Vox reader Ben Kutcher asks: What happens to the money when I round up at the register? Are these real charities? Who gets credit for the donation? Is there some taxable benefit to companies that offer this? Do they have to provide transparency reports?If youve ever been at a grocery store checkout counter and the cashier asked you to round up your purchase for charity, youve probably asked yourself the same questions. Round-up charity campaigns were first introduced about 15 years ago and have since become omnipresent. In 2022, 77 of the most successful of these initiatives raised more than $749 million, more than double the amount raised in 2012. These types of charity campaigns are pretty simple. Charities partner with businesses your local grocery store, gas station, or favorite restaurant which then ask their customers to round up their purchase total to the nearest dollar. Those extra few cents go toward the fundraiser. The retailer typically collects these small donations over a set period of time and then transfers that lump sum of money to the charity. Sign up for the Explain It to Me newsletterThe newsletter is part of Voxs Explain It to Me. Each week, we tackle a question from our audience and deliver a digestible explainer from one of our journalists. Have a question you want us to answer? Ask us here.The round-up campaigns have proven to be pretty successful. More than half of Americans are willing to round up and fork over a few cents. A 2018 study found that the round-up approach is more successful than other, more traditional types of fundraising, even when customers are asked to donate about the same amount of money as they would give by rounding up their purchase total. At the same time, however, the uptick in gas stations, restaurants, and supermarkets asking you to round up your purchase for charity has started to frustrate some customers. These requests usually dont come with a whole lot of information about who is benefiting and how much of your donation will actually reach the charity, which makes many people hesitant to donate spontaneously. (Not to mention, there are concerns about whether donation round-ups are just a farce for businesses to get tax breaks.) Here is everything you need to know about these campaigns so you can make an informed decision the next time youre asked to round up for charity. Who gets the tax benefit? One of the biggest controversies surrounding round-up campaigns is who reaps the tax benefits: the customer who rounds up or the business running the fundraiser? There is a lot of misinformation swirling around out there on social media, but tax experts have set the record straight: The customer who donates the money gets the tax benefit.When you opt to round up your purchase and donate to charity, the business where you make the transaction is merely serving as a go-between. They pool their customers funds and then hand them off to the charity, Renu Zaretsky, a writer at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center, told the Associated Press. The business is just a holding agent and cannot report the donated funds as a charitable donation. Walmart launched a round-up campaign in 2022 that allows customers to pick a verified charity to donate to. Customer donations are sent directly to a third-party platform where nonprofits can track the campaign and receive their funds. Nonprofits such as Operation Homefront, which raises money to support military families, have raised millions through this campaign. Sometimes, Walmart even matches donations, meaning if a customer donates 20 cents, the store does too. (Now when stores match donations like this, they are the ones donating and receive a tax benefit.) The customer reaps all the tax benefits of the donation so long as you include it on your tax form, which most people dont. Read more about how to do that here.While stores cannot write off the donations they receive from customers who round up their purchases, there is another similar type of fundraiser out there that does allow businesses to gain a tax benefit. When businesses elect to donate a portion of their sales to a charity meaning the business is taking some of their regularly earned income and giving it to charity then they can write off that expense in their taxes. But this is not the same as a round-up campaign. Generally, for-profit companies are not legally required to disclose how much money they raise for charities during round-up campaigns or other fundraising efforts. Less than half of the states in the US have laws in place that address charitable promotions, and these laws vary drastically in terms of transparency, record-keeping, and advertising. Some states such as California, Massachusetts, and New York have more stringent laws. Short of legally binding requirements, many reputable companies still publish annual donation reports or corporate social responsibility reports that detail how much they may have raised and where that money has gone. But, again, the quality of these reports varies from company to company, as my colleague Sam Delgado has previously written.One of the biggest questions surrounding round-up campaigns and other charitable donations is how much of the donation actually goes to the cause versus administrative costs or overhead. Although there is no universal legal limit on how much of a round-up donation can go to cover fees, some states regulate this or require charities to disclose where exactly donations go. Charity watchdogs recommend that at least 65 percent to 70 percent of total funds raised go toward program expenses. (Most charities need to use some donations to cover bare minimum costs such as for staff, advertising, or office space.) Rather than worry about how Petco is interfacing with a local animal shelter, perhaps the better move is to get familiar with the charities you do believe in beforehand. Its hard to evaluate whether to give money when youre just trying to get home before your ice cream melts. Evaluating certain causes through donation reports or a charity watchdog such as CharityWatch or Charity Navigator ahead of time might spare you some distress. Here are Future Perfects recommended charities for climate, animals, and health.And yes, even a few cents can go a long way!This story was featured in the Explain It to Me newsletter. Sign up here. For more from Explain It to Me, check out the podcast.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

