American Women Suck

✍️ On the dotted line: Sign PDFs fast without extra apps. On a Mac, open the PDF and select Show Markup Toolbar (circle with a pin icon) at the top. Hit Signature (cursive icon) to sign with your trackpad or camera. For Windows, open the PDF in Microsoft Edge and click Draw (pen icon) in the toolbar to sign. The post On the dotted line appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

The Ukrainian authorities say finding “evidence” of Moscow’s involvement in the shooting of Andrey Parubiy is a priority Ukrainian investigators are trying to find evidence linking Russia to Saturday’s killing of Andrey Parubiy, a far-right lawmaker and key figure in the 2014 Maidan coup, a senior security official said on Monday. Parubiy was shot eight times on Saturday on a street in the city of Lviv. The gunman escaped, though Vladimir Zelensky announced on Monday that a suspect had been detained. Vadim Onishchenko, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in the region, said at a joint press briefing on the same day that investigators “do not exclude” any theory and were actively trying to find Russian involvement. “So far, there is no such evidence in the case, but we are looking into it,” Onishchenko acknowledged. Lviv Region police chief Aleksandr Shlyakhovsky claimed Russia “seeks to destabilize society through various sinister and cynical actions,” suggesting Parubiy’s killing fits that description. His deputy, Dmitry Nebitov, added that searching for potential Russian ties was a “priority.” Officials said Parubiy had not requested personal protection from police or the SBU. The detained suspect, a 52-year-old Lviv resident, was described as living in “certain circumstances” that investigators believe may have contributed to the crime. Authorities declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing case. Parubiy, a former parliamentary speaker, co-founded the radical Social National Party, an organization known for its ultranationalist and neo-Nazi ideology, and commanded the far-right groups of armed and violent protesters during the Maidan events of 2014. He was believed to have sensitive knowledge about the violence that turned the 2014 demonstrations into an armed uprising that toppled the Ukrainian government. Parubiy was also accused of playing a prominent role in the fire at the Trade Unions House in Odessa in 2014 that led to the death of dozens of anti-Maidan demonstrators. Rodion Miroshnik, Russia’s ambassador-at-large, claimed the assassination appeared intended to “wipe the field clean” ahead of a potential settlement to the Ukraine conflict, which could mark a return of political competition in the country. View the full article

A delegation from 22 countries has met Patriarch Kirill and visited holy sites A delegation of 30 Orthodox priests from 22 African countries has concluded a weeklong visit to Russia, combining pilgrimage with the first ecclesiastical conference of the Moscow Patriarchate’s African Exarchate. The group was led by Metropolitan Konstantin of Cairo and North Africa and included clergy from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Uganda and others. They were joined by Bishop Euthymius of Lukhovitsk, Vicar of the Exarchate. During their stay in Moscow, the clergy took part in services led by Patriarch Kirill, including the All-Night Vigil for the Feast of the Dormition at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. © RT / RT They also visited the Trinity–Sergius Lavra, the largest male monastery and the most important Russian Orthodox Church spiritual center, founded in the 14th century and located not far from Moscow. © RT / RT The clergy conference, held on August 22, 25 and 26, featured more than 30 presentations on missionary work, catechesis, education and pastoral practice. A masterclass organized by RT introduced participants to methods of creating religious content for social platforms. © Press Service of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia On August 27, the delegation was received by Patriarch Kirill, when Metropolitan Konstantin and several other clerics were recognized with patriarchal honors. The visit concluded on August 29 with a farewell gathering. © RT / RT © RT / RT Speaking to RT in April, Father Sergiy Voemava from the Central African Republic, predicted that the Orthodox faith will continue to grow. He praised the efforts already made by the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa and the Russian Orthodox Church, noting their contributions in building school facilities, delivering humanitarian aid, and providing food assistance to children in the CAR. View the full article

Moscow has accused Berlin of stirring anti-Russia sentiment in Europe Germany must revamp its counterintelligence service to confront what Berlin describes as a broad Russian campaign of sabotage and espionage, a senior German security official has said. Moscow has rejected the accusation, accusing Germany of drumming up anti-Russia hysteria in Europe. In an interview with Die Welt published on Saturday, Sinan Selen, vice president of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), claimed that Russia is directing a “broad spectrum of actions” at Germany as it sees the country “as a key target in Europe.” “In addition to low-level agents, these increasingly include cyberattacks, disinformation, and outright sabotage. All of this serves to stir up fear, insecurity, and doubt about democracy,” Selen said. According to the official, Moscow has adapted its “intelligence toolbox” in recent years. In particular, Russia is now “smuggling migrants into Germany and influencing political decisions,” he claimed. He did not provide any proof or explain how this scheme was being implemented. Moscow also recruits agents by relying on their “vanity,” or employing “classic love traps,” he added. The BfV deputy chief said he wants to modernize the domestic intelligence service and clearly define its mission, identity, and guiding principles. However, he did not reveal any specific reforms that he believes the BfV should adopt. The remarks came after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz last month said that his country is “already in a conflict with Russia,” claiming that Moscow is seeking to destabilize the entire EU amid the standoff over Ukraine. Moscow has dismissed the allegations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Germany “is very actively participating in whipping up hysterical Russophobia on the European continent” and was trying to play a “leading role” in that effort. He added: “European countries have long sought to restrain Russia. This is a familiar trend, and we know how to counter it.” View the full article

