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Six budget-friendly wrapping tricks to get you ready for ChristmasThe Plastic and Orthopaedic Surgery teams at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) recently performed two complex surgeries, in a Qatar first, through the Capa-Masquelet technique, to reconstruct the thigh bone and save limbs from amputation. Dr Mohammad Mounir, Consultant in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Hamad General Hospital, highlighted the effectiveness of the innovative technique in reconstructing long bones, including the arms, legs, and thighs. These bones often suffer significant loss or fragmentation due to trauma, advanced cancerous tumours, or severe bone infections. Employing this technique enables preserving the limbs and mitigating the risk of amputation caused by acute bone loss. The first case involved a 16-year-old patient who had previously undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries following the removal of a malignant tumour in the thigh bone. The second case was a man in his thirties who suffered severe trauma to the thigh due to a vehicular accident. After both cases were referred to the surgical and plastic teams at HGH, the decision was carefully made to utilise the Capa-Masquelet technique to reconstruct the thigh bone and prevent amputation. “This medical achievement aligns seamlessly with HMC’s strategy to achieve excellence in delivering medical services and enhancing the patient experience. It is in line with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy and Qatar National Vision 2030, under which HMC is committed to adopting the latest medical technologies and providing advanced healthcare that significantly improves patients' lives,” said Dr Mounir. “The Capa-Masquelet technique represents a qualitative leap in long bone reconstruction, as it combines the benefits of the Capa-Masquelet method—which uses boosting tissue to regenerate bone—and the Capanna technique, which involves bone grafting. This unique approach effectively reconstructs missing bone segments, restoring strength, stability, and functionality to damaged femurs,” Dr Mounir noted. Dr Ahmad Mounir, Consultant in Bone Surgery at HMC, explained that this technique is particularly well-suited for advanced cases of long bone loss, especially where reduced blood circulation hinders the success of traditional methods. By replacing lost bone and repairing gaps, the technique promotes bone healing while maintaining the same leg length. This allows patients to recover and regain mobility within a remarkably short period. Typically, patients begin to heal after about six weeks, with a return to normal activities within four to six months of surgery. Related Story Ministry of Social Development and Family celebrates Qatar National Day Signing of Book of Loyalty and Devotion at KataraThe Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity and the National Alliance for Civil Development Work (NACDW) have joined forces to provide microloans and economic empowerment services to women and youth in six governorates participating in the government’s “Decent Life” initiative. The initiative will focus on individuals aged 21 to 55 in Aswan, Asyut, Beni Suef, Giza, Alexandria, and Dakahleya. A cooperation protocol formalizing the partnership was signed by Maya Morsy, Minister of Social Solidarity, and Khaled Abdel Aziz, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Alliance for Civil Development, at the Ministry of Social Solidarity headquarters in the New Administrative Capital. This collaboration includes a broad range of support services aimed at fostering economic independence, such as training in project management and e-marketing, vocational training, microfinance, awareness campaigns, veterinary care for livestock projects, insurance for livestock and productive units, and enhanced marketing opportunities for participating organizations. The program is designed to provide high-quality, targeted assistance to those in need. The protocol signing was attended by Nabila Makram, Head of the Technical Secretariat of the National Alliance for Civil Development, members of the Alliance’s Board of Trustees, and Ministry of Social Solidarity officials. The partnership aims to create an integrated system for empowering low-income individuals and families by integrating them into productive economic activities, improving socio-economic conditions, particularly for female heads of households, and supporting people with disabilities through skill-based projects. The initiative also targets beneficiaries of the “Takaful wa Karama” social welfare programme, as well as individuals who applied but were deemed ineligible, whose data is held by the ministry. Morsy emphasized the goal of economic empowerment for women and youth in the “Decent Life” villages, stating that the initiative will help participants escape poverty and achieve the broader goals of the “Takaful wa Karama” programme, fostering economic independence and development. She also highlighted the importance of work as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty and stressed the ministry’s commitment to coordinating with various ministries, organizations, and the private sector to reach marginalized and vulnerable groups through integrated services. Abdel Aziz noted that the protocol reflects the Alliance’s dedication to supporting Egypt’s sustainable development and social justice goals. “We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of Social Solidarity on this vital project, empowering women and youth in ‘Decent Life’ villages through sustainable job opportunities and improved living standards,” he said. Makram also underlined the significance of the project in empowering women and youth in rural areas, enhancing their participation in development, and fostering a more equitable society.
