Caprock Group LLC increased its holdings in Tetra Tech, Inc. ( NASDAQ:TTEK – Free Report ) by 452.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 8,245 shares of the industrial products company’s stock after buying an additional 6,753 shares during the period. Caprock Group LLC’s holdings in Tetra Tech were worth $389,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Sarasin & Partners LLP increased its position in Tetra Tech by 330.9% in the third quarter. Sarasin & Partners LLP now owns 4,950,383 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $233,460,000 after buying an additional 3,801,435 shares during the period. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC grew its position in shares of Tetra Tech by 387.3% during the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,299,418 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $155,601,000 after acquiring an additional 2,622,288 shares during the last quarter. abrdn plc increased its holdings in shares of Tetra Tech by 353.0% in the 3rd quarter. abrdn plc now owns 2,110,076 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $98,477,000 after acquiring an additional 1,644,267 shares during the period. Copeland Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Tetra Tech by 289.0% during the 3rd quarter. Copeland Capital Management LLC now owns 1,824,250 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $86,032,000 after purchasing an additional 1,355,351 shares during the period. Finally, AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc grew its position in Tetra Tech by 337.0% in the 3rd quarter. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc now owns 1,466,385 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $69,081,000 after purchasing an additional 1,130,842 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.89% of the company’s stock. Tetra Tech Stock Performance Shares of NASDAQ TTEK opened at $40.96 on Friday. Tetra Tech, Inc. has a 1 year low of $30.92 and a 1 year high of $51.20. The firm has a market cap of $10.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.25 and a beta of 0.94. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $47.06 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $44.62. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.25. Tetra Tech Announces Dividend Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Leslie L. Shoemaker sold 78,420 shares of Tetra Tech stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.11, for a total value of $3,615,946.20. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 296,015 shares in the company, valued at $13,649,251.65. The trade was a 20.94 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, Director Kimberly E. Ritrievi sold 6,500 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.48, for a total value of $302,120.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 143,200 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $6,655,936. This represents a 4.34 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 121,750 shares of company stock worth $5,633,239. 0.61% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently weighed in on TTEK. StockNews.com cut Tetra Tech from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Friday, November 15th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an “outperform” rating and set a $52.00 price target on shares of Tetra Tech in a research report on Friday, November 15th. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on Tetra Tech from $46.00 to $47.00 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a report on Thursday, November 14th. Finally, KeyCorp reduced their price objective on shares of Tetra Tech from $56.00 to $49.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Tetra Tech has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $49.32. Check Out Our Latest Report on Tetra Tech Tetra Tech Company Profile ( Free Report ) Tetra Tech, Inc provides consulting and engineering services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Government Services Group (GSG) and Commercial/International Services Group (CIG). The GSG segment offers early data collection and monitoring, data analysis and information management, science and engineering applied research, engineering design, project management, and operations and maintenance services; and climate change and energy management consulting, as well as greenhouse gas inventory assessment, certification, reduction, and management services. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TTEK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Tetra Tech, Inc. ( NASDAQ:TTEK – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Tetra Tech Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tetra Tech and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Buggs' 15 lead East Tennessee State over Austin Peay 79-57
Rams in search of offensive consistency in New Orleans
As video games have been getting bigger and bigger , the overall cost of their development has also been increasing as well. This is something that has been affecting almost every big gaming company, and Nintendo is obviously no exception. In a recent Investors Q&A , several key figures at the company discussed different topics regarding the current state of the gaming industry and the future of the company. The second question was all about the rising costs of game development, which Shigeru Miyamoto, one of the most important developers and designers in video game history, answered. “Our research and development expenses have been increasing each year. Since our scale of development has grown, a corresponding increase in costs is, in some respects, inevitable,” he said. Miyamoto quite obviously has a point because, as different as Nintendo is from its competition, the company still put out numerous expansive, high-budget video games in the last few years. When you take a look at recent titles, like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Super Mario Odyssey , they are obviously way more ambitious than their predecessors from previous console generations, like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword or Super Mario 3D World . But Shigeru Miyamoto followed up this statement with, “Our belief is that what we create is more important than the amount spent on development. We continue refining our products until we are confident that we have created something that our consumers will be satisfied with. With that in mind, what is important is to find ideas that are worth honing, and this has not changed since the era of the NES.”, meaning that the company is ultimately confident of what games it’s currently creating. This is a philosophy that Nintendo has been following since the 80s: the Big N tends to go in its own unique direction, ignoring current trends, giving creatives the freedom