'Moana 2' star Auli'i Cravalho proud to represent her culture as she returns to signature role
Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada’s hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country’s under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. “You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?” Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. “Is that how this works?” That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. “We’re certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water,” said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. “We’ve got to be really careful.” Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. “We played really, really hard,” Anholt said in defending his players. “We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game.” Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year’s Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia’s net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. “Tough blow for the kid,” Anholt said. “The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed.” Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday’s ugly result in the nation’s capital. “We’re good,” said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. “Everyone’s lost a hockey game before.” But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. “Bit of a (crappy) feeling,” said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. “We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. “We’ll bounce back.” Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team’s overall roster construction. “We’re not really worried about it,” defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year’s team, said of the outside noise. “We know we didn’t play well.” Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there’s a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. “Great player,” Cowan said. “He finds ways.” Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. “Let’s not panic,” he said. “The world hasn’t fallen in. It’s hard, but we’ll learn from it.” It’s something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. “People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you,” said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. “Gotta keep doing you.” Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn’t getting 2024 vibes from this year’s group. “Not even in any way, shape or form,” he said. “We’ve just got to take care of business.” They get a first shot at redemption Sunday.The key to preventing spindly seedlings is adequate light
Bombshell report finds evidence Gaetz had sex with minor, paid for sex and took drugs while in Congress
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday, lauded the Muslim Community in the state for its immense support for his administration and the contributions of the Muslim Ummah to the growth and development of the state since he assumed office. Makinde stated this while receiving the Muslim Community of Oyo State, led by its leader, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, on a courtesy visit at the Executive Chamber, Office of the Governor, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. The governor also donated a bus to the Muslim Community, urging them to continue to resist tendencies that can divide the state through religion or politics. The governor said, “Since 2019, I can say it without any bias that some of the quality advice that I have gotten in terms of governance came from our Muslim leaders. So, I don’t discriminate. “When some people came and said that the cabinet is lopsided, while I try to balance things, I also look for quality. If you look at the education sector, Commissioner for Education is a Muslim. SUBEB Chairman is a Muslim. Barrister Abdulraheem Abiodun, the chairman of Education Trust Fund, is a Muslim. I have nothing to hide. “They said the appointment of Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning is lopsided. It used to be Finance and Economic Planning but when we came in, we split it into two. And it is almost everything that is going on in Finance that is visible to someone doing Budget and Economic Planning. “Anything they want to bring to Exco, they will ask if it has been captured in the budget. If it is there, they will check how much has been spent and how much is remaining. He is the custodian and he is a Muslim. So, we have nothing to hide. “I will keep saying it that if people want to divide us along religious or political lines, we as leaders must resist that attempt and expose them. So, I want to say that it is our state; some have come and gone and I will go too. Whatever we do for our state is what the successor will meet and continue from there. “I am begging you that we should resist their attempts, because there are people that will profit from our division. But if we don’t allow division, they will go elsewhere. “Day before yesterday, one of the Christian leaders said some people are bringing up the issue of Sharia Court again in Oyo State. And I said, for me in Oyo State, our laws and constitution is what I swore to uphold. If they are within the law, fine. But if they are not, they should expect that I will insist that the law must be followed. “So, I want to use this opportunity to say that if there are certain people using the issue to play politics, they should have a rethink and constantly stay on the side of the law”. Speaking on the Ibadan stampede incident, Makinde assured that the law would take its due course to prevent future occurrences. “The incident at Islamic High School was avoidable and the loss of innocent lives was a sad one. Some of them would have been future leaders. Some are could have been future presidents but the dreams are dead. “And then, I listened to people on social media who were saying that because I know Oriyomi Hamzat, justice won’t prevail. I said to myself that these people don’t probably know the kind of person their governor is.”