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LONDON (AP) — Barely a month after quitting international rugby , former England prop Joe Marler has brought forward his retirement plans and will end his time in the sport completely this week. Marler's last match will be for Harlequins, his team since 2009, at home to Bristol in the English league on Friday. The 34-year-old Marler had indicated he would continue playing club rugby until the end of the season. He has made 285 appearances for Harlequins since arriving in 2009 and retires with two English league winners medals. “The time has come to finally jump off the rollercoaster and walk away from this beautifully brutal game,” he said Wednesday. The charismatic Marler announced on Nov. 3 that his 95-cap test career was over, days after he left England’s camp ahead of the November internationals because of personal reasons. He had baited New Zealand in the build-up to England's first autumn test match by criticizing the Haka, stating on social media that it is “ridiculous” and “needs binning." He later apologized for the comments. ___ AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby The Associated PressSome quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”
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The fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat blends a terrific redesign with the smart features that we've all come to expect from the company's devices. Google arguably set the bar very high back in 2011, with a control set that mirrored an iPod, and the ability to learn your cooling or heating schedule from the get-go. Between the facelift that makes it look more like a piece of art on your wall and the 'AI' power infused into its already well-regarded learning features, the fourth-generation Learning Thermostat is a pretty easy recommendation for most folks. Even when accounting for the price increase of up to $280, the fourth-generation model is more than a bit smarter, and now includes a temperature sensor in the box as well. I especially liked the smaller changes, including the ability to accept or decline suggested temperature changes to my schedule, but besides the design, the best functionality change is the adjustable and more helpful display. Displaying the active temperature and visual for the weather from afar, and showing highs and lows as I get close, the FarSight feature means the new Nest Learning Thermostat is useful even when I'm not using it to adjust temperatures. Setup within the Google Home app was easy for me, but my colleagues weren't as lucky, and most of the experience with the app is pretty basic. It might be intentional, but something a bit more full-featured would have been nice. Even so, adding Matter will make the folks waiting to use a Nest natively in the Apple Home app pretty darn happy. Myself included. As a whole, the fourth-generation Nest Learning Thermostat evolves into the modern age of the smart home in a successful fashion, which I think will make folks upgrading from a previous model quite happy (even though it's not plug-and-play). People new to Nest will find it to be feature-filled. That makes the decision of only releasing the fourth generation in the United States and Canada a bit more baffling. The Nest Learning Thermostat Fourth-Generation is available in the United States and Canada. You get your pick of Polished Gold, Polished Silver, or Polished Obsidian for $279.99 in the United States, or $379.99 in Canada. A temperature sensor is included in the box, but you can buy a single additional unit for $29.99 or a three-pack for $99.99. As of now, there is no timeframe for when the fourth generation might launch outside the United States or Canada. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks stunning. It was a simple install, though it's not plug-and-play if you're upgrading from an existing Nest. The larger, upgraded display steals the show and navigation is still impressively simple. While the fourth generation model still inherently operates like the original Nest Learning Thermostat that dropped way back in 2011, it’s by far the biggest redesign the device has ever received. When mounted on the wall, it looks more like a piece of art hanging than a thermostat – especially in the ‘Polished Gold’ that I’ve been testing, which gives major rosy vibes when the light hits it right. It’s the best-looking smart thermostat around, neither screaming 'technology' nor resembling a classic plastic thermostat. It’s sort of a cross between the two, with a design that allows the true smarts of the Nest Thermostat to shine through. More on that later. Rather than a small, thick circular thermostat that gets placed on a bracket and then a mounting plate if you so desire, the Nest Thermostat fourth-generation has a slightly larger footprint on the wall itself. That’s not a bad thing, because this circular piece is attached via the bracket to your wall, acting as the stand for the thermostat's slim and elegant main hull. It’s kind of like a supersize Google Pixel Watch 3 , with the 3.9-inch circular, almost bezel-free dome giving the impression that it’s floating. You’ll turn this whole piece to the right or left to raise or lower the temperature. Google’s design team is still adamantly against touchscreens here, so you’ll click and turn it to complete most other tasks too (including some parts of the setup process), but you'll mainly use it to adjust heating and cooling modes. The installation was really a breeze; in my apartment in New Jersey, where I’ve been testing the fourth-generation Nest Thermostat for several months, it took me no more than about 15 to 20 minutes to install. I wasn’t upgrading from a previous Nest, but considering the plate here is a different size, you will need to swap those out if you are. That's kind of a bummer, as it’s not a super simple swap for the faithful already invested in the ecosystem. Still, Google provides mostly everything in the box, including the main bracket and a helpful wiring guide. Essentially, you’ll install the main