to create what they want, and focusing on making fun experiences instead of obsessing over graphics or huge open worlds. Of course, this philosophy can fail (and has failed) but the monumental success of the Nintendo Switch has definitely proven that Nintendo is doing things right by prioritizing innovative ideas. “In the entertainment business, it is possible to create appealing products based on intriguing ideas, without incurring significant costs”, clarified Miyamoto. On another important note, Miyamoto also said, “We believe that not all products require large costs. Even in the case of video games, with the current technology it is possible to create fun games with a small number of developers in a short period of time.” He is 100% correct about this sentiment because Nintendo has excelled at making smaller games that still are a lot of fun and resonate with its player base . For every game like Zelda: Tears of Kingdom , there’s another like Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom . For every Super Mario Odyssey , there’s a Super Mario Bros. Wonder , and so on and so forth. Nintendo’s Senior Managing Executive Officer and Corporate Director, Shinya Takahashi, agreed with Miyamoto and added “I believe unique titles that are small in scale, but worth polishing can be created by expanding on the ideas of a small number of developers, rather than spending large sums of money on every game.” Lastly, Ko Shiota, Senior Executive Officer and Corporate Director at Nintendo, talked about the importance of providing developers with an environment that allows them to work efficiently. “I believe that the most important thing for Nintendo is how we create new ideas. Bigger budgets do not necessarily equate to better ideas, so we hope to continue to focus on a process where teams of hardware and software developers share ideas to create interesting things” concluded Shiota, with a shocking statement that perfectly describes Nintendo’s efficient design philosophy. If these higher-ups remain true to their word, the company is going to continue thriving after the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch’s successor .LONDON — Pooches in pullovers paraded past Buckingham Palace on Saturday for a gathering of dogs in Christmas sweaters to raise funds for rescue charities. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. James Manning, PA About 130 pets, and their owners, walked Saturday from St. James's Park and along the Mall, the wide boulevard that leads to the royal palace as part of the Christmas Jumper Parade. Flossie the dog barks Saturday during the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade in central London. James Manning, PA Prizes were awarded for best-dressed pets, with contenders including canine Santas, puppy elves and a French bulldog dressed in a red beret and pink jacket adorned with red bows. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. James Manning, PA The event was organized by Rescue Dogs of London and Friends to raise money for charities that rehome dogs from overseas. People take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday in central London. James Manning, PA Christmas sweater animal parades have become something of an annual tradition in London. People and dogs take part in the Rescue Dogs of London and Friends Christmas Jumper Parade on Saturday outside Buckingham Palace in central London. James Manning, PA There are more to come this year, including an event for corgis — the late Queen Elizabeth II's favorite breed — on Dec. 7 and the dachshund-friendly Hyde Park Sausage Walk on Dec 15. Named after the northern Mexican state from which it originates, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the oldest, with a lineage that dates as far back as the ninth century. Today, the breed makes up a remarkable 4% of all dogs in the United States and is the most popular overall in 21 states. It ranks within the top five most common breeds in 42 states in total. Requiring just 200 to 250 calories per day but boasting a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, the Chihuahua offers owners low-cost longevity and is known for its adaptability and amusing personality. Canva The French bulldog is a compact companion known for being friendly yet quiet, making it suitable for a range of lifestyles and homes. The breed has roots in the English bulldog, which was bred to a smaller size to accompany its working English owners, many of whom were artisans. As such trades closed amid the Industrial Revolution, these workers and their little bulldogs moved to France, where the breed's popularity began. The French developed a more standardized appearance which was iterated upon in the U.S. to develop the iconic bat ears. The breed has recently seen a massive increase in popularity, with AKC registrations surging by 1,000% between 2012 and 2022. Now, the French bulldog is the most popular dog in Florida, California, and Hawaii and is in the top five most common dogs in nearly half the remaining states. Branislav Nenin // Shutterstock As loyal as they are intelligent, German shepherds are among the favored breeds for guide, military, police, and search and rescue roles. The breed, which first arrived in America in the early 20th century, also enjoys peak popularity in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Athletic in nature, the breed requires lots of exercise, making them well-suited for homes with or near lots of open land. They are also well-adapted to cold temperatures and harsher climates due to their thick double coats of fur. ANNA TITOVA // Shutterstock The shih tzu, whose name means "lion" in Chinese, is king of the Empire State (New York) as well as Iowa, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Roughly a quarter of New York state residents live in apartments, making the dog that averages 9 to 16 pounds perfect for compact households. Despite being known for its playfulness, the breed does not require much physical activity or space. The breed dates back over 1,000 years but was first brought to America surprisingly recently, following World War II. According to the American Kennel Club, every shih tzu alive today has direct lineage to just 14 shih tzus that were saved when the breed nearly went extinct during the Communist revolution. Canva Representing the best of both worlds, the golden retriever and poodle hybrid is known for its friendly, sociable demeanor and trainability. Bred to be guide dogs in the 1960s, the hybrid is not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, so there is no breed standard. Goldendoodles can thus range from mini-sized to about 90 pounds and may have fur that is curly, straight, or somewhere in between. While not official, the family-friendly dog has left paw prints all over the country, ranking in the top five most popular dogs in 37 states. In Idaho and Utah, the goldendoodle is the most popular overall. Cavan-Images // Shutterstock Maxing out at just 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular breed among Maryland and Washington D.C. residents. This is not necessarily surprising considering the housing stock of the nation's capital is comprised mostly of apartment units, making the pint-sized pup perfect for metropolitans. The toy breed was bred to chase rats out of mines and mills in 19th-century England, arriving in North America in the 1870s and gaining official recognition by the AKC in 1885. Now, the breed is among the top five most common dogs in 26 states. The breed is a true terrier at heart, known for its feisty yet affectionate nature.' Additional research by Eliza Siegel. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns. This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Anna Averianova // Shutterstock From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when the Labrador retriever lost its 31-year-long streak as #1 to the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club. This shift may be partially attributable to the rising costs of pet products and veterinary care since smaller dogs are more economical for tighter budgets. Moreover, as remote work and nomadic living become increasingly more common, smaller dogs may appeal to those looking for pets that require less space and are easier to transport. In fact, only two sporting dog breeds are the most popular in any American state—and neither is a Labrador retriever. The most popular dog overall represents 4% of all dogs in the country—constituting over 2.3 million out of 58 million households with dogs. Ollie used data from U.S. News & World Report to further explore which dog breeds are the most popular in which states and what factors may drive residents' preferences. otsphoto // Shutterstock With webbed paws and an affinity for water, golden retrievers are lucky pups to be the favored breed of the Midwest. They are the most popular dogs in states bordering the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio; the entirety of the New England region minus Rhode Island; plus North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia. The iconic golden breed was developed in 19th-century Scotland to retrieve both from land and water during hunts, hence its swimming-related adaptations. Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, making them well-suited for service and other working dog roles. PeopleImages.com - Yuri AA 95-YEAR-OLD woman was left lying on the pavement with a broken hip in freezing weather for five hours waiting for an ambulance. Winifred Soanes fell over in Christchurch High Street, Dorset, in the early afternoon while out her 92-year-old husband Andrew. She was unable to move due to the sheer pain she was in. Despite multiple concerned members of the public making repeated 999 calls for an ambulance and explaining Winifred was elderly and vulnerable, they were told she "was not a priority". People managed to prop her head up with shoe boxes from market stallholders and a pillow from a nearby pub. Staff at Mountain Warehouse provided her with sleeping bags and charity shops gave blankets and hot water bottles to keep Winifred warm. Others provided coffee and food to help Andrew, who is an army veteran and diabetic and who refused to leave his wife's side. An ambulance eventually arrived at 7.45pm on Monday and took Winifred to hospital where she remains today. To add insult to injury, Andrew has developed a chest infection as a result of being out in the cold so long and cannot visit his wife in hospital. People who helped the couple have slammed the "broken system". Jennifer Baylis, who was working in a charity shop, said: "I can't tell you how upsetting it was, she actually said 'I'm going to die here tonight'. "She was in a phenomenal amount of pain and in such a vulnerable position, on a cold floor, totally reliant on complete strangers. "She fell at 2.30pm and the ambulance finally showed up at 7.45pm. "We were all distressed that there was no first responder available, no police officer, literally no one available to help for over five hours. "You feel so helpless, I was so angry that they were in this position. It shouldn't be happening in this day and age. "The NHS are fantastic once help is there. We know how hard they work. "But something went very very wrong to leave a 95-year-old lady on the pavement of a high street at night." David Lovell, who saw her fall and was the first to call for an ambulance, said: "I can't describe how cold it was, and as it got dark, the temperature dropped really quickly. "She was lying on the cold pavement and we couldn't move her because she was in huge amounts of pain." When others called again to chase up the ambulance, they were given no time frame for how long the wait would be. Winifred was eventually taken to Poole Hospital and is waiting for a specialist operation for her injuries. Andrew said: "The situation was dire, but it's great to know that when they need to, the community all pull together to help." A spokesperson for the South Western Ambulance Service, said: "We are sorry that we were not able to provide a timely response to this patient. "Any occasion where the care we provide falls below the high standards our patients deserve and rightly expect is unacceptable. "Handover delays at emergency departments remain one of our biggest challenges. "To ensure our ambulances are available to attend the next emergency call within the community, we need to be able to hand patients over within the 15-minute national target . "We continue to work hard with our partners in the NHS and social care, to do all we can to improve the service that patients receive." THE NHS waiting list in England has become a political flashpoint as it has ballooned in recent years, more than doubling in a decade. The statistics for England count the number of procedures, such as operations and non-surgical treatments, that are due to patients. The procedures are known as elective treatment because they are planned and not emergencies. Many are routine ops such as for hip or knee replacements, cataracts or kidney stones, but the numbers also include some cancer treatments. This is how the wait list has changed over time: August 2007: 4.19million – The first entry in current records. December 2009: 2.32million – The smallest waiting list on modern record. April 2013: 2.75million – The Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition restructures the NHS. Current chancellor Jeremy Hunt was Health Secretary. April 2016: 3.79million – Junior doctors go on strike for the first time in 40 years. Theresa May is elected Prime Minister. February 2020: 4.57million – The final month before the UK's first Covid lockdown in March 2020. July 2021: 5.61million – The end of all legal Covid restrictions in the UK. January 2023: 7.21million – New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledges to reduce waiting lists within a year, effectively April 2024. September 2023: 7.77million – The highest figure on record comes during a year hit with strikes by junior doctors, consultants, nurses and ambulance workers. February 2024: 7.54million – Ministers admit the pledge to cut the backlog has failed. August 2024: 7.64million – List continues to rise under Keir Starmer's new Labour Government.EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Babacar Faye's 19 points helped Western Kentucky defeat Evansville 79-65 on Saturday. Faye had 12 rebounds for the Hilltoppers (5-3). Don McHenry scored 17 points and added three steals. Julius Thedford shot 4 for 7 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line to finish with 16 points. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week
