Best self care gifts If your wellness aficionado loves to keep their teeth and the planet clean, the Suri electric toothbrush will make a great stocking stuffer. This toothbrush comes with a recyclable, plant-based head that is waterproof and easy to clean. The toothbrush boasts an almost five-star average rating from over 9,000 people who have enjoyed adding this toothbrush to their self-care routines. It comes in five different colors -- the winter fern is my favorite. There's nothing that says luxury like a fancy soap to add to your evening shower. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any soap from Lush, but there's something about the Galactic that makes it... out of this world. The vibrant colors and the incredible silky feeling it leaves on your skin are truly unmatched. All of Lush's products are made with natural ingredients and are cruelty free. When I tell you that the Guru Nanda water flosser has changed the game for me, believe it. I wasn't always consistent with flossing until I got this water flosser and other oral care essentials from Guru Nanda. Now I have a full oral care routine in the morning and evening. I think this bundle is a great kit to gift as it comes with all of the must-haves to transform your pearly whites -- water flosser, whitening oil pulling, toothbrush, tongue scraper, dental floss, mouth wash and whitening strips. Guru Nanda combines the best of eastern and western health philosophies and uses ethically sourced ingredients. This shower head filter is easy to install and helps filter out heavy metals, chlorine, calcium carbonate, iron, mercury and other contaminants that can be found in hard tap water to promote healthier skin and hair. The filter is even tested to NSF-177 standards. This bundle includes the shower head, a replacement filter, diffuser, three canopy signature aromas and everything you need to install it like a wrench and plumber's tape. Whoever receives this gift will literally glow after their shower. These are the best toner pads to add to any skin care regimen. I used to skip the toner, but not since adding the blemish pad to my night routine (although, these can be used in the morning too). I find that when my skin is breaking out, these pads do a great job at soothing irritated skin and diminishing blemishes. These pads are also made of vegan fibers. Don't know what to give the adventurous man in your life? Every Man Jack makes the perfect gift for the one who is always on the go but values clean ingredients. The Every Man Jack body gift set comes with a body wash, deodorant, 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner and a face wash. All of the products are made in the USA, B-Corp certified and don't contain any harsh chemicals. Consider taking vitamins orally a thing of the past as Barriere offers a better and fun way to get your daily vitamin intake. These patches are stickers you put on for a few hours and the vitamins go directly into your bloodstream for increased absorption. I personally find it hard to swallow large tablets and pills, so these patches have become my go to, especially when traveling since they take up minimal space. The stickers come in fun designs that your friends will want to show off. Dermaesthetics has quickly become one of my favorite Korean skin care brands. I use this cream at night after I apply all of my serums and I find it great at locking in moisture, especially during the colder months. This moisturizer contains soluble collagen, which is essential for maintaining healthy elasticity and firmness on your skin. It's designed to target uneven skin texture and anti-aging concerns. A gua sha is a self-care tool used in traditional Chinese medicine. The gua sha from The Now features a sleek design to aid in lymphatic drainage, inflammation and circulation enhancement. I love to use it after my night shower with the hemp body oil (you can use it with your favorite massage oil) for a little TLC before going to bed. You can't be there to hug your loved ones every second of the day, but this heated bottle may be the next best thing. This is a gently weighted bottle that can be heated or cooled and you can snuggle with it. You can use the Snuggler as a hot water bag for pain relief or for sore muscles. I also use it to relax before going to bed. I've been using the Clearlight red light therapy personal tower almost daily for a year and can attest to the skin benefits I've experienced. My skin is the clearest and brightest it's been in years. Besides the skin benefits, red light therapy may also aid with muscle recovery, inflammation and cell regeneration. The small tower is compact, which makes it easy to store. The personal tower is meant to be used while sitting, making it convenient to use while working, reading or relaxing. Best sleep gifts for people who love to get their ZZZs If there's one thing your sleep-loving friend or family member needs to add to their night routine, it's this sunrise alarm clock. Since using this clock, I have broken up with my phone's alarm clock. Nothing beats waking up to light that mimics the sun paired with soothing sounds. Not only does this optimize your wake up routine, but I use it at night to wind down, too. I can customize how and when I want to start to wind down (you can customize the color hues, the sounds, the time and days of the week) and the same for when I wake up in the morning. If you sign up for the membership, the