NoneThe president of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society won’t seek re-election following a first term marked by infighting and low morale across the union’s operational ranks. Shortly after the final bell rang for winter break, Nathan Martindale took to social media to announce he will carry out his two-year appointment that ends in the spring and step away from labour relations after that. “After many conversations with my family and deep reflection on their needs, I have made the decision to not run for a second term as MTS president,” he wrote in a post uploaded to Facebook Friday. Martindale, a special education resource teacher in Winnipeg, has spent the last 12 years in full-time union roles. Since the turn of the century, all of his predecessors — including former presidents James Bedford, Norm Gould, Paul Olsen, Pat Isaak, Brian Ardern and Jan Speelman — have served two consecutive terms. Bedford told the Free Press he does not know details, aside from surface-level ones, but his friend and former colleague’s departure, as well as other recent high-profile exits from MTS, suggests “something’s gone badly off the rails.” Between 2011 and 2017, Martindale represented colleagues in the Winnipeg Teachers’ Association. He later joined the union’s governing board better known as “PX” — internal shorthand for the MTS provincial executive. “I have often been required to be out of town, as well as attend numerous evening and weekend obligations, all of which have taken me away from my family,” he wrote on his personal social media page. “With the ongoing needs of my family, including supporting my child with Type 1 diabetes, I know it is now time to prioritize being present for them.” Martindale first assumed an interim president role on Feb. 24, 2023 — the day of Bedford’s mid-term retirement — before he won an internal election that spring. Per union bylaws, PX members are each elected to serve a two-year appointment. The president and vice-president are eligible for re-election for one additional term. Other members can serve up to three consecutive terms. Martindale was not made available for an interview on the subject. His office indicated the union leader is not taking any reporter calls over the holidays. Among many congratulatory comments and messages of thanks that users made on his post, Bedford wrote that it was an honour to work alongside Martindale. His original comment — which has since been edited — also stated, “It is unfortunate that you will likely be replaced by someone less caring, less experienced, and less dedicated to representing all members.” It was liked by a number of union representatives, including Jonathan Waite from the Seine River Teachers’ Association, PX member Sean Giesbrecht and Chris Darazsi, president of the local in the River East Transcona School Division. Lise Legal, president of the Pembina Trails Teachers’ Association, replied with a demand for Bedford’s “beyond disrespectful” sentence be deleted. The public exchange was made against the backdrop of a third-party probe into the union’s embattled headquarters on Portage Avenue. Bedford said he made the comment out of frustration that his “extraordinarily dedicated” successor is leaving and “a great team” is falling part. The union’s work environment became “highly political” during his tenure from 2019 to 2023, he added. MTS hired a consulting firm at the start of the school year to investigate workplace culture, harassment and morale concerns raised by staff members who are in charge of servicing more than 16,600 public school teachers. Three different people have assumed the executive director role — the non-partisan counterpart to Martindale, and senior leader in charge of managing members of Teamsters Local Union 979 — over the last 13 months. Teamsters Canada spokesman Christopher Monette, who has been critical of MTS leaders for failing to provide a harassment-free work environment and viewing staff as “adversaries,” declined to weigh in on internal politics Monday. “MTS has made efforts over the past months to address workplace concerns. While encouraging, we believe it is too early to provide a final assessment and will reserve further comments for now,” Monette said in an email. He noted that Teamsters continues to pursue outstanding grievances related to workplace issues that will be brought to an arbitrator in the new year. Martindale’s lengthy social media post touted negotiating the first provincewide collective agreement for teachers, navigating the classroom complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic and joining the Manitoba Federation of Labour as highlights during his time at MTS. He also acknowledged the union’s success in “slamming the door” on Bill 64, controversial Progressive Conservative proposed legislation that sought to eliminate Manitoba’s elected school boards in 2021.NDP will not support Liberal GST holiday bill unless rebate expanded: Singh
MADRID (AP) — Getafe scored twice in three minutes midway through the second half to beat struggling Valladolid 2-0 and record only its second win in La Liga on Friday. The victory ended Getafe’s five-game winless run and lifted it into 15th place in the 20-team standings. Valladolid remained second to last. In the buildup to the match, Getafe sporting director Rubén Reyes described the game as a final but his team was lucky not to go behind as Valladolid created more of the early chances. However, the home side took control in the 69th minute when substitute Álvaro Rodríguez got the opener. Three minutes later, man of the match Allan Nyom made it 2-0. “There’s been a lot of games where we’ve run and fought but lost or drawn,” Nyom, the veteran Cameroon full back, said. “A game that reflects the effort we’ve put in in training is very welcome.” Adding to Valladolid’s woes, coach Paulo Pezzolano was sent off before halftime. The Uruguayan has the league’s worst disciplinary record, with seven yellow cards before Friday’s red. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccerThough NCIS : Hawai’i was one of many shows to get canceled in 2024 , the CBS drama’s fanbase on the whole has yet to fully accept and reconcile with that turn of events, and quite a few have been campaigning ever since for Vanessa Lachey to get a chance to return as Special Agent Jane Tennant. And after the crime drama spinoff took the top spot in a fan survey, Lachey shared her loving appreciation for those keeping the faith. The Dancing with the Stars vet took to the Stories on her Instagram page to socially frolic amongst the positive fan vibes and reflect that love back on everyone who have strongly missed seeing NCIS: Hawai’i on Monday nights since its cancellation in the spring . She shared a story about a survey hosted by The U.S. Mirror , which asked NCIS fans what their favorite spinoff is. Here's what the results were, according to the outlet: NCIS: Hawai'i : 63% NCIS: Los Angeles : 28% NCIS: New Orleans : 8% Regardless of the sample size, that’s a mightily astounding victory for NCIS: Hawai’i , which more than doubled the total number of people who opted in on the long-running L.A. spinoff. Perhaps the beach-filled offshoot even siphoned off some of Los Angeles ’ support simply by bringing LL Cool J into the cast for its third and final season. Lachey, who previously opened up about being blindsided by the cancellation , shared the love on Instagram by posting the following caption along with a story about the fan survey results. BEST fans in the WORLD!!! I ❤️ U! Following the survey first making its way online, fans were quick to start sharing it on social media with the ongoing core hope that CBS will see all of the efforts being made by former viewers to get Hawai’i back on the air in whatever way possible. That obviously won’t be happening as part of the 2024 TV schedule , and even the 2025 TV premieres seems like a dicey option to root for, but it doesn’t seem altogether impossible. After all, the crime drama wasn’t axed over terrible ratings or big problems behind the scenes. While it was indeed expensive to shoot in the titular location, the biggest thing in NCIS: Hawai’i ’s way was CBS already having a stacked roster of Fall TV shows, including the prequel series NCIS: Origins . So if the channel’s schedule planners don’t over-stock primetime at some point in the future, there could be room for a return to the Hawaiian field office. CINEMABLEND NEWSLETTER Your Daily Blend of Entertainment News It remains to be seen whether or not fans will dig into the upcoming arrival of the internationally set spinoff Tony and Ziva , co-starring Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo . Could it end up taking the top spot amidst favorites, or will Lachey’s NCIS: Hawai’i reign supreme? Vanessa Lachey may not be returning to the Hawaiian sunshine as Jane Tennant again anytime soon, but fans will soon see her back on the small screen again when The Ultimatum ’s newest season hits the 2024 Netflix schedule starting on Wednesday , December 4.
Valladolid loses again and Getafe ends winless run in La LigaSOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cytokinetics, Incorporated (Nasdaq: CYTK) today announced that on November 29, 2024 it granted stock options to purchase an aggregate of 34,515 shares of common stock and 22,410 restricted stock units (RSUs) that will be settled into shares of common stock upon vesting to 7 employees, whose employment commenced in November 2024, as a material inducement to their employment. The RSUs will vest over 3 years, with 40% of the RSUs vesting on the first anniversary of the applicable grant date, an additional 40% of the RSUs vesting on the second anniversary of the grant date and the final 20% vesting on the third anniversary of the grant date, in each case, subject to each respective employee’s continued service with the Company. The stock options that were granted are subject to an exercise price of $51.86 per share, which is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on November 29, 2024, and will vest over 4 years, with 1/4th of the shares underlying the employee’s option vesting on the one-year anniversary of the grant date and the remaining shares thereafter vesting in monthly installments at a rate of 1/48th of the shares underlying such stock options over the subsequent 36 months, subject to each respective employee’s continued service with the Company. The stock options have a 10-year term. These awards are subject to the terms and conditions of the Company's Amended and Restated 2004 Equity Incentive Plan and the applicable award agreements pursuant to which the awards were granted. The stock options and RSUs were granted as material inducements to employment in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). About Cytokinetics Cytokinetics is a late-stage, specialty cardiovascular biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing muscle biology-directed drug candidates as potential treatments for debilitating diseases in which cardiac muscle performance is compromised. As a leader in muscle biology and the mechanics of muscle performance, the company is developing small molecule drug candidates specifically engineered to impact myocardial muscle function and contractility. Following positive results from SEQUOIA-HCM, the pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating aficamten, a next-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), Cytokinetics is progressing regulatory submissions for aficamten for the treatment of obstructive HCM in the US, Europe, and China. Aficamten is also currently being evaluated in MAPLE-HCM, a Phase 3 clinical trial of aficamten as monotherapy compared to metoprolol as monotherapy in patients with obstructive HCM, ACACIA-HCM, a Phase 3 clinical trial of aficamten in patients with non-obstructive HCM, CEDAR-HCM, a clinical trial of aficamten in a pediatric population with obstructive HCM, and FOREST-HCM, an open-label extension clinical study of aficamten in patients with HCM. Cytokinetics is also developing omecamtiv mecarbil , a cardiac muscle activator, in patients with heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), CK-586, a cardiac myosin inhibitor with a mechanism of action distinct from aficamten for the potential treatment of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and CK-089, a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (FSTA) for the potential treatment of a specific type of muscular dystrophy. For additional information about Cytokinetics, visit www.cytokinetics.com and follow us on X , LinkedIn , Facebook and YouTube . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). Cytokinetics disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements and claims the protection of the Act's Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Cytokinetics' and its partners' research and development activities of Cytokinetics' product candidates. Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to the risks related to Cytokinetics' business outlined in Cytokinetics' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission particularly under the caption “Risk Factors” in Cytokinetics’ latest Annual Report on Form 10-K. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and Cytokinetics' actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates, may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Any forward-looking statements that Cytokinetics makes in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. Cytokinetics assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release. CYTOKINETICS® and the CYTOKINETICS and C-shaped logo are registered trademarks of Cytokinetics in the U.S. and certain other countries. Contact: Cytokinetics Diane Weiser Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs (415) 290-7757Article content Passengers taking to the skies from Edmonton in May will be able to travel non-stop to Houston and Chicago following a recent United Airlines announcement. Edmonton International Airport (YEG) on Friday said that through a partnership with United Airlines, the airport will gain direct flights to Chicago and Houston. The direct flights to Houston will begin takeoff in May, starting with four weekly flights in the summer and increasing to daily winter flights. Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, Jim Szczesniak, said the partnership will increase the bonds between the two cities, “opening doors for cultural exchange and exploration.” YEG president and CEO, Myron Keehn, said the new flights aid the airport in its broad vision of having more flights to more places for those leaving Edmonton. “From important business connections to diverse cultural experiences, we know our passengers will enjoy these new non-stop offerings at YEG,” said Keehn. The airport highlighted the benefits of further connections between Edmonton and Houston due to the two cities’ shared attachment to the energy sector. It said the new flights offer a chance to strengthen business ties between Edmonton and Houston while also opening doors in other industries where the American city leads, like aerospace, healthcare, and technology. Beyond the immediate connection between Edmonton and Houston, the latter also serves as a global hub, particularly to Latin and South America, for United; it hopes to open new travel opportunities for Edmonton customers. “As a global gateway to Latin America and beyond, Houston is proud to serve as a vital link that connects these two corners of the world, fostering growth, innovation and shared experiences,” said Szczesniak. For its part, YEG said the direct Chicago flight offers a “major global hub for finance, manufacturing and technology,” which it said will make the city a key destination for Edmonton businesses to connect with international networks and industry leaders. Chicago flights also begin in May, with three non-stop flights from Edmonton per week over the summer. The two direct flights come on the heels of a similar recent announcement that YEG will also get direct flights to Salt Lake City and Chicago from WestJet, in addition to other expanded offerings domestically.
On Sunday, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon.com, Inc. AMZN , denied rumors that he has planned a $600 million wedding to marry his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez. Bezos and several other celebrities reacted to the since-debunked report on social media. What To Know: The Bezos wedding rumor originated on Saturday with a report from the Daily Mail alleging the couple would marry in a $600 million dollar ceremony at Kevin Costner’s Dunbar Ranch in Aspen. Other media outlets picked up the story and billionaire investor Bill Ackman questioned the validity of the report in a response to a story from the NY Post. This is not credible. Unless you are buying each of your guests a house, you can't spend this much money. https://t.co/1TVGOBLe9D Read Next: Honda, Nissan Confirm Merger Plans To Offset Chinese EV Competition: How Mitsubishi Factors In Bezos then responded to Ackman's post with a full denial of the rumored wedding. ‘This whole thing is completely false – none of this is happening,’ he posted on X. ‘The old adage “don’t believe everything you read” is even more true today than it ever has been.’ ‘Now lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on. So be careful out there folks and don’t be gullible,’ Bezos said. Furthermore, this whole thing is completely false — none of this is happening. The old adage "don't believe everything you read" is even more true today than it ever has been. Now lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on. So be careful out... https://t.co/wz2SWp6wBZ Elon Musk , currently the richest man in the world, also responded to the social media thread with well-wishes for his rival. Musk said that “even if one is not present,” he hopes Bezos holds “an epic wedding” in the future. Bezos is currently the second-richest man in the world, according to Bloomberg, and the men have battled for first place in the past. That said, I hope you do hold an epic wedding. It's nice to know that epic events are happening somewhere in the world, even if one is not present. A world where there are amazing events somewhere is better than a world where they are happening nowhere. Michael Saylor , chairman of MicroStrategy, Inc. MSTR and outspoken Bitcoin advocate, also responded to Bezos' denial of the $600 million wedding rumors. "$600M would buy a lot of Bitcoin," Saylor posted. $600M would buy a lot of Bitcoin. What Else: Though Bezos denied rumors of an upcoming Aspen nuptial, he did not give any details about when or where a wedding may take place for the couple. Bezos, 60, and Sanchez, 55, have been engaged since May 2023 and have remained relatively tight-lipped regarding their wedding plans. “We're still thinking about the wedding,” Sanchez told Vogue in November 2023. “What it's going to be. Is it going to be big? Is it going to be overseas? We don't know yet. We've only been engaged five months!” she said. Read Next: ‘Mystery Drone’ Sightings Spark Investigations, Politicians Respond: ‘Shoot Them Down,’ Trump Says Image: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.We test hundreds of products every year to separate the cream from the crop — from to to the . Two things we've learned from all this testing: All products are created equal, and price isn't a good indicator of quality. In fact, some of our favorite finds fell on the lower end of the budget spectrum for their particular categories — and we made sure to share those finds with you every chance we got. So what's the of the best? We've been keeping track of our editors' faves and put together a list below. Whether you're looking for the to end all coffee makers, a flattering or some great , we have the créme de la creme here. Keep scrolling for our favorite editor-tested finds of 2024. Full disclosure: Our resident cookware tester, Lisa Schweitzer, has been using a Tramontina nonstick pan for years. She says (and this is a direct quote), "Cooking with this pan is a dream! With only a slick of oil, eggs slide right off the surface and over the flared edge onto the plate." It performed as well or better than the other pans we tested, crisping salmon skin to brown ASMR perfection and cooking golden pancakes without hot spots. Cleanup is a breeze and only requires a