Save the River begins battery recycling pilot program
As part of upcoming National Battery Day, Save The River on Tuesday launched a battery collection pilot program. The nonprofit river advocacy group is accepting single-use alkaline and lithium (AA, AAA, C, D, 9-Volt) batteries; rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries along with lithium ion and nickel metal hydride batteries.
Old batteries can be dropped off at Save The River's office at 409 Riverside Drive, Clayton. They should be placed in the bucket outside the side door for 24/7 drop off. Save the River is partnering with Call2Recycle, the country's largest battery recycling program.
Battery Council International designated Feb. 18 as National Battery Day to celebrate the importance of batteries as a key component in the global economy and the role BCI's members play in supporting critical applications ranging from cars and trucks to data center backups to forklifts to grid-scale energy storage. Feb. 18 is the anniversary of Alessandro Volta's birth in 1745. The Italian physicist and chemist invented the electric battery.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, it's illegal to throw used rechargeable batteries into the trash. However, any retailer that sells covered rechargeable batteries or rechargeable battery containing products must accept used rechargeable batteries from consumers for recycling.
The DEC says that alkaline batteries can be disposed of in household trash since they no longer contain mercury or other harmful heavy metals and are not considered hazardous. Call2Recycle's website says, "Depending upon your location, select drop-off sites do accept single-use batteries. Unlike the rechargeable battery program, which is funded by battery and battery-powered product manufacturers, there is currently no national stewardship solution to allow for free recycling of single-use batteries, except in Vermont and The District of Columbia."
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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Prehistoric ‘scalopini' mole fossil uncovered in an ancient Spanish volcano crater
Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of prehistoric mole in Spain. Vulcanoscaptor ninoti lived during the Pliocene Epoch, from 5.3 to 2.6 million years ago and belonged to the Scalopini, a tribe of moles that currently exists in North America and Asia. Before we dive into the details of a discovery, there is one matter we should immediately set straight. If 'Scalopini' sounds familiar, you're probably thinking of scallopine, or scallopini—a delicious Italian dish consisting of thin sautéed slices of meat served in a variety of sauces. Needless to say that the food scallopine will (unfortunately) not be playing a large part in this story. Researchers found V. ninoti in an excellent state of preservation, recovering its mandible with a complete set of teeth, sections of the torso, and a number of leg bones in their correct anatomical connection. The specimen represents one of the oldest and most complete small mammal fossils in Europe, as they explain in a study recently published in the journal Scientific Reports. The team examined the delicate remains via high-resolution micro-computed tomography (microCT) scanning, which generated a 3D reconstruction of the skeleton. 'With the microCT, we were able to analyze extremely small and delicate structures—such as phalanges and teeth—that would have been nearly impossible to study otherwise,' Adriana Linares, lead author of the study and a predoctoral researcher at the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, explained in a statement. While the anatomy of the fossil indicates that the animal was a strong digger and highly adapted to an underground lifestyle, 'the fact that this individual was preserved in lacustrine [lake] sediments and in a lateral position raises the possibility that it may also have had some aquatic locomotion abilities,' Linares added. 'We can't confirm this with certainty yet, but there are modern moles that are powerful diggers and also excellent swimmers.' The name Vulcanoscaptor ninoti means 'the Camp dels Ninots volcano digger' in reference to where it was discovered. Camp dels Ninots is an important paleontological site in the crater of an ancient volcano near Girona in northeastern Spain. An eruption about 3.1 million years ago created ideal conditions for the preservation of fossils. In fact, the researchers claim that V. ninoti is also the most complete known Pliocene mole fossil from Europe, presenting an excellent opportunity to investigate the evolutionary history of the small mammals. [ Related: These moles may have been hiding for 3 million years. ] 'Despite its clearly fossorial morphology, this mole is closely related to extant North American species of the genera Scapanus and Scalopus, which points to a far more intricate evolutionary history for these animals than we had imagined,' said Marc Furió, co-lead of the study and a geologist at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. 'Its presence in Europe suggests past transcontinental migrations of moles, challenging the assumption that they are mammals with low dispersal capacity.' It seems like both prehistoric and modern mole species still have a lot of surprises in store for paleontologists. Solve the daily Crossword