steel bracket and use the included screws to get that on the wall. Then you have the thermostat base, which you’ll guide the wires through. You also get the mounting plate, which I opted to use, but that's optional. Google is continuously moving things into its main Google Home app, which my colleague Lance Ulanoff, TechRadar’s Editor-at-Large, found particularly troublesome when trying to install his fourth-gen Nest Learning Thermostat . In my case, since I was setting this up as new in my ‘Google Home,’ things went a bit more smoothly – though Google Home did take a few tries to successfully connect to the thermostat after proper installation with wiring in my HVAC system, and ultimately, it’s a very basic control app for this thermostat. The idea is that if you're currently using the Nest app, it will push you to use the Google Home app instead, and if you’re new, you’ll need to start with Google Home. Even if you bought the Nest Learning Thermostat for its Matter capability so you can use it with Apple's Home app (which does work eventually), you need to start with Google Home. Luckily, the team brought the easy installation help to the Google app, which will perform some checks, including a test of heating and cooling modes. Once it's set up in Google Home, you get to take advantage of the major benefit of the Nest Learning Thermostat, and that’s the Matter support. Oddly enough, there is no Thread connectivity here, which is a strange omission. If you select your Nest Learning Thermostat within the Google Home app and then navigate to Settings > Device information > Linked Matter apps & services, it will generate a code that you can scan or send to Apple’s Home app, for example. You can also select and review the Matter code on the Nest Learning Thermostat itself. You’ll need to set it up with a Google account in the Google Home app first, but the nice thing about a Nest thermostat is that the app eventually fades away, and you can focus on controlling it from the device itself or let the smart scheduling take the wheel. As far as the classic mechanic, it’s smooth as ever with just the right amount of resistance to maneuvering the dial I’ve had more than a few friends ask me what it is when spotting it on the wall in the front of my apartment – it’s simply an eye-catcher. The 3.9-inch LCD screen almost appears like it’s hidden behind the finish – a cool effect – and the content can change based on where you are. For example, if it doesn’t detect you directly nearby, it will use larger graphics that can be seen from a distance. If you approach, the Soli sensor – read as radar – will detect you and adjust the content as you get nearer. It’s dubbed the ‘Farsight’ display, and you can adjust it to show high and low temperatures, air quality, and even weather. You’ll set these from the device itself, but the weather animations are really neat. It’s also a point of difference with competing thermostats like those from Ecobee, which tosses a speaker and a microphone into select models. I think the Nest Thermostat packs features that make more sense. Seeing the weather quickly as you’re heading out the door or picking what coat to wear is neat. The display feels inherently meshed with this new look – it won’t steer away the folks who have loved Nest from the beginning, and it really looks dynamite. There also isn’t a better control system than just turning to the left or right and pushing in. Apple had it first with the iPod, but considering multitouch, I think it’s the gold standard for thermostat control. Design Score: 4.5/5 The Google Home app is pretty basic, and it has some connectivity issues. Yes, the Nest finally works with Apple Home. The AI-infused learning features impress and make cooling or heating a home easier. I’ve been testing the Nest Thermostat Fourth-Generation for several months, which means I’ve used it for a few seasons, including summer, fall, and winter. That’s pretty important to see how the smart scheduling reasoning and, ultimately, the functionality of the Nest handle the swap from cooling to heating. Much like any other gadget released in 2024, Google has tossed in some AI capabilities, mainly affecting how the Nest Thermostat adjusts the temperature. This makes the previous learning aspects of Nest – arguably, the main appeal – a bit smarter and quicker once you get in a rhythm, but also more actionable. For instance, with the new Smart Schedule feature, you can accept or decline the adjustments it suggests, whether that’s a degree or cooler at night or warmer in the morning. Further, as it begins to notice the change from cooling or heating, it takes a few days to stop suggestions and focus on learning before updating and delivering a custom schedule that you can manage if you like. These minute changes that the Nest Thermostat suggests could lower your energy bill (aka the cost of cooling or heating your home), but you may not see those impacts immediately. What you might be able to do here in the United States is to see if your utility provider offers any rebate for the cost, as the latest Nest isn’t the cheapest. Beyond learning from your habits and adjustments – on the thermostat, via the app, or through a smart assistant – it will consider conditions around your home. For example, if it’s a warmer day in the winter, it might lower your heating temperature to save on energy and factor in that your home might stay warmer for longer on its own. It's the same thing for a cooler summer day, and it works quite well. Similarly, if your forecast predicts a frigid temperature turn, it might turn the heating on earlier to ensure you’re still at a comfortable temperature in your home. As with previous Nest thermostats, you can expect all of these to get better as you spend more time with the unit, and that’s exactly what I’ve found. I wouldn’t go into it expecting it to master your desired temperatures after just a few days, but you need to spend a week or two with it to see meaningful suggestions. The thermostat also comes with a pebble-shaped sensor, which helps measure