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Valley Sparkles, ABC15 and Axios Guide to Best Holiday Light Displays in Salt Lake Area
TikTok star Breckie Hill addresses rumours Barry Keoghan cheated on Sabrina Carpenter with herSan Francisco, Dec 12 (AP) Apple is pumping more artificial intelligence into the latest iPhones during the holiday shopping season with a free software update that includes a feature that enables users to create customised emojis within a matter of seconds. The Wednesday release of the iPhone's upgraded operating system, iOS 18.2, extends Apple's expansion into AI months after rivals such as Samsung and Google began implanting the revolutionary technology on their devices. The update builds upon another one that came out in late October to usher in the AI era for Apple and the iPhone, as well as for the iPad and Mac. Also Read | Syria News Update: Militants Lift Curfew in Damascus, Urge Residents To Return to Work. The latest round of AI tricks includes “Genmojis,” Apple's description for emojis that iPhone users will be able to ask the technology to create and then share. Apple says it is placing some limits its AI's emoji artistry to prevent the distribution of violent or hateful imagery. Other features include an “Image Playground” for a variety of AI-styled illustrations, writing tools and options for summarizing emails. The technology won't work on iPhones that Apple made before 2023 because it requires a special processor that isn't in older models. The AI will work on the iPhone 16 line-up that came out in September and the premium iPhone 15 models released last year. Also Read | US President Joe Biden Approves National Security Memo on China, Iran, North Korea and Russia Ahead of President-Elect Donald Trump's Return. That exclusivity is expected to propel a cycle of iPhone upgrades during the current holiday shopping season into next year, driving up Apple's profit even higher from the USD94 billion that the Cupertino, California, company pocketed in its last fiscal year ending in September. That expectation is the main reason Apple's stock price has climbed by about 30 per cent so far this year to push the company's market value closer to the USD4 trillion threshold for the first time. Apple is broadening the AI suite's appeal by including English versions tailored for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK that are included in the latest software update. Although the iPhone's AI is similar to many of the features that have already been available from other companies, Apple is taking a slightly different approach to the technology in an effort to stand out from the rest of pack. It is emphasizing its ongoing commitment to protecting iPhone users' privacy by processing most of its AI on the device itself or corralling it in a secured data center. Users seeking more AI wizardry than the device or the special data centre can handle will have the option to reach out to the popular ChatGPT technology made by OpenAI, which has forged a partnership with Apple. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)HOUSTON, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quanex Building Products Corporation (NYSE:NX) (“Quanex” or the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share on the Company’s common stock, payable December 31, 2024, to shareholders of record on December 16, 2024. About Quanex Quanex is a global manufacturer with core capabilities and broad applications across various end markets. The Company currently collaborates and partners with leading OEMs to provide innovative solutions in the window, door, vinyl fencing, solar, refrigeration, custom mixing, building access and cabinetry markets. Looking ahead, Quanex plans to leverage its material science expertise and process engineering to expand into adjacent markets. Contact: Scott Zuehlke SVP, Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer 713-877-5327 scott.zuehlke@quanex.com
NoneRed Sox deal for all-star pitcher Garrett Crochet, send 4 prospects to White Sox
onversational artificial intelligence (AI) tools may soon "covertly influence" users' decision making in a new commercial frontier called the "intention economy", University of Cambridge researchers warned in a paper published Monday. The research argues the potentially "lucrative yet troubling" marketplace emerging for "digital signals of intent" could, in the near future, influence everything from buying movie tickets to voting for political candidates. Our increasing familiarity with chatbots, digital tutors and other so-called "anthropomorphic" AI agents is helping enable this new array of "persuasive technologies", it added. It will see AI combine knowledge of our online habits with a growing ability to know the user and anticipate his or her desires and build "new levels of trust and understanding", the paper's two co-authors noted. Left unchecked, that could allow for "social manipulation on an industrial scale", the pair, from Cambridge's Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (LCFI), argued in the paper published in the Harvard Data Science Review. It characterizes how this emergent sector -- dubbed the "intention economy" -- will profile users' attention and communicative styles and connect them to patterns of behavior and choices they make. With exclusive interviews and in-depth coverage of the region's most pressing business issues, "Prospects" is the go-to source for staying ahead of the curve in Indonesia's rapidly evolving business landscape. By registering, you agree with 's Please check your email for your newsletter subscription. "AI tools are already being developed to elicit, infer, collect, record, understand, forecast, and ultimately manipulate and commodify human plans and purposes," co-author Yaqub Chaudhary said. The new AI will rely on so-called Large Language Models -- or LLMs -- to target a user's cadence, politics, vocabulary, age, gender, online history, and even preferences