The alert tone startled me as I sipped lukewarm coffee in my patrol car.It was almost 3 AM, and the radio had been quiet for some time. After the alert tone, the dispatcher’s voice reported an alarm at the only gun shop in town.I poured my coffee out the window and sped toward the gun shop a few miles away, located at the rear of a shopping center. The streets were nearly empty, save the occasional deer and skunks foraging the city while people slept.My Sergeant also responded to the alarm call.There was no need to use sirens, as the streets were quiet and we wanted the element of surprise. Burglars sometimes have lookouts, so our approach into the shopping center was surreptitious. We drove our patrol cars in via a dark, rear entrance.Once on scene, we notified dispatch and stealthily walked to the gun shop’s entrance. We found the front door damaged and ajar. With side arms and flashlights drawn, we cautiously peeked inside.All of the display cases were smashed, with shards of glass scattered around the carpet. The Sergeant and I entered the shop, crouching, service weapons at the ready, and painstakingly searched the crime scene. We didn’t know if the burglars were still there.I was a rookie back then, and I could feel my heart pounding. Fear is a tricky human emotion Police officers receive a great deal of professional training, to keep them safe in potentially life-threatening situations. The training begins with the police academy, but it continues throughout an officer’s career. Because, as the years click by law enforcement learns from its tragedies and mistakes. We watch training videos of officers murdered during car stops. We study critical incidents and officer-involved shootings, to learn which tactics work best, and the mistakes that can get you killed. And we learn that fear, when properly managed, is your friend. An article about fear in Psychology Today notes: Fear is a tricky human emotion. It can paralyze you. It can keep you from your dreams. It can keep you small. It can also keep you safe. Fortunately for the Sergeant and me, the gun shop was empty. We photographed, processed, and secured the scene. Dispatch notified the shop owner, who met with us later. Regrettably, many guns were stolen. There would be other scary calls in my law enforcement career, from high-speed chases and violent arrests to barricade situations and even a shooting with a deranged gunman. Fear accompanied me in all these incidents, but so did my professional training and experience. I learned how to breathe properly and rely on my training. I learned how to handle adrenaline and dangerous incidents. But there are other kinds of fears. No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear When I was 13 years old my father suffered a heart attack in front of me at home. It’s one thing to feel fear for your safety. It’s an entirely different kind of fear when you face the potential loss of someone you love. I remember my mother calling 9–1–1 as my father looked up at me from the couch and said, “Keep a stiff upper lip, Johnny.” I remember later after the paramedics came, we drove to the hospital. Dad was in a hospital bed. He vomited into a receptacle. My Mom sat by his side, holding his hand. In a weak voice, he gave her instructions in the event of his death. “Don’t let them sell you anything expensive. Get a cheap box for me. Sell the cars, get something more affordable,” Dad said. It was all so frightening. Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know that something is worth it. — C. JoyBell C. We had lost pets in our family, so I had some understanding of loss. But the prospect of losing my father produced an insurmountable fear in me. No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. — C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed Thankfully, Dad survived and lived well into his eighties. Eventually, later in life, I would confront the loss of loved ones. I would feel the fear and emotional pain, unrelenting in the beginning. But I began to see that the fear reflects the love. The greater the fear, the greater the love. It makes it real There’s a lovely scene in the movie about C. S. Lewis and his cancer-stricken wife, Joy Davidman, when they’re honeymooning in the country. A rainstorm forces them to take shelter in a garden overhang. Lewis tells his wife that “I don’t want to be anywhere else anymore.” He’s truly happy. But then she says, “You know, it’s not going to last, Jack.” He tells her not to think about that (her cancer prognosis) and spoil the moment. She responds, “It doesn’t spoil it. It makes it real.” She goes on to tell him that the pain he will feel later when she’s gone, is a reflection of the happiness they feel now. It’s the same with fear. It makes it real. It reminds us that we’re alive. My life is better left to chance Two years ago, when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer, fear once again burrowed into my being. During the initial weeks of tests and doctor appointments, I grappled with the possibility that I could lose my wife. And with it, all our hopes and dreams for the future. It wasn’t easy, but I reminded myself that the fear was a reflection of our love. Thankfully, my wife’s cancer was caught early, and she was successfully treated. Country music artist Garth Brooks sings a song called “The Dance.” It’s a beautiful song about life, echoing the old adage “Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” The lyrics to “The Dance” include the following: Yes my life is better left to chance. I could have missed the pain but I’d have had to miss the dance. The writer John A. Shedd wrote: “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” Similarly, we may be safest when we don’t act or live fully, but we were not born to live under rocks. Life is meant to be lived. What is it the wind has lost? The other day my doorbell rang and I found a package on the bench. I opened the package and remembered what I bought online a few days before. It was a slim book of poetry titled, “Braided Creek: A Conversation in Poetry” by Ted Kooser and Jim Harrison. John P. Weiss I own many of Jim Harrison’s books and was curious about his collaboration with the poet Ted Kooser. The book is unusual in that the authors don’t tell us who wrote which poems. But it doesn’t matter. I flipped to a random page and read the following poem: Fear is a swallow in a boarded-up warehouse, seeking a window out We are all like that sparrow. Trying to escape our fears, seeking a window out from the pain and sorrow that fear often brings. But sometimes fear holds us back. As Hunter S. Thompson once wrote: “So we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?” I flipped to another random page in Braided Creek and landed on the following poem: What is it the wind has lost that she keeps looking for under each leaf? Perhaps the wind is looking for love? Adventures? Hidden treasures? The wind doesn’t concern herself with fear. No matter what, the wind keeps looking. Perhaps we should do the same. Before you go I’m John P. Weiss. I write elegant stories and essays about life. If you enjoyed this piece, check out my free weekend newsletter, The Saturday Letters. — This post was previously published on Medium.com. *** You Might Also Like These From The Good Men Project Compliments Men Want to Hear More Often Relationships Aren’t Easy, But They’re Worth It The One Thing Men Want More Than Sex ..A Man’s Kiss Tells You Everything Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community. A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities. A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community. Register New Account Log in if you wish to renew an existing subscription. 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A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo credit: Nico Meier The post Fear Is a Swallow in a Boarded-up Warehouse appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Data grab alert: Anthropic just changed its privacy policy … again. You have until Sept. 28 to opt out if you don’t want your convos used to train AI. Otherwise? Your chats get stored for five years and turned into robot brain food. The toggle to opt out is tiny, buried under an “Accept” button. Sneaky. The post Data grab alert appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