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business Insider
The 7 best briefcases for men with style, tested and reviewed
Best overall: Stuart & Lau Cary Briefcase Combining modern functionality with professional aesthetics, the Stuart & Lau is a great example of contemporary briefcase design. Throughout my testing process, this model was an absolute joy to use, with a flexible construction that still provides enough stability to stand upright on its own, an extremely smooth metal zipper, and rounded leather handles that stand straight up for easy grabbing (unlike other options I tested that flopped over). Its large interior provides a ton of storage options, accommodating laptop models up to 16 inches — larger than most competitors — a full-length pocket with magnetic closure, six open pockets, and two dedicated pen holders. You're also getting way more exterior storage compared to other options, with one side offering a full-length sleeve with magnetic closure for easy access, while the other is segmented into three smaller pockets if you want a little more organizational versatility. This exterior storage also blends in really well with the rest of the briefcase, a design feature I really appreciated. I loved the convenience of the removable laptop sleeve, which utilizes a pair of magnetic latches for quick removal/re-attachment. An integrated umbrella slot (with matching umbrella available for $95), magnetic key ring, luggage sleeve, concealed AirTag pocket, and a cleverly designed semi-hidden "stow pocket" near the handle add even more functionality. The Duralight fabric construction proved not only attractive but extremely durable as well, featuring waterproof backing to prevent rain or liquid spill damage. Despite not being made of leather, the Stuart & Lau looks just as refined as higher-end options. The sophisticated dark blue color, complemented by full-grain Italian leather handles and trim, as well as robust metal zippers and clasps, creates a stylish and professional aesthetic that could work well in a variety of business environments. When it comes to portability, the Stuart & Lau outperformed every other model in my testing pool. Its rounded leather handles were the most comfortable I used, and combined with the overall 2.75-pound weight and upright design, make this bag extremely convenient to transport and travel with. While its slim leather shoulder strap is stylish and comfortable, I did find it a tad slippery, and other briefcases with more textured straps did a better job of staying on my shoulder without slipping off. If you're looking for a briefcase that delivers a ton of functionality without compromising on style or portability (and you're not dead-set on a leather case), the Stuart & Lau Cary Briefcase is a fantastic option. Best for maximum storage: The Samsonite Classic Leather Toploader If you're a professional who needs to keep a decent amount of briefs, paperwork and documents organized and within easy reach, but still wants to maintain a relatively stylish appearance, I recommend the Samsonite Classic Leather Toploader. Despite its utilitarian design (packed with a seemingly never-ending supply of compartments, sleeves, pockets, both inside and out) this case still maintains a sleek, professional look. This bag's impressive three-compartment design features a main section with a laptop sleeve, plus two expandable zippered sections on either side — one for larger items and another packed with multiple sleeves, pockets, and pen holders. Its buttery-smooth zippers and deep opening allow the expandable sections to open wide for easy access, while the durable leather construction and strong metal components stood up well to my stress tests, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability. The bag's ability to stand upright adds practical usability as well, and features like the exterior zippered sleeves and a luggage handle strap enhance its functionality. However, while offering abundant storage, the Toploader's organization skews toward larger compartments rather than dedicated spaces for smaller items, and some interior pockets use thinner materials that may be less durable over time. At 3.1 pounds and slightly bulkier dimensions, it trades some portability for its superior storage capacity. If you prefer the professional look of this bag, but don't need its storage space, the "slim" version could be a perfect match. Best compact: The Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Brief Alex Rennie/Business Insider Thanks to its streamlined yet functional design, the Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Brief is well-suited to those who prefer a more compact briefcase, while still providing a useful amount of storage options. Essentially a slimmed-down version of its beefier sibling (the Samsonite Classic Leather Toploader), this bag features the same professional look, soft leather construction, and buttery-smooth zipper, but weighs just 2.4 pounds and measures 16 x 12 x 2.3 inches, making it significantly more portable than bulkier alternatives. Despite the smaller size, I was surprised to discover that this bag was still able to accommodate