for flattery and ingratiation, according to the research. That would be linked with other emerging AI tech that bids to achieve a given aim, such as selling a cinema trip, or steer conversations towards particular platforms, advertisers, businesses and even political organizations. Co-author Jonnie Penn warned: "Unless regulated, the intention economy will treat your motivations as the new currency." "It will be a gold rush for those who target, steer, and sell human intentions," he added. "We should start to consider the likely impact such a marketplace would have on human aspirations, including free and fair elections, a free press, and fair market competition, before we become victims of its unintended consequences." Penn noted that public awareness of the issue is "the key to ensuring we don't go down the wrong path".The Great Restaurant Development Holdings Limited Files for 2M Share IPO at $4-$6/sh
MAN UTD icon Nani has retired from football at the age of 38. The tricky winger announced his decision in an emotional video he shared on social media. Nani captioned the three-minute clip: "The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player. "It’s been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped me and supported me through the highs and lows during a career which lasted over 20 years and gave me so many unforgettable memories. "Time to turn a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams. See you soon!" The wideman's announcement is seemingly a surprise given he was playing his football in his homeland in the top flight for Estrella Amadora. Although the club are in a relegation battle, Nani had appeared 10 times this season and was considered a first team regular. Part of Nani's decision to retire, he revealed in his post, was down to the recent passing of his father. That has forced him to contemplate his future - vowing to spend more with his family. "I want to make the most of my time with my children, my wife, my mother, my siblings, cousins, uncles and aunts. "They also need me, and I need to be with them which is very important." Nani is best remembered on our shores for his time at Man Utd , where he won four Premier League titles, the 2008 Champions League and the League Cup twice. He also helped his country win the Euros in 2016 alongside fellow United alumni Cristiano Ronaldo . Nani turned out 230 times, scoring 40 goals. In 2015, he returned to Portugal on loan with Sporting Lisbon. Then spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Sporting again, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor followed. A hint where his future lies was given in the summer, when Nani bought fourth division side SU Sintrense. Nani said: "I am very happy to be part of this project. I hope to add value to the club. "Sintrense are an opportunity for me to do something interesting. "It is very important for me that they are close to the area where I grew up. I hope it will be a successful project."
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Jacob Ognacevic had 25 points in Lipscomb's 112-54 victory over Division-III Asbury on Sunday night. Ognacevic added 12 rebounds for the Bisons (8-5). Charlie Williams scored 16 points while shooting 7 for 8, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc. Will Pruitt shot 4 for 10, including 2 for 6 from beyond the arc to finish with 10 points. The Eagles were led in scoring by Cameron Jones, who finished with 19 points and seven rebounds. Johnathan Combs added 11 points for Asbury. Ben McNew also put up seven points. Lipscomb scored its most points since a 113-74 win over Asbury on Nov. 11, 2023. The Bisons topped the 100-point plateau four times last season. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
1. A remote organizer , perfect for keeping your various remotes, clickers, channel changers (whatever you call it in your house) in check so when your dad visits for the holidays and has grand plans to watch football he doesn't have to pester you to ask where it is while you're in the middle of making appetizers. You're only human if you don't know where your TV remotes are... ever. This contraption is perfect for storing remotes, house phones (if ya' have one), and even your cell phone if you want to really focus on what you're watching. Promising review: "This remote control holder is the best I’ve ever owned. Not only is it elegant and attractive, it is nice and lightweight, and has room for at least five remote controls, however depending on the thinness of the controllers, you could probably fit more in there. Since it basically just sits on a side table, I believe it’s made of quality material, and will last a very long time. It matched my decor perfectly, and looks exactly as pictured." — Nicole Cook Get it from Amazon for $24.44+ (available in three colors). 2. And a universal remote attachment in case your stash of remotes has managed to go awry (it's ridiculous that these days there are at least three you need to navigate to what you want to watch). This handy dandy attachment will help you get the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on before it begins with just your Fire TV remote. Sideclick is a small business! Promising review: "Before: three remotes, one for the screen (on/off), a separate one for the sound system (volume) and of course the fire stick remote. After: just the one convenient integrated unit. No more scrambling to find the which remote to do what I want, cause it's all right there in the one unit. I wish I'd have bought one years ago cause the multi-remote tango got old real fast." — Chapman B. Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (also available for Chromecast and Apple TV remotes) 3. Washable microfiber mop pads you can use with your Swiffer WetJet and finally stop spending so much money on disposable options — perfect for after gatherings where everyone inevitably tracks dirt throughout your home. One pad can last up to 100 washes and works on pretty much any surface, from wood to tile to stone. Turbo Mops is a small business! Promising review: "These are life-changing. I used a Rubbermaid spray mop for years that I never really loved, and when it broke, I got a Swiffer and was using the old Rubbermaid mop cloth pads with it still. They didn't fit the Swiffer great and I decided to get new ones. These scrub so much better and pick up way more dirt than my other mop pad. I have two dogs, and their dried water and drool are around the kitchen, and I used to have to scrub to get that up each time. Not with these pads! I never thought I'd swoon over a cleaning product, but...here we are :). " — JB Get a pack of two from Amazon for $18.99 . 4. A lidded charcuterie board , because what kind of host would you be without the perfect vessel for transporting an array of meats and cheeses to your guests? You can prep this one in advance, pop the cover on it, then serve it when the time is right. Promising review : "I bought these for a party and it was so easy to prep them and pop them into the fridge with the lid on. Same goes for staring leftovers afterward. It was also great to use for fresh fruit we cut up to enjoy all weekend. Looks lovely and is solid quality. " — AmJam Get it from Amazon for $35.99 . 5. A height-adjustable tray table because before you know it you'll have accumulated so many family members and friends for the holidays you'll need some overflow seating at-the-ready. Table-Mate is a small business that specializes in height-adjustable table trays. Promising review : "This table is exactly what I was looking for to be able use my mouse and keyboard for the computer while working from home. It’s plenty stable and easily moved to the side for storage or when I need to get up from the chair. I also use it as my lunch table and to hold my iPad when not on the computer." — sleuneberg Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in four colors). 6. A drink organizer and dispenser that'll help you live out your dreams of transforming your fridge into a majestic beverage haven (you know, just like the ones in convenience stores that seemingly have every drink known to man). Would it be so awful to fill the entire thing with Diet Cokes? Promising review: "This slides the drinks forward gently. It is adjustable and fits a variety of sizes. This is easy to assemble; it only took me a few moments. It keeps everything lined up nicely. I like how organized this makes my fridge look. The gears feel solid, but I'm not worried about it sitting on the glass shelf." — Jessie333 Get it from Amazon for $19.92 . 7. A set of clip-on dip bowls that'll transform any plate into a snack party — fill 'em with salsa alongside chips, ketchup with chicken fingers, ranch dressing paired with veggies... you catch my drift. Promising review: "These dip cups are easy to attach to your plates, filled with your favorite dipping sauces. No worries about them slipping off as they're sturdy. They're also dishwasher safe." — LJ Williams Get it from Amazon for $5.59 . 8. And a set of wineglass charcuterie toppers to make snacking on cheese and crackers a rather *~fabulous~* experience. Promising review : "These are so cute! I hosted a wine tasting at my house and the coasters fit into many different wine glasses. I had about three to four fairly decent size chocolates on top. These were a hit and everyone thought they were in a nice restaurant with the setup!!" — Melanie M. Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a set of eight). 9. Espresso Martini Instant Cocktail Tea Bags that'll make tini time a lot easier to acheive instead of trying to whip up individual ones for each guest. All you'll need to do is steep the bag in cold water and a spirit of their choice (vodka or tequila is recommended, but it can also be made as mocktails) until the majority of the bag dissolves. Cheers to that! SAYSO is a small business! Promising review: "Initially thought these would need to steep in hot water, but they work in cold water. I like to let them steep around 10 minutes. Quick and delicious cocktails! I’ve tried all flavors but Old Fashioned, and that’s next. These are fantastic for cocktail lovers that camp. No heavy mixers to carry." — AnneF Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six other cocktails and in a variety pack). 10. A bag of FryAway cooking oil solidifier — a seemingly magical substance you can sprinkle on top of your oily pan and watch as it turns to a solid. No more waiting ages for it to cool, having to grossly scrape it out of your pan with a paper towel, or accidentally clogging your pipes. Whip up your famed homemade cannoli shells, fill 'em, apply the FryAway, and clean your pan when you're done. FryAway is a US-based small business specializing in planet-friendly cooking waste solutions. Promising review: "I will always keep this stocked in my house! My husband sent me a TikTok, I know I know, and I thought it couldn't hurt to try it out. I loved after the first night! I could easily remove the hardened oil and throw it out." — Roberta Get it from Amazon for $9.97 . 11. Extra long oven mitts , so when you reach into your oven to remove the incredible-smelling turkey you've been cooking for hours, you won't risk burning your arms in the process. Promising review: "I absolutely love these oven mitts! It's one of those kitchen items that are a MUST, but always put off purchasing. I had a criteria of what I wanted in mitts and found them. The mitts do everything they say they do, and that's keeping my hands and arms safe. I highly recommend them." — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $21.99 (available in six colors). 12. A cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter with a flexible neck to light every candle in your house to create the *perfect* ambiance without concern you'll run out of lighter fluid. Promising review: "I cook outside, and lighting a fire during wet and windy weather was a real pain. This lighter was a game changer! As long as the material is dry, this lighter will light regularly, consistently, and easily. Plus, it’s rechargeable! Love it!" — Sandra Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors and as a two-pack). 