On the other hand, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of having clear and ambitious water conservation goals. By setting targets for reduced water consumption and increased efficiency, policymakers are sending a crucial message about the urgency of preserving this precious resource. Even if the immediate impact on residential water prices is limited, the overarching goal of creating a more sustainable water management system is a crucial step towards ensuring water security for future generations.Oprah Winfrey’s hypocrisy and Robert De Niro’s suggestion that he might to leave the United States are reminders that, at the end of the day, celebrities are just people — with no greater understanding of the political landscape than anyone else. Their declarations of doom and gloom have become background noise in a country that is tired of being talked down to. For years, celebrities have wielded their platforms like megaphones, hoping to sway voters and shape public opinion. Yet, despite their drama and declarations, their political star power appears to be waning. Take Oprah Winfrey, for example, who found herself embroiled in controversy after it was revealed her organization accepted a significant amount of money to conduct a townhall with Vice President Kamala Harris. But now, critics are left asking: Did Oprah’s endorsement even move the needle for voters? Was there anyone genuinely on the fence about Harris who decided, “You know what, if Oprah’s on board, I’m in”? The fallout from this has only further eroded trust in celebrity endorsements. Then there are the celebrity escape plans. Robert De Niro, for example, suggested in 2016 he might leave the United States if Trump won. But what is truly laughable is the hypocrisy of the countless celebrities who back in 2016 shouted: “If Trump wins, I’m out of here!” Cher and others were loud and proud about their disdain for a Trump presidency. Yet, when the moment came, they stayed put — clinging to their mansions in the United States rather than booking flights to Canada. It begs the question: Why the double standard? If America under Trump is as terrible as they claim, why not leave? Or is it that, deep down, they know there is no better place to live than the United States? Celebrities threatening to leave the country have become as predictable as award-show standing ovations. These threats serve less as genuine convictions and more as performative gestures meant to energize their social media followings. Yet, the average American sees right through it. For most working-class voters, celebrity complaints ring hollow when they come from people who enjoy wealth and freedom. The idea that Robert De Niro, who became famous portraying gritty, tough-as-nails characters, feels so aggrieved by election outcomes that he might move abroad is almost comical. Moreover, the notion that these stars believe their opinions hold more weight than the average American’s is a glaring example of Hollywood’s elitism. Their proclamations of moral superiority may resonate in the echo chambers of coastal cities, but for the rest of the country, it is just noise. And here is the kicker: President-elect Donald Trump now has more followers on X than Taylor Swift, one of the biggest pop stars on the planet. The fact that Trump has outpaced the ultimate celebrity in social media influence shows that America is not as enamored with Hollywood elites as it once was. A larger question looms: Do celebrity endorsements even matter in politics anymore? Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign surely thought so when it brought in Oprah, but the results suggest otherwise. Harris’ historic unpopularity has not been bolstered by celebrity star power. In fact, it could be argued that Hollywood endorsements hurt more than they help. Many Americans see them as out of touch, self-serving or even condescending. After all, why should a multimillionaire actor or singer have any more influence over an election than a small business owner in Ohio or a teacher in Texas? As Trump’s return to the White House sends shockwaves through the liberal establishment, perhaps it is time for Hollywood to take a hard look in the mirror. Their star power no longer carries the political weight it once did. Americans are increasingly skeptical of those who claim to speak for the “common man” while living in gated communities and vacationing in the South of France. The truth is, America is not perfect, but it is far from the dystopian nightmare Hollywood claims it will become under conservative leadership. And maybe, just maybe, it is time for these celebrities to stick to what they do best — entertaining — and leave the politics to the people. Bob Rubin is the Founder and President of Rubin Wealth Advisors. Learn more about him by visiting www.rubinwa.com . The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org .The rapid development of China's technology and innovation sectors, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and e-commerce, has further fueled investor optimism and attracted venture capital and private equity investments from both domestic and international sources. Chinese tech giants such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Baidu continue to demonstrate strong growth potential and innovation capabilities, positioning them as key drivers of the country's economic transformation.One of the first signs that you might be lacking adequate sleep is persistent fatigue. Feeling tired or drowsy throughout the day, regardless of how much coffee you consume, could be your body's way of telling you that it needs more rest. This fatigue can also manifest as difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and a decrease in cognitive function, making it harder to perform even simple tasks.