app has an extensive library of sounds to wake up to, white noise to drift off to sleep and even meditations. You can access some sounds and light for free without a membership. This is the gift the sleep lover in your life didn't know they needed. A quality pillow can be a game changer for achieving optimal sleep. This pillow is suitable for side, back and stomach sleepers. It has a unique springy feel thanks to the proprietary GelFlex. The inside is comprised of Talalay latex and the outside (below the pillow cover) is made of honeycomb GelFlex. I haven't enjoyed a pillow as much as I love my Purple Harmony. Your loved ones deserve to fall asleep to the cooling sensation of the Manta cool sleep mask. This is one of the few masks I've tested that actually stays on all night. The design is also great since it has adjustable cups that go over your eyes and don't apply pressure to them. They are also super comfy for side sleepers (if you're a side sleeper and have used eye masks before, you know how they bunch up, exposing you to light or are uncomfortable on the side of your head). Besides blocking light, the cups are filled with cooling beads that you can put in the freezer and use before bed for extra cooling. Trust me, whoever receives this mask will be eternally grateful. There's nothing like resting your head on a silky, smooth pillow at the end of a long day. The Slip silk pillowcase is made of 100% Mulberry silk and has a zipper to ensure it stays on your pillow. I personally love a silk pillowcase because I'm a side sleeper and notice that I wake up with fewer sleep lines on my face when I use one. It also helps create less friction with your hair, so it helps promote growth and less breakage. Our sleep team is a huge fan of the Sleep Number Create Your Perfect Comforter. It's an innovative solution for couples who struggle with different warmth preferences. You can customize each side of the comforter to keep both partners happy during the night. If you're looking for a gift for that one friend who lives in a busy city and their sleep has taken a hit because of it, look no further than the Dream earplugs by Loop. I live in New York City and the sirens, honking and city noises often make it difficult to stay asleep. The Dream earplugs are the perfect earplugs for sleeping as they do a pretty good job at blocking noise and are also really comfortable. As a side sleeper, I often found earplugs to be uncomfortable after a few hours of applying the pressure and weight of my head on the earplug, but Loop has done a great job with the design of these. They come in three colors, so you're sure to find a pair that your friend will love. If your loved one is a hot sleeper and frequently wakes up with night sweats, the Chilipad bed cooling system by Sleepme will make the perfect upgrade to their bed set-up. It's essentially a mattress topper connected to a water system that actively cools you during the night for optimal sleep. You can download the app to set up your night routine (the time you want it to start) and it'll automatically start every night. In the morning it will warm up to trigger your body's natural wake response. Nothing says cozy bed time more than a magnesium infused hot cocoa. Moonbrew's nighttime hot cocoa blend with magnesium is the perfect bedtime drink to help you snooze. The best thing about it is that it's melatonin free, so you won't experience that hangover feel or grogginess the next morning. Some of the ingredients you can find in this blend are magnesium, L-theanine, reishi, chamomile and zinc -- the perfect sleep concoction. A single pack comes with enough servings for 30 days. If you're looking for a sweet gift for a little one, why not give the gift of good sleep? This gift set from Oilogic comes with all of the essentials to help babies relax and ease into sleep like a bath and shampoo, calming cream, vapor roll-on essential oil and linen mist. Oilogic doesn't use any harmful chemicals such as petroleum, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, gluten, dyes, mineral oil, artificial colors or synthetic fragrances. These products are also cruelty-free, vegan and made in the USA. Gifts for people who like to cook and nutrition enthusiasts This utensil set makes the perfect gift for that health conscious friend that is worried about microplastics making their way into the kitchen. The Caraway wooden utensil set is made of FSC-Certified Birch Wood, a beautiful bamboo-colored wood that will elevate any kitchen. The set includes a spoon, server, scraper, spatula and tongs that are crafted from responsibly grown wood and free of toxic materials and BPAs, making it not only good for your food, but good for the environment. I love when supplements make it easy for me to ingest them since I find swallowing pills so hard. These lozenges are meant to be sucked like your favorite mint (they have a minty flavor) and are designed to help you balance your hormones and cortisol levels. I also like that they are free of melatonin, which can make you feel groggy the next day. These supplements are vegan and also soy, dairy, sugar and gluten free. They also contain no fillers, additives, dyes or preservatives, making it really allergy friendly and a perfect stocking stuffer for that friend that struggles to get a good night's sleep. This one is for that loved one that needs a little help chilling out. There's no way to sugar coat it, this year has been