the temperature more accurately inside your home. The idea is to place this somewhere in your house away from the Nest Thermostat, which contains its own sensor, so it can get a proper read of the temperature and ensure the desired conditions are found throughout. Including this in the box is pretty nice, and helps to make up for the price increase to $280. Unfortunately, although the Nest Thermostat works with Matter and therefore Apple Home the sensor doesn’t seem to move over. There were also several occasions when adjusting the temperature in the Apple Home app didn't work properly the first time, especially shortly after I first installed the unit. Thankfully that's now become far less frequent, and I’ve successfully controlled it from a range of Apple devices and through Siri. You can also integrate it through automation within Apple Home; the same goes for Google Home’s automation. As far as the Google Home app goes, it’s pretty basic for controlling the Nest Learning Thermostat, but that might be intentional as the real appeal is these AI-infused learning features, which ultimately still impress. The fourth-generation Nest Thermostat shows an evolution in terms of features and revolution with design, but it’s still a compelling experience that lets you spend less time fiddling with a thermostat. Performance Score: 4/5 Buy it if... You want an easy-to-use, good-looking thermostat There's never been a better-looking thermostat than the fourth-generation Nest, and luckily, it keeps the impressive controls that made it a winner back in 2011. You want a Nest Thermostat that works with Apple Home Thanks to Matter support, after setup in the Google Home app, you can easily generate a code and add the Nest to your Apple Home. You want a thermostat that factors in environmental conditions and does the heavy lifting for you... Like every Nest thermostat before it, the learning features are the stand out feature here and it now factors in your local weather to see if it needs to adjust the temperature. Don't buy it if... You're not in the United States or Canada Sadly, the fourth-generation Nest is only available in the US and Canada, so you'll need to consider a different model. You don't want to use the Google Home app You'll need to have a Google account and use the Google Home app to setup and get the most out of the Nest Learning Thermostat. Nest Thermostat E – Read our review here With a much more affordable price tag, the Nest Thermostat E is an excellent model to consider if you can find it in stock as it utilizes the same easy controls that put Nest on the map.Huntley fills in for injured Tagovailoa, leads Dolphins past Browns 20-3 to keep playoff hopes alive
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.
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Pfizer Just Reassured Investors, but Is the Stock a Buy?WHETHER you're looking for stocking stuffers or treats for your guests, Dollar Tree has just the thing. Shoppers can now stock up on their favorite festive -flavored candy at a low price . Perfect for gift-giving or hanging on your tree Dollar Tree has added some bargain candy that shoppers are scooping up. Fans can now pick up a 12-pack of Natural Peppermint-Flavored Christmas Candy Canes for just $1.25 from Dollar Tree . The holiday treats are created by the hard candy company Coastal Bay Confections. So whether you need a last-minute treat for your child's stockings or you're looking for a palette cleanser after your Christmas dinner, these candy canes may be worth a buy. Read More On Dollar Tree They shouldn't send your kids into too much of a sugar rush either, with just 24% sugar. Plus, shoppers can save over 80% by opting for the Dollar Tree version over Target . The Yum Earth Christmas Candy Canes are available at Target for $7.49. This means shoppers will be paying more and receiving less bargain for their buck as the Target buy only contains 10 candy canes. Most read in Money However, the pricier buys are free of artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup. They are also non-GMO, vegan-friendly, and certified USDA organic. These candy canes received an average rating of 4.4 stars out of five from customers. They were awarded an average of 3.9 stars out of five for product value. IN THE COMMENTS However, customers rated the flavor even higher with taste coming in at 4.6 stars out of five. A total of 73% of shoppers said they would recommend the candy canes. Impressed shoppers shared their thoughts on the treats in the review section. Despite the name of the store, Dollar Tree recently added items that cost more than $1 to its inventory. Most items at the store cost no more than $1.25, but items in the Dollar Tree Plus section cost up to $5. Dollar Tree introduced Plus aisles to 100 locations in 2019 as part of an effort to diversify its products. By 2022, Dollar Tree had added the items to over 1,500 locations. "We believe testing additional price points above $1 for Dollar Tree products will enable us over time to expand our assortments, introduce new products and meet more of our customers’ everyday needs," president and CEO Michael Witynski said in a statement . "Our brand promise is that customers get great value for what they spend at Dollar Tree. We will continue to be fiercely protective of that promise, regardless of the price point." "I’m so happy to finally have holiday treats! They’re yummy and taste just how I remember candy canes tasting," wrote one buyer. "I am so happy I found these candy canes," said another Target customer. "My daughter can't have anything with red dye but she LOVES candy canes. "I was in the store the other day and walked past these and I was so happy! "I don't understand some of the other reviews saying they don't taste good, they taste EXACTLY like the ones with the red dye. I would recommend them." Read More on The US Sun Shoppers may also score five items from Dollar Tree for $1.25 to elevate your holiday decor. Plus, Dollar Tree has a $5 Christmas tree in two colors that shoppers say is the ‘best fake in the world.’