13. Pastel "unbreakable" deep plates you can use to serve up your festive feast without fear. No worries if your *very* enthusiastic cousin jumps out of their seat during the Lions/Cowboys Thanksgiving game and forgets they had a plate in their lap. They're also dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe for up to three minutes! Promising review : "These are microwaveable and light to carry. Love the colors. Wish they were available in one color only, but I can’t complain. I primarily bought these for microwave purposes. But can be used for salads, hot soup, etc. Also it’s an in-between size like a medium. Just right for me." — M. Zolnosky Get a set of four from Amazon for $8.95 (also available as bowls !). 14. And a set of matching "unbreakable" rainbow glasses so everyone can sip on their fave holiday bev and you won't have to worry for a second about the moment someone inevitably drops their cup. It'll be way easier to clean up a spilled drink than a pile of glass, that's for sure. Promising review: "OK, so my favorite color is 'rainbow,' and I loved these little glasses the minute I saw them. They hold eight ounces easily without spilling a drop . I've washed them in the dishwasher many times, and they are still bright and shiny. My husband even likes them. I'm sure kids would find them just the right size and easy to use as well. Very durable." — Kameme Get a set of four from Amazon for $14.39 . 15. An instant-read digital thermometer , so you'll never have to guess "is my turkey cooked?" again. You can whip up a delicious meal without worrying about accidentally poisoning your guests. Promising review: "Ordered this about seven months ago. It works great for an instant read of a food's internal temperature. We use it all the time to check mostly meats, roast chicken, chicken breast, steak, pork roast, pork chops, salmon, etc. We want to make sure our food is cooked thoroughly to a safe minimum internal temperature so that nobody gets sick. With this, you don't have to overcook the food to be sure it's done. You can take it off the heat or out of the oven as soon as it gets to temp. This can be switched into Celsius or Fahrenheit." — Kathleen Get it from Amazon for $8.79 (clip the coupon on the product page to save 15%). 16. A pet hair remover with a unique patented brush design that'll let you invite guests to sit down without fear of them being covered head-to-toe in your dog's hair. ChomChom is a small business! You can also snag a mini version for on-the-go hair removal emergencies. BuzzFeed editor Jenae Sitzes adores this product: "I've been using the ChomChom for quite a while now, but I took the photos above literally just now to show just how quick, easy, and effective this roller is. It took 10 seconds to rid my velvet couch ottoman (yes, velvet...a terrible cat owner choice, I know) of the hair my two gray kitties are constantly leaving everywhere. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of using this roller — at first, I thought you only brushed down in one direction, and was confused why it wasn't picking up hair. It's important to do a push-and-pull brushing in *both* directions so it actually pulls the hair inside , which does require you to apply a bit of pressure. Afterward, you'll just dump out the hair that's been trapped inside. The ChomChom is best for large flat surfaces like couches and beds. Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors). 17. And a pet stain and odor remover , so when your dog nephew gets a little too excited to be on vacation at your house for the holidays and decides to pee all over your rug, it's sort of OK. Promising review: "This is one product that really delivers. It was put to the test when our pup had several bouts of diarrhea on the cream/gray woven wool rug in our bedroom. The stains had several hours to soak in before we discovered them. I’ve posted both before and after photos. Although I had to spray and blot with a towel several times, the stains are virtually gone. The scent of Rocco & Roxie is pleasant and all traces of the nasty smell are gone. If you have an indoor pet, you NEED to buy this stuff. It cleans better than anything I’ve used before." — msgrafix Get it from Amazon for $19.48 . 18. A Bissell multipurpose portable cleaner you'll pat yourself on the back for buying when you see just how much dirt and gunk it pulls out of all the surfaces in your life — use it before *and* after having your guests over for Christmas. Promising review: "This vacuum is amazing. I first heard of it on TikTok, where people were using it to clean their stairs, mattresses, car seats, etc., and from the videos, it already looked amazing. But considering how dirty my dining chair cushions were, I was a little bit apprehensive and skeptical. I purchased the item and used it on my chairs for the first time and the results were SO AMAZING. Best vacuum I've ever used. I even bought a second one!" — Davina Get it from Amazon for $81.49 . 19. A Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker that'll have your mom's favorite drink ready in minutes — if she's happily caffeinated maybe she won't want to nag you about your menu for the evening. It heats up in 15 seconds and has a 40-ounce water tank so you don't have to fill it every morning. Promising review: "I like iced coffee with high caffeine. This fits the bill perfectly and is a joy to use and drink. My Starbucks monthly bill has come down considerably after buying this unit, and I'm ready to hit the ground running that much sooner in the morning. I especially enjoy the self cleaning feature and the ability to run it for smaller or larger cup sizes. Truly a premium product." — David T. Get it from Amazon for $164.50+ (available in three colors, plus in bundle options with the Aeroccino milk frother). 