pretty stressful and we all could use a little TLC. MegaFood offers a great supplement that helps the body adapt to everyday stressors. Some of the key ingredients I like in this supplement are the reishi mushroom and ashwagandha; both have been linked to lower stress levels . I like that this supplement is no frills and a budget-friendly option. While I particularly like the stress relief system, the brand also offers vitamins for energy , immunity , digestion , healthy aging and more. If there is such a thing as the fountain of youth, this collagen elixir from LTH is probably it. The berry-sorbet flavored shot contains ingredients that target the health of your skin, hair, bones and joints. Whether you’re aiming to improve skin complexion or just feel good, this unique blend of bioactive collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, lutein and zeaxanthin and antioxidants can help revitalize and restore your skin's health and elasticity. If your friends or family members are anything like me, they enjoy making nutritious food at home. A quality blender can make all the difference in food preparation. I consider my blender one of the best additions to my kitchen. When I say I use it for everything, I mean it. The Nutribullet SmartSense blender is one of a kind. This blender has 1400 Watts of power and five variable speed settings – the widest range of any Nutribullet. It also features a smart auto cycle, which senses the ingredients inside the pitcher and automatically adjusts speed and time. I've really never enjoyed using a blender so much. We all know that one person who has been trying to grow out their hair for the longest time. I saw a lot of hair loss earlier this year due to stress and was excited to get my hands on the new Lemme Grow to see if it would help. I've only been using it for a week, so I cannot attest to its long-term benefits just yet. I will say that the consumer study results after 12 weeks of use looks pretty promising -- the brand claims 90% of consumers saw less shedding and 97% said their hair was thicker, shinier and longer. As I've already stated, I love when I can take supplements that I don't have to swallow. That's what makes Trace so unique, it's in liquid form so you can take sublingually or add it to water. Its liquid form can also help your body better absorb it. Magnesium can help promote better sleep and relaxation and improve energy and athletic performance. Do you have a loved one or friend who is always having tummy issues? I've got the perfect solution for them. I recently got this essential oil blend that helps me a lot with bloating. It's packaged in a small, convenient roll-on bottle, that's perfect for travel or to keep in a purse. Just apply it with a carrier to your stomach and gently massage. (We do not recommend ingesting essential oils.) If you're looking for a sweet, edible gift for someone who likes to take care of their skin from the inside out, I highly recommend the Everydaze Essential C's Konjac Jelly. This fun treat comes in a pouch and packs a punch when it comes to nutrients for your skin, like vitamin C. Konjac , one of the main ingredients in this jelly, has been linked to lower cholesterol and blood sugar and may even help with gut health. This konjac jelly comes in at only 10 calories and is vegan, cruelty free, keto, sugar free and gluten free. It also comes in many flavors like peach, watermelon, mango, Korean pear and lychee, so you're sure to find something for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Best fitness gifts for people who like to work out The Oura Ring is a favorite among the wellness team here at CNET. Time and time again it makes it as our top sleep and fitness tracker. We love the sleek design and how it doesn't even feel like you're wearing a tracker. Besides going well with any outfit, the Oura Ring also gives you in-depth insight into your fitness and vitals. You can track your workouts, sleep quality, readiness, heart health and menstrual cycle. The brand recently launched the Gen 4 model with new and improved features like a completely titanium exterior and interior, recessed interior sensors (no more domes) and more inclusive sizing. The Gen 3 is still a solid tracker and is on sale for as low as $249. Of all the fitness trackers I've tested, the Oura is still my all-time favorite. I'm sure your fitness bestie will love it just as much. This is the best gift you can give to your yoga-loving friend. This yoga mat has been one of my favorites to test and is the one I use daily for my at-home yoga classes. The brand is committed to using nontoxic, eco-friendly materials. The mat is made from natural tree rubber and has a really cool eco-polyurethane top surface, making it biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals, which are often found in traditional yoga mats. One of the standout features of the Liforme mat is its patented AlignForMe system, the markers on the surface of the mat, that help practitioners of all skill levels achieve better alignment and posture. The mat also boasts excellent grip for even the sweatiest of sessions. If you'd rather gift experiences this holiday season, you won't want to miss out on giving your friends or family a ClassPass gift card. You can choose the amount you want to give, and based on the amount they will get credits to use for a work out, wellness experience (like spas), beauty salons or food and drink. ClassPass has