When discussing how rich people must pay more taxes, someone often notes that despite their higher progressive tax rates, rich people often pay very little in taxes, because they have very smart and wily attorneys and accountants who find ways to make their clients appear not rich. This is, for instance, the basis for AIG’s taxpayer-funded lawsuit against the IRS, claiming that it shouldn’t owe as much in taxes because much of the money being taxed was supposed to be in offshore tax havens.Well, the government is currently cracking down on things like offshore tax havens, in an attempt to get more money. A large part of this is a settlement with the Swiss bank UBS. Swiss bank accounts, as you may know, are a favorite place to hide money, because the Swiss are famously very discreet about who has money in their accounts (much to the joy of former Nazis everywhere). Sadly for them, UBS was recently accused of aiding and abetting in millions of dollars worth of tax evasion-and not just because people were using their accounts, their representatives were actively touting tax evasion as a benefit and helping their clients launder money (like, say, by hiding diamonds in toothpaste tubes). As part of the settlement in that case, UBS is being forced to divulge the names of its U.S. account holders. The IRS is gleefully waiting, but has proposed a sort of amnesty: Come in now, pay your taxes that you should have been paying on your money, plus interest, and we won’t send you to jail. Idle threats, maybe, but one man has already been arrested, and the IRS promises more are on the way.It’s nice to hear that everyone is getting a fair shake. And our government has recently taken on some unforeseen expenses. They could probably use a few extra bucks that we have tucked away in Geneva.
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She called it a green flag when her date cooked a healthy meal for her. But then he explained which organ he was protecting.
“I am dating a dummy. But he is my little dummy, and no one can take that away from me ever.”
Alexandra Sedlak had been seeing a man for over a month and things were going well. He was thoughtful, attentive, and one day invited her over for a homemade dinner. She immediately catalogued this as a green flag.
She was right to be touched. He had actually thought about what she would like. She’s health-conscious, so he tailored the meal to her preferences. As they sat down he proudly explained what he’d made and why.
It was designed, he told her, for her prostate health.
A visibly confused woman tries to think. Photo credit: Canva Sedlak asked him if he meant his prostate health.
He confidently said no. He meant hers.
Sedlak, an actress and filmmaker with 145K Instagram followers, shared the moment in a video posted on November 22, 2025 under her handle @alexandrasedlak. She described the progression from delight to confusion with great precision. “I am dating a dummy,” she concluded in the video. “But he is my little dummy, and no one can take that away from me ever.”
For reference: the prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder. Women do not have one. A study published in PMC found that men’s knowledge of gynecologic anatomy tends to be significantly lower than women’s, which at least provides some scientific context for this particular gap running in the other direction.
The comments were predictably delighted. One person suggested she invite him over and cook a meal focused on his ovulation health, then casually ask what part of his cycle he’s in. Another compared him to a golden retriever who should be given head scratches and told he’s a good boy.
He is very caring. He cooked her a whole meal. The organ was wrong but the intention was right.
For more relationship-based content, follow @alexandrasedlak on Instagram.
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Plastic pollution in drinking water could be solved by a simple seed from a ‘Miracle Tree’
It removes over 98% of microplastics.
Plastic pollution has been a serious problem since the rise of fossil fuel-based manufacturing. As tiny plastic particles find their way into something as essential as drinking water, the world needs a solution quickly.
The answer may be simpler than we expect. Researchers testing a salt-based extract from Moringa oliefera seeds were able to remove over 98% of microplastics from drinking water. The study published in ACS Omega showed that the simple filtration system could be adapted for water treatment facilities at a lower cost and requires less energy.
A father shares drinking water with his son.
Photo credit Canva‘Miracle Tree’ produces miracle seeds
The Moringa oleifera is a tropical tree native to parts of South Asia. Today, it’s cultivated on a global scale. Thriving in harsh, drought-prone regions, this “miracle tree” has been used to treat hundreds of conditions. Healthline reported that it contains 90+ bioactive compounds that help combat everything from inflammation to stress. A 2023 study in MDPI showed medicinal properties could be utilized in nearly every part of the tree, from its leaves to its roots.
However, the solution to the plastic problem comes from its seeds. Researchers ground and mixed the seeds with a salt solution to pull out positively charged proteins. This mix attracts impurities, including microplastics, like a natural magnet. Clumping and binding with the impurities in a process called “coagulation,” they then sink to the bottom.
Microplastics on top of a father’s and a daughter’s fingers.
Photo credit CanvaMicroplastics removed from drinking water
Researchers tested this plant-based method against the industry-standard chemical alum: aluminium sulfate. The moringa extract worked across a wider range of conditions than alum, demonstrating reliability in real-world applications. As concerns grow over the long-term impact of chemicals used in water treatment, there is a clear need to shift toward safer alternatives.
Simplifying the filtration process can significantly reduce both costs and energy demands typically required on an industrial level. This approach enables communities lacking resources to have an effective solution for plastic pollution.
An industrial water treatment plant.
Photo credit CanvaTreating plastic pollution is a global problem
Developing countries face major environmental and health threats from plastic pollution. A 2024 study in Science Direct showed 60% of global plastic consumption and production comes from countries lacking proper quality control. A 2023 study in MDPI revealed that even where infrastructure exists, it’s limited and overwhelmed. Facing 120 million tons of waste annually, the situation suggests pollution is widespread and underreported.
Offering a cheap and efficient option, Moringa oliefera seeds could be an invaluable solution. But it’s still not a perfect system. The seed extract is an organic material. That means proteins and fats can remain in the water after filtration.
A 2025 study in Scientific Reports found organic matter reacting with disinfectants like chlorine is linked to health risks, including cancer. Also, stored water would be susceptible to bacterial regrowth and become contaminated over time. Researchers on the study believe this is an area of ongoing work that requires more research.
Microplastics are everywhere. With inconsistent water treatment, less monitoring, and weaker waste systems, exposure is high and poorly controlled. Moringa oleifera isn’t a flawless fix, but it’s a promising study. The seeds could eventually work alongside modern systems, bringing us closer to tackling the complex problem of plastic pollution in our water.
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Illustrator says the best way to stay motivated when learning a new hobby is to spend money
Investing in hobbies invests in yourself.
Starting a hobby and keeping at it can be difficult. A person might feel discouraged because they aren’t good at it from the get-go. Another person might enjoy it fully but think their time and/or money could be put to better use. Embroidery illustrator and author Sara Barnes offers a tip that can help people stay motivated in their pastime: investing in professional resources and equipment.
Barnes argues that, while experimenting with a new hobby on your own can be fulfilling, putting money towards classes taught by professionals can help a hobbyist stay motivated to grow and further enjoy it. Depending on your hobby, purchasing professional-grade equipment can keep you interested and invested. The thought process behind it is that, if a person spends money on a hobby, they’re more likely to stick with it to justify the cost.
Spending money literally makes you more invested
A painting class taught by a pro means person-to-person input and lessons. These advantages expand your knowledge and skill, encouraging you to play around with more techniques as you learn and grow. After all, it’s hard to keep a hobby without a sense of growth or accomplishment attached to it.
Signing up for professional boxing training forces you to get off the couch and grab your gloves. In return, you’ll learn more about boxing, get quality exercise, and have fun incorporated into your schedule. Also, investing in quality gloves will similarly motivate you to be intentional about your training.
Purchasing expensive gear and supplies for a simple hobby you might not maintain may sound risky or foolish, especially given the current state of the US economy. On the contrary, it can be a quality investment of both money and time. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic uncertainty, hobbies were necessary investments to promote good physical, mental, and social health.
Pricier classes and equipment might actually save money on hobbies
Even financial experts recommend investing in your hobbies as long as you’re not taking on debt to pursue them. They say it might even improve your budget.
After all, budgeting for an expensive pair of high-quality running shoes only once will end up being less expensive than paying for monthly streaming services you barely watch. Getting a pricier but sturdier table saw for woodworking will save money compared to frequently buying replacement parts when cheaper models break. Taking a cooking class can encourage you to cook more at home and eat out less in the long term.
On the surface, it may look silly to spend money on a weird color of paint, professional-grade ice skates, or a Thai recipe cooking class, but what you’re really spending money on is your well-being. Hobbies not only provide mental breaks from the stress in life, they offer opportunities to socialize with and befriend others who share your interests.
With time and experience, the initial investment in your hobby will become cheaper. You’ll either already own the equipment needed to do the hobby, have enough expertise to pursue it without attending a class, or both. It depends on what hobbies you pursue and enjoy, but this philosophy can apply to almost anything.
So, while figuring out where to invest your money, consider making your hobby a priority. It not only keeps you motivated, but can provide a positive impact on your body, mind, and long-term finances, too.
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She called it a green flag when her date cooked a healthy meal for her. But then he explained which organ he was protecting.
Plastic pollution in drinking water could be solved by a simple seed from a ‘Miracle Tree’
Illustrator says the best way to stay motivated when learning a new hobby is to spend money
Ancient teeth reveal clues to the environment humans’ early ancestors evolved in millions of years ago
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