20. Plus some unique espresso cups if you're really looking to impress your guests when you serve coffee with dessert. Folk Ceramics is a small business. Promising review: "These cups are so great! The outer edges of the cup warm up after brewing coffee, but the temperature is comfortable for the hands. These cups have a unique design and I really enjoy every usage." — Great espresso cups Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.96+ (available in five colors). 21. A microwave bacon cooker that'll help you make up to 1 lb of bacon evenly and quickly, so when your extended family is over for Christmas morning brunch, you'll be able to focus on perfecting your eggs and mimosas instead. It's also dishwasher safe! SCS Direct is a small business! Promising review: "Such a simple concept and works amazingly well! I will never cook bacon any other way again. Made crispy, delicious bacon quickly with little to no zero mess in the microwave. You can fit a whole pound on it at once, but it does take longer to cook. I preferred to cook half a pound at a time for 8 minutes. Easy. Fast. Delicious.No mess. Love this product. " — Allysha Austin Get it from Amazon for $11.99 . 22. Wintry percale bed sheets in a *berry* cute print that'll make your guests feel right at home even if they're staying in your guest room during the holidays. This set from Rifle Paper Co. x The Company Store comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcase shams. I've tried out these sheets in a different print and they've easily become my favorites. They always feel crisp and refreshing but still somehow are soft and cozy. If you're looking for something a little more whimsical they also have a Nutcracker print . Get it from The Company Store for $119+ (available in twin, full, and queen sizing). 23. A set of reusable Gripstic bag sealers , you'll cherish every time you re-open a bag of tortilla chips — no stale surprises here! These sticks clamp over open snack bags and ensure they're resealed super tightly — so if you decide to have a little snacky-snack on Christmas Eve before hosting the next day, you can still put them out for guests without them going stale overnight. Gripstic is a small business that specializes in reusable chip clips. Promising review: "I'm a stickler about stale chips and have always used those little snapping clips. I thought they worked pretty well, but they really don't compare to Gripsticks. The snack that proved this the most was Pirate's Booty. If these are exposed to air for more than three minutes, they turn into styrofoam peanuts . I promise they're just as fresh as when you first open them with Gripsticks. They're going to be my go-to chip clips moving forward. " — Rachel Campbell Get a set of 24 from Amazon for $17.95 (available in five sets). 24. A cord-concealing box to help you at long last banish the hot mess of cables lingering next to your TV setup. If your relatives bring little kids or pets over for the holidays it'll keep them out of harm's way as well. Promising review: "I bought it because I saw a woman on TikTok showcase something similar like this on her page (on how to keep a home tidy), and I was like, I HAD to buy! It’s wonderful! I have ALWAYS hated seeing all the clutter of cords stick out from cord extenders and having this makes my small place look cleaner and organized! I would recommend this for anyone!" — Chidi Get it from Amazon for $24.64+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 25. A robotic vacuum , because you and I both know you don't want to spend an evening trying to clean all the dirt and debris from your floors after you've just catered to guests all afternoon. Kick your feet up, watch the 24-hour replay of A Christmas Story, and let this lil' gadget do its thing. This robotic vacuum can easily move between hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets/rugs and can pick up all the accumulated dust, dirt, and hair while you go about your day. It has an infrared sensor to avoid knocking into obstacles (like furniture and walls) and drop-sensing tech so it won't fall down stairs and off ledges. And if it starts to run low on battery, it'll just return to its base for a recharge! Reviewers do recommend keeping stray items like socks and cords off the floor before running this. Promising review: "This robot vacuum is incredible! I have three dogs and a cat; this vacuum is a time saver. I run it each day, and it has done an incredible job of keeping pet hair, dirt, and debris picked up in my home. Works well on carpet, hardwood, and tile floors. Wish I had purchased it sooner!" — t. hampton Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (also available in three other models). 26. A Clorox ToiletWand that you can use and then toss away — say SEE YA' to that gross toilet brush hiding in the corner of your bathroom. If you don't immediately get the urge to clean your toilet the second guests leave I'm not sure we can be friends. I own and cherish this product. It's a dream knowing the "brush" is fresh and hasn't been intimate with the inside of my toilet prior to my picking it up again. This set comes with the wand and 16 refills. Promising review: "The primary reason I decided to purchase the Clorox Toilet Wand was so I could clean under my toilet rims, which I noticed was definitely getting neglected via using the standard toilet brushes to clean. Initially, I was looking for a toilet brush that had the shape needed to actually GET under the rim, and that's how I found out about it. Now that I've used it... I can say without a doubt that I'll never go back to a regular brush. I like the cleanliness of the disposable brushes as opposed to a regular toilet brush. And I especially like that I don't have to purchase a second brush with a shape capable of cleaning under the rim, which not only takes up more space, but also would take more time given I'd have to switch back and forth and apply product. With this, I can just clean the entire pot in less than five minutes with the same tool." — Brittney Nelson Get it from Amazon for $18.99 . 