Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. This image provided by Pull Start Fire shows the matchless fire igniter in use. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax's Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you've got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses "smart" technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good's 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. Uncredited - handout one time use, ASSOCIATED PRESS Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40.AI could help us predict prison violence, says justice secretary
NonePresident-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Treasury secretary operates a hedge fund that reaped a massive windfall two years ago — even as global markets sagged under the punishing weight of inflation, according to a report. Scott Bessent’s investment firm Key Square Capital saw its flagship fund score a 29% return in 2022 by betting that high rates of inflation would persist longer than what the Federal Reserve predicted. By contrast, the S&P 500 — the stock market index that tracks the performance of 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the US — fell 18% that year, when the annual inflation rate rose to a whopping 8.3%, the highest since 1981. Key Square Capital’s strategy at the time was to short fixed-income assets and tech stocks that were generating low revenue, according to the Financial Times. “Scott is very cerebral and a global opportunist who does best when there is chaos,” a person close to Bessent told FT. “He can play multiple [financial] instruments in order to position himself on top of the rest ... during peaceful times he can struggle to find a winning angle.” Bessent’s hedge fund has also raked in double-digit-percentage profit so far this year, according to Reuters. Key Square Capital this year made successful bets that the stock market and the US dollar would rise. But the hedge fund has also experienced lean years under Bessent’s leadership. Bessent, who was George Soros’ money manager when the left-leaning, Hungarian-born financier became a billionaire by shorting the British pound during the 1992 “Black Wednesday” sterling crisis , founded Key Square in late 2015. The company quickly raised $4.5 billion — which included $2 billion from Soros. During its first year, Key Square’s flagship fund scored a 13% return on its investments, according to Reuters. The hedge fund correctly wagered that the British pound would decline in the wake of the “Brexit” vote that led to the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. Key Square also turned a profit when the hedge fund rightly predicted that Trump would win the 2016 presidential election — a development that sent US stocks and the dollar surging. But Key Square ended up losing 7% in 2017 and then either lost money or broke even from 2018 until 2021, Reuters reported. One investor told FT that Bessent was “nowhere near” the status of big-name Wall Street fund managers such as ex-Soros deputy Stanley Druckenmiller, Paul Tudor Jones or Louis Bacon. “If he had done really well as a hedge fund manager, then his business would be at a size where he couldn’t or wouldn’t take a post in government,” the investor told FT. Reuters cited a source as saying that the hedge fund gained double digits in both 2023 and 2024 and was up “double digits” over its history. The inconsistent performance apparently scared off potential clients. As a result, assets under management shrank from a high of around $5.1 billion at the end of 2017 to $577 million as of December last year, according to regulatory disclosures tracked by Convergence Inc. Aside from hedge funds, Key Square offers other financial services including an advisory business for family offices, foundations and endowments as well as a spin-out firm, Ghisallo Capital, which is said to be worth $3.4 billion. Brevan Howard Asset Management, the $34 billion macro hedge fund manager co-founded by British billionaire Alan Howard, is a longtime client of Key Square. “Scott is one of the best macro investors in the world,” a spokesperson for Brevan Howard told Reuters. “His understanding of markets, public policy, and the global economy is largely unmatched.” Semafor previously reported that selective Key Square performance numbers were being shared around Wall Street chats as Bessent competed for the coveted post of Treasury Secretary. The report did not reveal the numbers shared. The Post has sought comment from Key Square.
