew up in front of a camera and the internet. Both she and Santos, who was already under investigation by the public prosecutor in the state of Paraíba, had their accounts suspended by Instagram after Felca’s video. Santos was also arrested on accusations of human trafficking and exploiting minors. Parents of teens and children who authorized their appearances are under investigation. The test To test and show how social media algorithms help predators search for content related to pedophilia, Felca created a new account on Instagram. He searched for keywords that he felt were likely used by these types of individuals, and liked random content that appeared and seemed, in his words, “suggestive.” Scrolling down his feed after that, he was delivered a curation of videos featuring children performing common everyday activities, such as jumping into a pool or dancing, and comments sections flooded with users saying “link in bio,” “trade in Telegram” — usually posted as GIFs, instead of typed sentences. [The feed] fell into the fabric of the P algorithm [ed: a term Felca uses to refer to how platforms’ algorithms might be conditioned to promote content featuring children], and was directed to all these pedophiles who have a similar algorithm. It’s terrifying, because they take content that seems innocent enough and turn it into an exchange spot. You can see that all the comments are like that. As Felca showed, once you visit these profiles, you find links in their bios leading to Telegram groups that share content featuring children and teenagers: All under an open sky, under our noses. Is it so difficult for platforms to search for this content, to understand what is happening, to punish these people who are posting “link in bio?” Isn’t there any way of making sure these accounts cease to exist? It looks easy enough to me to make this change. To regulate or not regulate is the question The video burst a bubble at a time when regulation for big techs and their responsibility for the content shared by users have been a polarizing topic in Brazil. It is one that generally divides left and right, and is among the demands presented by US President Donald Trump in the tariff wars he’s waging, mashed up with increasing tariffs between the two countries, amnesty for former president Jair Bolsonaro (currently under investigation for allegedly attempting a coup d’état), and the interests of Big Tech. The video also seems to have created momentum. On August 11, less than a week after it was first published, federal deputies presented 17 bill proposals in the national congress to tackle issues raised by the influencer. On August 20, following the public backlash around the video, the Deputies Chamber voted and approved the bill 2628/2022, which creates rules to protect children and teens regarding apps, electronic games, social media and computer programs, according to the Chamber’s website. The proposal, which returned to the Senate to be analyzed, foresees obligations for servers and parents in controlling access by minors. Last year, the Alana Institute, an organization focused on children’s rights, published a note supporting the bill, “considering the hyper vulnerability of children and teenagers facing the commercial exploitation practiced by providers and servers of tech information in the digital environment.” In June, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF), the top court in the country, voted in favor of social media platforms being held accountable for illegal posts made by their users. The justices determined that Article 19 from the internet’s Marco Civil, which is part of the “bill of rights” for Brazilian internet legislation and addresses the accountability of platforms for content created by third parties, is only partially constitutional. The court is also a subject of political polarization now, under fire by Trump’s government. One of its justices, Alexandre de Moraes, was deemed a human rights violator and sanctioned under the Magnitsky Act for the investigations into the coup attempt led by Bolsonaro’s supporters. Among Moraes’s orders in past years were the suspension of accounts that spread disinformation, hate speech, and even of X itself for not complying with legal orders in the country. To some people more aligned with the right of the political spectrum, regulation is synonymous with censorship. Profiles on X have been questioning Felca’s video, suspecting there is a pro-regulation intent hidden behind it. On a podcast, the influencer said he had the idea a year ago, and it took him a while to prepare the 49-minute video. He also said that he currently rides in an armored car with security personnel because of threats after he published another video criticizing betting companies and the influencers sponsored by them in Brazil. With this latest viral video, he said there are already threats of suing him. It’s likely, and we count on it, that we will have some lawsuits. But it’s the side of truth. If no one talks about it, no one will talk about it. — Previously Published on globalvoices.org with Creative Commons License Photo Credit: iStock — 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. The post A Brazilian Influencer Warns How Social Media Algorithms May Help Predators Target Children appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