few swipes with a soapy sponge, even around the rivets that secure the handle. About that handle: The removable silicone grip is a plus, as it keeps the handle cool on the stovetop. It also gives it added grip and makes it extra comfortable to hold. Read more about this skillet in our guide to the . As longtime Lodge skillet owners, we home editors can attest to the fact that the company makes a pan that will last forever, as long as you care for it properly. The brand's Blacklock-edition pan, our top choice for the , is lighter and easier to maneuver than the , with slightly thinner walls. When Schweitzer fried eggs in it, they came away with little effort and crispy edges. Yum! Also of note is the handle — it has Lodge's signature teardrop shape, but is more ergonomic and a little longer, and it feels more comfortable in hand. Schweitzer had no trouble moving the pan from the stove to the oven and back. It's a breeze to clean (as most cast iron skillets are) with nothing more than hot water and a synthetic scrub brush. Topping our list for the is this versatile model, which boasts substantial cooking room, requires minimal maintenance and is easy to use, all while looking sleek. It comes pre-assembled, so there's no setup required, and the accompanying instructions are intuitive. A bright LED interface displays five functions — air fry, roast, bake, broil, and warm — plus five presets. We assessed the air fry function by making french fries, breaded chicken tenders, chicken wings and crab rangoons, using package instructions and the "frozen" preset where there were none. Everything came out right on time and was juicy on the outside and crispy on the inside. While air-frying was the main focus of our test, we also tried several other functions: Our roasted chicken breasts, baked salmon and broiled steaks cooked to perfection. Nespresso pods produce tasty, high-quality cups of drip coffee and espresso, and the VertuoPlus makes the experience as easy as possible. It impressed us so much, we also named it our . You push just one button to operate it, and there's a mechanism that automatically tosses your used pod into a receptacle inside the machine. We loved the sleek, stylish look of the VertuoPlus (this model is made by De'Longhi; Breville also makes one with similar specs) and how compact it was for such a powerful machine. It also requires minimal upkeep: Just empty the used-pod receptacle (which holds about 10 pods) and descale (aka deep clean) every three months or 300 pods. One of the main issues with single-serve machines is the amount of waste they produce. At least Nespresso offers a recycling program for its aluminum pods. You can drop off used pods at 250-plus locations or order with prepaid labels. Topping our list for the is Rubbermaid's Brilliance line, which comes in a variety of sizes, available with either a glass or base. We tested the Tritan plastic and they were durable yet lightweight, the flip-style lids were easy to clean and, when locked, the set proved to be airtight. Based on our experience, the containers are also odor- and stain-resistant, so they still smell fresh and look like new after being used to store saucy foods such as marinara sauce and hot wings. Unlike some other plastic containers on the market, these containers have excellent clarity. Another biggie: The bases and the lids in both the plastic and glass versions are dishwasher-, freezer- and microwave-safe. This Hydro Flask bottle is resilient, practical and — thanks to numerous cap and capacity options — customizable. It was the we tried. The pliable loop on the cap made for agile carrying, while the Flex straw option provided quick access to water. The double-wall vacuum insulation kept our drinks cold for the promised 24 hours, and the entire water bottle proved dishwasher safe. Our tester, Home & Garden Writer Kristin Granero, has owned and used Hydro Flasks for several years and, despite countless drops and washing cycles, they remain leakproof and look like new. Featherweight vacuums are among the lightest and most compact, with Eureka's hitting the sweet spot in our testing of the for value, form and function. The dust cup holds 0.55 liters, which is fairly generous for a featherweight vacuum, and detaches easily for handheld use. We also like how it's transparent, so you can see when it's getting full. For being so lightweight (only 4 pounds), this model packs a good amount of suction power and proved a solid match for all the materials in our tests. That included sand, which proved a sticking point for other models we evaluated. In real-life testing, we appreciated the Eureka Featherweight's 18-foot-long cord for skirting around bigger rooms and pieces of furniture. The vacuum is also freestanding, with the cleaner head remaining propped at a 90-degree angle for easier carrying. Using a network of sensors, our pick for the adapts to different environments and zaps everything in sight. For being on the heavier side (a common feature among vacuums with strong motors and sizable dust cups), it proved incredibly agile, with swivel steering and a shallow cleaner head that allowed us to get under and around furniture. LED lights helped with visibility, and the cord measures 30 feet, on the longer side for a vacuum in the upright category. The PowerDetect proved a match for a wide range of messes, sucking up Cheerios, rice, kitty litter, sand and stubborn pet fur. Its automatic "Detect" mode helped it cruise from bare floors to low-pile and plush carpets swimmingly. This feature was particularly impressive when it came to tackling smaller areas of carpet, like kitchen mats, because it used just enough suction to vacuum effectively without getting stuck or pulling up corners as a result of excessive gripping. Based on our experience, that's not an easy feat! Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder tested this for the in her compact SUV. Pebbles, crushed leaves, crumbs of all sizes and larger clumps of dirt proved no match for its powerful suction. But what really makes this cordless vacuum stand out is its reach. It has a flexible 4-foot hose with a curved nozzle that helped her access the tightest, most awkward spaces. "For the first time ever, I was able to get the way under the front seats of my car without having to strain my back or crouch down," she raved. Topping our list of the is this large and cushy, but still breathable, towel that comes in a cornucopia iterations. Woven of long-staple Turkish cotton, it's extremely soft, a feature it maintained even after Granero put it through the wringer (aka five wash-and-dry cycles). Despite being on the thicker and more absorbent side, it also dried fairly quickly. It took about 40 minutes, versus comparative styles that typically took close to an hour. Last time we checked, this Frontgate towel was available in 27 colors — with or without monogramming — and several sizes. It's meant for the bathroom, but its bold, bright hues would make it a great pool or beach towel in a pinch. Woven of long-staple Turkish cotton, this pick "felt more like a blanket than a towel!" said Granero, our resident tester. "It's one of — if not plushest and coziest towels I've tried," she added, and it retained those features throughout five wash and dry cycles. To test absorbency, she dunked each towel in a bucket of water and folded it lightly to see how much it could hold without dripping (for more on our testing, read our full guide to the ). This pick retained as much as four liters of water at a time — more than any other towel she evaluated. Despite how much H2O it guzzled, it dried in about 45 minutes, which is what you typically see with towels that have finer fabrics and less thickness. Solo Stove's low-smoke fire pits have garnered a cult-like following among campers and beachgoers, with the among their most popular models. It's compact, intuitive and versatile. Just take it from Carolin Fuller, director of partnerships at , an online camping resource and directory. "The is small enough to fit among the rest of our gear but big enough to throw off plenty of heat during cold nights in camp. It comes in a convenient carrying case, the removable ash pan makes for easy cleanups, and the smokeless design means we don’t have to play musical chairs to avoid stinging eyes.” Don't forget the for (safely) maneuvering those wood logs and sticks! And for other recommendations, check out our complete story on the . This small but mighty electric grill from Char-Broil comes in four colors and can turn a basic patio into a charming burger bistro — just plug in the cord and you’re good to go! It offers 320 square inches of cooking space (enough for 12 patties) and is designed with infrared technology that helps to evenly distribute heat while preventing flare-ups. According to fans of the grill (it has over 2,000 on Amazon alone), the porcelain-coated cooking grates also stand up to rust and other signs of wear. Read more in our . This futuristic-looking pizza oven pod manages to strike a balance between performance and convenience. "Its dual-fuel compatibility (gas and wood) offers flexibility and the built-in thermometer ensures accurate temperature control. The quick preheating and easy clean-up make it ideal for spontaneous pizza nights," says founder and editor-in-chief of WorstPizza.com, a pizza review and directory site. "It's a great option for people who don't have the space for a larger oven," adds Anthony Mangieri, chef and owner of the in New York City and owner of , a frozen pizza line. "It's also portable, which makes it incredibly versatile." We tested the Roccbox and can attest to its convenience (it came fully assembled, was quick to start and fired up in about 15 minutes) and versatility (for a smaller oven, it still has enough room to cook a 12-inch pizza, as well as other food items). Each Roccbox comes with a detachable gas burner and a professional pizza peel (worth $85), adding to its overall value. In addition to four full-length inseams — 23, 25, 28 and 31 inches — Lululemon Align leggings range in size from 0 to 20, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding your fit. They're among our picks for (and who doesn't love pockets?) but our testers say there are more reasons to splurge. "I didn't get the whole Lululemon obsession until I actually tried a pair, but now I understand — and actually feel confident leaving the house in leggings," said Laura Kenney, Yahoo's commerce editor-in-chief. Fitness trainer Tammy Foxx is also a fan because of their "exceptional material quality, shape-retaining pockets, and just the right amount of compression for various activities." Read our Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity loves this bestselling tee by Madwell — so much so that we crowned it over competitors from Gap, Hanes, Uniqlo, J.Crew and others. "I have a hard time finding T-shirts that aren't too loose and boxy for my petite frame, and this one has a shrunken fit that hits right at my hip, making it easy to tuck in," she said. She has owned the shirt for over a year and raves about how durable it is. "I've worn it more times than I can count and thrown it into the wash a million times, and it looks like new." Garrity gave it a 4.5 out of 5 on the opacity scale, so you don't have to worry about your bra showing through it, and she hasn't noticed any unwanted stretching or shrinking. Bonus: You can monogram the top to give it a personal touch! It doesn't get much more classic than these high-rise, straight-leg jeans by Levi's, which we named the year's . There are 15 washes to choose from, so you'll find a pair that suits your style, and they hit just above the ankle so your shoe collection can take center stage. Dodell-Feder calls them the "perfect wide (but not too wide) jeans. They feel timeless and also trendy, which is pretty impressive!" And while she would love to get them in another color, she notes that she would need to try them on because "the fit of Levi's jeans varies wildly by wash, in my experience." Dodell-Feder also says they're surprisingly comfortable despite having a structured silhouette. "They have a very high waist and button fly, so they are not sweatpants-comfy. But for no-stretch denim, I find them very comfortable, probably because of the wide-legged fit." Commerce Manager Julia Webb really knows her stuff when it comes to — she even directly compared . During testing, she found that this softie from Naadam reigned supreme, calling it flattering, cozy and affordable. While it might not be the softest cashmere she's ever tried, she says it "still feels luxe and it's also not too fragile — it's durable enough I can wear it multiple times a week." What really makes this piece a standout is how long-lasting and easy to care for it is. It's also under $100, a steal for cashmere, and comes in an impressive 34 colors. Three staff members listed these L.L.Beans as their , and it's easy to see why. Not only are the boots (which come in both and ) incredibly warm thanks to their cozy shearling lining, but they're waterproof, so you can walk through snow and puddles without wet toes. Each pair is hand-sewn in Maine, so they're durable and built to last. Schweitzer and Style Editor Rebecca Carhart have both had a pair for several years, and they still look good as new. The boots aren't overly bulky, weighing less than 4 pounds, and they have a rugged rubber sole that prevents you from slipping and sliding. While most of the are designed for a particular activity, if you're looking for a well-rounded pair that can handle everything from running to weightlifting, take