laptops up to 15.6 inches. While the interior only features a general storage space and laptop sleeve, the zippered exterior pocket provides much more functionality, with phone sleeves and pencil holders for convenient accessibility. So, even though you're getting fewer storage options than maximum-capacity models, this bag is still perfectly sufficient for professionals who prefer to travel light. The slim profile does sacrifice some stability compared to thicker briefcases (it won't stand upright if that's what you want), but for users prioritizing portability and professional aesthetics over extensive storage, this compact option strikes an ideal balance. Best high-end: Carl Friedrik Palissy If practical, utilitarian briefcases lack the high-end, luxurious aesthetics you're looking for, consider the Carl Friedrik Palissy briefcase ($795). This bag is, in a word, gorgeous. Made with full-grain Italian leather, featuring a rich cognac color and premium metal clasps, everything about this bag clearly indicates high-end craftsmanship. Its rigid construction also gives it that classic attache-case stability (it easily stands upright when placed on the ground or desktop while avoiding an outdated look). The Palissy was also one of the most portable options I tested, featuring thoughtfully positioned shoulder strap connections (each end attaches to the sides of the bag instead of the ends) that allow it to hang snugly at your side without banging around too much as you walk. The rounded leather handles (as opposed to thin straps of models like the are also extremely comfortable to grip and hold while carrying around. The smooth, high-quality zipper extends down the sides, providing a wide opening when you need to access the interior. However, despite its stunning aesthetics, the Palissy ranked relatively low when it comes to overall functionality, at least compared to the other models I tested. It lacks the snug, dedicated laptop compartment, opting instead for a loose sleeve, and a single zippered pocket and two pen slots round out the organizational options. While the durable leather resists scratches admirably, the limited organizational features make it hard to justify over more practical options like the Stuart & Lau Cary, which offer superior functionality alongside attractive design. What else we tested Stonington Daily Carry Work Bag Stonington Daily Carry Work Bag Check price at Even though this bag is a little more tote-y than briefcase-y, I think it could be a great fit for a user more concerned with carrying capacity than traditional briefcase aesthetics. You're getting a nice roomy main compartment with multiple sections, including a fleece-lined padded sleeve that can fit laptops up to 15 inches, and four additional pockets (one large zippered option and three smaller ones). The exterior features two side pockets for water bottle or umbrella storage, and another pair of open sleeves for quick access. This storage-friendly design does result in a fairly bulky bag, though, and while the heavy-duty canvas material provides durability, its floppy construction has a hard time standing upright. The canvas shoulder strap was comfortable enough, but the flat leather carrying handles were noticeably less comfortable than the other models I tested, lacking the rounded shape that made them so enjoyable to use. Saddleback Leather Fourteener Thin Leather Briefcase This leather briefcase has a compact, lightweight design with comfortable handles and a distinctive Indiana Jones-style aesthetic. I really appreciated its rigid construction, allowing it to stand upright and not immediately flop over when placed on the ground, as well as the thick, heavy-duty feel (and smell!) of the leather. However, it fell short in a few areas, namely the limited storage options compared to other cases, and a relatively small 14-inch laptop sleeve (the majority of my testing pool accommodates 15- to 16-inch versions), although I was technically able to squeeze my 15-inch MacBook Pro into the main compartment. The full-grain leather also picks up scratches and marks easily, but if you're interested in an authentic, unpretentious look, that could be just the aesthetic you're after. Saddleback bags also come with a hard-to-beat 100-year warranty, and considering the quality craftsmanship — seriously, this thing is tough — the Fourteener could be worth the investment for anyone looking for a compact, low-profile bag. I love the attache-style design of this briefcase, which provides enough stability for it to stand on its own easily at all times (even when rooting around inside). The smooth and shiny leather exterior and traditional flap closure give it a classic, vintage look without feeling outdated, and as long as your personal style and workplace match the aesthetic, it could be a real showstopper. The comfortable leather handles and curved shoulder strap design provide excellent ergonomics, and the front clasp lock makes it the only genuine security feature in my testing pool. However, this traditional briefcase comes with notable trade-offs: at 5 pounds, it's the heaviest option tested, and after weeks of testing, the somewhat stiff clasp lock mechanism took some time to loosen up and finally work smoothly and without occasionally sticking