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Click celebrates significant growth milestones while introducing a new initiative to support and empower photojournalists in sharing authentic, impactful stories through the platform. SAN FRANCISCO , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Click , a groundbreaking mobile app that fights misinformation by making it simple to capture and publish authenticated content, powered by the Nodle Network , has recently launched the Click Photojournalism Fellowship, to empower photojournalists to join Click's mission to build a more truthful future. Joining the fellowship will give photojournalists exposure of their work via the Click app and Nodle Network and allow each photojournalist to share their stories and their photos. Additionally, Click has just reached two growth milestones in its first year of operation, passing 50,000 users and over 1,000 new photos authenticated by Click daily. These follow Click's public beta launch in March. The Click camera app is currently available for download on both iOS or Android , and all content captured with Click can be accessed through the app and on Click's website at clickapp.com . The first two photojournalists to join the Click Fellowship are: "We're thrilled to collaborate with photojournalists, empowering them to share their authentic stories through Click. In an era where digital content authenticity is crucial, we're leveraging blockchain to support journalists in building transparency and trust. The Click Photojournalism Fellowship sets a new standard for credibility in journalistic content on social media," says Micha Benoliel , CEO and co-founder of Intergalactic Labs, the team behind Click and Nodle. Click aims to grow the fellowship to over 20 photojournalists in early 2025 and is currently seeking more photojournalist partners. Photojournalists who join the program will share their recent work via Click's blog (both Click and non-Click photos), that represent their photojournalistic perspective, share their journalist story and be promoted across the Click and Nodle communities. Journalists will also provide feedback on the Click app periodically via scheduled sessions with Click's team. To apply and join the fellowship, photojournalists can fill out this short application and share samples of their work. About Click: Click is a new mobile app empowering everyone to easily create authentic media content. Click is on a mission to combat misinformation and bring truthful photos and videos aka "Deep Reals" to everyone via immutable digital proofs of authenticity. With Click, you can confirm content is real and happened at a specific location, time and via a specific mobile device and camera. This is all made possible by ContentSign , Click's proprietary technology which proves the integrity of data from its moment of capture on-chain. Click is built on ZKsync , the leading Ethereum Layer 2 blockchain and is powered by the Nodle DePIN. Click supports the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) and is a member of the Adobe-led Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI). Download Click on iOS or Android and visit us at clickapp.com to learn more and see recent press coverage. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/click-camera-app-announces-new-photojournalism-fellowship-as-app-reaches-50-000-users-signing-1-000-authenticated-photos-daily-302329583.html SOURCE Nodle
Cutting in line? American Airlines’ new boarding tech might stop you at now over 100 airports.Customers browse cosmetic shelves at a store in Seoul, Dec. 2. Yonhap By Lee Yeon-woo Cosmetics stocks, which are highly sensitive to demand in the Chinese market, are rallying on growing expectations that the Chinese government may announce additional economic stimulus measures. According to the Korea Exchange, Wednesday, Amorepacific ended the market at 111,100 won ($77.57), a 4.12 percent increase compared to Tuesday, continuing its upward trend from the previous trading day. Key domestic cosmetics stocks, such as Tonymoly, Kolmar Korea, BBIA and APR, are also on an upward trajectory, with respective gains of 3.99 percent, 2.81 percent, 5.12 percent and 1.86 percent. Their rally — a rare phenomenon in the otherwise-stagnant domestic stock market suffering from last week's martial law fiasco — came after the Chinese Communist Party's meeting, Tuesday, chaired by President Xi Jinping. At the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of implementing more proactive fiscal policies and moderately accommodative monetary policies starting next year. All eyes are now on whether additional stimulus measures, such as the issuance of special government bonds, will be unveiled during the annual conference, scheduled for Wednesday to Thursday. "Even cosmetics companies with limited exposure to the Chinese market have recently experienced a broad surge in stock prices," Shinhan Securities analyst Park Hyun-jin said. "Towards the end of the year and the beginning of the next, changes in the macroeconomic environments of the U.S. and China are expected to act as key events influencing sector volatility."
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ANOTHER cohort of Solomon Islands media leaders have completed the highly prestigious University of New South Wales Australian Graduate School of Management program, supported by the Australian Government. President of the Media Association of Solomon Islands and co-owner , Ofani Eremae, co-owner , Ms Elizabeth Osifelo and administrator of , Benjamin Afuga spent ten days in Australia. This is the third cohort of media leaders from Solomon Islands to complete the programme. The Australian Graduate School of Management’s programme focuses on leadership and business skills and helps executives refine leadership capabilities, functional knowledge and strategic insight to drive organisational performance. The 25-person cohort included business executives from Australian companies including Rio Tinto, Woolworths, Standards Australia, and Santo, as well as international participants from New Zealand. Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton said Australia is the nambawan media partner in Solomon Islands. “Our support for the Solomon Islands media sector is long standing; working with all media organisations in Solomon Islands, from print, to radio, to online,” High Commissioner Hilton said. “Mr Eremae, Ms Osifelo and Mr Afuga are leaders in the media sector and strong executives will lead a strong, independent media sector, which is a central pillar of democracy.” Mr Eremae said the training offered the opportunity to learn new management and leadership skills, while providing the opportunity to mingle and interact with some of Australia’s senior managers and company executives. “The five-day training opened a whole new world of management and decision-making processes for someone like me, because I am new to managing a news outlet and I am leading the Media Association of Solomon Islands at the same time,” Mr Eremae said. Ms Elizabeth Osifelo said the programme was timely because it gave her the opportunity to step back from ‘business as usual’ and look at Tavuli News through a different lens. “Being in the same room with other CEOs gave me insights which will benefit Tavuli News in the long term. I appreciate the cultural programme before the training too as I learned more about Australian history and culture,” Ms Osifello said. “The training has been beneficial, looking at the current systems in place within the organisation and keeping up with the evolving technology and adapting to best practices in the workplace. Sincere thank you to the Australian Government for enabling this opportunity,” she said. Mr Afuga said the General Manager programme at the Australian Graduate School of Management was an invaluable experience. “[It offered] fresh perspectives and practical strategies that I can immediately apply in my work,” Mr Afuga said. “The insights gained will not only enhance my leadership capabilities, but also contribute positively to the growth and development of Solomon Islands. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to leveraging these learnings for lasting impact.”. Mr Eremae, Ms Osifelo and Mr Afuga served as ambassadors for Solomon Islands while on the course, deepening the partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia by giving other participants a better understanding of Solomon Islands’ history, culture, and ambitions for the future. Before the commencement of the Australian Graduate School of Management General Manager programme, these three leaders participated in a cultural programme showcasing Australian arts and sport in Sydney. Such people-to-people links are key to the closeness of the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership.SANTA CLARA — Neither Nick Bosa nor Trent Williams practiced for a third straight week, and that’s not great news for a 49ers team trying to shake a three-game losing streak in Sunday’s homecoming against the Chicago Bears. Bosa was able to show enough progress to not be ruled out Friday, but he is doubtful. Williams officially is out, as are running back Jordan Mason, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety George Odum. While Bosa has been sidelined since a third-quarter oblique strain Nov. 17 against Seattle, Williams’ hiatus is traced. mainly to an ankle injury but he’s also been coping with personal issues after his son was stillborn Nov. 24. Cornerback Charvarius Ward did not practice Friday because of a personal matter; he played last Sunday in Buffalo in his first game since the Oct. 28 death of his 23-month-old daughter. Ward is still expected to play Sunday, although the 49ers understandably could excuse him amid his grieving. Left guard Aaron Banks is questionable, having missed the 38-10 loss at Buffalo because of a concussion from the loss to Seattle. Safety Talanoa Hufanga is also questionable after returning to practice this week as the 49ers evaluate whether to activate him off Injured Reserve. RUNNING BACK OPTIONS Isaac Guerendo looks in line to start at running back, with Patrick Taylor Jr. as the next-best option, while the 49ers move past last Sunday’s season-ending injuries to Christian McCaffrey (knee) and Mason (ankle). The 49ers put McCaffrey back on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, having spent eight weeks on IR with Achilles tendinitis before his Nov. 9 activation. Mason is expected to move onto IR on Saturday. For further depth, Israel Abanikanda was claimed off waivers from the New York Jets, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn as re-signed to the practice squad. PURDY ALL CLEAR Two weeks since missing the 49ers’ 38-10 loss at Green Bay because of a shoulder injury, quarterback Brock Purdy had no setbacks in his return last Sunday at Buffalo and is full-go for this game. “He’s good. He had to wait a while give him rest and make sure it healed,” Shanahan said. “Glad to get him back to full speed and get him back to practice.” BEARS INJURIES Bears running back D’Andre Swift and wide receiver D.J. Moore are both questionable after quadriceps injuries forced them to miss back-to-back practices before Friday’s limited return. Center Ryan Bates (concussion) and safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) are out. Swift’s backup, Roschon Johnson, will not play because of a concussion. Wide receiver Keenan Allen (ankle) is fully expected to play despite missing Wednesday’s practice. Related Articles San Francisco 49ers | Six things that helped make the 49ers the NFL’s most disappointing team San Francisco 49ers | Kristin Juszczyk named one of New York Times’ most stylish people San Francisco 49ers | What reasons do 49ers give for allowing 19 rushing touchdowns? ‘All of the above’ San Francisco 49ers | Santa Clara Vice Mayor Anthony Becker found guilty of leaking 49ers report, perjury San Francisco 49ers | 49ers' Ricky Pearsall still a 'competitor' amid 3-game drought DEEBO ‘IS THE KEY’ Deebo Samuel may be enduring one of his most sideways seasons but that hasn’t diminished opponents’ respect. Said Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington: “Deebo Samuel, he’s a very versatile player, can play multiple positions: Tailback, slot, wide receiver. He’s the key to everything they desire to do.” Samuel has not unlocked the 49ers offense, either as a wide receiver (38 catches, 531 yards, one touchdown) or a running back (27 carries, 79 yards, one touchdown). HALL OF FAME COMPLIMENT In the wake of McCaffrey’s season-ending knee injury, he wrote an extensive message on Instagram this week depicting his love for the game, and it won the admiration of general manager John Lynch. “That deal he wrote was beautiful,” Lynch said on KNBR 680-AM. “I told him, ‘Hey you wrote your Hall of Fame speech, or an excerpt for it.’ He encompassed what football is all about and why we all love it, as much as anybody I’ve ever heard.” McCaffrey’s words on Wednesday: “Football is the greatest game on the planet to me. I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down and it can happen fast. It’s humbling in the best ways. You can do everything right and still fail. Thats life and that’s football. It’s a constant test of wills and those who just keep going tend to reap the benefits of their perseverance. This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this. I love my teammates, I love the 9ers, and I love football. God doesn’t miss. Onward ➡️🙏🏼”
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