Cancelled Wonder Woman game was a showpiece epic says consultantAdam StarkeyPublished February 26, 2025 1:57pmUpdated February 26, 2025 1:57pm Theres no justice for Wonder Woman (Warner Bros. Games)Monoliths Wonder Woman game has been described as gorgeous and expansive, as the studios patented Nemesis system looks to be locked away for the next decade.Warner Bros. recently announced the shut down of three whole studios, in what was described by the company as a strategic change in direction.One of the affected developers was Monolith Productions, the team known for Middle-Earth: Shadow Of Mordor and its sequel Shadow Of War. The studio was working on a Wonder Woman game but that has been axed now as well, three years after it was announced.Following Wonder Womans cancellation, a consultant who worked on the game has posted on social media about the title, describing it as a showpiece epic.In a post on X, comic book writer Gail Simone, whose past work includes issues of Wonder Woman, said she served as a long term consultant on Monoliths game.The game was gorgeous and expansive, Simone wrote. It was beautiful to look at. I am not going to give details for a number of reasons, but every effort was made to make this not just a great game, but a great Wonder Woman game. A showpiece epic.And all of that was because of the team. Everyone who worked on it brought their A-game. Programmers, artists, designers, everyone. I dont know that I have ever worked with a team that cared more about making sure the end product was perfect.She added: It was a dream come true. Wonder Woman had a dream team and they put their all into it. They made sure it had Wonder Woman and DC lore on every aspect of the game. It was a thrill and honour to work with them.Simone concluded by saying everyone wanted to make the best game ever, further praising the amazing team who she hopes will continue to make brilliant games.While Wonder Woman was announced just over three years ago, no gameplay footage was ever released. When it was announced, it was described as a single-player open world action adventure game featuring an original story set in the DC universe, where players will become Diana Of Themyscira in the fight to unite her Amazon family and the humans from the modern world.The only confirmed gameplay feature was the Nemesis system from the studios Shadow Of Mordor games. Previous rumours described it as a cross between God Of War and Crackdown, while leaked concept art appeared to show a more high-tech character alongside Wonder Woman.According to reports, the first incarnation of Wonder Woman tried reimagining the Nemesis system where the DC superhero would befriend enemies. This idea, however, was apparently ditched in favour of a more traditional action adventure game, with the title undergoing a reboot early last year when it switched directors.The shut down of Monolith has wider ramifications for the Nemesis system, a mechanic whereby unique enemies could be generated with personalities and traits, with the capacity to remember your past actions. Warner Bros. filed a patent for the system in 2016 which was approved in 2021, preventing other developers from using it unless they buy a licence.More TrendingWith the shut down of Monolith and the cancellation of Wonder Woman, the Nemesis system is seemingly going to end up being mothballed for the foreseeable future. The patent has an expiration date of August 11, 2036, so if Warner Bros. keeps up the renewal fees to maintain the patent, the system will be locked behind the companys doors for at least the next 11 years.Its especially infuriating considering how vague the patent is, which protects the Nemesis characters, nemesis forts, social vendettas and followers in computer games. Other game developers can still use the system if they pay Warner Bros. a fee, or if they create a similar system with enough distinctive qualities to separate it, but its likely the possibility of being sued, or the high costs involved, will put many off the idea.As well as Monolith, Warner Bros. also shut down MultiVersus studio Player First Games and mobile developer Warner Bros. Games San Diego, as it moves to structure our development studios and investments around building the best games possible with our key franchises; namely Harry Potter, Mortal Kombat, Game Of Thrones, and DC Comics. Mortal Kombat is still a priority for Warner Bros (Warner Bros.)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

By Margherita Bassi Published February 26, 2025 | Comments (0) | Southeast Asians may have built advanced seafaring vessels tens of thousands of years before the Polynesians settled remote Pacific islands. Alfred Pawlik The ancestors of the Polynesians settled the remote islands of the Pacific between 1100 and 900 BCE, and have long been considered among the worlds earliest seafarers. However, new research suggests that people in Southeast Asia were mastering the deep seas tens of thousands of years earlier. Riczar Fuentes and Alfred Pawlik, researchers at Ateneo de Manila Universitys department of sociology and anthropology, suggest that prehistoric Southeast Asians built sophisticated boats to fish in and travel across deep ocean waters as far back as 40,000 years ago. Their work is detailed in a study published February 8 in the Journal of Archaeological Science. While the presence of fossils and artefacts provide ample evidence that early modern humans were able to cross the open sea, the very circumstances of why and how they moved into and across Island Southeast Asia (ISEA), and particularly the Wallacean region, remain to be addressed, Fuentes and Pawlik wrote in the study. The issue with studying prehistoric boating technology, however, is that they were most likely made of natural materials that disintegrate over time, leaving no direct archaeological evidence behind. Researchers, therefore, can only deduce their existence by analyzing indirect evidence such as tools and the processing of potential boat-building materials. As such, in this paper we explore the connection between traces of plant working and boatbuilding in coastal sites during the Pleistocene to infer how prehistoric people migrated to and through the region, Fuentes and Pawlik explained. This included studying stone tools as old as 40,000 years from archaeological sites throughout Southeast Asia on which they identified traces of plant processingspecifically the kind of processing necessary to extract fibers for ropes and nets.In other words, the kinds of materials you would need for some serious fishing and boat building. Additionally, sites in Mindoro and Timor-Leste revealed fishing tools including hooks, gorges, and net weights as well as fish remains belonging to tuna and shark: creatures that dwell in deep waters and couldnt have been caught from shore. [Prehistoric] migrationswere not undertaken by mere passive sea drifters on flimsy bamboo rafts but by highly skilled navigators equipped with the knowledge and technology to travel vast distances and to remote islands over deep waters. The remains of large predatory pelagic fish in these sites indicate the capacity for advanced seafaring and knowledge of the seasonality and migration routes of those fish species, the duo said. Furthermore, the identification of the fishing tools indicates the need for strong and well-crafted cordage for ropes and fishing lines to catch the marine fauna.This set of findings points to advanced maritime activities tens of thousands of years before the Polynesians arrived on the remote Easter Island. It also suggests that prehistoric migrations across ISEA were not undertaken by mere passive sea drifters on flimsy bamboo rafts but by highly skilled navigators equipped with the knowledge and technology to travel vast distances and to remote islands over deep waters, according to a statement by Ateneo de Manila University. Looking ahead, the researchers are teaming up with naval architects from the University of Cebu to try to reconstruct these vessels with the same materials available to Stone Age Southeast Asians. Its worth reemphasizing that the evidence Fuentes and Pawlik base their claims on is indirect and requires significant conjecture. Nevertheless, their work provides insight into the enduring mystery of how prehistoric peoples braved the deep seas to settle islands throughout Southeast Asia long before the most well-known examples.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Adam Kovac Published February 25, 2025 By Adam Kovac Published February 24, 2025 By Margherita Bassi Published February 20, 2025 By Margherita Bassi Published February 16, 2025 By Isaac Schultz Published February 6, 2025 By Margherita Bassi Published February 4, 2025