in place. That being said, I really appreciated the variety of storage elements inside, with multiple full-length compartments, zippered pockets, and three elastic pen holders. While undeniably handsome and built to last, its weight and slower accessibility make it better suited for users who prioritize classic style and security over quick, lightweight functionality. How we tested each briefcase To identify the best briefcases for different professional needs, budgets, and lifestyles, I conducted extensive hands-on testing of 7 models across various price points and design types. Using the following criteria, my comprehensive evaluation included both objective measurements and subjective assessments of real-world performance. Here's how I put my testing pool through its paces. Daily Use Simulation I began my testing with real-world usage scenarios, using each briefcase to transport my laptop and work materials during daily commutes to and from my home. For consistency, I loaded each case with identical items: a 13.3-inch laptop, documents, notebooks, pens, charging cables, and other typical work essentials. Each briefcase was carried for at least 30 minutes of walking per day over multiple testing sessions, with each case opened and closed a minimum of 15 times throughout each testing day. During this process, I evaluated ease of access to contents, comfort during extended carrying periods, stability when placed on various surfaces, and monitored for any signs of early wear or structural issues. Usability and Access Regardless of use case or setting, the convenience of operation is important for any briefcase. I tested each model's opening and closing mechanisms extensively, evaluating whether zippers, clasps, buckles, and flaps operated smoothly or presented frustrating obstacles (noting any issues like sharp zippers rubbing against my skin or dark interiors that are difficult to see into). I assessed how quickly and easily I could access items stored in different compartments, noting whether the interior organization facilitated efficient retrieval or required digging through large compartments or struggling to see in low-light conditions. I also evaluated whether each briefcase could be opened and accessed while holding them (both by handles or shoulder straps), if they required placement on a surface to operate effectively, or were rigid enough to stand upright independently. Organization and Storage Capacity I logged the organizational features of each briefcase, counting and measuring all compartments, pockets, and specialized storage areas in order to confidently evaluate one versus another. I tested how well each case accommodated different types and sizes of items, from laptops and tablets to documents, business cards, and smaller accessories. For laptop compartments, I measured maximum device dimensions that could fit comfortably and tested with various laptop sizes (both 13.3 and 16 inches) to determine true capacity limits. I also evaluated the accessibility and practicality of exterior pockets for items requiring quick access. Material Quality and Durability To evaluate build quality and long-term durability, I conducted both visual inspections and stress tests. I examined the materials used throughout each briefcase, identifying leather types (full-grain, top-grain, or bonded), fabric qualities, and hardware construction. I performed aggressive handling tests, swinging each fully-loaded briefcase by its handles and straps to identify potential failure points like stressed seams, pulled stitching, or hardware separation. I also tested water resistance by applying light water exposure to small, inconspicuous areas and evaluating how well different materials repelled moisture. Design and Aesthetics Since briefcases often serve as professional accessories that reflect personal style, I assessed the visual appeal and perceived quality of each model. I evaluated whether each briefcase projected a professional, high-quality appearance or appeared cheap and poorly constructed. I considered factors like proportions, color options, hardware finish quality, and overall design cohesiveness. I also noted how each briefcase's appearance held up after extended use and handling. Although this evaluation is somewhat subjective, it did help me better identify which models would be more suited to a specific wardrobe, personal style, or use case, without feeling mis-matched or out of place. Comfort and Ergonomics I evaluated the comfort and ergonomics of each briefcase's carrying options during extended use. For handles, I assessed grip comfort, size appropriateness for different hand sizes, and whether extended carrying caused discomfort or fatigue. For briefcases with shoulder straps, I tested strap comfort, adjustability, and how well the weight distributed across the shoulder during longer carrying periods, and if the shoulder padding provided enough grip to prevent it from slipping off my shoulder while walking. Additional Performance Metrics Beyond the primary evaluation criteria, I measured and compared several additional factors: Portability: Using precise measurements and a luggage scale, I documented the exact dimensions and weight of each while empty, assessing how compact each case was for storage and transport convenience. The ability to stand on its own (or at least not completely flop over) factored into this category as well. Security Features: I noted if each case featured any kind of locking mechanism, whether that was a dedicated lock and key on the main compartment, or if exterior pockets provided at least a zipper or magnetic closure system to potentially deter any nosy passersby. Maintenance Requirements: I researched and tested cleaning procedures for each material type, noting whether cases required special care, conditioning, or were particularly susceptible to stains and discoloration. FAQs H ow do I clean and maintain my briefcase? Depending on the type of material used in its construction, your model may have different requirements when it comes to spot cleaning, as well as extending its overall lifespan. You should always consult the specific user or care instructions, but as a general rule, leather briefcases can be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt, with leather conditioner applied every 3-6 months to prevent cracking. Use leather-specific cleaners for stubborn stains and store away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Canvas and nylon briefcases can typically be spot-cleaned with mild soap and water. Some fabric briefcases are machine washable, just check the manufacturer's instructions first and make sure to remove all contents before cleaning. For all briefcase types, try to empty pockets regularly to prevent debris buildup, and wipe down hardware like zippers and locks with a damp cloth to prevent corrosion. If needed, lubricate zippers occasionally with zipper wax for smooth operation. When not in use, store briefcases in cool, dry places and stuff with tissue paper to maintain shape during storage. D o briefcases look outdated in modern workplaces? No! Briefcases remain absolutely relevant in modern workplaces, though their appropriateness depends on industry and company culture. In traditional professional sectors like law, finance, and consulting, briefcases continue to be the gold standard, projecting the authority and competence that clients and peers expect. Senior executives across industries typically favor briefcases for their polished, established appearance. However, many contemporary workplaces have embraced casual alternatives like messenger bags, backpacks, or sleek laptop cases that align with informal cultures and offer better ergonomics for daily commuting (those classic attache cases aren't exactly subway or bike-friendly, for example). The key here is reading your workplace environment. If colleagues and leadership carry briefcases, following suit can demonstrate a proactive, professional awareness. Conversely, a traditional leather attaché case might appear out of touch in a more casual setting. Luckily, modern briefcase designs have evolved to bridge this gap, offering slimmer profiles, contemporary materials, and hybrid functionality that works in both formal and casual settings (I think the Stuart & Lau Cary Single Briefcase is a perfect example of this). In short, a well-chosen briefcase never looks outdated when it matches your professional environment, and can serve as a timeless symbol of preparedness and professionalism.
Android Authority
3 days ago
- Android Authority
Is it safe to buy retro gaming handhelds with pre-loaded games? Here's my expert advice
Emulation handhelds have exploded in popularity over the past few years. But despite their growing mainstream appeal, they still exist in a legal and ethical gray area when it comes to piracy. While emulators themselves are perfectly legal, many devices come bundled with microSD cards crammed full of sketchy pre-loaded ROMs. Recently, this practice landed an Italian YouTuber in serious legal trouble. Authorities threatened them with steep fines and up to three years in prison for 'promoting piracy.' While that case involves several moving parts, such as YouTube, customs inspections, and outdated Italian copyright laws, it raises an important question for everyday gamers: What does this mean for you, the casual retro enthusiast just trying to relive some childhood favorites? As someone who has reviewed these devices extensively, I get the appeal. A handheld packed with thousands of games sounds convenient. But there are several reasons I strongly advise against buying one, so let's start with the most obvious. Like it or not, it's illegal Oliver Cragg / Android Authority Many retro gamers like to argue that pirating ROMs is a victimless crime. After all, the games are out of print, the original developers might not even exist anymore, and nobody's making money from them — right? Unfortunately, the law doesn't see it that way. No matter how old or obscure the title, downloading or sharing pirated games is illegal. It doesn't matter if the game hasn't been sold commercially in decades or if you're just trying to revisit your childhood. Copyright law still applies. Of course, you could argue that these laws should be changed. Most copyright laws are wildly out of touch with the modern digital economy, and game preservation efforts (particularly in Europe) have begun to gain steam. Handhelds that ship with pre-loaded ROMs are skating on thin legal ice. Regardless, you should know that any third-party device that ships with games is probably skating on thin legal ice. There are exceptions, like the Nintendo Classic Mini or Evercade's new Super Pocket NEOGEO handheld, but when it comes to cheaper handhelds from ANBERNIC, TrimUI, PowKiddy, or others, there's no legal gray area. If they ship with games, they're almost certainly breaking the law. That doesn't stop retailers from hocking shady goods, even on Amazon, but my advice would be to stay away. In the case of ANBERNIC, you can buy most Android handhelds without a microSD card and supply your own, legally ripped ROMs. That's how I recently reviewed the RG Slide, which didn't come with games but did come with pre-configured emulators. The setup was still seamless and 100% legal. 