If you want to invest for retirement, a 401(k) is a great place to start. A 401(k) is an employer-sponsored retirement account that gives you tax advantages for investing. Many employers sweeten the deal by matching some or all of your contributions. The 401(k) gets its name from the section of the Internal Revenue Code that established the 401(k). But don’t worry: You don’t need to pore over the tax code to understand the basics of a 401(k). We’ll break down what a 401(k) is, how it works, some key benefits, and the rules you need to know for your retirement planning. Learn more: Retirement planning: A step-by-step guide This embedded content is not available in your region. What is a 401(k)? A 401(k) is a type of retirement plan that lets you invest part of your paycheck in a tax-advantaged account that’s managed by your employer. Many companies encourage workers to save by offering an employer match. To participate in a 401(k), you’ll need to work for an employer that sponsors one. A 401(k) isn’t the only type of retirement account employers offer. For example, your employer might offer a similar plan called a 403(b) if you work for a public school or charity. But some employers (most commonly small businesses) don’t sponsor any type of retirement plan. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that only 58% of people employed by a business with fewer than 100 workers have access to retirement benefits. If your employer doesn’t offer a 401(k), you can still save for retirement through an individual retirement account, or IRA. 401(k) plans must meet the standards of a federal law called the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, or ERISA. The law sets a host of rules about things like how the plan is managed, who’s allowed to participate, and disclosure requirements. Learn more: How to start investing How does a 401(k) work? When you’re enrolled in a 401(k), the money you contribute is automatically taken out of your paycheck. You can get a tax break either on your contributions or your withdrawals, depending on the type of 401(k) you choose. You contribute pre-tax money, which lowers your taxable income for the year. Your investments grow on a tax-deferred basis. When you withdraw your money later on, your distributions are taxed as ordinary income. You contribute money you’ve already paid taxes on, so you don’t get a tax break in the year you contribute. As with a traditional 401(k), your money grows on a tax-deferred basis. But once you’re retired, you get to make tax-free withdrawals. How to enroll in a 401(k) When you enroll in a 401(k), you’ll need to choose the type of account (most employers now offer both traditional and Roth accounts), the percentage of your salary to invest, and your investments. Many 401(k)s let you choose from several different mutual funds, which pool money from many investors and then invest in a basket of securities. Employer-matching One of the best perks of a 401(k) is that many employers match a portion of your contributions. Some employers match contributions dollar-for-dollar, while others offer a partial match or a combination of the two. For example, in one common match scenario, employers match the first 3% of employee contributions dollar for dollar, then offer a 50% match on the next 2%, bringing the maximum employer contribution to 4% of the worker’s salary. How much can you contribute to a 401(k)? The IRS sets annual contribution limits for 401(k)s and other tax-advantaged retirement accounts. These limits are adjusted annually for inflation. You can’t contribute more than you earn in a given year to your 401(k). If you’re 50 or older, you’re allowed to make what are known as catch-up contributions, which are extra contributions afforded to workers getting closer to retirement. Beginning in 2025, you’ll also be allowed even higher catch-up contributions if you’re between the ages of 60 and 63 under new rules of the Secure Act 2.0, a bill President Biden signed into law aimed at improving retirement security. If you switch jobs, you may opt for a 401(k) rollover, where you “roll” funds from your past employer’s plan into an account at your new job. Any funds you roll over won’t count toward your annual contribution limits. Learn more: IRA contribution limits for 2025 401(k)s vs. IRAs A 401(k) is one of several types of tax-advantaged retirement accounts. IRA is an acronym for individual retirement account. The big difference between a 401(k) vs. IRA is that a 401(k) is sponsored by your employer, whereas an IRA is an account you open independently that isn’t tied to your job. Compared to 401(k) limits, IRA contribution limits are fairly low. In 2024 and 2025, you can only contribute up to $7,000 to an IRA, or $8,000 if you’re 50 or older. 401(k) vs. 403(b) 401(k)s and 403(b)s are both employer-sponsored retirement accounts. The main distinction is that 401(k)s are typically offered by private-sector companies, while 403(b) plans are limited to public schools, churches, and charities with 501(c)(3) tax status. 401(k) and 403(b) accounts are subject to many of the same rules and contribution limits. However, some 403(b) plans allow participants to make an additional catch-up contribution if they have at least 15 years of service with the organization. 