Its kind of shocking to think that this is a good time to start thinking about grad parties and other gatherings youll be considering when the weather warms up, but theyre only a couple of months away. Big parties require big sound, and last years most popular portable speaker the JBL PartyBox 310 is back to its holiday-low price of just $350 at Amazon right now.See at AmazonThis 33% off Amazon deal is the perfect opportunity to cross one big item off your to-do list for your 2025 party season. The JBL PartyBox 310 is an all-in-one entertainment machine, with 240 watts of high-quality JBL sound, a spectacular light show with pulsing and strobing colors that stay in beat w the music, and 18 hours of battery life to ensure that the tunes will last long after everyone else is ready to call it a night.Rock Out Rain or ShineUnlike a full DJ station or other bulky, hardwired music setup, a portable speaker can quickly be spirited indoors if rain shows up to ruin your party. But the JBL PartyBox 310 is built with IPX4 splashproof protection, so a little rain or overenthusiastic splashing during a pool party wont stop the music. But should you need to move the PartyBox 310, its easy to do thanks to the telescoping handle and built-in smooth-glide wheels. At just 38.4 pounds, anyone can roll the PartyBox 310 to any location in need of a great sound and light show.When youre hosting a bash with the JBL PartyBox 310, youre in full control of the music and the light show, but you can run things from anywhere with the JBL PartyBox app. Switch tracks, change the light effects, control the karaoke session, and more from your phone.More Than Just TunesThe JBL PartyBox 310 will stream music via True Wireless Stereo using a Bluetooth connection, and those tunes crank out of the PartyBox with 240 watts of JBL Pro Sound so everyone can hear it loud and clear. But the PartyBox 310 is also a karaoke machine, and you can put your own musical gifts to work with the dual mic and guitar inputs. Even if youre not exactly Taylor Swift, the PartyBox 310 has built-in vocal tuning so anyone who steps up to the mic will sound amazing. (Within reason, of course.)Theres no shame in your game if youre locking down the entertainment for your future parties months in advance, not while a do-it-all music and light-show marvel like the JBL PartyBox 310 is just $350, 33% down from its usual price. Grab the PartyBox 310 today and put the $170 in savings toward your food and beverage budget now that the music is all taken care of.See at Amazon

Zaha Hadid Architects Begins Construction of the Center of Mediterranean Culture in ItalySave this picture!Reggio Calabria / Zaha Hadid Architects. Image NightNurseZaha Hadid Architects have announced the breaking ground for the Centre of Mediterranean Culture in Reggio Calabria, Italy. The 24,000 square-meter structure houses diverse spaces, including a network of exhibition galleries, both permanent and temporary, capable of showcasing a wide range of displays. An integrated aquarium is a key feature, offering visitors a glimpse into the marine life of the Strait. The building also provides conference facilities, including a large auditorium suitable for performances, presentations, and industry events. Dedicated educational spaces are incorporated to support the region's schools, and visitor amenities include a bookshop and a restaurant and bar overlooking the port.Save this picture!The building's form responds to the local climate, with sheltered courtyards mitigating the strong Mediterranean sun and winds while offering views of the Strait of Messina and the city. The placement and orientation of these volumes are crucial for optimizing natural light and ventilation, reducing the building's reliance on artificial climate control systems. According to the architects, the overall form is a result of advanced computer modeling that accounts for the various constraints and opportunities. Similarly, the interior design reflects the Mediterranean's marine environment, employing color palettes and organic forms inspired by the region's ecosystem.Save this picture!Save this picture!The building's faade, primarily constructed from locally sourced, marine-grade anodized aluminum panels, plays a vital role in minimizing solar heat gain while also reflecting the characteristic Mediterranean light. Significant overhangs reduce direct sunlight from all directions, including reflections from the sea. In addition to the faade's design, the Centre incorporates several other sustainable strategies. These include hybrid ventilation systems that leverage natural airflow, rainwater harvesting for both irrigation and building needs, and a thoughtfully planned Mediterranean maquis landscape featuring sixty varieties of native plants adapted to the local climate, minimizing water consumption. Related Article Zaha Hadid Architects and Bureau Cube Partners Transform Historic Industrial Paper Mill into a Cultural Center in Belgrade, Serbia The Centre's location within the Reggium Waterfront redevelopment project represents a broader urban renewal initiative for Reggio Calabria. By revitalizing this section of the city's coastline and providing improved public access to the port, the building contributes to the revitalization by offering not only cultural venues but also serving as a civic gathering space. This creates community engagement and interaction opportunities. The project's funding, secured through Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the National Operational Programme for Metropolitan Cities (PON Metro), underlines the significance of the Centre as both a cultural landmark and an engine for urban regeneration.Save this picture!Save this picture!In other similar news, Zaha Hadid Architects has recently partnered with Bureau Cube to revitalize a historic paper mill in Belgrade, Serbia, into a vibrant cultural center. Simultaneously, they're designing a new Culture and Art Center in Shaoxing, China, contributing to a burgeoning cultural district. The internationally recognized office has also unveiled plans for the Forest Green Rovers' Eco Park Stadium in the UK, a pioneering all-timber football stadium.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Antonia Pieiro. "Zaha Hadid Architects Begins Construction of the Center of Mediterranean Culture in Italy" 26 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027357/zaha-hadid-architects-begins-construction-of-the-center-of-mediterranean-culture-in-italy&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