Summary Different airlines have varied policies when it comes to Christmas crackers, a complex item for air travel. Snow globes must adhere to liquid restrictions, while wrapped gifts can create issues during security screening. Airlines permit a wide range of solid foods but limit liquids, such as alcoholic beverages and branded items. During the Christmas season, most travelers require information on what festive products are permitted on planes. Whether traveling to see family or going on a holiday vacation, it is important to know the airline’s rules on carrying items linked to this time of year. The aviation authorities constantly reassess and modify the security measures. Although restrictions on Christmas items are still stringent, new screening technologies may lead to more liberal measures concerning festive items on aircraft. But what items are we talking about? Christmas crackers: a complex case Christmas crackers, which are popular during the festive period , are among the items that prove difficult to travel with by air. The policies differ greatly from one airline to another. British Airways allows passengers to take two boxes of crackers in their check-in luggage, while other airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Ryanair, do not allow crackers at all. For those who have never seen them, a cracker is a cardboard tube wrapped in brightly colored paper in a package similar to traditional candy wrappers. By pulling on the ends, the cracker breaks apart, emitting a small bang produced by a strip of paper impregnated with silver fulminate or another unstable chemical, which explodes by friction. The restriction arises from crackers containing this small 'explosive part,' which categorizes them as a minor explosive device, a security issue. Airlines that accept Christmas Crackers Airlines that DO NOT accept Christmas Crackers British Airways (Checked luggage), Eastern Airways (Checked luggage), easyJet (Checked luggage, Cabin luggage), Flybe (Checked luggage), Flybmi (Checked luggage, Cabin luggage), Qantas (Checked luggage), Qatar Airways (Checked luggage), South African Airways (Checked luggage), Thomas Cook (Checked luggage), TUI (Checked luggage), Virgin Atlantic (Checked luggage). Aer Lingus, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Etihad, Icelandair, KLM, Norwegian Airlines, Ryanair, SAS Scandinavian, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, WestJet, Wow Air. We recommend checking specific airline policies for those determined to travel with crackers well in advance. Some key guidelines include: Possibly pack crackers in checked baggage Purchase crackers after arriving at your destination when possible Ensure crackers meet airline-specific requirements regarding quantity and packaging Avoid security process delays by packing wisely this holiday travel season. Snow globes and wrapped gifts Snow globes are not exempt from criticism because of the rules on the containment of fluids. As per Ryanair’s holiday rules , these ornamental items must be within the permissible size of liquid when they are packed in hand baggage. This means that snow globes that have a quantity of liquid in them that is over 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) need to be placed in checked luggage. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a simple visual test : If the snow globe is more than the size of a tennis ball, then it should be packed in the check-in luggage. This practical approach enables travelers to make snap decisions about these holiday gifts. Security screening also has challenges with wrapped presents. The aviation security professionals have always advised passengers against placing wrapped gifts in either carry-on or checked baggage. If security officers are required to search for a package, they will open it and this can cause a problem with the presentation as well as the time the traveler invested. The best solution is to either take gift bags or wait to wrap gifts at the place of the event. Such a strategy helps in keeping security processing smooth while, at the same time, the recipients of the gifts do not know what is in store for them. Food, beverages and decorations Most solid foods, such as Christmas puddings and cakes, are usually allowed. Cheese and chocolates are permitted, but they may require attention to temperature because they can melt. Hard candies and cookies have no prohibition. Liquid or gel-based items like cranberry sauce must follow liquid restrictions. Brandy butter also falls under liquid regulations. Jams and preserves must comply with the 3.4-ounce (100 milliliters) rule. It is essential to be more careful when transporting alcoholic products. Aviation security rules allow passengers to carry liquids with between 24% and 70% ABV (Alcohol By Volume) in their carry-on bags, but at most five liters per person. Traditional products, such as wine for the festive season or Christmas spirits, must be adequately packed and declared. Category Limitations Solid foods Puddings, cakes allowed. Cheese and chocolate may melt. Candies, cookies, no restrictions. Liquid or Gel-Based Items Cranberry sauce, brandy butter, jams follow 3.4 oz (100 ml) rule. Alcoholic Beverages 24-70% ABV: Max 5L in checked bags. Package and declare mulled wine, spirits. Holiday decorations are not usually a problem, but certain factors should be taken into account. Battery-operated decorations should have batteries pulled out and stored in a different container. Items that have a sharp or pointed edge should be placed in the check-in baggage. Light strings should be carefully wrapped to prevent tangling. Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, Flight Attendants, Ground Crew, and airport staff all deserve a bit of love over the holiday season. Planning ahead To ensure holiday travel success, here are five useful tips on preparing for holiday travel and avoiding stress: Contact your airline directly : airlines have certain rules on baggage, prohibited items or special holiday charges. These details can be agreed in advance to avoid such surprises at the airport at the last moment. Allow extra time for security screening : It is during the holidays when more people travel and therefore longer queues at security checks are expected. This means that if you are able to arrive earlier than normal, you will have enough time to clear security without a lot of haste. Photo: everythingforall | Shutterstock Consider shipping certain items separately : To avoid the inconvenience of taking big or prohibited items, you can send gifts, decorations or liquids to your destination. This can help reduce your burden and also make the security checks easier. Keep gift receipts accessible : Security officers may be required to search for wrapped or packaged gifts. It is much better to have receipts at hand in order to clear up any possible misunderstandings concerning the contents of the shipment. Pack an empty collapsible bag : If you expect to be given gifts or buy souvenirs on your trip, bring a small, light and empty bag that can be used to pack more items on the way back. This can save space and also help to avoid situations where you are charged for overweight baggage. Since there are all these restrictions, do airlines hate Christmas? Of course, airlines don't hate Christmas. On the contrary, during the Christmas period, airlines introduce minor aspects of Christmas into their operations . For example, the Australian airline Qantas revealed two aircraft for the Christmas season in 2023: a De Havilland Dash 8 Q400 named Dasher-8 and a Boeing 737-800 named Roo-dolph with Christmas motifs. In 2019, Swiss International Air Lines has painted two Airbus aircraft (A320 and A330) with red nose cones like Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer. This year, Emirates brought in the holiday feel with revised menus that may include roasted turkey, chestnut and turkey bacon roulade, and maple-roasted parsnips. Magazines and other printed materials are also changed to reflect the festive season and in-flight entertainment systems include Christmas movies and music. United Airlines has launched "Fantasy Flights" to the North Pole (JOY) to make Christmas memorable for children and their families. These flights depart from 13 cities across the UK, Japan, and the US and include Christmas activities and a visit to a changed airport gate or hangar that is made to look like Santa's winter wonderland. Local nonprofits and volunteers back the effort and entail collaborations with Make-A-Wish for children with life-threatening diseases. Individuals can also participate by either donating their United miles or cash. United will then double the amount raised up to $500,000 and 5 million United Airlines miles. These are part of United's "Good Leads The Way" campaign, which promotes the company's focus on communities and the holidays.
JEOPARDY! champion Kevin Laskowski has pulled off what’s become an incredibly rare move for season 41 as he secures a highly-coveted invite despite ‘botching’ a pricey Daily Double. After winning Wednesday’s game, the three-day champ will officially compete on the upcoming Tournament of Champions - a feat few players have been able to pull off this year. The Episcopal priest from Falls Church, Virginia went into today’s game already a two-day champ with earnings of $39,400. He went up against Julia Schan, a stay-at-home mom from Pleasanton, California and Drew Wheeler, a high school social studies teacher from Athens, Georgia . Drew was off to an impressive start an garnered an early lead which only increased when he found, and correctly guessed, the first Daily Double. Heading into the first break, Drew had the lead with $2,900 while Kevin and Julia were far behind with $600 and $200, respectively. READ MORE ON JEOPARDY! However, Kevin was able to make up a lot of ground by the Double Jeopardy! round. The returning champ was in second with $3,400, just $100 behind Drew while Julia upped her score to $1,600. Kevin was next to find the second Daily Double in the $1,600 clue under “E BOOKS” and nearly lost everything in a shocking wager. “This nonfiction Pulitzer winner is subtitled "Poverty and Profit in the American City"; the title happened to many families,” host Ken Jennings read. Most read in Game shows The contestant was unable to correctly guess: “What is Evicted?” - dropping his score $3,000. Julia found the third Daily Double but like her opponent, she also missed it - costing her just $1,000. After her opponents ended up making several bold wagers that they lost, Julia moved her way to the top to gain the lead heading into Final Jeopardy! As host Ken, 50, revealed the last category as “State Songs”, the players placed their wagers. “Its 15 official state songs include 2 that mention moonshine and 3 played in 3/4 time,” Ken revealed. Kevin and Drew both correctly wrote down: “What is Tennessee?” Drew ended his game in second with $8,700 while Kevin prevailed with $13,599 after a series of costly mistakes. Despite having the lead going into the final round, Julia was the only one to get her answer wrong - dropping her down to third with $3,599. The third win for Kevin earned him a milestone achievement that few others have pulled off during season 41. Passing Jeopardy!'s online Anytime Test is hard enough, but there are also many rules players must follow once they make it to the stage: The returning champion is always at the leftmost podium and keeps playing until they lose. Contestants don't have to say “who is” or “what is” in the first round but must do so in Double Jeopardy! and Final Jeopardy. Contestants can change their responses as long as Ken Jennings or the judges haven't made a ruling. The minimum wager for a Daily Double is $5. The minimum wager for Final Jeopardy! is $0. Written responses in Final Jeopardy! do not have to be spelled correctly , but they must be phonetically correct (the judges decide this). If there’s a tie after Final Jeopardy, the tied players enter a bonus clue shootout, and whoever buzzes in first correctly wins. If all three contestants wager everything in Final Jeopardy! and are incorrect, leaving them with $0, there will be no returning champion (it's happened before—six times). Typically, Jeopardy! players need to win five consecutive games in order to score a Tournament of Champions invite - the spinoff special that brings back past winners to score an even bigger prize. However, due to so few people being able to achieve that, contestants who win just three games this season will be able to go to the prestigious tournament. “Ayyy Kevin’s in the TOC let’s go,” one viewer celebrated. While another offered more insight: “So, that leaves one TOC spot unclaimed and returns the CWC to two open spots. “(Or one, we still don't have 100% confirmation on Adam but, sheesh, could he really have missed by $200?). Only six qualifying games left.” Read More on The US Sun “They all botched their Daily Doubles but especially Kevin yikes. That one hurt,” a fan commented. “In the slowest season in modern history, we can all rejoice there’s a champ who made it to day three. Congrats Kevin!” another wrote.
