Bank customers groan as POS operators hawk new cash notesMissed kicks. Poor tackling. Costly penalties. Week 12 was filled with sloppy play around the NFL, leading to some upsets and surprising outcomes. Jayden Daniels nearly led Washington to an improbable comeback down 10 in the final two minutes against Dallas only to fall short because Austin Seibert's extra point sailed wide left. After a field goal and successful onside kick, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard catch-and-run touchdown to bring the Commanders within one point with 21 seconds remaining. But Seibert's point-after attempt failed and the Cowboys returned the ensuing onside kick for a touchdown to seal a 34-26 victory. Special teams were atrocious for both teams. Seibert also missed his first extra point and Washington allowed KaVontae Turpin's 99-yard kickoff return for a score earlier in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys missed a field goal, had another blocked and had a punt blocked. "What a wild special teams moment of blocked punts, kicks, kickoff returns, blocked field goals, just a number of things going to that spot," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. Washington (7-5) was a 10 1/2-point favorite over the undermanned Cowboys (4-7) but ended up losing a third straight game. The Houston Texans were 8-point favorites against the lowly Tennessee Titans and let the game come down to Ka'imi Fairbairn missing a 28-yard field goal that would have tied it with just under two minutes left. C.J. Stroud threw two interceptions, was sacked four times and the Texans (7-5) committed 11 penalties, including an illegal shift that negated a go-ahead 33-yard TD pass to Nico Collins on the drive that ended with Fairbairn's miss in the 32-27 loss. The Titans (3-8) averaged just 17 points per game before putting 32 on the scoreboard against Houston's defense that entered No. 4 in the league. "We didn't do anything well enough to win this game," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "Out of all the positives that we did have, there were way too many negatives. Too many negative plays. Score, get a penalty, get touchdowns called back. Get penalties on special teams. Just way too many negative plays defensively, like unexplainable explosives for touchdowns. We just didn't play good across the board." The San Francisco 49ers didn't have quarterback Brock Purdy, star edge rusher Nick Bosa and All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams against Green Bay. That was no excuse for their undisciplined performance. The Niners committed nine penalties and their tackling was shoddy in a 38-10 loss to the Packers. The defending NFC champions are 5-6 with a trip to Buffalo (9-2) coming up. They're still only one game behind Seattle and Arizona in the NFC West. "I'm really not concerned right now about how many guys were missing. We didn't play good enough, so that's not a factor. But, when you are missing some guys, you do have to be better. When you have those penalties and we didn't stop the run like we did and we had those three turnovers in the second half, that's how you get embarrassed." Coming off their first loss of the season, the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs needed Patrick Mahomes' heroics on the final drive to beat Carolina 30-27. Mahomes ran 33 yards to set up Spencer Schrader's 31-yard field goal as time expired. Kansas City had 10 penalties, including a pass interference that gave the Panthers (3-8) another chance to make the 2-point conversion that tied the game with 1:46 remaining. On defense, the Chiefs (10-1) suddenly shaky unit gave up 334 total yards against Bryce Young and an offense that entered last in the NFL. "We've got to do better. We're doing good in the red zone but that's only a third of the field," Chiefs safety Bryan Cook said. "We will go back and look at the film to see what we're doing week to week, and see the tendencies that we're giving up, and just move forward from there. At the end of the day, we're all vets in the room for the most part. ... got to go back to the drawing board and see what we're doing and correct it from there." The Vikings allowed the Bears to recover an onside kick with 21 seconds left and Caleb Williams followed with a 27-yard pass to D.J. Moore to set up Cairo Santos' tying 48-yard field goal. But Minnesota won in overtime, 30-27. The Chiefs and Vikings overcame their mistakes in narrow victories. The Commanders, Texans and 49ers couldn't. They have to be better down the stretch to make a playoff run.Global Payments Inc. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitors
France’s Michel Barnier faced an abrupt end to his premiership on Monday after key opposition parties said they would back a no-confidence motion against his government after only three months in power. Certain that the National Assembly would deny him a majority backing the government’s social security financing plan for next year, Barnier forced through the bill without a vote, using executive powers under article 49.3 of the French constitution. The conservative premier, who formed a minority government in September after an inconclusive general election, has lived under the constant threat of a no-confidence vote that could force him to quit. The government could be toppled as early as tomorrow, when a vote is expected. “I honestly believe that the French people will not forgive us if we prefer partisan interests to the best interest of the nation,” Barnier told the lawmakers. “This is a moment of truth in which everybody must take their responsibilities. I am taking mine,” he added. Far-left opposition party LFI said immediately it would bring a no-confidence motion which the far-right National Rally (RN) — the largest single party in France’s parliament — said it would vote in favour of, after accusing Barnier of failing to negotiate on some of the bill’s provisions. “We will vote no confidence,” the RN said on X. Key to any such vote is Marine Le Pen, the parliamentary leader of the RN that has opposed several parts of the government’s 2025 budget plan, including the social security financing bill submitted to the National Assembly on Monday. In a last-ditch concession to the RN, the prime minister’s office said it was scrapping plans for a less generous prescription drug reimbursement policy from next year. It was uncertain to the last moment whether the nod to Le Pen’s concerns would be enough to save the day for Barnier, who has little hope of finding any left-wing support. But in the end the “miracle” — which RN party leader Jordan Bardella said was needed to avoid the no-confidence motion — failed to materialise. LFI deputy Mathilde Panot said Barnier had sought to avoid the no-confidence vote by making “dishonourable” concessions to the RN. “On Wednesday he will get both, dishonour and the no-confidence vote,” she said, adding that the move would allow France to emerge from “a political impasse” and “political chaos”. If the government falls, it would be the first successful no-confidence vote since a defeat for Georges Pompidou’s government in 1962, when Charles de Gaulle was president. The life span of Barnier’s government would also be the shortest of any administration of France’s Fifth Republic since 1958. Le Pen had already reacted icily Sunday after Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin said the government did not plan any further changes to the social security budget plan. “We have taken note,” she told AFP, calling the stance “extremely closed-minded and partisan behaviour”. The RN is the largest single party in the 577-seat National Assembly, with more than 140 deputies. On Thursday, Barnier scrapped a previously planned increase on an electricity tax, in a concession to critics. Saint-Martin has highlighted that the budget proposals have already been discussed by a parliamentary commission ahead of Monday’s debate and changed following talks between National Assembly deputies and upper house senators. “To reject this text is to reject a democratic agreement,” he said. The Senate, where right-wing parties have a majority, partly approved the 2025 budget Sunday, giving a green light to government revenue projections, in a vote boycotted by the left. The Socialist party, part of the left-wing opposition, told Barnier it would vote against him if he used article 49.3 to push through a budget. Saint-Martin warned that the fall of the government would raise the risk premium on French government debt that has reached rare heights because of the country’s shaky financial situation.San Rafael School District to form AI committee
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HOUSTON , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OptiSigns, a leader in digital signage software solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation as a Platinum Sponsor in this year's Digital Signage Experience (DSE) 2024, taking place this December in Las Vegas, Nevada . The highly anticipated event, a premier gathering for digital signage innovators, professionals, and enthusiasts, will provide the perfect stage for OptiSigns to unveil its latest advancements and engage with industry leaders. Visitors of DSE 2024 will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how OptiSigns' powerful and user-friendly platform is transforming how businesses communicate, engage, and inform their audiences. From dynamic content scheduling to seamless integrations and real-time updates, OptiSigns' solutions are designed to meet the needs of businesses across industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more. "At OptiSigns, we are passionate about empowering businesses with technology that engages audiences and drives results," said Head of Sales John Shelley. "We are excited to connect with industry professionals at DSE 2024, showcase our solutions, and demonstrate how digital signage can transform communication strategies." DSE 2024 will take place from December 9, 2024 , to December 10, 2024 , at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada , and promises to bring together key players and thought leaders in digital signage, offering a unique platform to explore the latest technologies and network with industry professionals. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.None