The Role of Urban Spaces in Shaping Movements: 7 Sites of Resistance and Protest Across the USASave this picture!Washington Square Park, New York, NY, 2024. Photo by Barrett Doherty, courtesy The Cultural Landscape FoundationProtests, civil disobedience, and dissent are not only a defining part of our shared history since the colonial era, they also continue to the present day on campuses, at political conventions, and elsewhere. In this context, some historic marches, sit-ins, and other actions are enshrined in our collective narrative, while others have faded from memory; however, the cultural landscapes that served as stages where these events occurred still exist. These places are the focus of Landslide 2024: Demonstration Grounds and a portal for re-engaging with the stories of little-known or even forgotten events that were pivotal in USA history. The thirteen different sites across the country, represented in the new report and digital exhibition from The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF), touch on events that shaped individuals and sparked movements.From the earliest settlements to contemporary metropolises, cities have always been shaped by the need for collective engagement. Human beings are, by nature, social creatures, and urbanization reflects this inherent trait by creating spaces that foster the shared development of culture, politics, and the economy. Collectivity, therefore, is crucial in giving strength to ideas and actions, transforming individual demands into collective movements. In this context, cities also serve as stages for demonstrations, where spaces like universities, markets, squares, and parks take on an aggregating power, inspiring social involvement and voicing the population's dissatisfaction. Remembering the places hosting these events is vital for amplifying those voices and preserving their historical significance. Through narratives, these cultural landscapes are recognized as living witnesses to history, inviting future generations to actively participate in the shaping of their own legacy.Save this picture! Protests and mass demonstrations of dissent are a necessary part of a healthy democracy. I can't wait to see what this generation comes up with. - Zeynep Tufekci, professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University, New York Times. Related Article Public Spaces: Places of Protest, Expression and Social Engagement Informed by the digital exhibition Landslide 2024: Demonstration Grounds, we highlight seven significant locations across the United States where protests have taken place, investigating their role in shaping urban spaces and preserving collective memory. These protests have addressed a range of issues, including civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, urban renewal, sovereignty, and self-determination. Held in cities like Boston, Atlanta, New York, and Philadelphia, these demonstrations showcase how collective action has empowered marginalized and underrepresented groups to make their voices heard and advocate for change.Protecting the Market and Community: Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA In 1964 a group of citizens met in Lowell's Caf in Pike Place Market; they eventually formed Friends of the Market, an advocacy group that not only succeeded in preventing the demolition of the market, which had been operating since 1907, but in creating what is now a culturally significant nine-acre historic district that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The group was led by architect Victor Steinbrueck, and their efforts, which began two years before the creation of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, would also attract the support of landscape architects Laurie Olin and Richard Haag. It was an early and powerful example of effective citizen-led advocacy that inspires, and a road map, for future advocates.Save this picture!Towards the Creation of an African American Beach: Biscayne Bay, Miami, FL Civil disobedience associated with the Civil Rights movement included "wade-ins" by African Americans at whites-only beaches. A 1945 "wade-in" led to the creation of an African American beach south of Miami. Another in 1959 brought about the desegregation of Miami's beaches. There are no interpretive markers at the sites of these two "wade-in" to tell visitors about their historic significance; by contrast, the African American beach created following the 1945 "wade-in" is well interpreted.Save this picture!Resisting Aggressive Urban Redevelopment: Tent City, Boston, MAThe three-acre site in Boston's South End was the center of a major four-day protest in April 1968 against the urban renewal plans of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, which had forcibly displaced residents and demolished 68 homes, a community center, and two parks in the area. Civil rights leader Melvin H. "Mel" King and other activists established a "tent city" that was briefly home to more than 400 protesters. Twenty years after the protest in 1988, an alliance of non-profit developers, the Tent City Corporation, opened the 269-unit mixed-income housing development called Tent City, named for the historic demonstration.Save this picture!Opposing the Transformation of Parklands into Expressways: Druid Hills, Atlanta, GA The last residential community designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., and the only subdivision in which all three Olmsteds were involved, Druid Hills' spinal column is the curvilinear Ponce de Leon Avenue and its necklace of six parks. In the 1980s the expansion of Ponce de Leon into an expressway and a connection to the proposed parkway for the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum would have significantly altered three of the linear parks and forever decimated the Picturesque character of the neighborhood. Residents protested and finally won a consent decree that preserved and protected the neighborhood in 1991.Save this picture!Annual Reminder Day for LGBTQ Rights: Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA Before the June 1969 Stonewall uprising for gay rights in New York City, and before annual pride marches in cities across the country, there was "Annual Reminder Day" in Philadelphia. On July 4th, 1965, the first of what was to become five annual demonstrations for gay and lesbian rights occurred in front of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were created. They were called "Annual Reminder Day" demonstrations, to "remind the American public that homosexuals did not enjoy many of the rights that were protected in the Constitution." The