partnered with over 30,000 studios, gyms and spas all over the world, so whoever receives this gift can use it anywhere. I signed up for the free trial and have kept my membership since I like trying out new fitness spaces every week and have taken different classes like kick-boxing, yoga, pilates, personal training and more. The Bala bangles are a great addition to anyone's work out routine -- they can be put on your wrists or ankles and can be worn to different fitness classes like pilates, yoga, core training or just walking. Besides being incredibly stylish, these weights stay put, even through active classes. I like how they're not bulky and can be easily stored in small spaces. It doesn't matter who you're shopping for, the New Balance 530 trainers will help your loved one hit the gym in style. I find that these trainers are great for walking, strength training or even HIIT workouts as the midsole absorbs impact pretty well. They come in four colors to suit any personality and preference. These do run a little big, so I recommend sizing down half a size. Give the gift of adventure to your favorite hiker, biker or trail runner this holiday season. AllTrails is an app where you download trail maps so you know where to go, even when you're offline or have no reception. You can share your trail with your friends so you can see where they are at any moment and the app alerts you if you've gone off the trail. Workout sliders are a great gift for those who love to work out at home, but have a small space. These sliders have helped me maximize my home workouts, especially those that target my core. These sliders from Lululemon have a sleek design and are really durable. The surfaces on either side of the sliders are different, so you can use one side on hard wood floors and tiles, and the other side on carpets. These resistance bands by Blogilates help you target muscle groups and build more strength in your arms, chest, shoulders and back. They have comfortable foam handles, which make them convenient to add strength-building resistance to almost any exercise. These would make a great addition to any home gym.FACT FOCUS: Vermont ruling does not say schools can vaccinate children without parental consentShare Tweet Share Share Email Investing has transformed significantly over the years, with opportunities expanding far beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Among the more unconventional yet increasingly popular options are wine and spirits investment platforms. These platforms offer a unique blend of passion and profit, attracting both seasoned investors and curious newcomers. The Rise of Alternative Investments Alternative investments have gained traction. Investors are no longer confined to traditional assets. Real estate, art, and collectibles have emerged as viable options. Among these, fine wine and rare spirits hold a special allure. Their value is rooted in scarcity, quality, and cultural significance. Moreover, they offer diversification, helping to mitigate market risks. Why Wine and Spirits? Wine and spirits, particularly fine vintages and rare whiskies, have consistently demonstrated appreciation over time. Here are a few reasons why they make attractive investments: Scarcity Factor: High-quality wines and rare whiskies are produced in limited quantities. Once consumed, they cannot be replaced, driving up demand for existing bottles. A Tangible Asset: Unlike stocks, wine and spirits are physical assets. They offer both intrinsic value and aesthetic appeal. Proven Track Record: Indices like the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 show steady growth, often outperforming traditional markets. Cultural Prestige: Owning rare bottles conveys sophistication and taste, making them sought-after collectibles. How Wine and Spirits Investment Platforms Work Investment platforms have revolutionized the accessibility of this market. Here’s a breakdown of their operation: Acquisition: The platform sources fine wines and spirits directly from producers, auctions, or private collectors. Storage: Proper storage is critical. Platforms provide climate-controlled facilities to ensure optimal preservation. Valuation: Professional appraisers evaluate the market value of each bottle or cask. Trading: Investors can buy, sell, or hold their assets through the platform’s marketplace. Returns: Profits are realized when the asset appreciates in value and is sold. Benefits of Investing Through Platforms Using a dedicated platform simplifies the process. Investors gain access to expert knowledge, secure storage, and global markets. Additionally, many platforms offer fractional ownership, allowing smaller investments in high-value assets. This lowers the entry barrier and broadens the investor base. Key Considerations for Investors While the potential for profit is enticing, there are factors to consider: Authenticity: Verify the provenance of each bottle to avoid counterfeits. Storage and Insurance: Ensure your assets are stored securely and insured against risks. Market Trends: Stay updated on market trends and emerging producers. Liquidity: Understand that these are long-term investments. Selling may take time. Notable Wine and Spirits Investment Platforms Several platforms stand out for their reputation and offerings: Vinovest: Known for its transparency, Vinovest allows users to build a customized portfolio of fine wines. CaskX: Specializing in whisky casks, CaskX offers access to premium distilleries. WineCap: Focused on data-driven investments, WineCap provides in-depth market analysis. Cult Wines: With a global presence, Cult Wines caters to both individual and institutional investors. The Role of Technology Technology plays a pivotal role in democratizing access to wine and spirits investments. Blockchain ensures authenticity and traceability, reducing the risk of fraud. Artificial intelligence analyzes market trends, helping investors make informed decisions. These advancements make the market more accessible and secure . Real-Life Success Stories Numerous investors have reaped significant rewards through wine and spirits. For instance, a bottle of 1945 Romanée-Conti sold for a record-breaking $558,000 at auction. Similarly, rare whiskies from distilleries like Macallan have seen exponential growth in value. These success stories highlight the potential of this unconventional market. Risks to Watch Out For Like any investment, wine and spirits come with risks: Market Volatility: Prices can fluctuate based on economic conditions and consumer trends. Counterfeits: The market has seen a rise in fake bottles. Due diligence is crucial. Storage Issues: Improper storage can diminish the quality and value of the asset. How to Get Started Research: Learn about the market, including key players and valuation metrics. Choose a Platform: Select a reputable platform that aligns with your goals. Start Small: Begin with a modest investment to understand the nuances. Monitor: Keep track of your portfolio and market developments. The Future of Wine and Spirits Investments The future looks promising for this niche market. Growing global wealth and rising interest in luxury goods are driving demand. Additionally, sustainability-focused wineries and distilleries are attracting environmentally conscious investors. As technology continues to innovate, this market is set to expand further. Final Thoughts Wine and spirits investment platforms offer an intriguing way to grow wealth while indulging in a passion. They combine the allure of fine craftsmanship with tangible financial rewards. However, like any investment, they require careful consideration and due diligence. For those willing to explore beyond conventional assets, this market holds immense potential . Related Items: Alternative Investments , Real-Life Success Stories , Wine and Spirits Investment Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you From Bolton to the World: The Remarkable Rise of Private Equity Star Daanish Hussain 5 Ways To Invest Over The Long-Term How to Invest in Art if You’re Not Filthy Rich Comments
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At times, baking is a complicated skill that requires the utmost precision and years of expertise. Other times, it's quite shocking just how simple baking can be. And, since we're always trying to make our lives as foodies less stressful, a simple crinkle cookie recipe that only requires two ingredients is something that bakers, new and old, are likely to rejoice at the thought of. Luckily, Kristin Chenoweth has come forth with just that. Known in part for her role as Glinda in the hit Broadway musical "Wicked" back in 2003, Chenoweth recently came onto the scene to reveal her cookie recipe just as the movie adaptation of the musical was taking the world by storm — . In an Instagram reel released on November 27th, the beloved actress revealed that, instead of the traditional methods used to make crinkle cookies for Thanksgiving, she merely uses Cool Whip and store-bought cake mix — along with a little powdered sugar and some icing — to present us with the simplest recipe you could possibly imagine. Does Kristin Chenoweth's simple crinkle cookie recipe work? Cool Whip, the delicious childhood snack that , is a surprisingly versatile ingredient when it comes to baking and Chenoweth's crinkle cookies further prove that fact. While most crinkle cookie recipes call for flour, eggs, sugar, butter, baking soda, a flavor enhancer like lemon juice or cocoa powder, and more, this simple recipe accounts for most of the qualities the cookies need without the additional steps. The boxed cake mix stands in for ingredients like flour, baking soda, and flavor enhancers, while Cool Whip provides the moisture, sweetness, and general ability to combine together the dry ingredients to create a serviceable crinkle cookie. However, other variations of this recipe do diverge from what Chenoweth's strategy displayed. On top of the beloved actress putting some additional frosting on top (something that most crinkle cookie recipes don't do), similarly uncomplicated variations suggest adding an egg to the Cool Whip and cake mix. This strategy gives the cookies a more gooey feel before you throw them in the oven which eventually results in the cookies more closely resembling the traditional recipe in both taste and texture. RecommendedNEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he's also named Time Magazine's Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time's 2024 Person of the Year , according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York's business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine's Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year's award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning's announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York's embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time's Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jessica Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine's 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans' deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics -- something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.