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Blackbaud CFO Anthony Boor sells $848,536 in stockTwo men have been arrested in connection with a series of break-and-enters that occurred in Iqaluit over the past two months. In a news release Thursday, RCMP said assistance from the public led to officers identifying and arresting the pair. Junior Kakkee, 27, was charged in connection to break-ins at Inuksuk High School on Oct. 31, the Frobisher Inn central storage on Nov. 6, and the Arctic Winter Games arena on Nov. 12. He is charged with three counts of break and enter, three counts of failing to comply with a release order, two counts of possessing a break-and-enter instrument, separate counts of theft and mischief each over $5,000, and using a mask to disguise his identity while committing an offence. Akavak Mangitak, 39, was arrested in connection with three break-ins at the Iqaluit post office, and a Dec. 1 break-in at Canadian North Cargo. Mangitak is charged with four counts of break and enter, two counts of failing to comply with a probation order, and theft of mail. Both men were held in custody, the release said. Kakkee was scheduled to appear in court Dec. 10, while Mangitak’s next court appearance is Jan. 7. The release comes more than two weeks after RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Darrell Gill informed Iqaluit city council that the majority of suspects in a recent series of break-ins had been arrested. Gill gave the update while presenting the RCMP’s monthly reports for September and October on Nov. 26. Properties targeted in recent break-ins include First Steps Daycare , Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum , Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre , Canada Post , Arctic Ventures and the Royal Canadian Legion .
We asked members of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us their favorite inexpensive beauty buy that's BETTER than the original version. Here are the beautiful and money-saving results, plus some more inexpensive beauty products reviewers say are better than the original: 1. Skin-lifting, pore-tightening Skin1004 face masks have results that reviewers swear by — not to mention the fact that it's weirdly fun? The mask tightens as it dries on your face, giving you the titular "zombie" effect (just like...or better than...the more expensive Hanacure ). Just wait 15 minutes and rinse to reveal your glowiest glow yet, thanks to the albumin (aka egg white) and aloe formula. Promising review: "I was gifted the Hanacure masks and loved them but they're just way too pricey. I heard SO many wonderful things about the skin 1004 zombie mask and at about $2.50 a pop, why not?! Let me tell you, this mask is just straight up magic. I didn't notice any changes to my skin immediately but a few hours later when I looked in the mirror I was shocked at how wonderful my skin looked. I've never noticed a difference like this. Hanacure who?!?? don't get me wrong, the Hanacure mask is amazing and magical too but it's expensive and impossible to maintain the twice weekly mask schedule recommended. T his Zombie mask is every bit as magical with better results in my opinion. And it's super funny. A lot of the reviews mention a bad smell which I was worried about but I didn't notice a smell and I'm so sensitive to smell I can't used scented lotions, lip balms etc. Bottom line, this is better than Hanacure both price and results wise." — Dana Dane Skin1004 Zombie Pack Face Masks: $23.99 at Amazon (for eight masks). Hanacure All-in-One Set: $118 at Amazon (enough for four masks). You save: $94.01 2. NYX Fat Oil Lip Drip combines a lip gloss with the hydration of a lip oil, thanks to vegan squalane, as well as raspberry and cloudberry oils. It's fairly new but already seriously beloved by reviewers who appreciate the sheer wash of color, high-impact shine, and non-sticky finish. And if you love Dior's Lip Oil (same), some reviewers say this is better! Promising review: "Best lip oil I have ever owned; better than Dior. It is not sticky at all, [it's] long lasting, shee,r and it has the juicy drop smell. It smells so good like really just like tooooooooo good to be true. It is perfect total game changer, so if you want like a lip gloss, but not too sticky than this is