Rapid Support Forces commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has pledged to build a “civil, secular and democratic state” in Sudan Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has been sworn in as head of a rival government in the war-torn African country, a coalition aligned with the armed group has announced. General Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, was inaugurated on Saturday in Nyala, the main city of South Darfur region, to lead a 15-member Presidential Council, including regional governors, the Sudan Founding Alliance (TASIS) said in a statement. Nyala, Sudan’s most populous city outside the nation’s capital, Khartoum, has served as the RSF’s de facto base since the paramilitary group became locked in a brutal civil war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in April 2023, following months of tension over the country’s transition to civilian rule. “The inauguration of the president of the Presidential Council… is conducted under the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of Sudan for 2025, which abolishes the Transitional Constitutional Document of 2019 along with all preceding laws, decisions, and decrees,” TASIS stated. The coalition said the new constitution sets out key duties for the paramilitary-led ‘Transitional Government of Peace’, including ending the war and securing “a just and lasting peace, and establishing the Sudanese state on new foundations.” In a speech during his swearing-in, Dagalo vowed to build a “civil, secular and democratic state” in Sudan, promising to guarantee freedoms, prevent army interference in politics, and free citizens from fear. He said his administration is ready to work with UN agencies and humanitarian groups to deliver aid across Sudan, pledging commitment to international and regional agreements while seeking relations built on common interests and global peace. On Sunday, Dagalo issued a decree appointing Mohammed Hassan Osman Eltaishi as prime minister. The ceremony comes despite the UN, African Union (AU), and foreign governments rejecting the rival authority first announced in July. The AU warned it could prolong the two-year conflict and urged the world not to recognize it. Last month, the UN Security Council reaffirmed Sudan’s sovereignty and unity and pressed the army and RSF to resume talks toward a ceasefire and political settlement. View the full article

My wife and I are coming up on a significant anniversary, the kind with an “0” at the end that you don’t want to forget. We have each been previously divorced, so we both know firsthand the painful consequences of not staying on top of what’s going on in your marriage. As it got closer to this anniversary, I cautiously approached my wife with what seemed to me like a radical idea. I suggested that we renegotiate the terms of our marriage, and that we continue to do so every five years from now on. I was concerned that she would hear this as an attempt on my part to either leave the marriage or to negotiate terms that were more to my liking. Fortunately, she immediately understood that my suggestion was not made in the interests of finding a way out, but rather as a way to help us stay connected and happily married. It’s not uncommon for people to renew their vows on a significant anniversary, but that implies that the vows will remain unchanged and that the marriage will continue under the same agreements. We know that people continually change throughout their lives, so it doesn’t make sense to me that any marriage can be well served by a contract that doesn’t change over time. I’m suggesting that couples have the courage to suspend the assumption that their relationship will necessarily continue, and that they regularly reevaluate the goodness of fit of their relationship for each of them. I had a friend who, as you walked into the house, would anxiously tell you to be sure to close the door so the dog wouldn’t get out. Now this was one of the most pampered, well-loved dogs I’ve ever met. I had no idea why any dog would think about leaving such a cushy setup. So one day, exasperated, I suggested that he leave the door open, and that if the dog wasn’t happy there, he could leave whenever he wanted to. That would allow my friend to worry less about his dog running away, and maybe make room for him to settle into what he already knew, which is that his dog loved him and didn’t want to go anywhere. Many people are scared to lose their partners, which is why they are afraid to leave the door open. So they lead with their fears, making sure that all the doors are always tightly shut. While this might provide the illusion of safety, letting your fears run your marriage means living with the chronic fear of losing your partner. Not only that, but half of marriages end in divorce, even when the doors are closed, making it an ineffective strategy. We understand this concept in the workplace, but it’s more threatening to apply it to our intimate relationships. Most jobs have annual performance reviews of each employee, which are meant to let employees know how they are doing and what they need to improve to remain in good standing in their jobs. While people are often anxious about their annual reviews, I would argue that they are less anxious than they would be if they never received any feedback and were constantly worried about their performance at work and whether they might be fired. How to Renegotiate Your Marriage To make this challenge a bit less daunting, I’m going to offer a series of steps that you might find helpful to guide the renegotiation of your marriage contract. I suggest you start by finding your old wedding vows and reviewing them. Then ask: How are we each doing in meeting the aspirations we agreed to when we were married? Which of our vows have we been able to keep, and which have we struggled with? Which of those vows seems relevant today that we might want to recommit to, and which of them might feel outdated that we want to let go of? Intimacy is the capacity to be more fully yourself in a relationship with someone else. The second set of questions to consider relates to intimacy: How are we each doing in our individual lives? Is my relationship with you helping me to be more fully myself, helping me to be more fully my best self, the person I aspire to be? Next, look at physical intimacy: How are we each feeling about the physical intimacy in our relationship? Do we both feel that our physical relationship is helping us to feel closer to each other? Do we feel comfortable talking with each other about our sexual interests and desires? Are we still attracted to each other? From there, move to finances: Do we feel like a team financially? Are we able to talk with each other about how we spend money and prepare for our financial future? Does the way we spend our money align with our values as a couple? Community: How do we feel about the communities we are a part of? Do we feel like these communities hold and support us as a couple? Last, consider secrets: Are there things that either of us is holding back from sharing with each other? It’s OK if there are, and you don’t necessarily need to disclose everything that’s on your mind right now. This is an opportunity to check in with each other about what you haven’t yet discussed, and to explore what support you might need to address those topics in the future. I hope you will find the courage together to give this a try, even if it’s not your anniversary. If you do, let us know in the comments how it goes and what you’ve learned. Excerpted, in part, from Hidden in Plain Sight: How Men’s Fears of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships. Lasting Impact Press. References Weiss, A. (2021). Hiden in Plain Sight: How Men’s Fears of Women Shape Their Intimate Relationships. Lasting Impact Press. — 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: Josue Michel On Unsplash The post How Renegotiating Your Marriage Can Keep Your Love Alive appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

📺 Cast your Chromebook to a TV: Want a bigger screen for movies or presentations? Make sure your Chromebook and smart TV are on the same Wi-Fi network. Open the Chrome browser, click the three-dot menu (top right), select Cast and choose your TV from the list of available devices. The post Cast your Chromebook to a TV appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

What Milwaukee’s data, divisions, and daily realities tell us about race, resilience, and inequality across the United States. At first glance, this essay might sound eerily familiar. It reflects many of the themes I’ve explored in The Foundation from the Background: What Happens When Black America Isn’t the Headline Anymore — systemic inequality, historical neglect, and the enduring resilience of Black communities. But this piece is different. The data here isn’t abstract or generalized — it’s rooted entirely in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — and it’s more concentrated. And that’s exactly what makes it matter. Milwaukee is more than the setting for these statistics — it’s the sharpened lens through which we can see the nation more clearly. What happens here doesn’t just reflect a local failure; it magnifies a national pattern. One article asks: What’s actually happening on the ground when no one’s watching? The other answers: The same thing that’s always been happening — just without your attention. Most of the time, I try to write about race from a broad perspective, pulling together research, history, and stories from across the United States. But sometimes, I can’t help but look out my own window, and view things from my own backyard. Milwaukee is more than a backdrop — it’s a city defined by sharp lines: who gets to live where, who gets to thrive, who struggles, and who gets left behind. In 2013, I wrote an essay titled “Milwaukee: A Third World City,” which laid out a systematic analysis of my home. I asked: How can one city in the heart of the Midwest feel so divided, so stuck? It felt as if I were living in a third world country — in a major city within the United States borders. Now, more than a decade later, I have the same questions, maybe more. Has anything changed? Is Milwaukee a microcosm of the Black experience in America, or its own cautionary tale? Has life for Black Milwaukeeans improved, stayed the same, or gotten worse — and if it has, why? Most importantly: What can we do about it? This is the mirror I want to hold up — not just to Milwaukee, but to every city grappling with these questions, still waiting for honest answers. A Snapshot — Then and Now Back in 2013, I called Milwaukee a “Third World City.” That wasn’t for shock value — it was the honest description for what I saw and lived: stark segregation, economic abandonment, Black neighborhoods left behind, schools closing, jobs disappearing, and violence filling the void. In 2025, all of the same disparities remain. To really see what’s changed (or hasn’t), you have to look at the layers — data, headlines, and daily life. Segregation 2013: Milwaukee was named the “most segregated city in America” by multiple studies (UW-Milwaukee, Census data). Entire zip codes were sharply divided by race and opportunity. 2025: Milwaukee remains among the most segregated cities, often ranked #1 or #2 nationally. The entrenched racial and economic boundaries between the majority-Black North Side, Latino South Side, and predominantly White suburbs continue with little change, despite limited migration to the suburbs. The city’s “color lines” persist on every map — from housing and schooling to access to jobs and resources. Sources: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UW-Milwaukee), Brookings, Urban Institute, 2020 Census Incarceration & Policing 2013: Wisconsin had the highest Black male incarceration rate in the U.S. (1 in 8 working-age Black men from Milwaukee County in prison or jail). Police presence and surveillance were daily realities in Black neighborhoods. 2025: Numbers have improved modestly with reforms (reduced marijuana arrests, some alternatives to incarceration), but Wisconsin still leads the nation in Black male incarceration. The legacy of mass imprisonment continues: family disruption, lost voting rights, and deep mistrust in law enforcement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, gun violence and homicides in Milwaukee surged to record highs, compounding long-standing fears and trauma. Tensions between police and community persist, with many Black residents feeling both over-policed and under-protected. Sources: Vera Institute, Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission Poverty & Unemployment 2013: The Black poverty rate was nearly 40%. Factory jobs were long gone, and unemployment for Black residents was double or triple that of White residents. 2025: Black poverty remains stubbornly high in Milwaukee — hovering around 35 to 37 percent as of 2023, compared to less than 20 percent for the city as a whole. Unemployment gaps are persistent, with Black residents facing jobless rates that are two to three times higher than those of their White neighbors. The COVID-19 pandemic wiped out dozens of small businesses and thousands of jobs in Black neighborhoods, deepening economic hardship and erasing hard-won gains. While cranes go up and new developments rise in other parts of the city, economic recovery in Black communities has been slow, uneven, and often invisible. Even when jobs are available, most do not pay a living wage — forcing families to juggle multiple part-time or temporary positions just to cover the basics. With rising rents, higher food prices, and few real opportunities for advancement, it becomes nearly impossible for Black families to build savings or break out of their current living conditions. Prosperity happens elsewhere, while too many are left fighting to survive right where they are. Sources: U.S. Census ACS (American Community Survey), Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Brookings Institution, Wisconsin Policy Forum, Milwaukee Community Journal, Urban Institute Education 2013: Public schools faced budget cuts, closures, and increased competition from the state’s private voucher program. The achievement gap for Black students was among the nation’s worst. 2025: Graduation rates for Black students in Milwaukee have improved modestly in recent years, but remain significantly lower than for White and Asian students. In 2022–2023, the four-year graduation rate for Black students in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) hovered around 65%, compared to nearly 85% for White students and over 90% for Asian students. The achievement gap persists despite efforts to reform curriculum and support struggling schools. Funding for MPS continues to lag behind suburban districts, and the expansion of voucher and charter programs has pulled millions of dollars from public schools, straining resources further. Black students are also disciplined at disproportionately high rates, facing suspensions and expulsions more often than their peers, which contributes to higher dropout rates and lower college enrollment. Even after high school, Black graduates are more likely to attend underfunded colleges, incur greater student loan debt, and face more challenges finding well-paying jobs after graduation. Sources: Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) data, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, UW-Milwaukee Housing & Evictions 2013: Housing was highly segregated; Black homeownership rates were low and rental housing was often unstable or poorly maintained. 2025: Black homeownership in Milwaukee remains stubbornly low — less than 30% as of 2023 — compared to nearly 60% for White residents. While both rents and property values have increased citywide, most of the wealth-building that comes with homeownership has bypassed Black families. Redlining and decades of disinvestment still cast a long shadow, making it harder for Black residents to buy homes or build equity. The COVID-19 pandemic only deepened housing insecurity. Eviction filings surged in majority-Black neighborhoods, with many families forced to move multiple times in search of affordable rent. Even as property values rise, these gains rarely translate to intergenerational wealth for Black residents, since so few own their homes. Many Black renters are also burdened by rising rents and stagnant wages, leaving little room to save or invest. The lack of affordable housing options means housing instability — frequent moves, overcrowding, or even periods of homelessness — remains an everyday reality for too many. Sources: Eviction Lab, ACS (American Community Survey), Milwaukee Community Journal Health Disparities 2013: Black neighborhoods had higher rates of chronic illness (asthma, diabetes), infant mortality, and limited access to quality healthcare. 2025: COVID-19 exposed and worsened Milwaukee’s deep health disparities. Black residents faced significantly higher hospitalization and mortality rates during the pandemic — often due to higher rates of preexisting conditions, overcrowded housing, and jobs that couldn’t be done remotely. Long before COVID-19, food deserts were common in majority-Black neighborhoods, with few full-service grocery stores and limited access to affordable, healthy food. Hospital closures — such as the near-shutdown of Ascension St. Joseph in 2023 — left many Black families with long trips to access emergency care. Pharmacies and clinics have shuttered in these communities as well, leaving routine care and life-saving medications out of reach for many. Sources: Milwaukee Health Department, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, CDC, Wisconsin Policy Forum, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Milwaukee Community Journal, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Gun Violence & Community Safety 2013: Violence concentrated in certain zip codes; homicide and shooting rates were persistently high in Black neighborhoods. 2025: Gun violence in Milwaukee has reached record highs in recent years, with the city breaking its all-time homicide record in both 2021 and 2022. In 2022 alone, Milwaukee saw 214 homicides — more than double the annual totals from just a decade prior. The vast majority of these deaths — over 85% — involved firearms. Non-fatal shootings have also surged, with more than 800 people wounded by gunfire in 2022. The toll is deeply unequal: over 80% of homicide victims are Black, despite Black residents making up less than 40% of the city’s population. These numbers are not outliers — they represent a devastating, persistent reality in many Black neighborhoods. While the city has invested in community-based violence interruption efforts such as 414Life and expanded the Office of Violence Prevention, the progress remains slow and often outpaced by the scale of the problem. Surveys, including Marquette Law School polls, reveal that mistrust in law enforcement remains high among Black residents. Many report feeling over-policed yet under-protected, as heavy-handed policing continues alongside chronic underinvestment in neighborhood safety and well-being. The legacy of mass incarceration, family disruption, and lost voting rights only deepens these divides. Despite reforms — such as fewer marijuana arrests and some alternatives to incarceration — Wisconsin still leads the nation in Black male incarceration rates. The cycle of violence, incarceration, and community trauma continues, with too little changing for those who live closest to the daily dangers. Gun violence isn’t just a headline in Milwaukee; it’s an everyday reality, one that shapes how families move, how children grow up, and how entire neighborhoods relate to the systems meant to serve and protect them. Sources: Milwaukee Homicide Review Commission (Annual Reports), Milwaukee Police Department (2020–2023 Crime Reports), City of Milwaukee Office of Violence Prevention, Marquette Law School Polls, Wisconsin Policy Forum, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Hope & Community Resilience 2013: Neighborhoods relied on churches, block clubs, and informal mutual aid to weather systemic neglect. 2025: Grassroots organizations, Black-owned businesses, youth-led protests, and cultural events (like expanded Juneteenth celebrations) have grown. Public conversations about equity are more visible, but “systemic change” is slow and hard-won. Summary Milwaukee provides a brutal mirror for Black America — a city where “separate and unequal” is still more than a phrase. It’s sobering when so many of the divides from 2013 remain — some have widened, and efforts to address them have been uneven at best. The patterns found in Milwaukee — deep-seated segregation, disproportionate incarceration, persistent wealth and health gaps, unequal schools — can be found in varying degrees in cities like Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Baltimore, Cleveland, and others. What makes Milwaukee stand out is the intensity and concentration of these issues. Milwaukee doesn’t just rank high for segregation — it often tops the list. And it blows away any competition for Black male incarceration rates. I grew up in ZIP code 53206, where more than 60% of Black men have been incarcerated at some point in their lives. That’s not just a statistic — it’s where I learned what systemic oppression looks like up close. Wisconsin leads the nation in Black adult incarceration, but 53206 stands alone as a national outlier. The economic and health disparities are unusually ingrained, and the legacy of discriminatory policy — redlining, disinvestment, inequitable school funding, and highway construction that split neighborhoods in two — is still visible on every map. Milwaukee didn’t invent the problem, but it reveals it. The story told here is one of national trends, magnified and made crystal clear. When I first wrote about Milwaukee in 2013, I hoped the city was on the verge of change. The problems were well documented; the data was undeniable. I believed that shining a light would bring action, that exposing these realities would force the city — and the country — to do better. But more than a decade later, the map hasn’t shifted. In some ways, things have gotten worse. This is the epitome of what it means that, just because the Black community may not be in the headlines, it doesn’t mean we’re not the news. We remain ever present, essential, and living with the consequences of abandonment, even when the country pretends not to notice. Previously Published on Daily Kos — iStock image The post The Most Segregated City in the United States: A Microcosm of Black Life appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

🤖 Bot time Grandma got company: South Korea gave 12,000 lonely older adults AI “grandchildren” that talk, glow and remind them to take their meds. The dolls run on ChatGPT and deep cultural guilt. And yes, they’re coming to the U.S. by 2026 for a slice of the global $7.7B (by 2030) eldercare robot market. The post Bot time Grandma got company appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

Alejandro Pérez is a Partner at Pierson Ferdinand PLLC, specializing in labour and employment law, cyber/privacy law, and emerging technologies. A nationally recognized employment attorney, workplace investigator, and DEI thought leader, he advises employers ranging from startups to multinational corporations on litigation, compliance, and internal investigations. Fluent in Spanish and a former HR professional, he offers cultural fluency and business insight in addressing discrimination, harassment, pay equity, and I-9 compliance. President of the ACLU of Arizona, Pérez is also a sought-after speaker and trainer. He shares his personal story to mentor others and foster fairness, respect, and inclusion in workplaces. In this interview, Scott Douglas Jacobsen speaks with Alejandro Pérez, Partner at Pierson Ferdinand PLLC and President of the ACLU of Arizona, about workforce restructuring in the age of artificial intelligence. Pérez, a nationally recognized employment attorney, workplace investigator, and DEI thought leader, discusses how AI is reshaping job design, staffing priorities, and the need for agility within organizations. He emphasizes transparency, continuous learning, and re-skilling as critical to employee resilience. Drawing from his expertise in employment and cybersecurity law, Pérez outlines best practices for supporting employees during layoffs and highlights the long-term implications for career advancement and industry stability. Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Today, we are with Alejandro Pérez. He is a Partner at Pierson Ferdinand PLLC, specializing in labour and employment law, cyber/privacy law, and emerging technologies. A nationally recognized employment attorney, workplace investigator, and DEI thought leader, he advises employers ranging from startups to multinational corporations on litigation, compliance, and internal investigations. Fluent in Spanish and a former HR professional, he brings cultural fluency and business insight to issues such as discrimination, harassment, pay equity, and I-9 compliance. President of the ACLU of Arizona, Pérez is also a sought-after speaker and trainer, and he often shares his personal story to mentor others and foster fairness, respect, and inclusion in the workplace. Thank you very much for joining me today. I appreciate it. Alejandro Pérez: Oh, you are very welcome. Happy to be here. Jacobsen: So, what do you consider the core business market and strategic factors driving large-scale workforce restructuring in some of the major tech companies? Pérez: I think much of it has to do with AI investments and shifting strategic priorities from one focus to another. We are seeing a recalibration of workforce structures to better align with those shifts. Employers are positioning AI both as a cost lever and as an operational transformer. So, roles are being redefined. Many traditional roles—like customer service and certain marketing positions—are either being outsourced or replaced by AI. Jacobsen: How is this integration of artificial intelligence and automation happening in concrete terms? How is it reshaping organizational staffing needs and skill priorities in particular? Pérez: AI has been transformative in reshaping workplace needs, putting a heightened focus on data literacy, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary roles. What we are seeing is a strong emphasis on AI skills. That is where much of the demand and focus are right now. Jacobsen: What about job design across the tech sector? When an organization restructures on a large scale, the meaning of a particular role often shifts—sometimes drastically. What approaches are companies taking toward that? Pérez: The key approach is agility—being ready to pivot. It is an incredibly agile workforce and an incredibly agile business environment. We do not know what tomorrow will bring or which roles will suddenly become essential. Employers need to be prepared to pivot quickly and remain flexible as things change. Right now, massive investments and capital are flowing into AI. However, that could change and develop in different ways over time. So the most important thing is to remain flexible and adaptable. Jacobsen: What about proactive measures that teams can take to ensure workforce agility? When restructuring, how can organizations minimize disruption? Pérez: The first step is to encourage resilience within roles. Talk to your teams, make sure they know they need to be agile, flexible, and ready to pivot at a moment’s notice. Transparency about what is happening can reduce many of the morale issues that arise. Employees are fearful of being displaced due to AI or the potential disappearance of their job functions. I do not necessarily see that as the case. You still need people to operate AI. However, transparency helps, as does flattening hierarchies, creating cross-functional teams, and ensuring talent pools are more fluid overall. Jacobsen: Does AI and automation function essentially as a big hammer? In other words, a larger vector per person operating it—making them more effective if used properly, but not necessarily making them obsolete? Pérez: Exactly, that is precisely it. AI makes an employee much more efficient if used correctly. It should not displace the employee. Jacobsen: Are there areas where people expected AI to help but instead found it counterproductive? Pérez: I have not seen that broadly, but I can give an example from the legal field. Some attorneys have gotten into serious trouble after asking AI to draft briefs, only to find that the AI “hallucinated” arguments or case law that did not exist. Judges are coming down hard on that. We are also seeing some hesitancy in the legal sector overall, with courts creating rules around AI. In some jurisdictions, if you use AI, you must certify that you have personally verified all cited authorities, while in others, you may be barred from using AI in filings altogether. I imagine similar issues arise in other sectors as well. Jacobsen: Have hallucinations been reduced significantly enough that AI can now be used more safely in those gray areas? Pérez: I do not think so. In my experience, you still have to take the time to verify and quality-check everything. For example, sometimes I will experiment with AI and ask it to help me come up with an argument. I will speak to it almost like it is a person. What I have found is that some of the output is useful, but some of it is fabricated—even today. So I will give it feedback: “You gave me some fake material here.” Maybe it improves over time, but I do not use it heavily in my practice. I tend to experiment with it because, in addition to employment law, I also practice cybersecurity. I am always curious about emerging technologies and how they impact the workforce. Jacobsen: Are there specific traditional tech roles that have been around for a while that are simply going to go the way of the dodo bird? Pérez: I think we will see some reduction in roles like customer service. I do not believe most positions will disappear entirely, but the scale of those teams will shrink significantly. For example, in transportation, perhaps drivers with companies like Waymo could eventually be displaced. However, even there, limitations remain. In my community, a Waymo car cannot even enter. So I think the trend will be fewer large-scale positions, with a focus on consolidation—stripping down to what is essential and eliminating excess. Jacobsen: What about adjacent industry ripples? If one industry undergoes restructuring, connected industries often feel the impact, even if not directly targeted. Pérez: Good question. The short answer is yes—adjacent industries will inevitably feel the impact. Fewer jobs in one area directly affect the financial sector and ripple into nearly everything else. These changes also influence talent pools and the educational sector, as people recalibrate to meet shifting demands. Companies are recalibrating, and individuals must do the same—preparing for changes in their professions and careers. Jacobsen: Does this, in your mind, bring to the fore the importance of continuous learning and re-skilling as employees face an evolving demand in the tech job market? Pérez: Absolutely. Life has changed so much. In the past, people often worked for the same company for decades. My parents did that—my mother was a factory worker. However, many of those jobs have since been automated or robotized. Today, employees must constantly be in learning mode. The most important takeaway is to utilize whatever benefits are available. Your salary is not just your paycheck; it also includes benefits like tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities. Employees should take advantage of these to remain competitive. Employees should continuously seek out opportunities to learn and re-skill, especially in the tech sector, but really in any sector. Stay current on how industries are changing and how those changes apply to your role. Re-skill as much as possible, learn as much as possible, and strengthen your skill set to withstand potential layoffs. If a layoff does occur, having up-to-date skills makes you more attractive to other employers. Employers, in turn, should be transparent about changes and provide opportunities for employees to learn new skills and take advantage of re-skilling programs. Jacobsen: What are best practices in supporting employees during layoffs in order to preserve morale and maintain future talent pipelines, in addition to protecting brand reputation? Pérez: Good question. First, employers must comply with all applicable laws. For example, when laying off a certain number of employees, companies may have to provide legally required notice. The federal WARN Act requires this, and some states have their versions of the law. Compliance is the first step. The second step is transparency. Communicate with employees well in advance—do not just meet the legal minimum, but provide as much notice as possible—partner with other companies to explore relocation or reemployment opportunities. Offer support like resume-writing services and career coaching. The goal is to make the process feel thoughtful and supportive rather than abrupt and impersonal. Companies that handle layoffs this way preserve goodwill. Often, organizations that conduct layoffs will be hiring again in the future, so they want former employees to view them positively. Protecting the brand is critical. Even if some criticism arises, it is much harder for people to fault a company that treated employees with empathy and fairness. Ultimately, treat people as people. Apply the golden rule—treat employees as you would want to be treated yourself. Jacobsen: Long-term labour economics—how will current restructuring trends redefine ideas around advancement in the technology industry and career stability? Pérez: I think it is going to create different types of positions. We will see a restructuring that flattens job hierarchies and changes how positions are organized overall. As for career stability and advancement, I believe there will be significant opportunities for those who keep up with the times, continuously learn, and update their skills. Continuous learning will be pivotal. Employees who re-skill and adapt will be well-positioned for advancement in this evolving environment. Jacobsen: Excellent. Alejandro, thank you very much for your time today. It was a pleasure speaking with you and meeting you. Pérez: Thank you so much. Jacobsen: Bye-bye. Pérez: Bye. — Scott Douglas Jacobsen is the publisher of In-Sight Publishing (ISBN: 978-1-0692343) and Editor-in-Chief of In-Sight: Interviews (ISSN: 2369-6885). He writes for The Good Men Project, International Policy Digest (ISSN: 2332–9416), The Humanist (Print: ISSN 0018-7399; Online: ISSN 2163-3576), Basic Income Earth Network (UK Registered Charity 1177066), A Further Inquiry, and other media. He is a member in good standing of numerous media organizations. *** If you believe in the work we are doing here at The Good Men Project and want a deeper connection with our community, please join us as a Premium Member today. Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. Need more info? A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo by Guilherme Cunha on Unsplash The post Alejandro Pérez on AI, Workforce Restructuring, and the Future of Employment Law appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

Washington earlier imposed 50% tariffs on New Delhi over purchases of Russian oil The US is pressuring EU nations to impose additional tariffs on India over its continued oil trade with Russia that would be similar to Washington’s 50% levies on Indian goods, sources have told Axios and India Today. According to Axios, the US wants European countries to ramp up economic pressure on Russia, including “a complete cessation of all oil and gas purchases” from the country and introduce secondary tariffs not only on India, but also on China. Axios also noted that the White House is “losing patience” with EU leaders who they see as pushing for Ukraine to reject any territorial concessions to Russia. ”The Europeans don’t get to prolong this war and backdoor unreasonable expectations, while also expecting America to bear the cost,” a top White House official told the outlet. “If Europe wants to escalate this war, that will be up to them. But they will be hopelessly snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.” An India Today report on Sunday echoed the Axios claim, adding that Washington wants the EU to mirror its measures targeting India, including a halt to imports of oil and gas. Bloc officials, however, are yet to comment on the matter. As of 2024, the EU is India’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for trade in goods worth €120 billion ($140 billion), or 11.5% of India’s total trade. The US first imposed a 25% tariff on India in early August after trade talks collapsed, before announcing an additional 25% tariff tied to India’s continued purchases of Russian oil. US President Donald Trump has claimed that India’s imports of Russian oil and weapons are indirectly fueling the Ukraine conflict. In response, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said New Delhi would not “bow down” to Washington’s pressure and would instead focus on finding new markets. Moscow, meanwhile, has denounced US tariffs on India, stressing that sovereign nations have every right to choose their trading partners. As the tariff dispute heated up, leaders from India, China, Russia, and other states met at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin. View the full article