By Vanessa G. Sánchez, KFF Health News (TNS) LOS ANGELES — President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations and tougher immigration restrictions is deepening mistrust of the health care system among California’s immigrants and clouding the future for providers serving the state’s most impoverished residents. At the same time, immigrants living illegally in Southern California told KFF Health News they thought the economy would improve and their incomes might increase under Trump, and for some that outweighed concerns about health care. Community health workers say fear of deportation is already affecting participation in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program for low-income residents, which was expanded in phases to all immigrants regardless of residency status over the past several years. That could undercut the state’s progress in reducing the uninsured rate, which reached a record low of 6.4% last year. Immigrants lacking legal residency have long worried that participation in government programs could make them targets, and Trump’s election has compounded those concerns, community advocates say. The incoming Trump administration is also expected to target Medicaid with funding cuts and enrollment restrictions , which activists worry could threaten the Medi-Cal expansion and kneecap efforts to extend health insurance subsidies under Covered California to all immigrants. “The fear alone has so many consequences to the health of our communities,” said Mar Velez , director of policy with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. “This is, as they say, not their first rodeo. They understand how the system works. I think this machine is going to be, unfortunately, a lot more harmful to our communities.” Alongside such worries, though, is a strain of optimism that Trump might be a boon to the economy, according to interviews with immigrants in Los Angeles whom health care workers were soliciting to sign up for Medi-Cal. Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Clinics and community health workers encourage immigrants to enroll for health coverage through Medi-Cal and Covered California. But workers have noticed that fear of deportation has chilled participation. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Community health workers like Yanet Martinez encourage people to enroll for health benefits. But many California immigrants fear that using subsidized services could hurt their chances of obtaining legal residency. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Selvin, 39, who, like others interviewed for this article, asked to be identified by only his first name because he’s living here without legal permission, said that even though he believes Trump dislikes people like him, he thinks the new administration could help boost his hours at the food processing facility where he works packing noodles. “I do see how he could improve the economy. From that perspective, I think it’s good that he won.” He became eligible for Medi-Cal this year but decided not to enroll, worrying it could jeopardize his chances of changing his immigration status. “I’ve thought about it,” Selvin said, but “I feel like it could end up hurting me. I won’t deny that, obviously, I’d like to benefit — get my teeth fixed, a physical checkup.” But fear holds him back, he said, and he hasn’t seen a doctor in nine years. It’s not Trump’s mass deportation plan in particular that’s scaring him off, though. “If I’m not committing any crimes or getting a DUI, I think I won’t get deported,” Selvin said. Petrona, 55, came from El Salvador seeking asylum and enrolled in Medi-Cal last year. She said that if her health insurance benefits were cut, she wouldn’t be able to afford her visits to the dentist. A street food vendor, she hears often about Trump’s deportation plan, but she said it will be the criminals the new president pushes out. “I’ve heard people say he’s going to get rid of everyone who’s stealing.” Although she’s afraid she could be deported, she’s also hopeful about Trump. “He says he’s going to give a lot of work to Hispanics because Latinos are the ones who work the hardest,” she said. “That’s good, more work for us, the ones who came here to work.” Newly elected Republican Assembly member Jeff Gonzalez, who flipped a seat long held by Democrats in the Latino-heavy desert region in the southeastern part of the state, said his constituents were anxious to see a new economic direction. “They’re just really kind of fed up with the status quo in California,” Gonzalez said. “People on the ground are saying, ‘I’m hopeful,’ because now we have a different perspective. We have a businessperson who is looking at the very things that we are looking at, which is the price of eggs, the price of gas, the safety.” Gonzalez said he’s not going to comment about potential Medicaid cuts, because Trump has not made any official announcement. Unlike most in his party, Gonzalez said he supports the extension of health care services to all residents regardless of immigration status . Health care providers said they are facing a twin challenge of hesitancy among those they are supposed to serve and the threat of major cuts to Medicaid, the federal program that provides over 60% of the funding for Medi-Cal. Health providers and policy researchers say a loss in federal contributions could lead the state to roll back or downsize some programs, including the expansion to cover those without legal authorization. California and Oregon are the only states that offer comprehensive health insurance to all income-eligible immigrants regardless of status. About 1.5 million people without authorization have enrolled in California, at a cost of over $6 billion a year to state taxpayers. “Everyone wants to put these types of services on the chopping block, which is really unfair,” said state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, a Democrat and chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. “We will do