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December 12, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread by University of the Basque Country In response to the millions of tons of marine litter, mostly plastics, floating on the oceans, the need to manage this waste effectively is more urgent than ever. Faced with this reality, the UPV/EHU's Materials + Technologies research group decided to take a first step. "We assessed a practical approach: the possibility of integrating plastics collected from the sea into the urban waste system. This pioneering study, which is part of a Ph.D. thesis, explores the possibility of managing this waste efficiently in current urban recycling infrastructures," explained Cristina Peña, lecturer in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, Gipuzkoa (UPV/EHU) and author of the work published in the journal Waste Management Bulletin . Unlike municipal solid waste , marine litter does not yet have a systematized management system; it is managed on a very ad hoc basis and within the framework of very specific projects. "It is important to bear in mind that this waste, having been at sea, has a level of degradation that is significantly different from, for example, a bottle deposited in a yellow container under normal conditions. So our starting point and key question was precisely this: Does the level of degradation of marine waste prevent it from being classified in an urban waste management process?" Amaia Mendoza, a researcher in the UPV/EHU's Materials + Technologies research group, pointed out. "In this work, we used identical PET plastic water bottles of the same brand to assess the effects of various environmental conditions. We divided the bottles into two batches: the first batch was left in the open air for nine months, simulating exposure on a beach or rocky coast, and the second batch was submerged in the sea for the same period. We saw that the submerged bottles underwent increased chemical degradation, while those exposed to the open air on the 'shore' remained in a better state." This approach allowed them to analyze how the degradation process varies according to marine conditions and how each type of waste responds in different environments. The researchers then simulated how these materials would be managed in an urban solid waste treatment plant by comparing them with the same bottles that had not undergone degradation to see if the automatic separation equipment in these plants would be able to identify and separate the plastic bottles of marine origin. "To find out, we conducted tests using an optical separation system, a type of technology that automatically classifies materials according to their composition, and we saw that the effectiveness of separating the bottles of marine origin—both those exposed to the open air and those submerged in the sea—was very high, comparable to that of bottles from urban waste," said Mendoza. "These results indicate that the treatment of marine bottles in these plants is feasible and could be successfully implemented. The state of degradation is crucial when determining the feasibility of subsequently recycling them," said the UPV/EHU researchers. The authors of the work say that "the study has achieved an important breakthrough by demonstrating that PET plastic bottles of marine and urban origin can be separated in a joint process, thus establishing a first step in an area with huge potential for development." It also "opens up the way to exploring the automatic separation of other plastics present in marine litter, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, in urban waste treatment plants," added Mendoza. The UPV/EHU team stresses that this work set out to evaluate the possibility of upgrading marine litter by making it attractive as a usable raw material. "If we manage to find practical applications and encourage the industrial development of these materials, collecting them will also become attractive. The more efficient and viable the management of this litter is, the greater the incentive to use it and, consequently, the greater the interest in collecting it from the sea," said Peña. More information: A. Mendoza et al, Industrial optical sorting for marine plastic litter management, Waste Management Bulletin (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.wmb.2024.10.002 Provided by University of the Basque CountryArizona AG sues Saudi firm over 'excessive' groundwater pumping, saying it's a public nuisance PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes says she is suing a Saudi Arabian agribusiness over what she calls “excessive pumping” of groundwater. She alleges that the Fondomonte alfalfa farm in western Arizona is violating a public nuisance law even though the area has no groundwater pumping regulations. Mayes said Wednesday that Fondomonte's use of groundwater threatens the public health, safety and infrastructure of local communities in rural La Paz County. It's Arizona's latest action against foreign companies that use huge amounts of groundwater to grow thirsty forage crops for export. The Associated Press emailed Fondomonte seeking a response to the lawsuit. US inflation ticked up last month as some price pressures remain persistent WASHINGTON (AP) — Fueled by pricier used cars, hotel rooms and groceries, inflation in the United States moved slightly higher last month in the latest sign that some price pressures remain elevated. Consumer prices rose 2.7% in November from a year earlier, up from a yearly figure of 2.6% in October. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, so-called core prices increased 3.3%. Measured month to month, prices climbed 0.3% from October to November, the biggest such increase since April. Wednesday’s inflation figures are the final major piece of data Federal Reserve officials will consider before they meet next week to decide on interest rates. The November increase won’t likely be enough to discourage the officials from cutting their key rate by a quarter-point. Albertsons sues Kroger for failing to win approval of their proposed supermarket merger Kroger and Albertsons’ plan for the largest U.S. supermarket merger in history has crumbled. The two companies accusing each other of not doing enough to push their proposed alliance through, and Albertsons pulled out of the $24.6 billion deal on Wednesday. The bitter breakup came the day after two judges — a federal judge in Oregon and a state judge in Washington — issued injunctions to block the merger, saying it could reduce competition and harm consumers. Albertsons is now suing Kroger, seeking a $600 million termination fee, as well as billions of dollars in legal fees and lost shareholder value. Kroger says the claims are “baseless.” Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. Supreme Court allows investors' class action to proceed against microchip company Nvidia WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is allowing a class-action lawsuit that accuses Nvidia of misleading investors about its past dependence on selling computer chips for the mining of volatile cryptocurrency to proceed. The court’s decision Wednesday comes the same week that China said it is investigating the the microchip company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. The justices heard arguments four weeks ago in Nvidia’s bid to shut down the lawsuit, then decided that they were wrong to take up the case in the first place. They dismissed the company’s appeal, leaving in place an appellate ruling allowing the case to go forward. Apple's latest iPhones get the gift of more AI as holiday shopping season heats up SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Apple is pumping more artificial intelligence into the latest iPhones during the holiday shopping season. It comes in the form of a free software update that includes a feature that enables users to create customized emojis within a matter of seconds. The Wednesday release of the iPhone’s upgraded operating system extends Apple’s expansion into AI months after rivals such as Samsung and Google began implanting the revolutionary on their devices. The update builds upon another one that came out in late October. The latest round of AI tricks includes “Genmojis,” Apple’s description of emojis that iPhone users will be able to ask the technology to create and then share. EU targets Russia's ghost fleet shipping oil in a new round of sanctions BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union envoys have agreed a new raft of sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine. The EU's Hungarian presidency said Wednesday that the measures will target in particular a vast shadow fleet of ships that Moscow is exploiting to skirt restrictions on transporting oil and fuel. The sanctions are aimed at about 50 of what are routinely decrepit ships. The sanctions will hit more officials and entities alleged to be helping Russia to improve its military technology by evading export restrictions. EU foreign ministers are set to formally adopt the sanctions package on Monday. Making a $1B investment in the US? Trump pledges expedited permits — but there are hurdles WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is promising expedited federal permits for energy projects and other construction worth more than $1 billion. But like other Trump plans, the idea is likely to run into regulatory and legislative hurdles, including a landmark law that requires federal agencies to consider the environmental impact before deciding on major projects. Environmental groups called the plan a clear violation of the National Environmental Policy Act. The chief policy advocacy officer at the Natural Resources Defense Council says Trump should be careful what he wishes for. She said, "What if someone wants to build a waste incinerator next to Mar-a-Lago or a coal mine next to Bedminster golf course?” Trump says he'll name Andrew Ferguson head of FTC and Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has made another flurry of job announcements. He said Tuesday that he had selected Andrew Ferguson as the next chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Kimberly Guilfoyle as the ambassador to Greece and Tom Barrack as the ambassador to Turkey. Ferguson is already one of the FTC's five commissioners and will replace Lina Khan. She became a lightning rod for Wall Street and Silicon Valley by blocking billions of dollars’ worth of corporate acquisitions and suing Amazon and Meta while alleging anticompetitive behavior. Guilfoyle became engaged to Don Trump Jr. in 2020, adn Tom Barrack is a longtime friend who was also the former Trump inaugural chair. Bank of Canada cuts interest rate by half a percentage point, highlights risk of Trump's tariffs TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s central bank lowered its key interest rate by half a percentage point while highlighting the risk of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threat of tariffs on all Canadian products. The Bank of Canada’s decision marked the fifth consecutive reduction since June and brings the central bank’s key rate down to 3.25%. The central bank noted a number of risks to the economy, including U.S. tariffs. Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico unless they stem the flow of migrants and drugs.