— All couples wish to make their wedding memorable, and many more Americans are discovering their dream destination on the other side of the Atlantic: Mallorca. This Mediterranean Spanish island, bathed in sunshine, has quietly become one of the most romantic wedding locations in Europe, offering charm, elegance, and excellent value, thereby competing with even the most sought-after wedding locations in the US. Mallorca has everything to win over brides and grooms seeking the exotic backdrop to their wedding, including its dramatic coastline and rugged Spanish fincas. This is why the island is becoming the perfect wedding destination for US couples willing to get married abroad. The Allure of Mallorca for American Couples Mallorca is not only beautiful, but it is like entering into a Mediterranean Postcard. Imagine white-sand beaches with palm trees, terracotta-roofed villages in the slopes of mountains, and as many golden sunsets as possible. For American couples who do not want to have a traditional ballroom or hotel wedding at home, Mallorca offers a variety of options and authenticity. Every part of the island has a story, from the paved streets of Valldemossa to the high-end boats of Palma in the harbor. Most importantly, weddings in this place are imbued with a certain romanticism. The Spanish culture, combined with the island’s natural beauty and lifestyle, makes the place both romantic and sentimental for a wedding. Easier Flights Than You Think Travel is one of the reasons why many US couples hesitate to have a European wedding; however, Mallorca is not as far as many people can imagine. Direct Flights: During the high-season wedding time (summer months), airlines present direct flights between New York and Miami and Palma de Mallorca. One-Stop Connections: Guests may have this connectivity to Palma through Madrid or Barcelona, and onward flights (less than an hour) in the off-season (not during summer). The Flight Times: East Coast couples are considering 9-10 hours of total travel, which is not much more than a vacation to Hawaii. This availability eliminates the concern for couples about whether guests will travel to the area. To most people, the invitation to a wedding in Mallorca will be the best opportunity to convert the occasion into a European holiday. Cost Comparison: Mallorca vs. a US Wedding The cost is one of the biggest surprises that US couples face when considering Mallorca weddings. In the United States, the average wedding costs between $30,000 and $35,000. Expenses are substantial in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami, where a venue rental can cost over $50,000. The image is different in Mallorca: Venues: Couples will be able to rent rustic fincas or seaside villas at much lower prices than the US high-end hotels. Food and Catering: Spanish cuisine, featuring seafood, tapas, and paella, is served at a fraction of the cost of US catering, but with excellent quality and presentation. Total Savings: On average, couples complain of saving 20-30 percent of what they would have spent on a US wedding and yet have a much more exotic and luxurious wedding ceremony. Mallorca offers enormous value to couples who wish to stretch their budget without compromising on elegance. The Best Wedding Venues in Mallorca The venues available in Mallorca are as varied as the landscape. A couple dreams of a barefoot beach wedding or a fancy party in a grand mansion, the island will offer something that suits any style. Rustic Fincas in the Countryside They are one of the most popular wedding options, surrounded by olive groves and traditional stone estates. They are genuine, cozy, and classic – perfect for couples who want to experience a slow, Mediterranean-style living. Luxury Hotels and Resorts Five-star resorts, such as those in Palma or Deià, can be found, along with spectacular scenery and flawless services. They make an acceptable option among couples who desire a full-service, hassle-free wedding. Beach and Cliffside Venues Mallorca also boasts hundreds of miles of coastline, and many of these provide an excellent location for a ceremony. Just think of exchanging vows with the waves below and the sunset coloring the sky. Historic Villas and Monasteries To add a sense of grandeur, old castles, monasteries, and villas in Mallorca bring an element of old-world charm to contemporary weddings. Such locations not only create beautiful backdrops but also enable the couples to make their marriages truly personal and unlike the home backdrops. Adding Local Flair to the Celebration Another great thing about getting married abroad is the opportunity to experience the local customs. Spain and the Mediterranean can be seamlessly integrated into a couple’s wedding in Mallorca. Serve tapas and cava during cocktail hour. Host a paella dinner under the stars. Book a flamenco guitarist or Spanish folk band for entertainment. Gift guests with local olive oil or handmade ceramics. These touches add depth and cultural richness to the event, making it more than just a wedding; it is an experience. You will also benefit from involving local experts. Whether it’s catering, musicians, or wedding photographers based in Mallorca , the locals know the island and its intricacies down to the smallest detail and, with their large network, can be a great help in planning your wedding. There is no language barrier here; all service providers in the wedding industry are geared towards guests from abroad. What is Going to be Loved by Guests in Mallorca? For American guests visiting, a Mallorca wedding is not so much a necessity as a dream vacation. Palma de Mallorca: The guests have an opportunity to visit the Gothic cathedral, walk through beautiful streets, or visit local markets. Beaches: Mallorca has family-friendly beaches and secret stretches of sand, the likes of which hold their own in the Caribbean. Tramuntana Mountains: UNESCO World Heritage Site: the best place to ride a bicycle, hike, or have a glimpse of the location. Food and Wine: Mallorca local wineries and Mediterranean cuisine provide post-wedding memories that will be remembered in years to come. To put it in brief, a wedding in Mallorca is more about travelling and adventure than it is about love. The Best Times to get Married in Mallorca Everything is a matter of timing when it comes to planning a wedding overseas. The wedding season in Mallorca typically lasts from May to October, with July and August being the hottest and busiest months. Spring (May-June): Ideal weather, flowers in bloom, fewer people. Summer (July–August): Sunny and vibrant, though hotter and busier. Fall (September–October): Warm, relaxed, and ideal for romantic ceremonies. Couples who are willing to spend less should consider the so-called shoulder season (end of October or April), as it is cheaper to rent a venue and a place to stay, and the weather is generally reasonable. Planning a Mallorca Wedding from the US A wedding in a foreign country can be a daunting experience, but Mallorca makes it a relatively easy task. Other English-speaking planners have specialized in dealing with international couples. Legal or Symbolic Ceremony: US couples usually do the legal paperwork at home and the symbolic in Mallorca, making the logistics easier. Vendor Network: Starting with florists and caterers, the professionals on the island know well how to make destination weddings a reality for Americans. With the assistance of the appropriate local people, couples can easily and without fear organize the wedding of their dreams. Why Mallorca Is Worth the Journey Then, how come American couples are increasingly turning to Mallorca as a wedding destination? The causes are obvious but strong: It is cheaper than a lot of weddings in the US. The island provides once-in-a-lifetime scenery and venues. Visitors have an opportunity to have a wedding and vacation. Local suppliers–planners to photographers–ensure that there is no hustle and bustle. In Mallorca, every wedding feels like an experience, not just an event. — This content is brought to you by Saara Rafique Photo provided by the author. The post Why US Couples Are Choosing Mallorca for Their Weddings appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

By Pradeep Singh A new op-ed argues that the case for deep-sea mining is weak and also that the facts used by its proponents don’t add up, but rather cloud their judgment. The divergence between scientific understanding of likely ecological harms and prevailing narratives — like the touted economic benefits, which could actually be costs — came into sharp focus at the recent annual meeting of the International Seabed Authority, which governs the development of this industry. “Given the high costs and severe environmental risks, why then pursue deep-sea mining? This activity threatens unique deep-sea ecosystems and could irrevocably alter ocean health, impacting life on land,” the author writes. This article is a commentary. The views expressed are those of the author, not necessarily of Mongabay. See All Key Ideas The deep sea, the planet’s most expansive and least understood ecosystem, remains largely unexplored. Yet while the deep sea may seem a dark and distant space, events underwater directly impact our lives, from essential services like climate regulation to fisheries and the marine food web. While scientific understanding of this realm is nascent, a new industry is rapidly emerging driven by the demand for rare metals essential for batteries, microchips and AI: deep-sea mining. In the past three years, more than 38 nations have voiced support for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, a rapid pace by the standards of multilateral lawmaking, and the equivalent of one new country signing on per month. This progress marks a major shift from just a few years ago, when states were either supportive of mining, reluctant to take a position, or were simply uninformed. The triggering of a treaty provision known as the “two-year rule” by the nation of Nauru in 2021, intended to accelerate deep-sea mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction, brought increased attention and scrutiny to the activity. Nevertheless, some private actors are pushing for the granting of applications for commercial deep-sea mining of minerals like copper, nickel and cobalt, despite significant concerns from global leaders, the scientific community and the public at large. This divergence between scientific understanding and prevailing narratives came into sharp focus at the recent annual meeting of the International Seabed Authority (ISA). There, nations gathered to discuss matters profoundly consequential for the future of the deep ocean. However, there also seemed to be a broad understanding that a strong regulatory framework based on science, equity and precaution must be in place before an informed decision can be taken, and that no mining activities should commence in the meantime. Moving forward, it’s imperative that we actively counter misinformation, significantly invest in scientific research, and, in the interim, take concrete measures to ensure that deep-sea mining activities do not commence in the absence of clear science, robust regulations, sufficient safeguards, and equity. Here are the three main myths about deep-sea mining: ‘Deep-sea mining will provide an economic boom and promote global peace and security’ The primary justification for exploiting the seabed rests on a dubious economic premise: that mining’s financial gains will somehow outweigh its environmental costs. Yet, the economic case for deep-sea mining is tenuous at best, and expert indications suggest the burdens will far outstrip any tangible benefits. Deep-sea mining is an inherently capital-intensive endeavor, demanding massive amounts of upfront investment to take part in a high-risk, burgeoning industry. Developing and deploying specialized machinery capable of operating thousands of meters below the surface, under immense pressure and in corrosive conditions, presents unprecedented engineering challenges. The costs associated with exploration, environmental impact assessments, research and development, and then the actual extraction, processing and transport of minerals from such remote and hostile environments are projected to be staggering. Some argue that deep-sea mining could bolster supply chain security for critical sectors such