27. A red wine stain remover , so you'll forever be prepared when you inevitably spill vino all over your favorite white shirt, couch, and carpet (typically all in one fell swoop) during the chaos of hosting for the holidays. Wine Away is a small business! Promising review: "I'm sure if I knew more about science and chemistry, I'd understand how this stuff works — but since I don't, I'll just assume that it is MAGIC. If you care at all about your carpet, you need to have a bottle of this on standby. Over the years, we've used it to make numerous wine and red juice stains vanish before our eyes. The effect reminds me of the novelty shop disappearing-ink gag from when I was a kid. Seriously, if you've never seen Wine Away in action, it's worth spilling a little Cabernet on your carpet just so you can see it vanish after a few spritzes. I honestly wouldn't believe how quickly this stuff works had I not seen it countless times with my own eyes." — DarthClem Get it from Amazon for $12.49 . 28. A veggie chopper you can use to dice onions in a flash — save your uncontrollable crying for the next time you watch It's a Wonderful Life. It can also spiralize, slice, and chop! Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Also! Fullstar is a small business! Promising reviews: "I use this almost every day. It cuts all kinds of veggies and cleans up easily. It's sharp enough to do baby carrots without much effort. For the price, it is worth it." — Carol Habas Get it from Amazon for $24.86 (available in four colors). 29. A mini 2-quart Crock-Pot that'll be the perfect size for tasty dips (queso, anyone?!) that you can easily keep table side. Snacking without missing a single moment of the holiday fun? Yes, please. The lid and stoneware are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup! Promising review: "Use this little pot for my cheese dip during football games, and it’s a game changer! Leave it plugged in on low during the game, and it keeps my cheese melted and warm for the entire game! Heats evenly, and I feel comfortable leaving it on while I’m away, not for too long though! Couldn’t recommend more!" — Trina Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 30. Designated bath towels just for guests that'll ensure they're nice and fluffy that'll make anyone who is lucky enough to shower in your bathroom feel ho ho home for the holidays. Promising review: "Bought these for my guests to use. Lots of positive feedback and they hold up well to frequent washes." — twdj Get a set of four from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in 13 colors). 31. And a bar of festive soap with tiny trees inside as well as a green Adventurine stone that'll bring good vibes to your guest's shower and your bathroom's aesthetic. Crystal Bar Soap is a woman-owned small business that sells vegan and cruelty-free soaps, bath bombs, bath oils, and bath salts. I've personally used their crystal-infused soaps for years and absolutely adore them! This one smells like gardenia and peach, but if you're looking for other scents/festive options you can check out their entire holiday collection . Get it from Crystal Bar soap for $16 . 32. Poo-Pourri toilet spray , so in the event someone is about to get *very* intimate with your bathroom they can spritz this directly into the toilet beforehand and avoid 1. embarrassment and 2. stinking up the your entire home. Not to get *too* detailed about my bathroom situation, but I can assure you this stuff really works. I used to work in the room directly next to the main bathroom in our home, which was not the most fun (as you can imagine). However, when I introduced Poo-Pourri into our home it made a huge difference. You only need one or two sprays directly into your toilet before you *do your business* for it to cover up any unpleasant smells. My husband even walked into the bathroom once and said "it smells so good in here" and I promptly said "AHA! IT'S THE POO-POURRI!" He said "ew" and walked away — but it is proof it really works! Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (available in three seasonal scents). 33. Grandma's Secret , a spot remover that'll ensure you don't have to give serving snacks on your couch a second thought. It'll make blood (!!!) pet stains, oil, paint, and other pesky substances vanish into thin air. Promising review: "This stuff is so amazing. I'm a witness. My 2-year-old baby wrote all over my white leather couch. I tried many different things and nothing worked but Grandma's Secret Spot Remover. I love this stuff." — L. Nix Get it from Amazon for $6.09 . 34. A quilted chenille floor pillow for some cozy extra seating — perfect for when your brother brings their new fling to Christmas Eve without giving you a heads up. 🫠 Plus *how lovely* do they look when stacked like in the review photo above!? Gorgeous! Promising review: "This comes just as pictured and described. It is comfortable and looks luxurious. It's great for floor seating." — AKhan Get it from Amazon for $37.54+ (available in six colors). 