16-bit clutter Nick Fernandez / Android Authority I suspect some of you reading this aren't swayed by the legal argument, but there are still reasons to avoid handhelds with pre-loaded ROMs. For starters, the ROMs themselves are typically quite poor. Devices that advertise '10,000 games' are almost guaranteed to be stuffed with filler. That includes both games that no one in their right mind would want to revisit in 2025, as well as games that simply won't load. Some are also Chinese language versions of games, which can kill the nostalgia you're looking for. One of the great joys of retro gaming is curating your library. Worse still, the file organization is a nightmare. These ROMs often use inconsistent or meaningless naming conventions, which completely wreck the user experience. Emulation frontends like ES-DE struggle to parse the chaos, turning precious retro game time into an exercise in frustration. When I reviewed the TrimUI Brick last December, I ran into exactly this problem. Every ROM started with a random number, and the only way to find anything was through keyword search. Scrolling through the library felt more like digging through a broken spreadsheet than enjoying classic games. I couldn't purge the SD card fast enough. My advice? Start fresh. Load a curated selection of games you actually want to play, legally ripped from your own collection. Not only can you ensure they're good quality, but you'll also avoid decision paralysis when choosing your next retro experience. One of the great joys of retro gaming is curating your library, whether that's physical or digital. Bad ROMs, worse SD cards Nick Fernandez / Android Authority Maybe you're okay with sifting through mountains of junk ROMs to find that one nostalgic gem. Fine. But what if I told you that all that digital clutter is sitting on a ticking time bomb? That's the reality of the cheap microSD cards that ship with these devices. To cut costs, most companies use the cheapest generic cards on the market. These have unacceptably high fail rates, with most lucky to last longer than a few months before they bite the digital dust. If you're using an Android-based handheld, this might not be a total disaster. Android is typically installed on the device's internal storage, so the microSD card mostly holds your games. However, for Linux-based systems, the microSD card often serves as the entire operating system. The device becomes completely useless without it. Cheap microSD cards rarely last longer than a few months. My preferred method for avoiding this is using third-party launchers. On the TrimUI Smart Pro, CrossmixOS offers a much better experience than the stock OS, with others like NextUI providing a more streamlined approach. Even the fan-favorite Miyoo Mini also owes much of its success to the likes of OnionOS and MinUI. You can download these for free (without any ROMs) on GitHub, toss them onto a high-quality microSD card, and enjoy a far better and longer-lasting retro gaming experience.. A brighter retro future Nick Fernandez / Android Authority The final reason to avoid handhelds packed with pre-loaded games has nothing to do with the games themselves. It's about the companies behind them. As a general rule, any brand that uses pirated ROMs as a selling point isn't exactly going to offer great customer support. In fact, many of these devices aren't even sold by the companies that design them. Often, they are designed by a company, such as TrimUI or MagicX, then manufactured, published, and sold by a separate company, like AMPOWN. Some of these companies offer some level of customer support, but their main market is wholesale. In other words, you're probably going to buy these from a middleman with no interest in retaining you as a customer. If you've ever bought anything on AliExpress, you know that storefronts pop up and disappear like Duck Hunt targets. Your odds are much better buying from companies that don't ship their devices with games, such as Retroid, AYN, and AYANEO. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that they are the pinnacle of customer service, but in the emulation handheld world, it's as good as it gets. Those companies are paving the way toward a more legitimate and sustainable future for emulation handhelds. And at the end of the day, that's what really matters. It's not about hoarding thousands of games you'll never play; it's about revisiting the ones that meant something. Retro gaming should be about preserving the past, not just downloading it.