a look at these Brooks. The knit upper is stretchy and breathable, while the arrow-point pattern in the rubber outsole provides ample traction for wet gym surfaces and outdoor terrains alike. women's fitness expert, IFBB fitness pro athlete and certified personal trainer, calls them "my absolute go-to all-around favorite shoes because they strike the perfect balance between support and responsiveness. They give me a stable base for heavy lifting and enough cushioning for cardio sessions, making them incredibly versatile. The fit is snug and comfortable, which makes me feel secure no matter the workout." When we polled healthcare pros, they overwhelmingly cited Brooks as because they "offer comfortable and durable shoes in styles that are fun and functional," according to Sarah K. Wells, founder of . And the Ghost 15 is the shoe most for healthcare workers. Along with , these comfortable kicks boast ultra-lightweight cushioning, a breathable upper and a system of shock absorbers to prevent foot pain. They come in a variety of color combos and widths. The No. 1 Amazon bestsellers have racked up over 7,000 five-star ratings, with many from nurses. "I'm on my feet all day. Every other tennis shoe I have tried ended up with my feet aching at the end of a shift or my toes going numb. These are so comfortable and light, and my feet haven't hurt at all," . Perhaps best of all, Brooks offers a ! If you've seen a pair of Hokas in the wild, there's a good chance they were Cliftons. These are among the brand's most popular picks, and it's for good reason. "They're absolutely cloud-like," raves Izabella Zaydenberg, deputy commerce editor. "They were the only shoes that didn't exacerbate my plantar fasciitis (especially when )." Carhart also owns a pair of Cliftons, and she wears them every time she goes for a long walk, whether on a treadmill, a trail or around town. She says the cushioned sneakers are undoubtedly the most she's tried, with no break-in time. They come in a wide range of colors, so it's easy to find a favorite style (or two). They've even earned an APMA seal of approval. Check out our other recommendations for . When we polled experts for their , both running coaches we spoke with, and , listed these as their top picks. "This is the most comfortable shoe on the market, ideal for daily training and long runs that don't involve intense workouts," says Keys. Clark agrees: "The cushioning is so plush and soft. It seriously is the most comfortable cushioning underfoot for easy runs!" The sporty kicks have a breathable mesh upper to prevent your feet from overheating and a durable rubber outsole that offers great traction for everyday runs. There are 14 styles, and they come in narrow, medium, wide and extra-wide options so you can find your ideal fit. Ugg slippers have been in demand since the early 2000s, but this pair is probably the most popular right now. The Tasmans, our picks for , are lined with the same cozy sheepskin as your favorite Ugg boots, but their backless design makes them easier to slip on and off. The rubber soles are also the same as the brand's signature boots, which means they can go both indoors and out with ease. These look just as good with pajamas as with athleisure and are good go-tos for quickly letting the dog outside or grabbing the mail. The grippy soles mean you won't be slipping and sliding around, and they're cozy enough for hunkering down at home on chilly days. Hundreds of shoppers and podiatrists are fans of this ultra-cushioned pair of sneakers. , a podiatric surgeon, said this pair of "is hands down my favorite. They meet all the criteria of a supportive shoe, and I especially like that they make their shoes with the EVA material for shock absorption." Not only do the sneakers have the signature Hoka cushioning, but they boast a memory foam heel for added comfort and an elastic band at the ankle that cradles the foot and keeps it from sliding around. They're made from 100% vegan materials and have a mesh upper, making them super-breathable. Plus, they weigh less than 6 ounces. This crowd-pleaser, our overall , sports 360-degree spinner wheels and side-mounted TSA locks, and it comes in a variety of snazzy colors (Burnt Orange! Caribbean Blue!) that'll make it stand out on the luggage carousel ... which will save you time. And don't fret about your gorgeous new suitcase getting dinged up — shoppers confirm that it'll endure even the most rough-and-tumble international treks. "It holds a lot and rolls very well. I've taken it on six flights so far (filled it up to 48 pounds!) and it has held up great ... no damage, no issues," . If you're looking for that has it all, this is the one to buy. It's expandable and extremely lightweight. The interior is as roomy as it gets for a checked suitcase. However, you won't be able to tell unless you expand it with the hidden zipper. It's also fully lined and features two compartments with multiple pockets for easy access and organization. There's a TSA-compliant lock and multidirectional spinner wheels. Commerce Writer Moriba Cummings has owned this suitcase for over six years and says he has used it more times than he can count. After all these years, it still looks brand new, he reports. These were the sleekest and most well-made of all that we tested. They have a breathable mesh panel that helps with air circulation and lets you see what's inside each cube without unpacking. And the anti-catch zippers ensure that packing is always snag-free. It was easy to fit a lot into these cubes, which come in well-proportioned sizes and nest together easily to fit into a carry-on suitcase. The exterior of each Monos cube is made from a tear-resistant nylon twill that feels sturdy and durable (no matter how much you stuff into each cube) and the interior is lined with a soft anti-microbial fabric that keeps items looking and smelling fresh. When Carhart first saw this Natori bra, she was skeptical that the pretty lace option would provide the all-day comfort and support she expects from a T-shirt bra, let alone that it would become our pick for the . She was shocked by just how comfy it was, however. The partially lined bra has a feminine lace trim that gives it a more fashion-forward feel, contoured plunge cups that provide a flattering shape and boost, and elastic-lined edges that keep it securely in place without digging. The underwire is barely noticeable, and the lace did not show underneath clothing. The adjustable straps were thin yet sturdy, and the lace and mesh were soft and comfortable even after hours of wear. The width of the straps increases as the sizes go up to give larger busts the support they need. This sleek pick is our thanks to the raves of more than 2,000 Nordstrom customers. Carhart also owns this smoothing bra, which uses molded cups and light