35. A Dyson WashG1 wet cleaner — one of their latest innovations that'll be an investment worth making. It magically glides across hard floors and thoroughly removes debris, stains, hair (!!!) and other liquids with just water (though you can add detergent if you'd like). You'll be amazed to see how dirty the water becomes in the tank while you clean! I have this bad boy and lemme tell you — it is worth every single penny. Yes, it's pricey, but my home is primarily tile and wood floors and I have two little kids (who basically love on said floors). It uses microfiber rollers to clean and does so so well you'd think there was some sort of magic involved in the making of it. You don't need to do repeated passes to see results — the water in the bottom tank turned so dark my husband and I were horrified (as we mop and vacuum regularly!). After his first try my husband said, "Goodbye, mop!" It's lightweight, which is a huge perk, and the LCD screen lets you select various hydration levels and tells you how much battery time is left. Personally, my favorite highlight is that even though it is a functioning mop of sorts that uses water to clean my floors don't stay wet for very long at all. You can literally walk over the spots you cleaned moments later! It also cleans itself which is fantastic. Definitely worth the splurge. "We have had this for a few weeks, and it’s really changed our floor game! Just using water, it gets our floors amazingly clean! Easy to use- easy to clean. We have a full house of hard flooring so mopping was always a huge ordeal- that’s why we decided to take a chance on this purchase. We have always been a Dyson house though, so it wasn’t a huge gamble and worth the money!" — SamM Get it from Amazon or Dyson for $699.99. 36. A nesting table with seats that can be pulled out conveniently for guests and pushed back in when you're back to your regularly scheduled programming. The "Hugg" nesting table makes me want to do just that — give this genius table a big ol' squeeze. It comes in three different sizes to fit your needs and, honestly, is such a smart product to have on-hand if you're often hosting guests. Get it from Castlery for $449+ (available in three size configurations, two fabrics, and three woods). 37. And a splurge-worthy Lovesac Sactional couch that'll likely be the last couch you ever purchase — it can be completely configured to your exact preference, comes in so many colors and fabrics, and is oh-so comfy. Most importantly, each cushion can be stripped and cleaned in the washing machine with ease. I upgraded from the couch I had lugged from my apartment to my house to a Lovesac Sactional and all I can say is "wow!" Mine is pictured above (left) before we opened our ottoman piece (which is why a back piece is seemingly missing, as each seat comes with a back piece). Anyways, my husband and I are lucky enough to live near a Lovesac store, so before ordering online we went in and tested out all of our options. The Sactionals are so customizable it's nearly overwhelming trying to make a decision! Like many couches, they come in many types of fabrics and colors, but Lovesac does things differently by offering so many configuration options, tons of storage, various arm styles, different seating depths, and the ability to build speakers directly into the couch (just to name a few things!). We opted for a full sectional style and had storage put in every single seat, which we've been using to store throw blankets and my toddler's extensive stuffed animal collection. I love that if we ever want to redecorate our home we can just re-outfit the couch in a different fabric. And it's SO easy to clean — each piece of fabric can be tossed into the washing machine. To date my sister has two Sactionals (and standard Lovesacs) and my cousin just ordered one as well! Get it from Lovesac for $2,280+ (available in many configurations and styles). Me, prepping to host my family for the holidays: Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
The empires strike back at the kings of involutionAP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:05 p.m. ESTTweet Facebook Mail Police have released CCTV footage showing the moment a car pulled up and fired a bullet, seriously wounding another person in Jacana earlier this year. Two men have already been charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting, but authorities believe more individuals were involved. Detectives from Taskforce Lunar are investigating the shooting and believe it is linked to two major organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco trade . READ MORE: Man drowns after rescuing four children from rough waters at Tasmanian beach CCTV released as investigation continues into non-fatal shooting in Jacana. (Victoria Police) Detectives believe the victim had been driving his dark-coloured Mercedes wagon from the Wyndham area towards Broadmeadows when he stopped at traffic lights at the intersection of the Western Ring Road and Pascoe Vale Road just after 12pm on May 7. It's alleged a grey Ford Falcon with false registration plates pulled alongside the victim, before a shot was fired. Investigators also believe a white Holden Commodore is linked to the incident. The Commodore can be seen in the CCTV pulling out and turning left in front of the Flacon before the shots were fired. The victim was taken to hospital by family members. Police are keen to identify those who were travelling in the two cars. A 30-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, both from Truganina, were both arrested in relation to the incident on December 19. READ MORE: ACCC urges Aussies to shop around for best energy prices Investigators also believe a white Holden Commodore is linked to the incident. (Victoria Police) Both men were interviewed and have each been charged with attempted murder, intentionally causing serious injury and reckless conduct endangering life. Police allege the "targeted shooting" took place as a result of a dispute over allegiances, linked to two key organised crime syndicates involved in the illicit tobacco trade. "While we have charged two people in relation to this incident, we believe there are others out there who have had some involvement in this shooting," Detective Inspector Graham Banks said. "This includes both the execution and planning of the attack. "This incident occurred in the middle of the day and the consequences of this shooting could have been far more extreme. "You can see in the CCTV that this was the middle of the day, with a number of other cars around at the time, and an innocent member of the public could have easily been killed or seriously injured." DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .
Seventeen years ago, JT Skurtovich defied the odds, born at just 26 weeks and given only 10 days to live. Despite multiple surgeries and being legally blind in one eye, JT has discovered a sense of belonging and drive through Basha High’s esports program, which prioritizes adaptability and inclusion for all competitors. For JT, esports is more than a game; it’s a community where he shines. With his team preparing for the 2025 championship season, JT’s journey is a powerful reminder of the power of inclusion, and how technology can bring people together in unexpected ways. Watch the full story from ABC15's Cameron Polom in the video player above.None
LONDON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - Britain's Financial Conduct Authority is promising millions of people help with their pensions under new proposals that include offering access to free, targeted support to allow consumers to make more informed decisions about their retirement. Laying out the plans on Wednesday evening, the FCA said the proposals were part of a wider review with the government of the boundary between investment advice and guidance, adding that informed investment decisions ensured healthy capital markets. "We know people find pensions particularly difficult to understand, so we are deliberately starting with this to help consumers with their pension decisions," said Sarah Pritchard, the FCA's director of consumers, competition and international. More than 16 million people in Britain save for their retirement into defined contribution pension schemes, whose value depends on the performance of pension investments. The regulator said the vast majority of consumers were ill-equipped to manage complex pension decisions confidently and that some suffered from the "Ostrich effect", failing to ask questions because they feared discovering whether their pension pots were sufficient or not. Insurers say they would like to provide targeted advice for customers, which they see as a cheaper but useful alternative to full regulated advice. But the FCA on Wednesday suggested that targeted support should be provided by the industry for free. It pointed out that only 9% of adults had taken full regulated advice in the last 12 months, while its flagship 2024 Financial Lives , opens new tab survey showed that 75% of consumers aged over 45 do not have a clear plan for how to take money from their pension or do not know they have to make a choice. Under the proposals, firms could identify people drawing down on their pension unsustainably or help consumers who are uncertain about how to take a retirement income, offering bespoke suggestions to specific consumer groups who share the same characteristics. "This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity and it's critical everyone across the industry gets behind this theme for the benefit of savers," said Stephen Lowe, group communications director at retirement specialist Just Group. "Closing the advice gap by a meaningful amount is realistically likely to be a multi-year project. Targeted support could be a game changer and it’s the service that has generated most optimism." Sign up here. Reporting by Kirstin Ridley, additional reporting by Carolyn CohnEditing by Keith Weir Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabCLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is ending the season on injured reserve for the second year in a row. The league has been reviewing the case for months , trying to determine whether Watson should be punished. “The matter is closed,” league spokesman Brian McCarthy said Friday in an email to The Associated Press. “There was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” Watson, who served an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault in Texas by a woman in September. She was seeking more than $1 million in damages before the sides reached a confidential settlement. Watson strongly denied the allegations through his attorney, Rusty Hardin. The 29-year-old Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon rupture in October. He's been rehabbing the injury in hopes of returning next season. The Browns still owe Watson $46 million in each of the next two seasons after they traded three first-round picks to Houston and signed him to a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract that has backfired. Watson has only played in 19 games over three seasons due to the suspension and injuries. He was acquired by the Browns, who were comfortable with his character despite Watson being accused of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct during massage therapy sessions while he played for the Texans. While he's in the clear with the league, Watson's future with Cleveland isn't so certain. His massive contract — and its salary-cap ramifications — has put the Browns in a bind in terms of trying to improve their roster. Cleveland has had a disappointing season after making the playoffs a year ago and could move on from Watson, but the cost would be exorbitant if the team just releases him. The Browns signed Jameis Winston for one season to be Watson's backup. Winston has gone 2-3 as a starter since taking over and he's put some life into Cleveland's offense, which didn't score 20 points or gain 300 yards with Watson before his injury. His 2023 season was ended by a broken bone in his shoulder, requiring surgery. Winston has indicated he would come back, and he could be a viable option as a starter even if the Browns draft a young QB. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL