A new social media app called Threads, backed by Meta (formerly Facebook), has been launched and is being compared to Twitter. Despite lacking certain features like chronological feeds, direct messaging, and post search, Threads has attracted over 70 million users within 48 hours, making it the fastest-growing app ever. Its association with Meta and the ability to import profiles and followers from Instagram have contributed to its rapid success. Twitter has threatened legal action against Meta, alleging the hiring of former employees with access to trade secrets. Twitter itself has been facing challenges since Elon Musk's acquisition, including glitches, arbitrary decisions, and a significant drop in advertising spending. While other apps have tried to replace Twitter, Threads has the potential to be a viable alternative, but concerns remain about data privacy and financial stability. The future will reveal if Threads can pose a serious challenge to Twitter's dominance.

📰 Breaking News! 📰 On Friday, the Biden administration made an announcement that has stirred controversy. As part of a new military aid package, the administration revealed its decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine. This development comes just in time for President Biden's upcoming participation in the NATO summit, where Ukraine's potential membership bid is likely to be discussed. Meanwhile, on the domestic front, two WNBA stars have taken the initiative to establish a women's basketball league. This league aims to provide fellow players with an alternative to playing abroad during the offseason.

📈 Business Update 📈 In the previous month, US employers added a total of 209,000 jobs, falling short of expectations and signaling a continued cooling of the economy. Recent data from the Labor Department suggests that the phenomenon known as the Great Resignation may be coming to an end. On another note, there has been a decline in the number of users for ChatGPT, raising concerns about whether interest in AI is waning. By the way, if you still rely on snail mail, be prepared for higher-than-usual prices for stamps.

🩺 Health Matters 🩺 According to a recent study, the number of Americans dying from pregnancy-related causes has more than doubled over the past two decades. However, there might be some hope on the horizon as the FDA has approved the first-ever test for detecting preeclampsia. Additionally, it has come to light that our bodies may not function optimally once temperatures reach 104 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This is particularly noteworthy considering that the Earth recently experienced its hottest recorded day.

Monday SCARIES, WHO?

One tip for a better start to your week: indulge in art projects. Crafting a calmer week is within your reach, and art can help you achieve that. Not only does it provide a break from screens and scrolling, but it has also been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and evoke a state of flow. You don't need to be a master artist to enjoy the benefits. Try out these creative ideas:

• Bracelets: Take a trip down memory lane to your carefree summer camp days by making your own bracelets. Start with a simple spiral staircase design using embroidery floss, and then progress to more intricate patterns like chevrons, diamonds, and diagonals. If you're short on time, opt for trendy beads and charms instead.

• Totes: Tote bags are perfect for summer, as they can carry almost everything you need. Begin with a plain cotton or canvas tote and let your creativity run wild. Decorate it with pins, patches, paint, or even embroidery. Don't get overwhelmed by the endless choices of colors, fabrics, and styles; start with a basic canvas and build from there.

• Pottery: If you've noticed a pottery craze sweeping the nation, you're not mistaken. Many people are getting their hands dirty at pottery classes and workshops. However, you can also enjoy the pottery experience from the comfort of your own home. Create your own vases, plant hangers, or candlestick holders using clay. Unleash your creativity and make unique pieces to adorn your living space.

• Dried flower arrangements: While arranging fresh flowers is always a beautiful option, why not try your hand at creating a dried bouquet? With a variety of dried grasses and blooms, which you can purchase or dry yourself, you can create stunning arrangements that will last for months or even years. Find a beautiful vase and dedicate an hour to creating a masterpiece that you can admire for a long time.

Engaging in art projects like these not only offers a break from daily routines but also provides a therapeutic outlet. Let your imagination guide you, and watch as your stress and anxiety melt away. Start your week off on a creative and positive note by incorporating art into your life.Share This with Men: Taking Steps Towards Gender Equity

Cheryl graduated Bucks County Community College in 2013 with an Associates of Arts degree. Before attending college, Cheryl ran her own home daycare for seven years, and then moved on to work in customer service and accounts receivable for 10 years. She went back to her passion of working with children with her in-home daycare and then as an instructional assistant at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 for the last thirteen years. While working full time is when she received her degree and founded her own 501(c)(3) called The Christmas Gala, a non-profit that serves low income senior citizens throughout Bucks County. Cheryl began the organization out of the living room of her home and has since outgrown it and moved to an office in Bristol Borough. Growing from one program to three, starting with a handful of volunteers to over 50, and as of March 2017, she has resigned her day job and now works full time as the Executive Director of the company. Cheryl has been nominated for and won many awards for her success with this organization. She and the Gala were finalists for 2017 Bucks Happening List for Power person, volunteer and the annual Christmas Gala event. The Christmas Gala was a finalist for community service from Lower Bucks Champions of Commerce in 2017. She won Bucks County Do-Gooders in 2014, a candidate for the Women of Distinction award in 2015, Bucks Happening Mover and Shaker award 2015, Bucks Happening Best Charity in 2014, and Bucks County Courier Times Emerging Leader 2016, Best of Bucks from Bucks County Courier Times for Non-profit and one of the Best of Bucks for Fundraiser, Bucks Happening 2018 awards for finalist for Best Non-profit, finalist for Best Senior Care, finalist for Best Fundraiser.

In the recently published State of Women Report for 2023, conducted by The Harris Poll , it was revealed that 84% of women believe that "men need to step up" in the fight for gender equity. This statistic sheds light on the perception that men have not been actively involved in advocating for gender equality.