everything we can to ensure that we prioritize this.” Sen. Gonzalez said it will be challenging to expand programs such as Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, for which immigrants lacking permanent legal status are not eligible. A big concern for immigrants and their advocates is that Trump could reinstate changes to the public charge policy, which can deny green cards or visas based on the use of government benefits. “President Trump’s mass deportation plan will end the financial drain posed by illegal immigrants on our healthcare system, and ensure that our country can care for American citizens who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to KFF Health News. During his first term, in 2019, Trump broadened the policy to include the use of Medicaid, as well as housing and nutrition subsidies. The Biden administration rescinded the change in 2021. KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, found immigrants use less health care than people born in the United States. And about 1 in 4 likely undocumented immigrant adults said they have avoided applying for assistance with health care, food, and housing because of immigration-related fears, according to a 2023 survey . Another uncertainty is the fate of the Affordable Care Act, which was opened in November to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and are protected by the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals program. If DACA eligibility for the act’s plans, or even the act itself, were to be reversed under Trump, that would leave roughly 40,000 California DACA recipients, and about 100,000 nationwide , without access to subsidized health insurance. On Dec. 9, a federal court in North Dakota issued an order blocking DACA recipients from accessing Affordable Care Act health plans in 19 states that had challenged the Biden administration’s rule. Clinics and community health workers are encouraging people to continue enrolling in health benefits. But amid the push to spread the message, the chilling effects are already apparent up and down the state. “¿Ya tiene Medi-Cal?” community health worker Yanet Martinez said, asking residents whether they had Medi-Cal as she walked down Pico Boulevard recently in a Los Angeles neighborhood with many Salvadorans. “¡Nosotros podemos ayudarle a solicitar Medi-Cal! ¡Todo gratuito!” she shouted, offering help to sign up, free of charge. “Gracias, pero no,” said one young woman, responding with a no thanks. She shrugged her shoulders and averted her eyes under a cap that covered her from the late-morning sun. Since Election Day, Martinez said, people have been more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” she said. “They don’t want anything to do with it.” This article was produced by KFF Health News , which publishes California Healthline , an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation . ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Punjab presents slew of demands to boost infra at pre-budget meeting with SitharamanNigeria’s proposed tax reform bill, introduced by the Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reform chaired by Taiwo Oyedele, has stirred widespread debate. The reform bill, which aims to streamline the tax system, includes harmonising multiple levies, unifying revenue collection processes, and integrating technology for greater efficiency. At the centre of the proposal is a plan to adopt the derivation principle for the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenues. Under this principle, VAT revenue would be distributed based on where goods and services are consumed rather than pooled centrally and redistributed. Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman, Zacch Adedeji, explained the rationale by clarifying that VAT is fundamentally a consumption tax. He stated, “On derivation, I see there is a mix-up here. We have the oil and gas. If you look at the oil and gas, where they produce is where we sell and collect money from the oil. That’s why it is limited to their States. “VAT by definition is a consumption tax. If you use derivation in VAT, what it means is that where is it consumed. Where do you make the call? Where is the bank transaction done? What the bill seeks to correct is that the existing structure we have does not represent the intent of Nigeria.” While the reform aims to ensure fairer revenue distribution, it has met strong opposition from northern states. Some Northern stakeholders argue that the contents of the proposed bill are against the interests of the North and other sub-nationals. They claim that switching to a derivation model would unfairly favour economically dominant states, particularly Lagos, where most companies’ headquarters are located. Tribune Online reports that recent data from FIRS highlights the disparity in VAT contributions and allocations. In August 2024, Lagos State alone generated more VAT (N249.77 billion) than the combined total of 35 other states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) but only received N40.22 billion in allocation. Meanwhile, ten northern states, which contributed a combined N13.69 billion, received a staggering N59.17 billion in allocations. For instance, Zamfara State contributed N432.80 million but received N5.65 billion, while Katsina generated N1.68 billion and received N7.27 billion. Below is the full list of what some northern states contributed to the VAT pool and what they benefitted (August 2024): Contributed: N432.80m Allocated: N5.65bn Contributed: N665.17m Allocated: N5.66bn Contributed: N691.28m Allocated: N6.48bn Contributed: N1.47bn Allocated: N4.97bn Contributed: N1.59bn Allocated: N6.42bn Contributed: N1.68bn Allocated: N7.27bn Contributed: N1.71bn Allocated: N5.26bn Contributed: N1.73bn Allocated: N6.12bn Contributed: N1.84bn Allocated: N6.07bn Contributed: N1.88bn Allocated: N5.27bn Total contribution: 13.69 billion Total allocation received: 59.17 billion ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now