“Generative AI models don’t understand, they just predict the next token.” You’ve probably heard a dozen variations of this theme. I certainly have. But I recently heard a talk by Shuchao Bi that changed the way I think about the relationship between prediction and understanding. The entire talk is terrific, but the section that inspired this post is between 19:10 and 21:50. Saying a model can “just do prediction,” as if there were no relationship between understanding and prediction, is painting a woefully incomplete picture. Ask yourself: why do we expend all the time, effort, and resources we do on science? What is the primary benefit of, for example, understanding the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration? The primary benefit of understanding this relationship is being able to make accurate predictions about a huge range of events, from billiard balls colliding to planets crashing into each other. In fact, the relationship between understanding and prediction is so strong that the primary way we test people’s understanding of the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration is by asking them to make predictions. “A 100kg box is pushed to the right with a force of 500 N. What is its acceleration?” A student who understands the relationships will be able to predict the acceleration accurately; one who doesn’t, won’t. If a person was provided with a prompt like “10 grams of matter are converted into energy. How much energy will be released?,” and they made the right prediction, would you believe they “understand” the relationship between energy, matter, and the speed of light? What if, when given ten variations on the exercise, they made the correct prediction ten times out of ten? You would likely decide that they “understand” the relationship, and if these ten exercises happened to comprise a quiz, you would certainly give them an A. And it would never occur to you to be concerned about the fact that you can’t crack open the learner’s skull, shove in a microscope or other instrument inside, and directly observe the specific chemical, electrical, and other processes happening inside their brain as they produce their results. As we always do with assessment of learning, you would happily accept their observable behavior as a proxy for their unobservable understanding. If a model can make accurate predictions with a high degree of consistency and reliability, does that means it understands? I don’t know. But when a person can make accurate predictions with a high degree of consistency and reliability, we award them a diploma and certify their understanding to the world. “LLMs Just Compress Language, They Don’t Understand It” Along the same lines as the prediction argument, you may have heard people say that generative AI models “simply compress” language instead of truly understanding it. “They just exploit patterns in the statistical structure of language.” I’ve heard some version of that dozens of times, too. But coming back to our science analogy, consider this: scientific experiments are conducted in order to generate data. Scientists examine the resulting data for patterns, and sometimes those patterns can be compressed into exquisitely elegant forms, like f = ma. What are equations like f = ma and e = mc2 if not ways of compressing the outcomes of an infinite number of possible events into a compact form? A compact form that allows us to make accurate predictions? Do the fundamental equations of physics “simply compress” the behavior of the physical universe by “just exploiting patterns” in the way the universe behaves without really understanding? Do large language models “simply compress” language without really understanding it? I don’t know. Everything hinges on your definition of the word “understand.” But I do know that one of the primary reasons I would want to achieve understanding in either case is so that I can make accurate predictions. — Previously Published on opencontent.org with Creative Commons License *** Does dating ever feel challenging, awkward or frustrating? Turn Your Dating Life into a WOW! with our new classes and live coaching. Click here for more info or to buy with special launch pricing! *** On Substack? Follow us there for more great dating and relationships content. — Photo credit: unsplash The post “AI Models Don’t Understand, They Just Predict” appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

AI hits your TV: Samsung’s 2025 TVs now come with Microsoft’s Copilot built in. I can see the excitement on your face. This animated beige blob can recommend shows, recap episodes and answer random questions. Basically a roommate that watches too much, but rounder, and permanently stuck in your living room. But hey, at least it won’t eat your leftovers. The post AI hits your TV appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Jump between apps without the mouse. Press Alt + Tab (Windows) or Cmd + Tab (Mac). Hold the keys and tap Tab again to cycle through everything that’s open. The post 3-second tech genius appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

The president’s trade policy is in jeopardy after an appeals court declared most of his tariffs unlawful US President Donald Trump has warned that America could became a “third world nation” if his tariffs are scrapped. He made the remarks after a federal appeals court declared most of them unlawful. Trump launched his tariff drive in April, accusing US trade partners of creating unfair trade imbalances and calling it a reciprocal response to secure better trade terms. Most country-specific rates ranging from 10% to 41% took effect on August 7. The policy has drawn criticism from US lawmakers over the potential damage to the economy. On Friday, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit ruled that Trump misused his authority by imposing tariffs under an emergency-powers statute, saying only Congress can authorize these measures. The court stopped short of canceling the tariffs, giving the administration until mid-October to appeal to the Supreme Court. Trump blasted the ruling, warning of dire consequences if it stands. “More than 15 Trillion Dollars will be invested in the USA, a RECORD. Much of this investment is because of Tariffs,” he wrote on Truth Social on Monday. “If a Radical Left Court is allowed to terminate these Tariffs, almost all of this investment, and much more, will be immediately cancelled! In many ways, we would become a Third World Nation, with no hope of GREATNESS again.” The court ruling covers two sets of tariffs: Broad “reciprocal” tariffs on most US trade partners, and tariffs on goods from Canada, China, and Mexico linked to drug trafficking claims. The decision does not affect targeted tariffs, such as those on foreign steel, aluminum, and autos, as they were enacted under separate laws. Trump has argued that tariffs are good for the economy, presenting them as tools to secure better trade terms, revive manufacturing, and cut deficits. Economists, however, warn that the policy risks pushing the US into recession. Russia has not been targeted with tariffs due to the existing sanctions, but Trump has threatened higher tariffs on its trade partners if the Ukraine conflict is not resolved. Last month, he doubled tariffs on India to 50%, accusing it of aiding Moscow by buying Russian oil, and hinted at new measures against China. View the full article

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization must continue to oppose “hegemonism and power politics,” the Chinese leader has said Members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) should continue to resist “hegemonism and power politics” to help build a fairer international system, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday as he opened the group’s summit in Tianjin. Delivering a keynote speech to leaders and representatives of member and partner nations, Xi invoked what he called the “Shanghai spirit” of “mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations, and pursuit of shared development.” Xi praised the progress made by the SCO since its founding in 2001 and outlined new priorities. He said members must “oppose the Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation, and bullying practices” – terms often used by Beijing to criticize US and Western policies. “We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and make the global governance system more just and equitable,” he added. The Chinese leader also urged members to pursue win-win cooperation while respecting their national differences, strengthening exchanges between their peoples, and pushing for greater efficiency and evidence-based policymaking within the SCO. The regional group’s collective economic output has reached $30 trillion, Xi noted, adding that its global influence was expanding accordingly. Members are working together to address challenges including security, environmental issues, and innovation, he added. China’s cumulative trade with SCO nations has surpassed $2.3 trillion, Xi said, highlighting projects under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative and other mechanisms. He pledged further investments, including in education and the training of scientific and engineering skills required to sustain future growth. More than 20 nations from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are participating in the Chinese-hosted gathering, as well as representatives of leading international organizations, including the UN and ASEAN. View the full article