site was transferred to the National Park Service in 1974 and incorporated into Independence National Historical Park (INHP) in 1997. There is on-site interpretation, but the INHP website does not include mention of the Reminder Days link to their webpage about Philadelphia LGBTQ history, which does cover the topic.Save this picture!The Grassroots Movement that Ignited Heritage Preservation Efforts: Washington Square Park, New York, N.Y. This ten-acre public space located in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York City, has hosted numerous notable protests since it was designated a public park in 1827. Its first public use was as a military parade ground, and in 1911, a procession to commemorate the devastating Triangle Shirtwaist Fire (which had occurred just one block east of Washington Square Park) proceeded through the landscape, followed by a rally for better working conditions attended by 20,000 workers the following year. A proposed redesign of the park by Robert Moses in 1935 would have routed a major roadway through its center, forever altering the relationship between the public space and its value as a common green. Over 23 years, community members defeated every proposal Moses made in a grassroots movement that inspired historic preservation efforts throughout the city.Save this picture!Playgrounds, Not Parking Lots: West 67th Street Playgrounds, New York, N.Y. The 1956 Battle of Central Park pitted Park Commissioner Robert Moses against more than 50 mothers and their children on Manhattan's Upper West Side. At issue was a half-acre wooded site on the edge of Central Park, next to the West 67th Street Playground, which Moses wanted to redevelop to include an 80-car parking lot for the Tavern on the Green restaurant. Skirting sit-downs and other protests, Moses surreptitiously began having trees felled; the ensuing furor led to State Supreme Court Justice Samuel Hofstadter issuing a temporary injunction. Following further legal action, including two lawsuits, Moses abandoned the plan. Instead, the West 67th Street Playground designed by Richard Dattner became the first Adventure Playground in 1967 and was followed by the adjacent space, now called the Tarr-Coyne Tots Playground, built on the site of the 1956 protest, in 1968.Save this picture!Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCamilla GhisleniAuthorCite: Camilla Ghisleni. "The Role of Urban Spaces in Shaping Movements: 7 Sites of Resistance and Protest Across the USA" 26 Feb 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1027158/the-role-of-urban-spaces-in-shaping-movements-7-sites-of-resistance-and-protest-across-the-usa&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Exercise is one of the most important tools for staying healthy. It helps us to manage weight and improves cardiovascular and mental health. Exercise can also reduce our risk of certain diseases like diabetes and some cancers.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, which amounts to about 30 minutes five days per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly. This amounts to running or other vigorous forms of exercise twice per week in addition to at least two sessions of weight training.But is there a time of day when you get the most benefit from exercise? According to Cameron Mitchell, an associate professor in the School of Kinesiology at the University of British Columbia, the best time to exercise is when you have time. The majority of people dont get enough exercise, Mitchell says. Therefore, fitting it all in should be the first priority.Fitting In Your Exercise RoutineMitchell adds that the data doesnt show that exercising at any certain time is best for most of us. Its different for everyone, he says. A small study published in a September 2021 issue of Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport had a similar finding. In terms of barbell resistance performance, overall, people performed best when they exercised at their preferred time, whether morning or evening.Another study published in the May 2022 issue of Frontiers in Physiology compared women and men in morning and evening exercise. The findings showed that women who exercised in the morning reduced abdominal fat and blood pressure, while women who exercised in the evening saw better muscle performance while men who exercised at night enjoyed lower blood pressure, less fatigue, and burned more fat, says Milica McDowell, a former adjunct exercise science professor at Montana State University and an exercise physiologist at Gait Happens.Still, its difficult to glean from these results whether time really makes a difference. It might also be that it impacts other factors of life like sleep or replacing what you would be doing during that time if you werent exercising, like eating potato chips or lounging on the sofa.Does Exercising at Night Disrupt Sleep?Most experts contend that vigorous exercise right before bed disrupts sleep hygiene.A July 2023 study published in the journal Cureus found that intense exercise at night disrupted sleep quality. [E]ncouraging people to widen the time interval between exercise and bedtime could improve sleep quality, wrote the study authors.High-intensity exercise releases endorphins that can cause the brains of some people to be activated right before bed, which might make it harder to get to sleep. At the same time, exercise raises the bodys core temperature, which takes an hour or more to come back down to normal at night and can impact sleep.Outside light in the evening is also associated with obesity, chronic disease, and disrupted sleep. Light is detected in the retina and moves down the pathways of the brain to the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that impacts hormones, which hinders the release of melatonin, the sleep hormone.While the research may not highlight a particular part of the day in terms of performance, in terms of sleep, exercising in the morning or early afternoon may have the most positive impact on sleep, which can also have an impact on quality of life and diet.Still, the bottom line when it comes to exercise is that its important to get it in at whatever point in the day works best for you. Theres no consensus that morning or afternoon is best, just that exercising on the regular is a must.Read More: Is 30 Minutes of Exercise a Day Enough?Article Sources:Our writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:Johns Hopkins University. Exercising for Better SleepResearch Quarterly for Exercise and Sport. Effects of Time-of-Day Training Preference on Resistance-Exercise Performance Sara Novak is a science journalist based in South Carolina. In addition to writing for Discover, her work appears in Scientific American, Popular Science, New Scientist, Sierra Magazine, Astronomy Magazine, and many more. She graduated with a bachelors degree in Journalism from the Grady School of Journalism at the University of Georgia. She's also a candidate for a masters degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University (expected graduation in 2023).

ShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Brandt Ranj / Popular ScienceIf the shopping gods ever decide to compile a list of things you dont think you need but actually do, a laptop stand for your desk will probably nab a spot near the top of it. The benefits of them, though not necessarily endless, are indeed impressive. Most importantly, theyre ergonomicthese desk accessories bring laptop screens up to eye level, so you arent constantly bending your neck downward and hunching your shoulders forward while you type. A laptop stand can improve your posture while you work as it eases the strain on your neck and back.They also make it easier to use an external keyboard with a laptop. You can place it at desk level, and if you have a dual-rise laptop stand, you can pull it forward over the keyboard while bringing the laptop screen closer to you. On the non-ergonomic side, a laptop riser will help prevent your laptop from overheating by allowing the air around it to circulate more freely. This slows down the drain on your battery and helps keep your laptop working more efficiently.Finally, some stands can be used to make your work area similar to a standing desk, which is a great way to tackle two functions in one item. Just extend it up to a comfortable height so that you can get off your seat and stretch your torso while continuing to reap the posture and back benefits of the best laptop stand for desks.Best overall: Grovemade Wood Laptop RiserBest riser: Twelve South HiRiseBest vertical: Satechi Universal Vertical Aluminum Laptop StandBest portable: MOFT Invisible Slim Laptop StandBest budget: Amazon Basics Aluminum Portable Laptop StandHow we chose the best laptop standsAt their core, laptop stands are single-use tools that function nearly identically to one another, so our research and testing focused on finding the ideal choice for your particular preferences. If you prioritize ergonomics (by way of height adjustment), want to reduce your laptops footprint on your desk while its connected to an external display, or aim to spend the least amount of money possible without making serious compromises, we have you covered. Our recommendations all come from well-known companies with a solid reputation, which means you shouldnt ever have to upgrade your laptop stand unless your needs or preferences change. The best laptop stands: Reviews & RecommendationsWhen it comes to choosing the best laptop stand for desks, your options might not be quite as plentiful as they are when youre picking out a laptop to place on top of it, but that actually makes the task less daunting. Plus, youve got us to help! And by the way, for those who do their best work while sitting up in bed, dont worry. Weve got the perfect laptop stand for you, too.Best overall: Grovemade Wood Laptop RiserGrovemade Wood Laptop RiserProsBeautiful, luxe materialsHolds laptop at the perfect heightFeels totally solidConsExpensiveSpecsStyle: RiserSize: 10 x 9.7 x 8.6 inchesHeight adjustable: NoPrice: $180Youll find a lot to like with Grovemades Wood Laptop Riser. This stand is made up of two pieces: A combo of American black walnut and Eastern Hardrock maple plywood attached to a brushed aluminum frame. The laptop stand is guaranteed to improve the aesthetics of any desk without compromising ergonomics. This laptop stand doesnt support height adjustment, but it can raise your laptop to the perfect spot for use with an external display. If your computer monitor supports height adjustment, you can make your tweaks there. One of Grovemades clever design decisions was to include a pair of holes in the aluminum part of this frame, which allows you to thread your charging cable through it. This is a nice touch that can help clean desk clutter and give you easy cable management. Aluminum laptop stands can scratch the bottom of your computerGrovemade accounted for this and covered the top of this stand with soft felt. The company offers its stand in walnut or maple finishes, so select the one that best fits the color of your desk and other tech accessories. Weve had the opportunity to check out this laptop stand for ourselves, and the pictures dont do it justice. The solid feeling of the wood alone can justify its high price tag. During our time with this laptop stand, we never once wished it was height adjustable, which speaks to the time Grovemade spent to make sure it was as ergonomic as possible.Yes, this laptop stand is roughly three times more expensive than most of our other recommendations, but its also the best-looking and packs a lot of quality. If youre redoing your home office and dont want to make any compromises, Grovemades Wood Laptop Riser deserves a spot on your desk.Best riser: Twelve South HiRiseTwelve South HiRiseProsRelatively compactSturdy aluminum frameCutouts encourage constant airflowConsDesigned to work best with MacBooksSpecsStyle: RiserSize: 11.5 x 3.3 x 4.3 inchesHeight adjustable: YesPrice: $68Twelve Souths HiRise was designed to match the aesthetics of Apples laptops, and while itll look best with a Mac, itll work just as well with a PC. The all-aluminum laptop stand can be height adjusted between 3.7 and 5.6 inches, which doesnt seem like a lothowever, that makes a big difference when it comes to comfort. The top of this laptop stands V-shaped arms is covered with rubber, which will prevent the bottom of your laptop from getting scratched. This design has the added benefit of promoting constant airflow to keep your computer from overheating. Weve had the opportunity to try many of Twelve Souths accessories and always found them to be constructed very wellthe company also says theyre designed to last a lifetime. If you need a height-adjustable laptop riser, this is the one we recommend regardless of the computer you use. If you happen to have a MacBook, even better. Best vertical: Satechi Universal Vertical Aluminum Laptop StandSatechi Universal Vertical Aluminum Laptop StandProsTakes up very little desk spaceAdjustable clamp guarantees a snug fitDoesnt block any fansConsYou cant use your