as defense, transportation, construction and energy. Given the vital importance of these industries to national security, the seabed’s mineral resources become intrinsically linked to the economic futures of nations like the U.S., which view them as a means to diversify mineral access: the majority of such mineral extraction occurs in regions like Africa, South America, Indonesia and Australia, and the supply chains for many of these critical minerals are currently dominated by geopolitical rivals like China, further intensifying the scramble to mine the deep. However, it is naïve to think that deep-sea mining would address or alleviate global geopolitical tensions. If anything, the pursuit of unilateral deep-sea mining seems more likely to exacerbate fraught international relations, with the consequences spilling over to the global legal order more broadly. Countries should instead consider investing in a more circular economy, responsible sourcing and refining, encouraging innovation to be less metal-dependent, and developing multilateral frameworks to promote responsible and equitable international cooperation for critical metals and minerals. ‘Deep-sea mining will reduce or alleviate the environmental impact of terrestrial mining’ Another justification is that we will be able to move away from many of the environmental and social ills of terrestrial mining. While it is true that terrestrial mining has caused massive deforestation and led to severe human rights abuses in areas like the Democratic Republic of Congo, the idea that shifting mining activity to the sea will ease the pressure on land-based operations is misguided. As deep-sea competitors arise to challenge the establishment of terrestrial mining, the increased competition will only serve to expand the global footprint of resource extraction and encourage operators to cut corners to stay competitive. When mining activity accelerates, the environmental and social harms produced are likely to follow, leading to an increasingly untenable situation where biodiversity is wiped out and the planet’s capacity to provide ecosystem services depleted. In this scenario, it is local communities and Indigenous groups in the Global South who will suffer most as they become dispossessed of the resources needed for survival, like forests for fuel and fish for food. While the recovery and restoration of former terrestrial mining sites is possible, with governments increasingly mandating multiyear rejuvenation and rehabilitation projects, the situation in the deep sea is vastly different. Deep-sea recovery is limited and extremely slow on human timescales. Moreover, current scientific knowledge indicates that any restoration effort there would be difficult and cost-prohibitive, if not impossible. Moreover, the environmental footprint of deep-sea mining activities, particularly for polymetallic nodule extraction — where a single mining project will involve extraction over a very large spatial area spanning thousands of square kilometers — will far exceed the footprint of terrestrial mining, which usually involves a very small and targeted area. If deep-sea mining were to alleviate or replace terrestrial mining, there would need to be multiple of such extraction projects — which would be disastrous for the marine environment and the planet. The ISA is currently debating how to factor environmental externalities into contractor payments, as harm to these common heritage resources shouldn’t burden society. The requirement to compensate developing countries with large terrestrial mining industries for lost earnings, funded by ISA revenues, suggests the entire exercise could result in a net negative benefit. See related: U.S. federal agency clears the way for deep-sea mining & and companies are lining up ‘Deep-sea mining is necessary for the energy transition’ The need for metals to power the energy transition is largely overstated by deep-sea mining advocates. Their arguments often cite expanding demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy, both cornerstones of the energy transition that currently require large supplies of rare-earth metals and minerals to craft the infrastructure needed to generate and store renewable power. For these advocates, deep-sea mining is presented as the sole means to access adequate supplies of crucial transition minerals. However, these arguments are built on the false premise that demand for transition metals will continuously rise alongside our demand for energy. Advances in battery chemistry are already helping to reduce demand for cobalt, and circular solutions like recycling can further reduce our reliance on virgin metals obtained through mining, thereby challenging narratives that we are facing an unavoidable mineral deficit unless we turn to the deep seabed. So, given the high costs and severe environmental risks, why then pursue deep-sea mining? This activity threatens unique deep-sea ecosystems and could irrevocably alter ocean health, impacting life on land. Scientists warn of irreversible damage from sediment plumes, habitat destruction and noise pollution to ecosystems formed over millions of years. Without sufficient baseline data, predicting or mitigating these risks is impossible, mandating caution under the precautionary principle. Finally, the numbers also do not add up, which means financing deep-sea mining is akin to investing in a financial scam. If we are serious about tackling the unprecedented and existential threats that we are now facing, destructive activities like deep-sea mining surely cannot form part of the equation. It is therefore heartening to see many global leaders and governments voicing their concerns and calling for a pause or moratorium on deep-sea mining. Pradeep Singh is an ocean governance expert at the Oceano Azul Foundation and holds degrees from the University of Malaya, the University of Edinburgh, and Harvard Law School. Banner image: Equipment being tested for use in deep-sea mining. Photo by Richard Baron/The Metals Company. See related audio from Mongabay’s podcast: Dr. Diva Amon discusses what we do and don’t know about the deep seas, her explorations of such zones, and the risks posed by mining proposals: — Previously Published on news.mongabay with Creative Commons Attribution — Subscribe to The Good Men Project Newsletter Email Address * Subscribe If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project, please join us as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: iStock.com The post Deep-Sea Mining Is a False Solution to Our Challenges (Commentary) appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