Alright, let’s clear something up: ‘Latino’ isn’t a race, it’s a whole cultural playlist, and it doesn’t come with a single skin tone. You can’t just lump them all in one box, no matter how much you think you know about tacos, salsa, or the word ‘si!’” When My Mom Said a Brazilian Man “Looked Black” But He Was Black .. So, my mom was dating this Brazilian guy from Rio de Janeiro, shout out to the cariocas… I lived in Rio for three years. Anyway, this guy was a black Brazilian guy. And one day, my mom commented describing what he looks like to me when I asked, and she said, “he looks black, but he’s Brazilian”, something along those lines. I had to educate her. But anyway, this brings into an important distinction… Latinos, including Brazilians, are NOT a race but rather an ethnicity. Latinos refer to an ancestral heritage from people of Latin American origin, where, for the most part, people speak Spanish. Still, some speak Portuguese, French, English, Dutch, as well as some indigenous languages. This is due to colonization. But also, Latinos can be of many races, just like weAmericans can. There are many indigenous/native/indian people throughout the Americas, with some countries, such as Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico, having a more substantial presence. Despite this, many of these groups have faced significant erasure throughout those countries and the Americas in general. There are white Latinos or very light-skinned Latinos due to European ancestry from mainly Spain and Portugal, but also the Netherlands, France, Italy, and other countries. You can find countries with large white populations in places like Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil. I‘ve seen countless white, blue-eyed Latina women who look just like my non-Hispanic white American mother when I lived in Argentina and Brazil. Slavery wasn’t just an American thing; those boats were making stops all over the Americas, from the U.S. to the tip of South America, making sure Black Latinos are just as much a part of the story, on top of some African immigration to South America. A small fact, Brazil has more black people than the United States and has the second largest black population in the world, second only to Nigeria. Latinos can be shocker…. asian… The second largest population of Japanese people is in Brazil. Countries like Peru and Argentina have thriving Chinese and Korean communities. So, yeah, Latino identity isn’t just about tacos and salsa; it’s a global mix of cultures, histories, and races. Unlike the United States, where segregation was once the law and still exists today, South America is a predominantly mixed continent, but still with monoracial or mostly monoracial populations present in Latin America. So, let’s stop pretending Latinos are some homogenous group, y’all. Latinos come in all shades, shapes, and sizes, just like Americans do, and the sooner we realize that, the sooner we can stop reducing an entire ETHNICITY/culture to just one race. So next time someone tells you, “Oh, he doesn’t look Latino or… I knew it, he totally does look latino” …. give them a quick history lesson, and remind ’em it’s a whole damn spectrum, not a monolith. When Privilege Meets Misunderstanding: The N-Word and the ‘I’m Not Racist’ Card I’m going to tell two quick stories before I get into why privilege meets common misunderstandings. One from last year, where I was watching…. with my head down… my guilty pleasure BADDIES, specifically Baddies Caribbean. And a light-skinned, practically white Puerto Rican woman was attacked for saying the N word. Her excuse was “She’s Puerto Rican”. I’m not going to go into Baddies and all the toxicity that occurred on the show. But within the comment section, it popped off. Many people made comments about why this white Puerto Rican named Gretchen could NOT say the N word when other brown/black Latinas could…. The second story, which is similar, but I can still remember, is the story of SOHO Karen, who virally accused a black teenager of stealing her phone, despite him being the culprit. But later in an interview with Gayle King, she defended herself and said she can’t be racist because she’s a person of color….. Girl, if you don’t get your ‘I’m not racist, I have a Black friend’ energy outta here… Racism doesn’t care about your skin tone, honey, it cares about your actions, biases, and the mess you make when you assume the worst about people. But what these two stories highlight is the confusion of privilege despite being a person of color. There’s the confusion of racial identity. There’s a confusion that racism isn’t just about skin color. Latinos and people of color can absolutely have privilege while still being a person of color. I’m biracial, Black and white, but I’ve experienced privilege thanks to my lighter skin and the proximity I’ve had to whiteness growing up. I’m not alone in this; plenty of people of color benefit from certain privileges. Take, for example, lighter-skinned Latinos who get treated differently than their darker-skinned counterparts, or the Asian Americans who ‘pass’ as white and experience less racial profiling. And don’t even get me started on the whole ‘token POC’ thing, just because you’re the only brown face in the room doesn’t mean you’re not getting special treatment. The white Latina who thinks she can use the N-word because of her “Puerto Rican blood” is exercising privilege without understanding black history and culture, including Afro-Latino history & culture. Similarly, the light-skinned Latina who claims she can’t be racist because of her “brown-ish” complexion ignores the nuances of how racism operates within and outside her community. So, let’s be real: just because you’re a person of color doesn’t mean you can’t walk around with a little privilege. Don’t let the ‘I’m POC, therefore I’m oppressed’ narrative fool you. Just because you’re brown doesn’t mean you’re immune to the same biases and privileges others get. You might wanna rethink that ‘I’m one of the good ones’ mentality before it bites you in the ass. Racism Isn’t Just About Skin Color Racism goes beyond skin tone. The light-skinned Latina’s claim that she isn’t racist simply because she’s Puerto Rican highlights how racism is more about actions, biases, and supporting or perpetuating systemic inequalities. Similarly, the white Latina using racial slurs undermines the fact that her white privilege doesn’t erase racial oppression faced by others. There’s a lot of antiblackness within the Latino communities. A lot of history of blanqueamiento within Latin America, where the governments of some of these countries intentionally tried to whiten their population through immigration and other tactics. There are many stories where abuelos y abuelas were hoping and praying their grandchildren would be whiter/lighter to better the race “mejorar la raza”. The Brazilian country has had its own Black Lives Matter movement due to racism, poverty, classism, and police brutality within that country. And outside of the Latin context, asian cultures and African cultures have had a lot of colorism too, where light-skinned is the preferred, and promoted through skin bleaching creams and makeup, or using umbrellas at a damn beach so they don’t get too dark. India has a whole caste system that isn’t just about skin color, but a bunch of other nuanced and complex issues, and it has some relevance to skin color. Latinos Aren’t a Monolith, And Neither Is Privilege Alright, y’all, let’s keep it 100: just because you’re a person of color doesn’t mean you’re immune to privilege. Whether you’re light-skinned, ‘passing’ in certain spaces, or using your ‘Puerto Rican blood’ as an excuse to drop the N-word, it’s time to recognize the privileges that come with your identity. Latin America, for example, isn’t a monolith; it’s a vibrant mix of cultures, histories, and races. From Indigenous to Afro-Latino to European to Asian ancestry, the Latinx community spans a whole damn spectrum of identities. So, stop pretending like they’re all one thing or another, and start realizing that racism isn’t just about skin color, it’s about the biases, systems, and privileges you get, whether you know it or not. So, check your privilege, or trust me, it’ll check you back! If you’re still here, you’re either learning something new or about to drop some knowledge in the comments. Either way, hit that clap button, share this with your people, and let’s keep this convo going. Don’t just read, spread the truth! And hey, if you think this deserves more ears, help an hermano out and drop some love in the comments. More interactions = more eyes on this story. And speaking of systems of oppression, if you’re feeling the weight of these intersecting issues, check out my article Blood on the Floor, Borders at the Door, where I dive into how America’s meat industry exploits not just immigrants but animals too. It’s all connected, whether we’re talking race, privilege, or the violence inflicted on marginalized communities. If you care about the truth, you’ll want to give that a read.” — 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: Bran Sodre On Unsplash The post Latino Ain’t a Race — Here’s Why That Mix-Up’s a Problem appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

🔥 My pick: COSORI 9-in-1 air fryer (25% off) Healthy, easy, crispy food! I’m an air fryer gal. If you’ve been waiting to jump on the bandwagon, this is your sign. 🍓 Digital food scale (30% off): From meal prep to portion control, this beats the old “eyeballing” method. 🌡️ Meat thermometer (20% off): Save your BBQ dinners. No more “Is this done, or am I risking salmonella?” 🍵 Milk frother wand (17% off): Café vibes at home. Get barista-level foam without the upcharge. 🍾 Champagne & wine sealer (39% off): Keep your “special occasion” drink fresh for days. 😋 ICYMI: I rounded up 25 more Labor Day deals you’ll love. And if your cart’s not full, swing by my Amazon shop for even more holiday steals. We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective. The post Fire up your Labor Day kitchen appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article

The Russian leader has thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for hosting direct talks between Moscow and Kiev Türkiye’s mediation in the Ukraine conflict continues to be valued, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China. Putin thanked Ankara for hosting several rounds of direct peace talks between Moscow and Kiev. The three rounds held in Istanbul this year have “produced progress in resolving several humanitarian issues,” Putin said, adding that Türkiye’s role “will remain in demand in the future.” In May, Kiev agreed to resume direct talks with Moscow, a process it abandoned in 2022, after the administration of US President Donald Trump encouraged renewed negotiations. The discussions have since resulted in prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of soldiers’ remains. ”We consider Türkiye a reliable, time-tested partner both in bilateral affairs and on the international arena,” Putin said. He also pointed to mutual investments, Russia’s position as Türkiye’s main natural gas supplier, and the ongoing construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, the country’s first, which benefits from Russian technological expertise. Millions of Russian tourists also visit Türkiye each year, enjoying the country’s hospitality, Putin noted. On foreign policy, he said Russian-Turkish coordination remains “well-tuned” and marked by the “useful and... trusted” nature of cooperation. View the full article