The 0.2% increase in the CPI indicates a mild uptick in overall inflationary pressures in the country. This rise was primarily driven by increases in food prices, which surged by 1.2% compared to the previous year. Prices of fresh vegetables, in particular, saw a sharp increase due to supply chain disruptions and adverse weather conditions in some regions. In contrast, non-food prices remained relatively stable, with only a marginal increase of 0.1%.
Karen Read is accused of killing her boyfriend with her car, but she insists it’s all an elaborate cover-up
Taking photos is one thing but knowing how to photograph moments is another. Internationally-renowned photographer Magic Liwanag has taken countless photos in his many years in the industry, each evoking a captured moment and amazing experience. But when he’s not taking them with a professional camera, his next device of choice is the newly launched OPPO Find X8 . Equipped with the Hasselblad Master Camera System, the new flagship from OPPO brings professional-level photography tools to your pocket and makes it easier than ever to snap jaw-dropping shots and immortalize the best experiences in life. Ready to learn from one of the best photographers? Here’s how Magic uses the OPPO Find X8 to take portraits to the next level. Use Hasselblad Portrait Mode for Professional Depth Magic’s first tip? Tap into the OPPO Find X8’s Hasselblad Portrait Mode. The OPPO Find X8 boasts a Hasselblad Master Camera System featuring a triple 50MP setup designed to deliver professional-grade results, your photographs captured with the OPPO Find X8 will showcase stunning details and vivid colors. “This mode brings out natural bokeh and incredible detail,” says Magic. Whether you’re capturing candid moments at a café or a friend’s laughter during brunch, the OPPO Find X8 isolates your subject, giving your shots that polished, studio-quality feel. One of Magic’s pro tips is to experiment with the five different portrait focal lengths to find the perfect frame for your subject. Let AI Do the Heavy Lifting It’s always been the dilemma of many people that the colors and quality of their photos they take in their phone does not give justice to what they actually saw. This is where OPPO Find X8’s HyperTone enters. This tool intelligently merges multiple RAW frames to deliver high-resolution images with vibrant colors and balanced shadows. “The OPPO Find X8’s HyperTone Image Engine is a game-changer,” Magic shares. Whether you’re snapping photos at golden hour or capturing nightlife scenes, the AI ensures your shots stay sharp and true-to-life. Maximize AI Telescope Zoom for Creative Perspectives Magic encourages experimenting with AI Telescope Zoom, which allows you to zoom in up to 120x without sacrificing clarity. “This is perfect for shooting intimate portraits from afar or focusing on small details that tell a bigger story,” he says. With its ability to zoom in from 10x to 60x up to a max of 120x for both photos and videos, the OPPO Find X8 leverages the power of AI to restore details often lost at extreme distances. Capture Every Moment with Lightning Snap The innovative Lightning Snap mode ensures you never miss a moment, even with moving subjects from sporting events or if you are taking a snap of your pet by capturing up to seven frames per second. For those who love action shots, Magic suggests holding down the shutter button to activate Lightning Snap. “It’s like having a DSLR in your hands. You can capture pets, kids, or any fast-moving subjects with ease,” he adds. One of his pro tip is to use Lightning Snap during outdoor adventures or impromptu photo walks to freeze every fleeting moment. Fine-Tune with AI Photo Remaster Tools After capturing your portraits, enhance them with AI Photo Remaster tools. Magic highlights the power of AI Clarity Enhancer to sharpen images and AI Reflection Remover to clean up unwanted glare. “These tools give your photos that extra pop,” he notes. Apart from AI Reflection Remover, the AI Photo Remaster is packed with other usefulAI tools such as AI Clarity Enhancer and AI Unblur, taking and editing photos with the OPPO Find X8 is made seamless, turning ordinary images into professional masterpieces with a few taps. Embrace Spontaneity Magic’s final advice: “Don’t overthink it. The best portraits often happen when you’re just having fun.” With the OPPO Find X8’s suite of AI tools and Hasselblad enhancements, your creative possibilities are endless. Ready to elevate your photography game Let your creativity shine, one portrait at a time. The OPPO Find X8 is now available nationwide. It’s priced at PHP 54,999 and comes in two colorways – Space Black and Star Grey. Visit any authorized OPPO stores or shop in the OPPO’s official stores in Shopee , Lazada , and TikTok Shop to get your hands on this powerhouse device. Celebrate Christmas the Maligayang PaskOPPO way Are you a My OPPO App user? Register now to participate in the Maligayang PaskOPPO promo where over Php 500 million worth of gifts await Filipino shoppers until January 5, 2025 both online and in stores. Download the My OPPO App or visit this link to know more or drop by your nearest OPPO stores nationwide to enjoy these exciting perks. To know more about the OPPO Find X8, Maligayang PaskOPPO Campaign, and the My OPPO App, visit OPPO Philippines’ official website at www.oppo.com.ph/ or OPPO Philippines’ official social media pages on Facebook , YouTube , and TikTok . About OPPO OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.Florida hit with shock warning about looming 'silver tsunami'Beat the freeze: These fleece-lined leggings are 'amazingly flattering' — and down to $18
In order to stay warm and comfortable during this cold spell, it is recommended to dress in layers, ensuring that the body is well insulated. Wearing thermal undergarments, a thick sweater or jacket, and a scarf, hat, and gloves can help to retain body heat and keep the cold at bay. Additionally, thermal socks and sturdy boots are essential to protect the extremities from the cold ground and biting winds.