403(b) plans usually have fewer investment options than 401(k)s. 401(k)s vs. pensions A 401(k) is what’s known as a defined-contribution plan, which means that your employer decides how much they’ll contribute to the account, but the account’s value ultimately depends on investment performance. You’re not promised any benefit when you retire. That’s a key distinction between 401(k)s vs. pensions (also known as defined-benefit plans), which guarantee a benefit based on factors like years of service and your average salary at the time you retire. How much should you have saved in a 401(k)? A good rule of thumb is to save at least 15% of your pre-tax income for retirement. If you get an employer 401(k) match, that counts toward your goal. You can include money you save in your 401(k), as well as an IRA. If you can’t afford to save that much, aim to at least put enough in your 401(k) to get your company’s full 401(k) match. Then, make it your goal to save more as your income increases. If your expenses drop — for instance, you pay off your car or credit card, or your child starts school and you’re no longer paying for daycare — try to divert some of the savings toward your 401(k). While there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for how much you should have saved in a 401(k), Fidelity provides these retirement-savings-by-age guidelines to help you set a benchmark: Age 30: 1x salary Age 35: 2x salary Age 40: 3x salary Age 45: 4x salary Age 50: 6x salary Age 55: 7x salary Age 60: 8x salary Age 67 (Social Security full retirement age for people born after 1959): 10x salary How to withdraw cash early from a 401(k) and avoid penalties A 401(k) is designed to encourage people to save for retirement, so you’ll often face penalties if you withdraw money early. You’ll typically pay a 10% early withdrawal penalty on distributions you take before age 59 1⁄2, on top of applicable taxes. There are a few exceptions, though. Some plans allow for hardship distributions if it’s needed for “an immediate and heavy financial need.” You may be able to avoid the 10% penalty (but not the tax bill if you funded the account with pre-tax money) in certain situations, such as: You become totally and permanently disabled You experienced economic losses due to a federally declared disaster where you live You have unreimbursed medical expenses above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income You’re a military reservist called to active duty You’ve been diagnosed with a terminal illness by a physician Under "the rule of 55," you can also avoid a penalty on 401(k) withdrawals if you leave your job the year you turn 55 or older (or 50 for some public safety workers). However, this rule only applies to your 401(k) for the employer you were working for when you left your job. You’ll still need to pay taxes on any non-Roth withdrawals. 401(k) loans Many (but not all) plans allow 401(k) loans of up to whichever is less: 50% of the vested account balance, OR $50,000 If your 401(k) has less than $10,000, you may be allowed to borrow the full amount, depending on your employer’s rules. When you take out a 401(k) loan, you won’t owe taxes or a penalty on the distribution unless you don’t repay the loan as agreed. You’re required to pay back the full amount you borrow, plus interest, within five years. However, if you leave your job, you’ll usually need to repay the loan by the time you file your tax return for the year. For example, if you leave your job in May 2025 and have an outstanding 401(k) loan, you’d need to repay it when you file your taxes for 2025 in April 2026, or October 2026 if you requested a tax extension. Required minimum distributions If you have a traditional 401(k), you can’t let your money grow forever. Annual taxable withdrawals called “required minimum distributions” (RMDs) are mandated once you’re 73 (previously age 72). Note that RMD age is scheduled to increase to 75 in 2033 under the Secure Act 2.0. As of 2024, Roth 401(k)s are no longer subject to RMDs. 401(k) FAQs If you need to track down an old 401(k), contacting your former employer is a good place to start. You can also search the National Association of Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits , the Department of Labor’s Abandoned Plan Program , and the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation databases, as well as your state’s unclaimed property division website to find your 401(k). A common recommendation is that you should have around one year’s salary saved for retirement by age 30. If you’re not quite there, try to increase your 401(k) or IRA contributions, or make a plan to up your savings percentage next time you get a raise. Bartenders and other service industry workers can have a 401(k) if their employer offers one or if they belong to a union that offers a retirement plan to its members. You’re more likely to be offered a 401(k) if you work for a large restaurant or hotel chain, as many small businesses don’t offer retirement benefits. If you don’t get a 401(k) through your employer, you can still save in an IRA.WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — First it was Canada, then the Panama Canal. Now, Donald Trump again wants Greenland. The president-elect is renewing unsuccessful calls he made during his first term for the U.S. to buy Greenland from Denmark, adding to the list of allied countries with which he's picking fights even before taking office on Jan. 20. In a Sunday announcement naming his ambassador to Denmark, Trump wrote that, "For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity." Trump again having designs on Greenland comes after the president-elect suggested over the weekend that the U.S. could retake control of the Panama Canal if something isn't done to ease rising shipping costs required for using the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He's also been suggesting that Canada become the 51st U.S. state and referred to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as "governor" of the "Great State of Canada." Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, said Trump tweaking friendly countries harkens back to an aggressive style he used during his days in business. "You ask something unreasonable and it's more likely you can get something less unreasonable," said Farnsworth, who is also author of the book "Presidential Communication and Character." Greenland, the world's largest island, sits between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans. It is 80% covered by an ice sheet and is home to a large U.S. military base. It gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and its head of government, Múte Bourup Egede, suggested that Trump's latest calls for U.S. control would be as meaningless as those made in his first term. "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale," he said in a statement. "We must not lose our years-long fight for freedom." Trump canceled a 2019 visit to Denmark after his offer to buy Greenland was rejected by Copenhagen, and ultimately came to nothing. He also suggested Sunday that the U.S. is getting "ripped off" at the Panama Canal. "If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question," he said. Panama President José Raúl Mulino responded in a video that "every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to," but Trump fired back on his social media site, "We'll see about that!" The president-elect also posted a picture of a U.S. flag planted in the canal zone under the phrase, "Welcome to the United States Canal!" The United States built the canal in the early 1900s but relinquished control to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, under a treaty signed in 1977 by President Jimmy Carter. The canal depends on reservoirs that were hit by 2023 droughts that forced it to substantially reduce the number of daily slots for crossing ships. With fewer ships, administrators also increased the fees that shippers are charged to reserve slots to use the canal. The Greenland and Panama flareups followed Trump recently posting that "Canadians want Canada to become the 51st State" and offering an image of himself superimposed on a mountaintop surveying surrounding territory next to a Canadian flag. Trudeau suggested that Trump was joking about annexing his country, but the pair met recently at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Florida to discuss Trump's threats to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods. "Canada is not going to become part of the United States, but Trump's comments are more about leveraging what he says to get concessions from Canada by putting Canada off balance, particularly given the precarious current political environment in Canada," Farnsworth said. "Maybe claim a win on trade concessions, a tighter border or other things." He said the situation is similar with Greenland. "What Trump wants is a win," Farnsworth said. "And even if the American flag doesn't raise over Greenland, Europeans may be more willing to say yes to something else because of the pressure."NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A lopsided, shutout loss has left the beat-up New Orleans Saints limping into the final two games of a lost season — and into a rather cloudy future beyond that. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi figured that a visit to playoff-bound Green Bay would be a tall order for his injury-riddled squad, whose prominent missing players included starters at quarterback, running back and receiver. And when New Orleans' mostly healthy defensive front struggled against a Packers ground game led by running back Josh Jacobs, the rout was on. Nothing "stuck out on film other than a lack of execution and lack of playmaking,” Rizzi said Tuesday after reviewing video of Monday night's 34-0 loss at Green Bay . “We played against a playoff team, at their place, that has very few holes on their team,” Rizzi added. “It was a little bit of a perfect storm." Rizzi, a special teams coordinator who has made no secret that he sees his eight-game interim stint as an opportunity to further his head-coaching ambitions, has two more games left in what has been an up-and-down audition. The Saints are 3-3 on his watch, which includes one of New Orleans' most lopsided losses since the turn of the century. With the playoffs unattainable, and with a lot of reserves pressed into service, the final two weeks will serve primarily as a player-evaluation