The J. M. Smucker Company Announces Pricing for Cash Tender OffersOur global energy transition is driving a surge in both large-scale (LSM) and artisanal and small-scale mining ( ASM ) to meet the soaring demand for critical materials like lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earths. By 2050, up to 6.5 billion tonnes of these resources will be needed — despite efforts to reduce reliance through recycling and innovation — to support technologies like wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicle batteries. An increase in mining these critical minerals is necessary to meet the Paris Agreement’s target to limit global warming to below 2 o C and ideally 1.5 o C and mitigate the most severe and disproportionate impacts on the most marginalized and poor in our society. And it is not just raw materials. Achieving the Paris Agreement’s climate goals requires not only more mining but also a 175% increase in land use for bioenergy, wind, solar and mining. A 57% rise in water demand for non-fossil fuel energy systems such as nuclear power and hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage and cleaning solar panels is also needed. As metal prices soar, mining expands into new frontiers, and climate-pressures on land and water use increase, more communities and Indigenous peoples will be impacted as people are attracted to ASM as a vital lifeline in times of economic turmoil. The recent crisis in South Africa highlights this. In October, hundreds of informal miners, including undocumented migrants stating they had been forced into labor by criminal gangs, became trapped after entering a disused LSM tunnel in search of gold. They remained underground for over two months, fearing arrest or deportation, with police restricting food and water access, despite a court order. After a tense stand-off, more than 150 miners were eventually rescued and, tragically, three bodies recovered. While ASM remains a largely informal activity driven by poverty, unsupported and vilified leading it open to capture by nefarious actors , these types of LSM-ASM crises are likely to continue. The need for positive, mutually beneficial community-mining relationships is more critical than ever. This is where the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights and partnerships between LSM-ASM and communities come into their own. Established in 2000, the Voluntary Principles provide a framework for how companies and governments should conduct their security operations at mining, oil and gas sites while respecting human rights. They also support wider industry sustainability aims as global stakeholders demand more tangible community-level impact from mining companies with community engagement shifting from corporate social responsibility “nice-to-haves” to a core business imperative. To bridge this gap, below are three examples of proven LSM-ASM and community engagement and formalization models that can be utilized in the responsible pursuit of clean energy materials. Model 1: Direct mining support One of the most effective partnership models is direct mining support from LSM to ASM operations. This engagement often focuses on formalizing ASM activities and can take various forms—from ceding land, licenses and geological data to ASM miners to providing technical support for safer, more productive and environmentally sound mining practices. Financial partnerships, such as equipment loans and offtake agreements, can also ensure that ASM miners can operate sustainably. In some partnerships, ASM miners are permitted to operate on LSM concessions. This requires a strong legal framework that allows for ASM’s participation, financial sustainability and supply chain due diligence to meet global responsible mining standards. In other cases, ASM operates outside of LSM concessions. For these partnerships to work, geological deposits must be available for long-term ASM activity with data made available to enable miners to target areas and obtain financing for operations. Existing ASM pre-financing relationships must also be understood as miners are often required to sell minerals back to investors at reduced prices in return for ongoing capital investment. This approach ensures miners can engage directly with LSM, avoiding conflicts and ensuring that they are not beholden to other buyers. The Mutoshi Cobalt Pilot from 2018 to 2020 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) exemplifies the benefits of LSM-ASM partnerships. Trafigura and Chemaf collaborated with local ASM cooperative COMIAKOL, supported by international NGO Pact, to provide site access and technical support, improving working conditions and increasing production. Key outcomes included six million work hours with no fatalities, improved working conditions for 70% of participants and enhanced roles and safety for women miners. This pilot underscores the power of LSM-ASM partnerships when all stakeholders align around responsible mining goals. Model 2: Complementary livelihoods Complementary livelihood models focus on creating or enhancing non-mining job opportunities for local communities. These programs aim to reduce dependence on ASM while providing stable, complementary income sources. Livelihoods must be relevant to local communities, offer comparable financial returns to ASM or have better working conditions and social acceptance. As local economies around LSM sites grow, new opportunities for ecosystem services — such as waste collection, land restoration and renewable energy — can emerge. These activities not only reduce informal ASM but also contribute to more sustainable post-mining communities. At Tanzania’s Geita Gold Mine , security reforms rooted in Voluntary Principles best practices have created livelihoods for over 900 people while improving LSM-ASM relationships. The community policing program has recruited and trained 957 unarmed community police across 32 localities in and around Geita