A 6.0-magnitude quake struck Kunar Province in the eastern part of the country late on Sunday At least 800 people have been killed and over 2,800 injured after a powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan late on Sunday, the country’s Information Ministry has said, noting that the death toll is likely to rise. The quake is reported to have struck at around midnight local time (GMT+4:30), with its epicenter near the city of Jalalabad in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province, about 120km east of Kabul, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). The initial quake was soon followed up with a 4.5-magnitude aftershock and another 5.2-magnitude earthquake. “Sadly, tonight’s earthquake has caused loss of life and property damage in some of our eastern provinces. Local officials and residents are currently engaged in rescue efforts for the affected people,” spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid, said on X, adding that all available resources will be mobilized to save lives. ⚠About 500 people died, over 1 thousand were injured in the #earthquake in #Afghanistan - RTA TV channel According to the US Geological Survey, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 occurred in the area of ​​the city of #Jalalabad, not far from the border with Pakistan. A… pic.twitter.com/JxA7GtafRe — News.Az (@news_az) September 1, 2025 In Kunar, one of the hardest-hit provinces, houses collapsed and whole villages have reportedly been flattened. “Children are under the rubble. The elderly are under the rubble. Young people are under the rubble,” a villager from the region has told the media, pleading for people to come help pull out those who have been trapped. This is incredibly sad and I’m so sorry to share it but I think everyone needs to see how deadly the earthquake in #Afghanistan has been. Authorities say over 500 people have died in Koner and many people are still under the rubble. pic.twitter.com/3U5Uvrop4n — Aima Khan (@aima_kh) September 1, 2025 Casualties have been reported across the Nur Gal, Sawki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapa Dara districts, the information ministry noted, adding that figures remain preliminary due to difficulties reaching remote areas in the mountainous region. Military helicopters and rescue teams are intensifying efforts to evacuate the injured and deliver aid. With mountain passes cut off and communications disrupted, officials warned that the full scale of the devastation may take days to assess. Taliban officials have appealed to international aid organizations to urgently provide medical supplies, tents, and rescue equipment. Iran has already offered to send humanitarian aid. The disaster comes less than two years after a series of powerful tremors in Herat Province killed more than 2,400 people in October 2023, one of Afghanistan’s deadliest quakes in recent history. View the full article

Kenyan authorities have confirmed that 32 victims and dozens of body parts have been uncovered Kenyan authorities have uncovered more than 30 bodies in a remote village, in a case tied to an alleged religious cult headed by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Mackenzie, Reuters reported on Friday. Government pathologist Richard Njoroge was cited as confirming that seven bodies were recovered on Thursday in Kwa Binzaro, bringing the total number exhumed in the area over the past week to 32. Forensic teams continue searches, combing dense shrubland for concealed graves. “We have exhumed seven bodies and also collected 54 body parts which are spread distances away from the graves. So they look like they were spread by, excavated and eaten by wild animals,” the pathologist said. Kwa Binzaro lies about 30km from Shakahola, where prosecutors say alleged cult leader Mackenzie instructed his followers to starve themselves in anticipation of the end of the world in order to “meet Jesus.” In 2023, more than 430 bodies were exhumed from dozens of mass graves in the nearby Shakahola forest. Autopsies revealed that most victims had died of starvation, while some, including children, were allegedly beaten or strangled. Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International Church and self-proclaimed pastor, has been charged in separate cases with terrorism, murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, and child torture and cruelty. He was arrested in April 2023 after police rescued 15 emaciated church members. At least 11 suspects are being investigated for alleged involvement in organized crime, radicalization, facilitation of terrorism, and murder. In July, a Malindi court authorized Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations to exhume bodies from shallow graves in the Kwa Binzaro area. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said initial findings suggest victims may have been starved or suffocated under extreme religious practices. Police added that survivors could not account for several missing children, raising suspicions of foul play. In August, Kenyan Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen linked the graves in Kwa Binzaro to Mackenzie’s cult. Following the mass graves discovered in Shakahola, Kenyan President William Ruto’s government pledged tighter regulation of religious groups and stronger community-based surveillance. View the full article

By Jared Ewy Master Falconer Sam Dollar doesn’t want any credit, but he shares way too much incredible information not to be quoted. “Ghengis Khan had thousands of falcons. They used them for hunting — to bring back food,” says Dollar casually as if he didn’t just blow my mind with perhaps the first ever food delivery service. “Once we discovered the bow and arrow and black powder they went out of fashion,” he ends while overseeing a resurgence of falconry among weapons that are far more advanced. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PRbj19LS6I He advises and trains the Air Force Academy Falconry Team in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The birds they train are the mascots for as many extracurricular events they can cover. It’s no small deal to be on the team. There is training, tryouts, and you’d better be OK with butchering quail to feed the falcons their daily 10% of their body weight. Cadet Rebecca Hoffman is a rising sophomore and shares more about the process. “It starts in January and they make selections of freshman cadets in March,” she says. While casually carving up a small bird, she also confirms that the process includes being tested on meal prep. Like many of the cadets I talk to, she had not foreseen becoming an apprentice to a master falconer, but the Air Force Academy requires that you participate in extracurriculars. Once falconer hopefuls meet these birds and see all the places they get to go, they’re hooked. “They’re the front-facing team for the Academy so they go out and do all of the publicity,” says retired Lieutenant Colonel Rochelle Kimbrell. She knows a thing or two about being in the public as she’s the first African-American female fighter pilot to fly combat missions. Now she simply wants to be referred to as a volunteer. As you might expect, she knows her aviation history and explains the inspiration for modern jet airplane aerodynamics. “The way that a falcon’s nose is designed, they’ve got inner coils that disperse the air so they don’t asphyxiate when they’re coming down that fast. Nature is fascinating and that’s where we get all of our designs from,” finishes Kimbrell as she scans the field for a trainee rocketing towards a cadet spinning a bean bag associated with food. Falcons are fast. They own the record for fastest animal on the planet with speeds over 200 mph. Today, however, they just need to be interested in a treat. As they train for the 2025 USAFA commencement ceremony, the falcons need only remember there’s a snack awaiting them if they fly onto the field without getting distracted. You get the idea that it’s not too different for the cadets. When they do their best, both the institution and animal take flight. Their time and training together is a treat for everyone who sees it. I asked Dollar if he thought any of the cadets would continue their falconry beyond their four years in Colorado Springs. “Some of them are very good and you wonder if down the road it’s something they’ll do,” he begins before pondering their reality. “But right now their lives are very much planned out for them so they don’t have much chance to do it.” He laughs at the thought of trying to keep a raptor on whichever base the graduates end up next. For now, though, the cadets seem to love the opportunity to wow the world with their air supremacy. “She flew really well today,” says Cadet Katarina Schultz with Zeva, a hybrid Gyr-Saker falcon, perched on her glove. “She came to the glove, she caught the bag—overall she had a really good performance today.” This article first appeared on The Daily Yonder and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. — Previously Published on dailyyonder.com with Creative Commons License *** – The world is changing fast. We help you keep up. We’ll send you 1 post, 3x per week. Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today. All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS. A complete list of benefits is here. — Photo: unsplash The post Training, Tryouts for the Air Force Academy Falconry Team appeared first on The Good Men Project. View the full article

🚨 Terrible “bargains” alert: Scammers are filling Facebook and Instagram with fake “closing down sale” ads. Think heartfelt pleas about retiring small businesses and jaw‑dropping discounts. A researcher found over 50,000 ads repeating the same copy. Before you buy, check the comments and reverse‑image search the photos. The post Terrible “bargains alert appeared first on Komando.com. View the full article