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Incoming Trump admin, Congress showdown looms with South Africa over support for Russia, US foesLetters to the Editor | December 12, 2024
Elections BC is drawing scrutiny which threatens to undermine taxpayer’s faith in our elections. That’s a problem. Here’s the solution: call a public inquiry into Elections BC, not a politicised process through legislative committees working behind closed doors. There is nothing to suggest the B.C. provincial election was stolen. There is nothing to suggest Elections BC was in cahoots with one party or another. But that doesn’t mean we can afford to turn a blind eye to its mishandling of the most important day in our democratic cycle. In a democracy, taxpayers must have faith in elections and repeated errors from Elections BC erodes that trust. And make no mistake, Elections BC did mess up its handling of the provincial election. The problems with Elections BC range from bad to worse. It took Elections BC more than a week to finish the preliminary tally of votes. Voting closed Oct. 19, but the final count didn’t occur until Oct. 28. British Columbians shouldn’t be left in limbo because Elections BC workers didn’t stay late to count votes. And it shouldn’t take an extra week for the final count to begin. Then came the revelation that Elections BC officials were storing ballots in their personal homes. Think about that for a moment. When you cast your ballot, did you imagine it would find its way into the basement of someone’s home? British Columbians generally believe Elections BC acts in good faith. But why allow questionable chains of custody for the most important pieces of paper in a democracy? Why risk storing ballots in home basements instead of secure government buildings? In three-quarters of B.C.’s 93 ridings, mistakes by Elections B.C. led to unreported votes. That’s unacceptable. To be fair, all the votes were eventually accounted for and counted. But our elections are too important to risk with these kinds of blunders. Both the ruling NDP and Opposition BC Conservatives agree there needs to be an investigation into Elections BC’s mistakes. The NDP wants an all-party committee made up of MLAs to probe Elections BC. But that’s not good enough. Legislative committees are political and are made up of politicians fighting for the spotlight. They can hide behind in camera meetings the public doesn’t have access to. For the public to have faith in our elections, the public needs to be involved in the inquiry. That’s what the BC Conservatives are calling for: an independent public review. British Columbians need to have faith in our elections, so the public must be a part of the investigation. This is far too important an issue for taxpayers to be shunted off to the side while politicians play partisan games. Carson Binda is the B.C. director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.The Philadelphia Eagles will be without star wide receiver DeVonta Smith for “Sunday Night Football” against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, the team announced Friday. Smith’s designation is unsurprising given that he did not practice all week due to a hamstring injury. But the news confirms the Eagles will be without one of their top receivers yet again, with Smith and A.J. Brown now having missed multiple games. Smith will be sidelined for the second time after previously missing Week 4 with a concussion, while Brown missed three games, including Week 4, earlier this season. Friday's Injury Report #PHIvsLAR pic.twitter.com/hEyV5JAj0Q — Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 22, 2024 The Eagles offense was mostly inefficient in its three games without Brown and Smith. They went 1-2 while failing to score in the first quarter in each game. They relied more heavily on running back Saquon Barkley and did not have their best matchup winner available to capitalize on the passing opportunities Barkley created. Advertisement Smith’s absence has a different impact on the passing game. He’s been quarterback Jalen Hurts’ most reliable target over the middle, and his proficiency to create separation on slants and gain explosive yardage after the catch won’t be easily replaced. It’s possible receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) could help fulfill Smith’s role in Week 12. Covey’s 21-day practice window opened up earlier this week, and he was a full participant in each practice. The team listed him as questionable for Sunday’s matchup. Required reading (Photo: Luke Hales / Getty Images)FIR against seven JLKM workers for ‘attacking’ NDA’s Ramgarh candidate