Mine. The mine, in conjunction with the Tanzania Police Force, has built skills, fostered career growth, and curbed collusion and corruption. The community police, working on 12-month terms as agreed with the local community leadership forums, not only benefits the respective communities economically, but also act as the first line of defense, protecting the Geita forest reserve and reducing crime incidents in the Geita Mine area like trespassing, burglary, assault and rape, among others. This innovative model demonstrates how inclusive security can benefit both communities and mining operations. Model 3: Community Development Community development is a vital component of any successful LSM-ASM partnership. These initiatives can improve working conditions, health and safety standards, and gender equality within ASM communities. LSM can also support broader community development efforts, such as renewable energy access, environmental protection and education, which contribute to overall well-being and sustainability. In Rwanda, Trinity Metals has placed community development at the core of its operations, doubling its workforce to 5,000 since consolidating three small-scale mines in 2022. With 99% of employees Rwandan and 75% in leadership roles, the company provides livelihoods while boosting tin, tungsten and tantalum production through mechanization and professionalization. Collaborating with local government, Trinity co-funds development projects, including building a bus station, providing medical insurance for 2,000 vulnerable households and supporting farmers’ cooperatives on the concession to improve nutrition and provide food to the mine’s canteen. The company has also recruited 150 previously informal small-scale miners and unlicensed mineral traders that were operating unauthorized on their concession, integrating them into its workforce and fostering long-term community growth. Conclusion The collaboration between LSM and ASM has proven to be a powerful tool for fostering responsible mining practices and driving community-level impact. Practical partnership models, such as direct mining support, complementary livelihoods and community development, offer a path forward for companies looking to meet growing ESG demands while ensuring sustainable, inclusive growth. As global demand for energy transition minerals and precious metals increases, the need for strong LSM-ASM partnerships will only become more pressing. By working together, LSM and ASM can contribute to local prosperity, national development and global sustainability, creating a mining sector that benefits everyone. James McQuilken is director of responsible mining at Pact.
BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians.” They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria; Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad; and Josef Federman and Victoria Eastwood in Doha, Qatar, contributed to this report. Bassem Mroue And Zeina Karam, The Associated PressRCMP union applauds planned federal spending on border securityQatar tribune Tribune News Network Doha Qatar’s leading end-to-end managed IT services and solutions provider participated as the Strategic AI Data sponsor at the World AI Summit Qatar 2024, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping Qatar’s AI ecosystem. Through a series of impactful engagements, MEEZA showcased its commitment to accelerating Qatar’s AI readiness by emphasizing advancements in data centre efficiency, robust infrastructure, and the development of essential skillsets. The event marked a significant milestone with record-breaking attendance, reflecting the growing global interest in AI and Qatar’s role as a hub for technological innovation. During the summit, MEEZA delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Accelerating Qatar’s AI Readiness: From Data Centre Efficiency to Infrastructure and Skillset Development.” The presentation highlighted how MEEZA’s cutting-edge technologies and strategic initiatives are enabling a sustainable and scalable AI environment in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 and the Digital Agenda 2030. MEEZA also moderated a high-profile panel discussion titled “When Machines Create: Managing Risk, Ethics, Bias, and Privacy, featuring esteemed panellists from across the AI and technology spectrum. The discussion delved into critical topics, offering valuable insights on navigating the challenges of AI governance and ethical implementation. As part of its continued efforts to foster collaboration, MEEZA signed several high-profile agreements during the event: • Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs): Signed with Sambanova and Cytomate, these agreements aim to drive joint innovation and accelerate the adoption of AI technologies in key sectors. • Strategic Partnership Agreement: A significant partnership was established with I Horizone, cementing a collaborative framework to advance AI-driven solutions and services in the region. Through these partnerships, MEEZA reinforces its dedication to empowering organizations in Qatar and beyond with innovative AI solutions, ensuring the nation remains at the forefront of the global AI revolution. MEEZA’s participation at the World AI Summit 2024 not only underscores its leadership in the technology sector but also reaffirms its commitment to driving Qatar’s digital transformation and AI ambitions Copy 18/12/2024 151. A set of vibrant fine point pens to doodle away in all the colors imaginable! Think about how cute your to-do list will look plastered in these gorgeous hues. Promising review: "I love how this pen feels to hold and it writes beautifully! I am very picky about how the ink looks from the pens I use and I don't remember having one that writes so smoothly and beautifully! I will buy these whenever I need more. I actually just purchased another package of all black!" — Kate Get a set of 18 from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in black). 2. A dimmable duck night-light that's just so ducking adorable! You can just tap the duck to adjust the brightness and it has an optional 30-minute timer so you don't need to worry about turning it off! This light doesn't require any batteries — it's rechargeable! It comes with a USB charging cable. Promising review : "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. I didn't NEED a duck lamp...but it has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (also available in two other styles). 3. Or a toast night-light to light up your day if it's been a little *crumby.* This adorable face mixed with the perfect glow is the BEST way to end your night. Plus its little legs double as a phone stand! Watch one TikToker use it here ! Promising review: "Cutest little light I didn’t know I needed! Timer function is perfect for use as a nightlight or as an indicator that it’s time for bed. Brightness is perfect, especially since you can choose to keep front, back, or both lights on. Battery life is fantastic, I’ve only charged it once since getting it and it has been used every night . Would definitely recommend." — Tiff164 Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in four styles). 4. A bunch of macaron boxes for decor *and* for storage! You can put tiny trinkets, jewelry, and even pills in here — oui oui, I'll take six please. Promising review: "Just received these cute little boxes and am in love with them. Very thick and sturdy plastic but easy enough to open. These will work perfectly for filling solid perfumes and giving out as stocking stuffer gifts as I don't have to worry about it being a snug fit/lid falling off. I imagine these would also be great for pretend food for kids' playsets or for a kid's trinket box. Overall I love them, love their feel, love the colors and am very happy ." — Mary Get a set of six from Amazon for $5.99 . 5. A bottle of Mike's Hot Honey that you can't go wrong with no matter what you decide to put it on. Name me a better combination than sweet and spicy — YUM! Promising review: "Saw this on a Food Network show and decided to try! LOVE IT! Great honey taste with just a bit of heat at the end. My husband loves 'hot' foods and even grows his own peppers to put on anything. He really likes this on his French toast and I like it with peanut butter. However, I just made baked beans and added a tablespoon of Mike's Hot in addition to the brown sugar (reduced amount) and they were the BEST baked beans ever!" — Ritakc Get it from Amazon for $13.49 (also available in multipacks). And read our full review of Mike's Hot Honey to learn more reasons why we love this stuff. 6. And Truff Hot Sauce if you loooove spice but more importantly ~truffle~. You can drizzle this on almost anything and everything, but hopefully not on ice cream (but hey, no judgement here). BuzzFeeder Hannah Loewentheil absolutely *loves* this stuff (those are her pictures above!): "I've been doing much more cooking lately. There's one ingredient that makes even my most average home cooking taste amazing, and it's this Truff truffle-infused hot sauce. The white truffle infused hot sauce quite literally tastes like heaven, but IMO, the classic black truffle hot sauce is the most versatile and a staple in my kitchen. And while at first $20+ seemed like an absurd price to pay for hot sauce, this stuff is worth the price tag. I mean...truffles. And I've tried plenty of truffle-infused hot sauces, olive oils, and what-nots in the past, but they often taste overpowering or low-quality. But this hot sauce is the perfect balance of decadent truffle, heat, spice, and a tiny bit of sweetness. I slather it on pretty much everything savory from eggs and tacos to sandwiches and fried rice. Even if my cooking tastes mediocre at best, a drizzle of this makes it taste almost restaurant quality and so full of flavor." Get it from Amazon for $14.24+ (available in five flavors) . Check out her full Truff hot sauce review to learn more! 7. A cocktail shaker set to make a drink — or a few — at home and keep yourself busy with a few margs in ya. It comes with the essential tools for making cocktails and even includes recipes to bring you one step closer to being a bartender. Set includes: cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer, double sided jigger, mixing spoon, Hawthorne strainer, double lever corkscrew, ice tongs, bottle opener, and recipe cards. Promising review: "I bought this for my boyfriend for Valentine's Day, but in reality, I just wanted him to learn how to make his own drinks so I could have yummy $9 drinks from home . He loves it, and so do I. It came with a booklet full of recipes for all sorts of drinks you find at all the trendy bars, and now he is starting to be so confident in his drink-making abilities he doesn't even need to look at it! I love it, so does he, and we are just excited to make fun things at home!" — Hailey Stover Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ (available in eight styles). 8. A pair of ridiculously comfy pull-on cushioned boots because these fuzzy shoes will never go out of style. Reviewers say they are just like Uggs and these babies come in so many colors! They're perfect for walking and are super duper cozy, so the winter cold is no match for your feet. As an added bonus, there are no visible labels from the company on the shoe (and reviewers say they're even easier to pull on than Uggs!). Promising review: "I had these on my wishlist for a while but was skeptical. I’m glad I finally ordered them! They fit perfectly and SO much easier to put on than my real Ugg minis, which I love. They’re very comfy and warm. Highly recommend! Glad I bought them to wear while I wait for Ugg to restock their tan ultra minis." — Kamryn Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in women's sizes 5–11 including wide sizes, and in 11 colors). 9. The Clearly Impossible Puzzle , which will scratch your brain and keep you busy for hours. HOURS. Once you complete the puzzle, though, it will give you a sense of satisfaction like no other. Promising review: "This puzzle is totally clear. You don't know if the pieces are upside down or right side up. There are extra edge pieces that fit into the body of the puzzle to add to the challenge. I have the 100-piece puzzle. Took me four hours, but it was really fun! They have the same puzzle with more pieces — may grab one of those to see if I can complete." — Robin L. Smith Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four sizes: 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pieces and in two colors). 10. Or an oh-so-satisfying 1,000-piece Mystic Maze puzzle with the most unique shapes combined with the most adorable designs. This baby isn't like any other — once you complete it, you can open the envelope to reveal extra pieces to add onto the completed puzzle for a ~twist~ ending! You can check out a TikTok of the Mystic Maze puzzle in action (but warning, it will spoil the surprise!). Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for my husband because he absolutely loves puzzles and magic, so it was a no-brainer! I was honestly way more excited to finish putting this puzzle together than a normal puzzle because I couldn’t wait to see the end result. Blown away. I’m super impressed and will be purchasing a different version. Oh, and they weren’t kidding about the no dust in the box...very pleased with this purchase!" — Nlbrimberry Get it from Amazon for $22.99 . 11. A shaker of edible cocktail glitter that you can add to any drink because everything is better with ✨sparkles✨. Bakel is a small business established in 2016 that specializes in edible glitters for food and drink. Promising review: "Don’t think any further and just buy it. This was so cool and everyone loved it! I got the clear one because it will go with any drink. I will be the one to put this in all my friends drinks. Also had no taste so it was just the look. Sooooooo cool!" — gigi Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in 17 colors). 