laptops built-in screen with this standSpecsStyle: Vertical holderSize: 7.09 x 3.94 x 2.76 inchesHeight adjustable: NoPrice: $44.99There are many vertical laptop stands available, but this one from Satechi has a unique design that helps it stand out. The stands grips can be widened or tightened by twisting a knob on its right side. This allows the stand to grab your laptop snugly to prevent it from tipping over while in use. Satechi says its laptop stand is compatible with laptops between half an inch and one and a half inches, which basically covers about every laptop on the market. This laptop stand is made entirely from aluminum, except for the inside of its grips, which are lined with rubber to prevent it from scratching the lip of your computer. Your laptop will take up way less of your desktops real estate with the help of this vertical laptop stand. That space can be used for other peripherals like a 4K monitor or wireless mechanical keyboard. This laptop stand also helps keep your work area clean, as you can route cables to the underside of your desk, or let them hang off the back. Weve tested this laptop stand for ourselves and found it works very well. It securely gripped our 13-inch MacBook Prothe computer didnt leave the stand when we performed a lift test. You cant use your computers screen while its inside the vertical laptop stand. If you have a big external display, this wont be an issue, but beware if youve gotten accustomed to a two-screen work setup. If this isnt an issue, you can pick up this laptop stand with complete confidence.Best portable: MOFT Invisible Slim Laptop StandProsFoldable designUltra slimVery lightConsStand is designed to be attached to your laptopSpecsStyle: AngledSize: 8.83 x 6.69 x .12 inchesHeight adjustable: NoPrice: $24.99If you like the idea of having a laptop stand everywhere you go, MOFTs invisible option is right for you. The ultra-slim laptop stand attaches to the underside of your computer using an adhesive. Its thin and light enough that youll still be able to fit it in the laptop pocket of a backpack, and wont notice it while youre walking around.When you need the laptop stand, you can flip it out and set your computer at a 15- or 25-degree angle. It cant be height adjusted, but were glad this laptop stand has that ergonomic feature. If youre worried about MOFTs laptop stand being a permanent addition to your computer, dont be. You can peel this stand off of your computer at any time, though its adhesive will become less sticky over time. Ideally, youd keep this laptop stand installed indefinitely, but that may not always be possible.If youre fine with the idea of adding a smidgen of weight and bulk to your portable computer in exchange for never leaving your laptop stand at home again, this model from MOFT is the right choice.Best budget: Amazon Basics Aluminum Portable Laptop StandAmazon Basics Aluminum Portable Laptop StandProsRubber plates prevent your computer from slippingOpen-back designPriceConsLess ergonomic than many of our other recommendationsSpecsStyle: AngledSize: 9.56 x 7.91 x 0.16 inchesHeight adjustable: NoPrice: $19.15Amazon Basics Aluminum Portable Laptop Stand lives up to its name, but in this case, basic doesnt mean bad. Its kickstand flips out from the bottom to position your laptop at an 18-degree angle while lifting it by roughly three inches. When youre not using it, the kickstand can be retracted to save space. Layers of rubber on the front and back of this stand will prevent it from shifting around on your desk while youre using it. This is especially important with an angled stand since youll likely be using your laptops keyboard with it. Amazon designed its laptop stand with cutouts that both reduce its weight and leave wide open spaces for air to flow in and out continuously. This is a design feature that we wouldnt expect from a laptop stand that costs far less than $20. It doesnt have any bells and whistles, but Amazon Basics Aluminum Portable Laptop Stand can improve the ergonomics of your home office at an extremely reasonable price. If height adjustability isnt a must-have feature for you, this laptop stand should suit your needs just fine.What to consider when shopping for the best laptop standsDespite having the same functionhoisting your laptop to a more comfortable levelno two laptop stands are made alike. Heres what to look for when shopping for a new laptop stand:StyleLaptop stands can be categorized into three distinct types: risers, vertical holders, and angled. Dont worry, despite their differences, theres no wrong choice here. A riser will elevate your laptop to the height of an external display, so its the best choice if youve got a dual-screen work setup.Vertical holders will hold your laptop upright while its closed, which will optimize your desk space but requires you to hook your computer up to an external display.Angled laptop stands will prop your notebook computer slightly upward, so you can continue to use its built-in keyboard in a more comfortable way.ErgonomicsPart of a laptop stands appeal is improving the overall comfort of working at a desk all day. Some stands are completely static, which means you cant adjust the height or angle of your notebook computer, while others give you the flexibility to change both. In our experience, laptop stands that dont support height or angle adjustments were designed to provide comfort in almost every scenariokeeping your laptop level with most peoples eye lines while sitting down. Still, if youre particular about the positioning of your laptop screen, this is something to keep in mind.SizeMany of us consider a laptop stand computer accessory, and while thats true its also a mini piece of furniture on your desk. This means youll need to be mindful of how much space it takes up. If you have a large computer or standing desk, this wont be an issue, but itll make a huge difference if youre working on a smaller space. Youll need to consider both the width of the stands base, and whether youll have enough vertical space for your laptop if youre using an external display.FAQsQ: How much should a laptop stand cost? Value is always an important consideration when choosing a piece of gear, and laptop stands are no different. A majority of our laptop stand recommendations cost less than $50, with some options falling under $20. However, they can cost upwards of $200 if its made of fancier materials, like wood. Q: Is a laptop stand worth it? Although you can get years of use out of a laptop thats placed directly on top of a desk, a laptop stand is worth it because it boosts both your laptop and the way it functions while extending its lifespan. Theyre ergonomic, so your back and neck will reap benefits, too. Q: What makes a good laptop stand? The main qualities of a good laptop stand are portability, adjustability, and flexibility. You should be able to at least transport it around the house with relative ease and maneuver it to suit different workspaces and multiple users. Q: How high should a laptop stand be? A laptop stand should be high enough so that your eye level is one or two inches below the top of the screen when youre sitting up straight. The key is that you shouldnt have to hunch over and tilt your neck downward while looking at the screen. Q: Are vertical stands good for laptops? Yes. A vertical stand is a solid choice if youre low on desk space and dont need to use your laptops built-in screen while you work. Q: Do laptop stands improve airflow? Yes. A laptop stand will lift your computer off a desk, where airflow is severely restricted, into the air, where the fans can continually cool down your machine more easily. Final thoughts on the best laptop stand for desksBest overall: Grovemade Wood Laptop RiserBest riser: Monoprice Universal Laptop RiserBest vertical: Satechi Universal Vertical Aluminum Laptop StandBest portable: MOFT Invisible Slim Laptop StandBest budget: Amazon Basics Aluminum Portable Laptop StandThe best laptop stands for desks can work ergonomic wonders for your neck and back while keeping your device safe from overheating. Spend a little bit more money for an adjustable model that the whole family can enjoy and a laptop stand that you can use when youre away from the desk, whether its on the couch, at the dining room table, or in bed. You wont know how you got by for so long without one.

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Sugar is a siren song to many people. But some friendly gut bacteria might help you resist its lure. At least thats what ads for some probiotics claim.For years consumers have been bombarded with supposed health benefits of taking probiotics: improve gut health, get more energy and feel lighter. Some also claim to reduce sugar cravings.But can a daily dose of bacteria really calm cravings for candy and cookies?The idea is not totally out there. Studies with mice have found that missing some bacteria, Lactobacillus salivarius, L. gasseri, L. johnsonii and Muribaculaceae, can send the animals on sugar benders. And its not just sweets; mice missing L. johnsonii and Muribaculaceae will also gorge on high-fat foods. Anything thats pleasurable, the mice will eat more if theyre missing these organisms, says microbiologist Sarkis Mazmanian of Caltech. Returning the microbes to mice reduces bingeing.In a recent study in Nature Microbiology, researchers in China discovered how the gut bacterium Bacteroides vulgatus and a molecule it produces pantothenate, aka vitamin B5 can reduce rodents preference for sugar.The researchers studied mice genetically engineered to lack FFAR4, a sensor for some fatty acids, in their guts. For unknown reasons, lacking this sensor causes levels of B. vulgatus and pantothenate to go down, and these mice gorge on sugar. Giving the bacteria and vitamin to these mice lowered sugar consumption all thanks to a chain reaction involving GLP-1, a protein that has become famous because semaglutide drugs such as Ozempic mimic its action in controlling blood sugar and weight.Pantothenate stimulates GLP-1 production. In turn, GLP-1 spurs production of a protein called FGF21. That protein does something scientists arent yet sure what in the hypothalamus, an appetite-control center in the brain, to reduce the desire for sugar.B. vulgatus reduced sugar cravings only in mice lacking FFAR4. That suggests the bacterium or vitamin B5 may do nothing to stop sugar cravings in most people because they have intact FFAR4, Mazmanian says.And in some cases, it may even be harmful. Theres some evidence that B. vulgatus has a dark side, he says. The organism can cause intestinal inflammation in rats with certain genetic alterations. While most people dont share the rats mutations, an excess of B. vulgatus could cause tummy troubles for some.Even if the animal data are suggestive, the reality is, no one knows whether any bacteria that reduce sugar cravings in mice will do the same for people. It just hasnt been tested yet in people, and what works in lab mice sometimes fails to hold up in human studies.Companies arent even required to test probiotics in people or prove that they work, says Pieter Cohen, an internal medicine doctor at Harvard Medical School who studies supplement safety. Because probiotics are sold as dietary supplements, they arent subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.As long as they dont claim to treat diseases, Cohen says, companies can market their products as they choose, though they do need some evidence to back up their claims. That evidence? Mostly animal data.It is disconnected from any actual evidence in humans that they work, Cohen says.Even Mazmanian, who studies beneficial bacteria, has reservations about commercial probiotics. In 2025, Im still skeptical of these claims, he says. Products that claim to reduce sugar cravings dont even contain the organisms that seem to satisfy mices sweet tooth. Sponsor MessageEven if a benefit were found in humans, each persons unique biology, genetics and microbiomes could cause individual results to vary widely, he says. Any biology that we discover is not going to apply to everybody.