period heading into the offseason, when there are bound to be myriad changes on the roster and perhaps the coaching staff. Rizzi said the Saints, realistically, have been in evaluation mode “for the last month or so,” but added that there maybe be additional young or practice-squad players getting longer looks in the final two games. “My big thing this week is to see how we can respond,” Rizzi said. “We’re going to find out a lot about a lot of people.” What’s working Of the Saints' four punts, three were inside the Green Bay 20 and New Orleans did not allow a single punt return yard. The punt team might have been the only unit that executed its job (even the kickoff unit allowed a 38-yard return). What needs help The Saints had trouble protecting the quarterback (three sacks) and protecting the football (two turnovers). They couldn't run the ball (67 yards). They couldn't stop the run (188 yards allowed). They couldn't pass the ball consistently (129 yards) or stop the pass when they needed to. As former Saints coach Jim Mora once said, they couldn't do “ diddly poo .” Although rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler largely struggled and was responsible for both New Orleans turnovers, he had enough highlights — including a jumping, first-down pass on third-and-long — to keep him penciled in as the starter if the injured Derek Carr remains unable to play, Rizzi said. “It was definitely a performance where we got to take the good with the bad,” Rizzi said. “We've got to get rid of those negative plays.” Stock up New Orleans native Foster Moreau has emerged as one of the Saints' most reliable offensive players. The sixth-year NFL tight end made two catches for a team-high 33 yards on Monday night, giving him 25 catches for 335 yards this season. His four TDs receiving entering the game remain tied for the team lead. Stock down Rizzi was riding high after two wins to start his interim term as head coach, but Monday night's ugly loss is the club's third in four games and took a lot of luster off his candidacy for a longer-term appointment. Injury report Center Erik McCoy left the game with an elbow injury, while guard Lucas Patrick hurt his knee in the closing minutes. Rizzi said McCoy won't need surgery but could miss the rest of the season. The coach said Patrick needs more tests but is not expected to play again this season. While the chances of Carr (non-throwing, left hand) or top running back Alvin Kamara (groin) playing again this season appear slim, the Saints have declined to rule that out. Rizzi said Carr is getting closer to being able to play and wants the opportunity to go against his former team, the Las Vegas Raiders. Meanwhile, Rizzi said Kamara “is working his tail off to try to come back” this season. “Alvin told me this morning, in my office, that he really would like to play again,” Rizzi said. Key number 24 — The number of years since the Saints suffered a more lopsided shutout loss, 38-0 against San Francisco in 2002. Up next The Saints' home finale against lowly Las Vegas will be an anticlimactic affair bound to generate a level of fan interest similar to, if not less than, a preseason game. But the game will be important to the current regime, which needs victories in each of the club's final two games to avoid the franchise's worst record since it was displaced by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and went 3-13. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Brett Martel, The Associated Press
Q: This past spring, we tried starting some of our own plants from seed indoors, but they got tall, spindly and weak by the time we wanted to plant them outdoors. What did we do wrong? — Tyler P. A: Seedlings growing tall and spindly indoors is an age-old problem, and the same wisdom holds true now that it did years ago. The problem occurs if plants are started too early and the light level isn’t intense enough. ADVERTISEMENT Because plants grow at different rates, some types need to be started very early, while others should wait until April for seeding indoors. Begonias and onions require many weeks to grow and can be seeded in February. March 1 is the recommended date for seeding petunias, impatiens, coleus and snapdragons. March 15 is the date to seed peppers, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Tomatoes and marigolds should wait until April 1, and zinnias until April 15. If seeds are started earlier than their recommended date, plants can languish indoors, becoming lanky and weak. In addition, seedlings need high light levels to remain stocky and strong. Plants grown with too little light often stretch and become weak-stemmed. Seedlings can be grown in a sunny window, but many windows don’t receive full, all-day sunshine as the sun moves across the sky, unless the windows are very wide. The short days of winter and early spring also keep light levels lower than seedlings prefer. A perfect way to provide seedlings with optimal light is with artificial lights, which can be standard LEDs, fluorescent, or special plant-type lights. Tube-type bulbs distribute light over seedling trays better than round bulbs. Seedling trays should be kept within several inches of the bulbs. Lights can be set on a timer with 16 hours on