This story was originally published by Michigan News and written by Kim North Shine. Medications proven to effectively treat opioid addiction are rarely given after emergency department visits for overdose, and who gets them varies, sometimes greatly, depending on race, ethnicity or geography, University of Michigan researchers say. In their study analyzing 100% of Medicaid claims from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., between 2016-2020, the researchers found that a mere 6% of patients being treated for overdoses, or about 1 in 16, started treatment with any of the three medications for opioid use disorder, or MOUD, within 30 days of leaving the hospital. “The emergency department offers a critical window of time to initiate MOUD. It’s critical because we know that patients who are discharged from the ED after a nonfatal opioid overdose are at increased risk of experiencing a fatal overdose within the next twelve months,” said Thuy Nguyen, assistant professor of health management and policy at the U-M School of Public Health and founder and director of the Michigan-Substance Use Policy and Economic Research Network. According to the study published in Health Affairs, the most stark difference in treatment was seen in race with 7.3% of white patients receiving medication to begin treatment for opioid use disorder compared to 4.3% of Black patients, 5.2% of Asian patients, 5.4% of American Indian and Alaska Native patients and 4.9% of Hispanic patients. The study was based on a sample of 249,735 emergency department visits involving 214,101 patients ages 15-64 years old. The study also broke down differences in which specific drugs were prescribed, buprenorphine, methadone or extended-release naltrexone, within 30 days of discharge from emergency department visits for overdose and also sorted patient demographics by geography and race/ethnicity. Among the 249,735 visits used in the study, 69% were for white patients, 17.7% were for Black patients, 10% were for Hispanic patients, 2.1% were for American Indian and Alaska Native patients, 0.6% were for Asian patients and 0.5% were for patients of another race. Of the visits, 4.7% were associated with claims for buprenorphine, 1% with methadone claims and 0.8% of claims for extended-release naltrexone. “The gap between Black and white patients got even wider during the study period,” Nguyen said. “This is especially worrying because overdose deaths and emergency visits involving opioids have been rising faster among Black patients.” Opioid overdoses, including synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, took approximately 81,000 lives in the United States in 2023, a decrease of about 2,000 deaths from the prior year and the first downturn in all drug overdoses since 2018, according to provisional data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control Prevention. Still, overdose deaths and opioid addiction remain a major public health concern that harms families and friends and also negatively impacts communities and economies by taxing social services, law enforcement agencies and health care systems. Medicaid is the largest payer of substance use disorder treatment in the U.S., covering about 38% of nonelderly adults with opioid use disorder as of 2019. “There are many reasons for the low rate of initiating MOUD in the ED, including stigma toward opioid addiction, lack of clinician education on the management of this condition, and lack of time,” Nguyen said. “It is possible that race and ethnicity are proxies for some of these factors, leading to the differences in MOUD initiation rates that we report in this study.” Geographically, the U.S. Northeast had the most patients who had been treated for overdose at 8.6%. In the Midwest, the rate was 6.5% compared to 5.5% in the South and 5% in the West, where the disparity in treatment between Black and white patients was lowest. When looking at rural vs. urban patients, the differences were not substantial. Nguyen and colleagues urge health care providers to use the study to tailor care around the needs and disparities that affect different patients. Increasing the initiation of opioid addiction medications in the emergency department could also benefit hospitals by preventing patients, many of whom have no primary care doctor, from returning to the ED for another overdose, thus reducing the strain on an already overwhelmed system. “Intervening at the time of the overdose emergency is beneficial for everyone, in many ways,” Nguyen said. “It’s also important to note the patient role, adherence and other barriers to MOUD access after discharge.” Additional authors: Yang (Amy) Jiao, Stephanie Lee, Pooja Lagisetty, Amy Bohnert, Keith Kocher, Kao-Ping Chua. Study cited: “Medicaid Patients With ED Visits For Overdose: Disparities In Initiation Of Medications For Opioid Use Disorder,” Health Affairs. DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2024.00984 — Previously Published on michiganmedicine.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 Lifesaving Opioid Addiction Meds Rarely Started After Emergency Visits for Overdose appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article