12. We're Not Really Strangers , a game if you and your friends, S.O., or even roommates have run out of things to talk about — trust me, this game will get the conversation rolling. The question cards come in three levels that get more intense the further you go and you must give an answer to move on. The game works best with two players but can be played with up to six. You can also check our their expansion packs here ! Promising review: "I got this for my best friend and I. We’ve known each other 10+ years and found even with this game that we were learning new things about each other. It took us hours just to complete the first two parts! Super fun way to start a conversation and get to know someone on a deeper level. Cannot recommend enough for friends, family, or relationships." — Lilly Get it from Amazon for $17.59+ (available in five editions). 13. A gentle carbonated clay mask to exfoliate your skin and remove blackheads for the ultimate spa experience. After applying it, wait five minutes for bubbles to form, remove the foam, and let the charcoal sit for a little before washing it off — fun and cleansing! Try being upset with bubbles on your face, I dare you. Check out a TikTok of the foaming mask in action. Promising review: "I love this stuff! I received some for a gift and then purchased it for my daughter from Amazon. It feels like a clay mask going on, and then starts bubbling and turns to a thinner substance when it's done. I feel like it is very gentle on my face. My skin feels amazing after I wash it off. It feels like I used moisturizer, even though I did not. I hear that these masks are very popular in Japan." — L. Shea Get it from Amazon for $8.69 . 14. An assortment of Cadbury chocolates so you won't have to fly allll the way to Europe for some ~wicked~ (*in a British accent*) candy. I'm literally salivating thinking about unwrapping one of these bars. Each set comes with with one Curly Wurly, one Picnic, one Twirl, one Starbar, one Crunchie, one Wispa, one Dairy Milk Caramel, one Double Decker, one Dairy Milk, and one Flake. Promising review: "While watching Matilda The Musical recently on Netflix, we saw one of the kids handing Matilda a Curly Wirly bar. Having never tried one before, I went online to fine them and happened across this box. This candy has not disappointed. Fresh and delicious!" — Barbra Get it from Amazon for $22 . 15. A pair of constellation tassel earrings that'll be the *star* of your outfit. Promising review: "These are absolutely beautiful, and clever with the post being falling stars. The stud sits comfortably and is lovely. Not gaudy or tacky in the least. I’m thrilled with them — and the price? If you are charmed by the picture you won’t be disappointed! They’re beautiful!" — Amyss Get them from Amazon for $8.66 (available in two colors). 16. A cult-favorite movie theater popcorn salt because popcorn from the theater just hits ~different~. Reviewers say it tastes just like the real deal, so heat up some kernels and sprinkle this bad boy on. Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord has to say about it: "Our family recently unearthed this because beloved To All The Boys I've Loved Before author Jenny Han mentioned that it was her secret to delicious popcorn, and it may have just wrecked me for other at-home popcorn for the rest of my life . It genuinely tastes just as salty and buttery and savory as fresh movie theater popcorn. I inhaled it so fast that every single one of my organs lit up in mild alarm." Promising review: "I am a person who will make myself sick eating buckets of popcorn (I have no self control). This has by far been my favorite 'TikTok made me buy' item. My at-home popcorn is now my favorite thing to make and I don't need to go the theater for popcorn. Very much worth the purchase and this will last me such a long time." — S Martinez Get it from Amazon for $9.89 . 17. A "Drunkin' Grownups" wineglass that is just so fitting. Coffee and wine, what more do we need to run on? Creations Using Vinyl is a New Jersey-based Etsy shop established in 2017 that specializes in custom accessories and home goods. Promising review: "I love my wineglass. It was exactly as displayed. I get so many compliments on the glass." — Kathleen Get it from Creations Using Vinyl on Etsy for $9.50+ (available in two colors and with orwithout glitter). 18. A SipCaddy wine and beer holder to sip your cabernet (or IPA if that's more your speed) in the tub without having to hold it the entire time. Luxurious bath mode: activated. Check it out in one TikToker's shower here ! Promising review: "Such a simple idea, how is this just coming into my life now? I didn't think showers could get any better but now I have a brew/wine within reach at all times. Really helps take the edge off after a long day. The thing is way sturdier than you'd expect, I've tugged on it and it's not going anywhere. The slotted design allows you to use stemmed wineglasses, too. A truly perfect product. This piece of plastic is working as hard as my therapist and I stan." — Steven Get it from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in six styles). 19. A Cuisinart ice cream maker for a homemade frozen treat. If you're bored of regular flavors, you can make quite literally *any* concoction in this baby. It doesn't just have to be ice cream either — you can whip up some frozen yogurt, sorbet, and even milkshakes to fulfill that sweet tooth of yours. Promising review: "My wife has bugged me for years to make her sorbet and I never did until I bought this easy-to-use Cuisinart. Now I have made about five different treats in no time. The simplicity of this machine is great and it is so simple to use. I will never buy ice cream, sorbet, or frozen yogurt again. There is no comparison to what you can make for yourself. I did buy an extra freezer bowl so I can make two treat without waiting for the bowl to refreeze — it is great. OH, there are lots of great recipes on the internet. Make sure to size it right for your Cuisinart. I did not do this and got a big time brain freeze to stop an overflow." — Gary Brooks Get it from Amazon for $69.95 . 