Various assumptions can be made about this number. Is it possible that men are content with the status quo because it benefits them? After all, they didn't suddenly become the default unpaid domestic laborers during the pandemic. Or is it a matter of men lacking understanding of the challenges women face in today's world?

While men may aspire to be allies, they often face obstacles, primarily driven by anxiety. W. Brad Johnson, co-author of "Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies For Women In The Workplace," explains that men may hesitate to engage due to fear of being perceived negatively by other men—a concept known as the "wimp penalty." Men worry that advocating for women might result in others viewing them as feminine and respecting them less.

However, recent research contradicts this assumption. Johnson's co-author, David G. Smith, points out that hyper-masculine cultures and the so-called "bro culture" perpetuate these mythical sanctions by threatening men with the loss of their "man card." In reality, most men do not accept or condone such behavior. When one male speaks up and disrupts the status quo, other men often follow suit, realizing that the behavior was inappropriate and feeling the need to take action themselves.

To become the type of man who speaks up for gender equality, it is crucial to equip yourself with the necessary language and actions. Here are specific instructions for men on what to say and do to support women in situations where gender discrimination commonly occurs:

1. When a male colleague talks over a female colleague at work: Research shows that men assume other men are more accepting of sexism and bias, making them less likely to confront such behavior. However, this assumption is incorrect, and there is value in challenging microaggressions not just for your female colleague but also for yourself. By advocating for others and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, men are not penalized and may even be viewed more positively.

To avoid coming across as a mansplainer, think of your response as passing a baton. Rather than rescuing your female colleague or reiterating what she already said, aim to shift the focus back to her. For example, say, "Oh, that sounds like what Jane was just saying. What were you saying again, Jane?" By doing so, you pass the baton back to Jane, allowing her to speak up.

2. When a man takes credit for a woman's idea: Addressing this microaggression doesn't have to escalate into a major confrontation. You can simply say, "Hey Dave, that's a good idea, but how's that any different than what Jane said?"

Asking this Socratic question reminds everyone of who originally came up with the idea.

3. When questions are consistently directed to you instead of your female colleague: Often, women's expertise and competence are devalued or dismissed, leading to questions being directed primarily at men in the room. If you notice this happening, you can redirect the focus by saying, "I'd love to share my ideas here, but Jane is the expert. I'd like to hear what she has to say about this."

By decentering yourself in this way, you advocate for overcoming bias and create a more inclusive environment.

4. When a sexist remark or joke is made in the workplace (or anywhere): Imagine a scenario where an inappropriate comment is made during a meeting, and everyone feels uncomfortable. Research on bystander intervention suggests that after approximately three seconds, the opportunity to address the issue diminishes if no one speaks up.

To avoid remaining silent, train yourself to respond within two seconds. Start with a simple "Ouch." This prompts everyone in the room to take notice.

Once you've interrupted, you can follow up with an "own it statement." Instead of speaking on behalf of the women present, focus on how the remark impacted you personally. For example, say, "Hey, I didn't appreciate that comment. That's not cool. That's not funny."

5. When you witness sexual harassment at work: Approaching this situation requires careful consideration. Be mindful of whether the impacted woman feels comfortable discussing her experiences. Bringing it up without her consent may further attack, endanger, or stigmatize her.

Before going to HR, it is advisable to speak directly with the woman being harassed. Pull the offender aside and be straightforward, saying something like, "I've witnessed this behavior, and it is not acceptable in our workplace."

You can also engage in a conversation with someone you know is a friend of the woman, discussing ways to support her together.

Building a supportive relationship with the woman is crucial so that she knows she can confide in you about this or any other sensitive issue, and you will genuinely support her.

If she is open to it, you can initiate a conversation about the harassment using openers like "I've noticed that..." or "You're not alone..."

In the meantime, keep a record of the incidents, noting dates, times, and specific details. Documentation plays a vital role in corroborating her account if she decides to report the harassment to HR.

6. When a female colleague is paid less for the same work: Speak up! Approach the woman in question and share the salary information you have, if appropriate. This applies to white people supporting people of color as well.

You don't have to disclose your own pay. Instead, you can say something like, "The pay range for that job is from this figure to that figure."

7. When your female partner is overwhelmed by domestic responsibilities: Research on dual-career heterosexual couples highlights that even when both partners work full-time, women often shoulder a disproportionate share of domestic work. This burden was further exacerbated during the pandemic, especially concerning childcare.

Authors Johnson and Smith encourage men to conduct a "domestic audit." Engage in a conversation with your partner and genuinely inquire, "Am I truly sharing the workload?" Importantly, avoid becoming defensive.

Taking responsibility at home will have broader implications, extending beyond your relationship and family. It can contribute to advancing gender parity at work. By challenging traditional gender roles, we can create a demand for workplace changes such as paid family leave, increased childcare access, and flexible work arrangements.

8. When you notice a female colleague being penalized for parenting or family obligations: Share your own family obligations in a matter-of-fact manner. For instance, you can say, "I'm moving this meeting to 3 pm, so I can attend my daughter's recital," or "I'll be taking a half-day to accompany my mom to several appointments."

By openly discussing your domestic responsibilities, you help diffuse the stigma for current female colleagues and grant permission to more junior men to do the same. Junior men often find it helpful to observe senior men who successfully combine work and family responsibilities.

The positive news is that these actions are effective. Smith and Johnson's research shows that when men actively participate in gender inclusion programs, 96% of women in those organizations perceive genuine progress toward gender equality. In comparison, only 30% of women in organizations without strong male engagement recognize such progress. Men,it's time to take action. What are you waiting for?

By following these guidelines and actively engaging in the fight for gender equality, men can make a significant impact. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society.