and eight hours off, similar to humans getting the recommended eight hours of sleep, which is how I remember it. Q: Thanks for the recent article on Blue By You salvia. Do you know where we can purchase this perennial come spring? — Rachelle S. A: Blue By You perennial salvia, an All-America Selections award winner and an outstanding feature in our perennial beds and landscapes, has been on the market for about two years, which is relatively recent as new plants go. ADVERTISEMENT As with many new cultivars, it takes time for new plant material to be widely available. Your best bet is to contact locally owned garden centers and inquire, which can be done now. This can give garden centers the opportunity to order the plants if they haven’t already. With the tens of thousands of plant cultivars available, no garden center can stock them all, but if they receive requests for specific types, they can often add them to their selection. Garden centers plan their inventory far in advance of the spring season, so the earlier a request is made, the more likely it can be fulfilled. Q: I know you prefer starting cuttings, such as houseplants, in mixtures of vermiculite, sand or potting mix instead of water. I’m curious why that is. Sometimes I have luck in water, but sometimes the cuttings rot. — Jenny S. A: Some plant types, such as pothos, root very easily in water and can even grow in water for many weeks. Other cutting types rot easily in water, which is why a solid-type medium often works best for coaxing cuttings to root. Sometimes I use high-quality potting mix, other times vermiculite, perlite or sand, and sometimes mixtures. Besides being less prone to rotting, starting cuttings in a solid-type medium has another important advantage. Roots that form in water are accustomed to growing in water, and when the cuttings are transferred into potting mix, there can be a stressful period of adjustment and shock. When roots begin forming in solid media, they are often more fibrous, well-branched and less gangly. Because they’re accustomed to growing in a solid medium, there’s usually less transplant shock when transferred into potting mix. For easy-to-root plants, rooting in water is handy, but solid media has distinct advantages. ADVERTISEMENT If you have a gardening or lawn care question, email Don Kinzler, NDSU Extension-Cass County, at donald.kinzler@ndsu.edu . Questions with broad appeal may be published, so please include your name, city and state for appropriate advice.
Nobody puts baby in a corner, but they’re putting her in the National Film Registry. “Dirty Dancing,” along with another 1980s culture-changer, “Beverly Hills Cop,” are entering the Library of Congress’ registry, part of an annual group of 25 announced recently that spans 115 years of filmmaking. “Dirty Dancing” from 1987 used the physicality and chemistry of Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle and Jennifer Grey as Frances “Baby” Houseman to charm generations of moviegoers, while also taking on issues like abortion, classism and antisemitism. In the climactic moment, Swayze defiantly declares, “Nobody puts baby in a corner” before taking Grey to dance to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” 1984’s “Beverly Hills Cop,” the first Eddie Murphy film in the registry, arguably made him the world’s biggest movie star at the time and made action comedies a blockbuster staple for a decade. Since 1988, the Librarian of Congress has annually selected movies for preservation that are “culturally, historically or aesthetically” significant. The current picks bring the registry to 900 films. Turner Classic Movies will host a TV special on Wednesday, screening a selection of the class of 2024. The oldest film is from 1895 and brought its own form of dirty dancing: “Annabelle Serpentine Dance” is a minute-long short of a shimmying Annabelle Moore that was decried by many as a public indecency for the suggestiveness of her moves. The newest is David Fincher’s “The Social Network” from 2010. A look at some of the films entering the registry “Pride of the Yankees” (1942): The film became the model for the modern sports tear-jerker, with Gary Cooper playing Lou Gehrig and delivering the classic real-life line: “Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.” “The Miracle Worker” (1962): Anne Bancroft won an Oscar for best actress for playing title character Anne Sullivan and 16-year-old Patty Duke won best supporting actress for playing her deaf and blind protege Helen Keller in director Arthur Penn’s film. “Up in Smoke” (1978): The first feature to star the duo of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong established a template for the stoner genre and brought weed culture to the mainstream. Marin, who also appears in the inductee “Spy Kids” from 2001, is one of many Latinos with prominent roles this year’s crop of films. “Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan” (1982): The second movie in the “Star Trek” franchise featured one of filmdom’s great villains in Ricardo Montalban’s Khan, and showed that the world of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock could bring vital thrills to the cinema. “Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt” (1989): The