Tennis champion swings by prestigious golf club in Oakleigh South1. **Steady Recovery in Key Sectors**: Analysis of the value-added tax invoice data revealed a steady recovery in key sectors such as manufacturing, services, and consumption. The increase in the number of invoices issued indicates a rise in production and business activities, reflecting a gradual rebound in demand and economic vitality.
WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) — Bryson Daily tied the American Athletic Conference record for single-season touchdowns and threw for a season-high 190 yards and a score to lift No. 25 Army to a 29-24 win over UTSA on Saturday. Army (10-1) finished the regular season 8-0 in the AAC and earned the right to host the championship game on Friday. Daily rushed for 147 yards, his academy-record ninth straight 100-yard game, and two touchdowns. Casey Larkin sealed Army’s 10th victory of the season, picking off Owen McCown at the Black Knights’ 10 with 1:14 left. “It was a great team win,” Daily said. “It was great to see the defense plays their hearts out like they’ve done all season. We knew a close game (at home) was coming at some point this season. That was today. I’m just proud of the fight that our guys showed.” Army won its 10th game for the fourth time in program history and third time in Jeff Monken’s 11 years. The Black Knights had outscored their opponents 188-62 in their first five home wins. “To be playing in the conference championship game in the first year is a little improbable,” Monken said. “It’s not something you anticipate. “I’m glad we joined the conference. It’s awesome to be in this position and have a chance to play for the conference championship. That’s not something you take for granted." Army’s defense rose to the challenges all afternoon. Kalib Fortner and Chance Keith combined to stop Brandon High short on 4th-and-1 from UTSA’s 16 on the first play of the fourth quarter. Five plays later, Bryson Daily scored his 24th touchdown of the season from one yard out to give Army a 22-17 lead. Collin Matteson picked off McCown for his first career interception with 11:17 left in the game. Daily scored his conference-tying 25th rushing touchdown, a 42-yard run on the second play following Matteson’s pick with 10:26 remaining in the game UTSA (6-6) fell to 0-6 away from the Alamodome. The Roadrunners opened the second half with McCown’s 23-yard touchdown pass to Devin McCuin on fourth down to take 17-13 lead with10:13left in the third quarter. Army senior kicker Trey Gronotte made a career-high three field goals. Gronotte’s 35-yard kick tied the game at 10-10 as time expired in the first half. Daily capped a 13-play, 75-yard drive with a 41-yard touchdown pass to running back Tyrell Robinson on the game’s opening drive with 7:30remaining in the first quarter. Robinson, a fifth-year senior, scored his first touchdown of the season and 14th in his career. UTSA answered with a touchdown on its first possession, a 10-yard run by Brandon High. High added a 6-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Army converted on all three fourth downs on its opening touchdown drive. Noah Short caught a 6-yard pass and ran for four yards to move the chains. UTSA leading rusher Robert Henry missed the game with an undisclosed injury. Henry had a team-best 706 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. UTSA: Awaits a bowl invitation. Army: Plays Tulane in the American Athletic Conference championship game. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballBeverly Suffers Quadriceps Minor Tear, Expected to Miss Six Weeks