20. A supremely soft pair of fuzzy slippers so you can lounge around in style. See them on one TikToker who calls them the "comfiest slippers on Amazon" here ! Promising review: "These slippers are amazing! Discovered them on TikTok and went back and forth about ordering them but wow, they are so comfortable. I have barely taken them off since receiving them. They are so fluffy and stay on my feet surprisingly well when walking around the house. Can’t wait until more colors are in stock to get another pair." — MSumm Get them from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–10 and 16 colors) 21. A Baby Yoda Chia Pet because yo-daserve it. When you see this adorable thing grow, you'll definitely think The Force is with you. The kit comes with chia seeds, a drip tray, and display stand, and in just 1–2 weeks you should see it in full bloom! Promising review: "This is so adorable!! If you love The Child aka Baby Yoda this is a must. It’s fun and cute and a real conversation piece. People run over to it. Enjoy." — Suzanne Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in seven other styles). 22. A pack of miracle berries that'll turn anything sour into a sweet and delightful treat. Bring out an array of tangy foods and have a tasting party! P.S. it'll make spicy foods taste sweet too! Promising review: "This product is amazing! I don't know how it works exactly as I haven't done any research yet but it does in fact make sour things sweet and sweet things even sweeter. Raw sliced lemon taste like lemon candy and pineapples even sweeter, so sweet that I couldn't stand it lol. I also tried it with a shot of vodka — it didn't make it sweet but it dulled the taste and made it smoother! I can't wait to try more things!! Great product." — Michael Get a 10-pack from Amazon for $17.99 . 23. A microwave rapid cake maker because during your Cake Boss binge, your mouth refuses to stop salivating. Well now you'll be able to bake a spongey treat in literally just six minutes, SIX!!! Just grab all the ingredients you need, mix in everything into the bowl, and pop it into the microwave. Rapid Brands is a California-based small business that specializes in dishwasher-safe, microwaveable, BPA-free kitchen products. Psst — people swear by this for dorms, studio apartments, and for safer, easier baking with kids! Promising review: "I love this cake maker! It makes just the right size cake for our family of four. They’re not exactly like a cake fresh from the oven, but pretty darn close! My 12-year-old son loves to use it, so much so we make a cake on a weekly basis. Since each cake only requires a half a box of mix, we don’t have to store them for long. I think they taste much better than a mug cake and are almost as easy." — Clare Get it from Amazon for $34.69 . 24. A ridiculously fun ring toss game to cure your at-home boredom and transport yourself by pretending you're on a beach playing this magnificent game. It's perfect for all ages, so grab your family for some friendly competition! Tiki Toss is a small business that specializes in family-friendly games for home and outdoor use. Promising review: "We all love this game. Everyone who comes over cannot stop playing. So simple and so fun. Quality and design of product is fantastic. Also makes a great gift." — jzek Get it from Amazon for $6.79+ (available in two sizes). 25. A sushi making kit so you can have an at-home omakase if you have time to kill. Think about all the endless combinations you can create! The kit includes: two bamboo sushi mats, a rollers, two temaki rollers, a rice mold, a sushi knife, five pairs of chopsticks, two chopstick holders, a rice paddle, a rice spreader, two sauce dishes, a sushi cutting mold, and a guide book! Promising review: "I don't usually take the time to review, but I felt the need to do so with this kit. I find it fascinated. I'm also a father of three and I find this product to be very useful, easy to use and easy to clean. This kit is beautifully selected with everything you need to make sushi. I love it!!! You must have it. Sushi came out as described and it even comes with a starter recipe and direction booklet. Great stuff!!! A+" — Salim Khan Get it from Amazon for $18.59 . 26. A wireless, Bluetooth-enabled karaoke mic to sing your pretty little heart out. Just be careful if you're belting "I Will Always Love You" at 4 a.m. — your neighbors may not love that. Promising review: "You don't understand, TikTok made me obsess over this microphone. As a 30+-year-old woman, I resisted purchasing it. I finally broke down and bought it because it was haunting me in my sleep. I'm so glad I did. When I am in a bad mood I start karaoke in my house and am instantly better. It has 'ruined' my teenage son's life because my performances can be heard through his Xbox microphone. This is a must-have product." — Zane A. Undercoffer Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 15 colors). 27. A ~Mystical Fire~ colorant so you can turn your fire into a mesmerizing light show — so magical it's like witchcraft. I don't think you could ever get bored watching these colorful flames. Promising review: "Mystical Fire Colorant is amazing. For a really fun experience, get some of these for your next camping trip. As if a campfire needs improvement...but this stuff is really neat. I'd say the adults love it even more than the kids. We only used one packet and the colors were so good — seems like they lasted at least 20 minutes. There was even color left in the ashes the next day. We will never go camping again without several packs of Mystical Fire on hand." — TeNe Get it from Amazon for $6.40 . 28. A gorgeous paint-by-number kit for anyone who has time to kill and a whole lot of patience. All you have to do is paint inside the lines with the designated colors and you'll turn into Picasso — even if you don't have an artistic bone in your body. The kit includes a linen canvas, four wooden brushes, a set of acrylic paints, a guide, and a reference sheet. You can also get a frame for your masterpiece here ! Promising review: "I have never found prints like this in PBN, and that's the reason I bought. I wish you could find more like this on the boards and not the rolled canvas. All these brushes! That's a bonus. Its great not having to mix colors. The paint is thick, and that's a good thing. I just dip my brush in water first and then the paint to thin it out. The thick paint makes it easier to cover the numbers and lines. This has been a lot of fun to work on. Looking for more prints in this style." — Pat Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 12 styles). 29. Or a diamond art kit to create a glorious finished piece — paint by numbers but make it ✨sparkly✨. This is perfect if you want to try your hand at crafting but are scared of making a mess. There's no need to panic if you mess up, just remove the diamond. And the symbols on the blank canvas make it so easy to complete. This kit includes 12 canvases, pens, trays, glue, and diamond bags. Promising review: "I don’t have much experience with diamond painting (this is my first attempt), but I’m amazed at how inexpensive this kit is. The pictures are all very pretty. It came complete with all the diamonds needed, as well as tools and attachments, as described." — BellyWisdom Get it from Amazon for $23.39 . Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.