Oscar-winning documentary on the NAMES Project Aids Memorial Quilt was a landmark telling of the devastation wrought by the disease. “My Own Private Idaho” (1991): Director Gus Van Sant’s film featured perhaps the greatest performance of River Phoenix, a year before the actor’s death at age 23. “American Me” (1992): Edward James Olmos starred and made his film directorial debut in this tale of Chicano gang life in Los Angeles and the brutal prison experience of its main character. “No Country for Old Men” (2007): Joel and Ethan Coen broke through at the Oscars with their adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel, winning best picture, best director and best adapted screenplay, while Javier Bardem won best supporting actor for playing a relentless killer with an unforgettable haircut. Full list of 2024 National Film Registry inductees “Annabelle Serpentine Dance” (1895) “KoKo’s Earth Control” (1928) “Angels with Dirty Faces” (1938) “Pride of the Yankees” (1942) “Invaders from Mars” (1953) “The Miracle Worker” (1962) “The Chelsea Girls” (1966) “Ganja and Hess” (1973) “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974) “Uptown Saturday Night” (1974) Zora Lathan Student Films (1975-76) “Up in Smoke” (1978) “Will” (1981) “Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan” (1982) “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984) “Dirty Dancing” (1987) “Common Threads: Stories from the Quilt” (1989) “Powwow Highway” (1989) “My Own Private Idaho” (1991) “American Me” (1992) “Mi Familia” (1995) “Compensation” (1999) “Spy Kids” (2001) “No Country for Old Men” (2007) “The Social Network” (2010)AbbVie Healthcare under government lens for 'violations'
NoneUK shoppers bemused as Easter eggs in shops before New Year’s Eve
Transforming the Car Rental Industry with Advanced Software SolutionsShare Tweet Share Share Email In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies are constantly looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, especially in retail and shipping. One area where substantial improvements can be made is in the labeling process, which is essential for product identification, inventory management, and order fulfillment. The technology behind thermal printers has evolved significantly, offering businesses a powerful solution for these tasks. This article explores how thermal label printers can enhance efficiency in retail and shipping by streamlining processes, reducing errors, and saving time. The Role of Labeling in Retail and Shipping In the retail industry, labeling is a vital component of managing inventory, tracking sales, and ensuring that products are easily identifiable to customers. Whether it is price tags, barcodes, or product information, labels serve a critical purpose in making transactions smoother and more accurate. Similarly, in the shipping industry, proper labeling ensures that packages are sorted and delivered correctly. With the rise of e-commerce, the demand for efficient and accurate labeling has only increased. To address these needs, businesses have turned to thermal label printers, which offer significant advantages over traditional printing methods. These printers use heat to transfer ink onto labels, which results in high-quality, durable prints without the need for ink or toner. This makes them a cost-effective and reliable option for businesses dealing with large volumes of labeling. Speed and Efficiency in Printing One of the primary ways that thermal label printers enhance efficiency in both retail and shipping is through their speed. Traditional printers can be slow when it comes to printing large quantities of labels, and the ink can smudge or fade over time. Thermal label printers, on the other hand, can print at high speeds with consistent quality. This allows businesses to keep up with high-volume demands, particularly during busy seasons like holidays, when the volume of shipments and retail transactions increases significantly. For retailers, faster labeling means quicker product stocking and smoother checkout experiences for customers. In shipping, speed is crucial to meet tight deadlines and ensure timely deliveries. By reducing the time spent on printing and labeling, thermal label printers contribute to overall operational efficiency, allowing businesses to focus on other critical tasks, such as customer service and inventory management. Cost-Effectiveness Over Time Thermal label printers are also more cost-effective in the long run compared to traditional ink-based printers. Because they do not require ink cartridges or toner, businesses can save money on consumables. The only cost involved is the thermal paper itself, which is typically less expensive than ink or toner cartridges. Furthermore, the durability of thermal prints means that businesses can avoid costly reprints due to fading or smudging, which can occur with ink-based printers. In the retail industry, where margins can be tight, cutting down on unnecessary costs is crucial. For shipping businesses, reduced operational costs can translate into better profit margins and the ability to reinvest in other areas of the business. By switching to a thermal label printer, businesses can achieve a more economical labeling solution without