foam padding to provide a nice natural shape. The back and sides have boning and gripper strips to help keep it in place comfortably for hours. Even better, it comes with straps, so you can add them when you need extra support. The bra can be worn conventionally, halter style or criss-crossed in the back. If you're aiming to downplay your cup size, this affordable option from Vanity Fair may be just what you’re looking for, and it's our of the year. (This full-coverage bra is also a pick on our overall !) It can minimize your bustline by up to 1.5 inches. Along with a built-in underwire, it has nonpadded cups that comfortably cover and support your breasts. "Depending on the bra style and if you need a larger cup size, you might look for side panels or a wide back band and straps," said Elisabeth Dale, author of and founder of . "These details are more critical in bras for people with fuller busts (anything over a DD)." This bra delivers, with extra side and back bands made from a four-way stretch material that smooths any bumps and bulges. This Nike pull-on bra offers medium support and light compression to get you through low and high-impact activities, so it's no wonder thousands of Amazon shoppers and our own Deals Writer, Britt Ross, are fans. Featuring Nike's signature Dri-Fit technology, it comes in a range of colors. Even better, you can choose from three support types: high, medium and light. Says Ross: "I hate wearing . Nikes are the only ones that don't feel like they're digging into my skin. I appreciate that they come with different levels of support (I like light support, since I hate feeling too constricted, but even this one makes me feel like everything is held in place). I also like the clean design and the fact that they come in some pretty colors and neutrals. I mainly wear them while riding my Peloton bike, and nothing's ever felt like it's popping out." These are soft, warm and easy to put on — just a few of the reasons we named them the of the year. Carhart was able to slip these on with ease, and they fit seamlessly into bulky snow boots and sneakers. In addition to a comfy cushioned heel, they have incredibly thin, flexible infrared fiber heating elements that didn't cause discomfort. The socks were warm even without the heat on, and while they did go up very high on her calves, they didn't dig in like others she tested. CosRx has as a coveted skin care ingredient, but its sleeper-hit Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream is equally as good. A favorite among the K-beauty crowd (and our pick as the ), this face cream packs and seals moisture into dry, dehydrated skin without pilling or leaving behind the kind of tacky-stickiness our Senior Beauty Editor Jennifer Romolini despises. She loves it for its texture (creamy, but lightweight), its fast-absorbing formula and, especially, its high-quality antioxidant ingredients. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the rich cream contains vitamin tree water (also known as sea buckthorn), which is filled with vitamins, amino acids and fatty acids that help strengthen the skin barrier and increase hydration even more. The midrange price is the cherry on top. After three weeks of regular use, it minimized the fine lines under our tester's eyes and had an immediate impact on under-eye puffiness — and thus, it was crowned the . No skin-care product will ever perform miracles, of course, but this eye cream helps smooth surface texture (the dreaded crepiness!) on upper lids while improving the appearance of bags underneath. And at this moderate price (not a total bargain, but still not ), it's an all-around win. These truly revolutionary patches help solve blackheads fast. You just carefully apply the soft, wide strips across your nostrils and the bridge of your nose, shuffle off to bed and let them do the hard work of clearing your pores while you sleep. In the morning, you'll be astonished when you see all the grime that was trapped inside. "Amazing" and "miraculous" are common themes among five-star reviewers. said, "I was amazed! It was slightly annoying to have on at night, but when I woke up, all of those problem blackheads on my nose were either gone or loosened up. ... The patch is easy to remove and doesn't hurt at all, like some of the other nose strips. I'm so impressed!" called these "Seriously an unexpected miracle. ... Pore strips have always pulled a few [blackheads] out, but mostly just left a white film behind. I applied this clear plastic patch and went to sleep. [In the morning] I could see that about 75% of my blackheads/sebum were gone." L'Oreal's spray is the gold standard of temporary silver hair concealers and for good reason: It's available in nine shades, as opposed to the three that many brands offer and, once applied, it quickly and effectively conceals gray roots until your next shampoo. It's a super popular product, with tens of thousands of five-star Amazon reviews and even celebs like singing its quick-fix gray-covering praises. "Great product!" . "Always a saver. When I can't get to the salon to get my hair done this saved me so much, even when I didn't go for like a month or two longer than I should've gone. You can always depend on this. And it really matches well with my hair. No one could really tell." "I got this to spray on the dreadful grays that show up in the part on the top of my head," . "I hate paying the high prices at the salons, so I use this to hide the grays and extend the time between visits." Dream Coat is an award-winning anti-frizz treatment that works at the cuticle layer of hair, rendering it humidity proof. It's the ideal product for taming both frizz and more wiry gray hair and roots. Romolini's favorite part of this product is how it lasts — the treatment stuck around through four shampoos. She was able to air dry her hair without putting in any additional product and it remained entirely frizz-free. Though you can totally use other styling products with Dream Coat, she found she didn't need to. "I try hundreds of products a year and it's rare that I enjoy one this much," she gushed. "My only regret with Dream Coat is not testing it sooner — it's excellent for fine, thin, hair and I've found few products better for taming frizz without a tedious amount of drying and ironing." Even if you don't think of yourself as a "lipstick person," the ultra-popular, 90s-chic ( !) Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey will change your mind. Its creamy, universally flattering formula is made from a blend of blue, red and yellow pigments, so it works for any and all skin tones. It's particularly good for drier, more mature lips, as it glides on like a balm and has none of the waxy feel of some lipsticks. The shade looks dark in the tube but, once on, works like a customized tint, lightly staining the lips a natural-looking berry hue that's just a hint or two above bare. Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida didn't think you could engineer hard-plastic earbuds that he'd like as much as the AirPods Pro, but the AirPods 4 with ANC kick butt (and ear). No wonder they earned his vote as the of 2024. You also get most of the other features found in the AirPods Pro, including spatial audio, wireless case charging, full support for Find My and great call quality. Missing, alas, are the Pro's revolutionary hearing-aid capabilities, but if you're not at the point where you need them, there's everything else to like here. The current-generation base-model iPad is arguably the for anyone and everyone. It's a shockingly capable device, able to run an unrivaled selection of apps and work with a broad selection of accessories (including, notably, the Apple Pencil for drawing and note-taking). This iPad features a gorgeous 10.9-inch screen, impressive front and rear cameras and some zippy color choices. It's also one of very few tablets available with a cellular option (at extra cost), something to consider if you need internet access while out and about. Every TV needs a soundbar, and if you're going to get one, you might as well add a subwoofer and rear speakers into the mix. Those elements add considerably to the home-theater experience — but in the case of Hisense AX5125H, they don't add considerably to the price. Indeed, for a very modest $350 (often discounted to $300), you get not only a Dolby Atmos-equipped main speaker, but wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer. That means real surround sound, not simulated. Small wonder, then, that Broida named this the best soundbar overall in his roundup of . If you're in the market for a new TV, don't base your decision solely on vague specs (looking at you, "QLED," "DTS," etc.). While the Roku Pro Series delivers all the important ones, it's Yahoo's favorite for one simple reason: It's easy to set up and easy to use. It's a TV for the non-tech-savvy.Is Enron back? If it's a joke, some former employees aren't laughingNone
Bulls On Tap Tasting Flight: Chicago Bulls News for Nov. 30, 2024The demands of achieving both one-day shipping and a satisfying orgasm collide in Halina Reijn’s a kinky and darkly comic erotic thriller about sex in the Amazon era. stars as Romy Mathis, the chief executive of Tensile, a robotics business that pioneered automotive warehouses. In the movie’s opening credits, a maze of conveyor belts and bots shuttle boxes this way and that without a human in sight. Romy, too, is a little robotic. She intensely presides over the company. Her eyes are glued to her phone. She gets Botox injections, practices corporate-speak presentations (“Look up, smile and never show your weakness”) and maintains a floor-through New York apartment, along with a mansion in the suburbs that she shares with her theater-director husband ( ) and two teenage daughters (Esther McGregor and Vaughan Reilly). But the veneer of control is only that in “Babygirl,” a sometimes campy, frequently entertaining modern update to the erotically charged movies of the 1990s, like “Basic Instinct” and “9 1/2 Weeks.” Reijn, the Danish director of has critically made her film from a more female point of view, resulting in ever-shifting gender and power dynamics that make “Babygirl” seldom predictable — even if the film is never quite as daring as it seems to thinks it is. The opening moments of “Babygirl,” which A24 releases Wednesday, are of Kidman in close-up and apparent climax. But moments after she and her husband finish and say “I love you,” she retreats down the hall to writhe on the floor while watching cheap, transgressive internet pornography. The breathy soundtrack, by the composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer, heaves and puffs along with the film’s main character. One day while walking into the office, Romy is taken by a scene on the street. A violent dog gets loose but a young man, with remarkable calmness, calls to the dog and settles it. She seems infatuated. The young man turns out to be Samuel (Harris Dickinson), one of the interns just starting at Tensile. When they meet inside the building, his manner with her is disarmingly frank. Samuel arranges for a brief meeting with Romy, during which he tells her, point blank, “I think you like to be told what to do.” She doesn’t disagree. Some of the same dynamic seen on the sidewalk, of animalistic urges and submission to them, ensues between Samuel and Romy. A great deal of the pleasure in “Babygirl” comes in watching Kidman, who so indelibly depicted uncompromised female desire in Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” again wade into the mysteries of sexual hunger. “Babygirl,” which Reijn also wrote, is sometimes a bit much. (In one scene, Samuel feeds Romy saucers of milk while George Michael’s “Father Figure” blares.) But its two lead actors are never anything but completely magnetic. Kidman deftly portrays Romy as a woman falling helplessly into an affair; she both knows what she’s doing and doesn’t. Dickinson exudes a disarming intensity; his chemistry with Kidman, despite their quickly forgotten age gap, is visceral. As their affair evolves, Samuel’s sense of control expands and he begins to threaten a call to HR. That he could destroy her doesn’t necessarily make Romy any less interested in seeing him, though there are some delicious post-#MeToo ironies in their clandestine CEO-intern relationship. Also in the mix is Romy’s executive assistant, Esme (Sophie Wilde, also very good), who’s eager for her own promotion. Where “Babygirl” heads from here, I won’t say. But the movie is less interested in workplace politics than it is in acknowledging authentic desires, even if they’re a little ludicrous. There’s genuine tenderness in their meetings, no matter the games that are played. Late in the film, Samuel describes it as “two children playing.” As a kind of erotic parable of control, “Babygirl” is also, either fittingly or ironically, shot in the very New York headquarters of its distributor, A24. For a studio that’s sometimes been accused of having a “house style,” here’s a movie that goes one step further by literally moving in. What about that automation stuff earlier? Well, our collective submission to digital overloads might have been a compelling jumping-off point for the film, but along the way, not every thread gets unraveled in the easily distracted “Babygirl.” Saucers of milk will do that. “Babygirl,” an A24 release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for “strong sexual content, nudity and language.” Running time: 114 minutes. Three stars out of four. Jake Coyle, The Associated Press
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