sacrificing quality or performance. Improved Accuracy and Reduced Errors In both retail and shipping, errors in labeling can have serious consequences. Incorrect prices, misplaced items, or improperly labeled shipments can lead to customer dissatisfaction, delays, and financial losses. Thermal label printers help to reduce the risk of these errors by providing clear, legible, and accurate prints every time. In retail, this accuracy ensures that products are correctly identified and priced, which is essential for both in-store and online sales. Barcodes printed on thermal labels can be scanned quickly and accurately, making the checkout process faster and reducing the chances of human error. In the shipping industry, accurate labeling ensures that packages are properly sorted and delivered to the right destinations, reducing the likelihood of returned or misdirected shipments. This level of accuracy not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces the cost of handling errors. Durability of Prints The durability of thermal prints is another significant advantage in both retail and shipping. Traditional ink can smudge, fade, or wear off over time, especially when exposed to moisture, heat, or physical wear and tear. Thermal labels, on the other hand, are highly resistant to fading and can withstand harsh environmental conditions. This is particularly important for businesses that need to ensure that labels remain legible throughout the shipping process or for products that are stored for extended periods. In retail, durable labels mean that products can be kept on display for longer without worrying about the information becoming illegible. In shipping, it ensures that addresses and barcodes remain readable, even if packages are handled roughly or exposed to various environmental factors during transit. Integration with Existing Systems Thermal label printers are also easy to integrate with existing systems, making them a seamless addition to many retail and shipping operations. In retail, these printers can easily connect with point-of-sale systems, inventory management software, and e-commerce platforms, allowing businesses to print labels automatically based on product data. This automation reduces the need for manual entry, which can save time and minimize the risk of human error. For shipping businesses, thermal label printers can be integrated with shipping software to generate shipping labels quickly and accurately. This integration streamlines the order fulfillment process, ensuring that shipments are labeled correctly and dispatched without delay. The ability to integrate thermal label printers with existing systems makes them a versatile tool that enhances operational efficiency across various industries. Versatility for Different Applications Another key benefit of thermal label printers is their versatility. They can be used to print a wide range of labels, including price tags, barcodes, shipping labels, product identification labels, and more. This makes them an ideal solution for businesses that need a single printer for multiple applications. In the retail industry, for example, thermal label printers can be used to print price tags, sale labels, and even promotional labels for special events. In shipping, these printers can handle a variety of shipping label formats, including those required by major carriers like FedEx and UPS. This versatility allows businesses to streamline their operations by consolidating their labeling needs into one machine, reducing the need for multiple printers and saving both space and resources. Environmentally Friendly Solution With the growing emphasis on sustainability, businesses are increasingly looking for eco-friendly solutions that can reduce waste and minimize their environmental impact. Thermal label printers are a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional ink printers. Since they do not require ink or toner, there is less waste generated, and the need for disposable cartridges is eliminated. Additionally, many thermal label printers are designed to be energy-efficient, consuming less power than other types of printers. For businesses that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint, using a thermal label printer is a step in the right direction. Conclusion Thermal label printers have proven to be an invaluable tool in enhancing efficiency in both retail and shipping industries. By offering speed, cost-effectiveness, accuracy, durability, and versatility, these printers enable businesses to streamline their labeling processes and focus on what matters most—providing excellent customer service and growing their operations. Whether you’re a retailer looking to improve inventory management or a shipping company striving for timely deliveries, a thermal label printer is a smart investment that can significantly boost your operational efficiency. Related Items: Retail and Shipping , Thermal Label Printer Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
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Fitness Equipment Expansion: USD 15B in 2022, projected to hit USD 21.35B by 2031 at 4% CAGR.Former NFL star Rob Gronkowski says Apple stock was his best investment ever, turning $69,000 into $6000,000