really for you 😁" — Lola NYX Fat Lip Drip: $8.97+ at Amazon (available in 13 shades, plus clear). Dior Glow Lip Oil: $40 at Sephora (available in 10 shades, plus clear). You save: $31.03 3. Or if you're looking for something more pigmented, NYX's Fat Oil Slick Click has similar click-to-dispense packaging and buildable color payoff & shine as the viral Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lips. And they're formulated with avocado, raspberry, and cloudberry oils for hydration! Promising review: "This lippie really is everything it’s described as: lightweight, buildable, and pigmented. I purchased this, used it, and then immediately purchased three more shades. Very comparable to the Tarte lip balm. I have both and reach for this one more tbh ." — gabrielllllle NYX Fat Oil Slick Click: $8.97+ at Amazon (available in 12 shades) Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip: $26 at Tarte (available in 16 shades) You save: up to $17.03 4. Wet n Wild Catsuit Liquid Lipsticks saturate your lips with matte color and last ALL DAY, rivaling Jeffree Star's Velour Lipsticks. "I used to use Jeffree Star lipsticks, but now I buy these. The colors are good, and they last all day. Plus they're cruelty-free and vegan too, for a fraction of the price." — Brittany J. Wet n Wild Mega Last Liquid Catsuit Lipstick: $2.19+ at Amazon (more shades available here ). Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick: $22 at Jeffree Star (available in dozens of colors). You save: $19.81 5. TruSkin vitamin C serum is formulated with hyaluronic acid (to provide a boost of hydration), soothing aloe vera, and vitamin E (in addition to the namesake vitamin C) — a combo designed to brighten and smooth your skin for your glowiest glow yet. And money-saving alert: reviewers say it's comparable to the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (which costs $182 for the full-size btw!). When it comes to vitamin C, this formulation is on the stronger side, so you should do a patch test before using! And make sure you use SPF after (tbh as you should every morning)! Though the bottle looks small, reviewers say it'll last you several months with daily use. Promising review: " I love this product so much. In only five days, my skin is smoother, clearer, and tighter. On the second day, my skin was a bit warm and red, so I skipped a day and have been using it every day without any more irritation. I find this just as effective and WAY less stinky than Skin Ceuticals . I highly recommend giving it a try." — Alex Promising review : "I should have started using this years ago! I’m in my mid-30s, and I’ve tried everything, including much more expensive brands, Korean skincare, Japanese skincare, etc., but I’ve always had breakouts and problems with texture. This is by far the best vitamin C product I’ve tried. I’ve tried multiple vitamin C serums in the past, but they always broke me out or had a slimy or gritty texture. This serum has a smooth texture, soaks in quickly, does not pill with other products, and has noticeably cleared up my skin." — Amazon Customer TruSkin Vitamin C Serum: $18.63 at Amazon (for 30ml; also available in a larger size). SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic: $182 at SkinCeuticals (for 30ml) You save: $163.37 6. NYX Epic Ink Liner delivers the perfect wing every single time — without letting your money 💸 fly 💸 away like other brands. Reviewers love that it's super pigmented, incredibly precise for a *sharp* wing, and doesn't smudge or fade all day. "Basically like the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, but better and way cheaper. The only eyeliner where I've been able to get a perfect wing every time. EVERY. TIME." — kris97 "It's the best liquid liner I've *ever* used (and I've been wearing winged liquid liner every day for 11 years, so I've tried quite a few high end and drugstore options). I've had it for three months now, and it hasn't dried out — not even a little bit!" — mollykat66 NYX Epic Ink Liner: $8.68 at Amazon (available in seven shades). Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: $25 at Sephora (available in black and brown). You save: $16.32. 7. Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer brightens your under eye without creasing while treating them with goji berry and haloxyl — plus, it'll last even LONGER than Tarte's Shape Tape . Promising review: "I've used Tarte Shape Tape for years but will be transitioning to this product!!! It is so lightweight and natural looking. 10/10 would recommend" — Amazon Customer Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer: $8.80 at Amazon (available in 21 shades). Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer: $32 at Tarte (available in 37 shades). You save: $23.20 8. Essence's Lash Princess mascara is sworn by over *170,000* 5-star reviewers for dramatic length and volume *without* clumps, thanks to the flake- and gob-free formula and cone-shaped brush. Tons of reviewers say it's a better version of cult-faves like Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (and even Diorshow!). Promising review: "OK. So I’m a mascara snob! This is better than Dior Show, better than Better than Better than Sex. I’ve orders this repeatedly about 14x and you won’t be dissatisfied , I PROMISE. I use micellar water to remove my makeup on little cotton squares. EASY. Take a chance. $4.99 vs $40 for Dior. You can’t go wrong❤️" — john t dowell Promising review: "I can only praise this mascara! It’s easy to put on, you control how dramatic you want your lashes. No smudge. Very easy to remove and the BEST part is the price!! In my opinion this is better than Better than Sex. Definitely love and will buy again" — Mayra Zambrano Essence Lash Princess Mascara: $4.99 at Amazon (available in black and brown). Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: $29 at Sephora (available in black and brown). You save: $24.01 9. The Revlon One-Step Hot Air Brush (now with an upgraded motor) has a unique oval-shaped barrel so you can get super close to your scalp for smooth hair and majorly boosted volume at the roots, without having to juggle a brush and blow-dryer. One reviewer says it takes less time to dry than their Dry Bar Brush ! Promising review: "I thought my Chi hairdryer was good, but this takes it to a new level. My hair is very wavy, but I was able to straighten it very easily with this dryer. It took much less time, too, than the Chi or DryBar dryer." — Kristy C Revlon One-Step Hot Air Brush: $33.59+ at Amazon (available in eight colors). Drybar Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush: $124 at Amazon You save: $90.50 10. Juno & Co.'s Clean 10 cleansing balm , a non-irritating makeup remover formulated with Japanese pearl barley, helps brighten skin as it cleanses. Just scoop out a pea-sized amount (it comes with a lil' spatula!) and massage into your skin — it'll become a luxurious oil and gently dissolve allllll the makeup, SPF, dirt, oil, and more, leaving no residue behind *and* not overly stripping skin of moisture. Many reviewers find it comparable or better than the ($68!) Elemis Cleansing Balm . Use it on its own or pair it with Juno & Co's reusable makeup remover pad ( $7.99 )! Promising review: "I’ve been using cleansing balms for a couple of years now with not really finding one that I truly loved. I do like the Elemis one, but the price point for Juno skin is so much better, and honestly, I think this is better! It has a really nice scent and texture, and a little goes a long way! It feels really nice on the skin and takes off everything! Everything! It also doesn’t cause that blurry film with the eyes, nor does it leave behind a greasy feeling. Most balms I’ve used left me feeling greasy even after my second cleanse. Do yourself a favor and buy this!" — Casey Juno & Co Cleansing Balm: $14.99 at Amazon Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm: $68.98 at Amazon You save: $53.99 11. Colourpop's Super Shock Highlighter in "Wisp" will help you glow up just the same as the much pricer Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector , thanks to the cream-powder formula and blendable, pearlized finish. "A great color [match] for the Becca highlighter in 'Opal!' Great for medium skin tones." — shannonstl . Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter in "Wisp:" $9 at Colourpop (available in 16 shades total). Becca Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector in "Opal:" $42 at Sephora (available in five shades total). You save: $33. 12. The Balm's "Hot Mama!" recreates the look of cult beauty fave Nars Blush in "Orgasm " (for $12 less) — even with a hint of shimmer. Submitted by zoep447fc3ec3 The Balm in "Hot Mama": $20 at Amazon. Nars blush in "Orgasm": $34 at Sephora (also available in 14 other shades). You save: $14. 13. L'Oreal True Match Lumi Glotion is a fan-favorite, glycerin-infused illuminator you can mix in with moisturizer or foundation, wear as a base under makeup, *or* apply as a highlight or bronzer for a natural-looking (and not glittery) glow — especially if you're not looking to drop a fortune on Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops . Promising review: "I used this with my Olay Regenerist Cream (it helps with my wrinkles). I mixed it, and it does a great deal of shine! You should buy it if you're looking for a Drunk Elephant Bronzi Drops substitute! Way better than Drunk Elephant." — raegan kuball Promising review: "I actually like this glowy lotion better than the drunk Elephant one, and I have both. This goes on smoothly and is not greasy. It leaves you very glowy with a beautiful tan and works well with makeup on top if you so wish. Lasting power, too. Recommend." — ggvega L'Oreal Lumi Glotion: $13.98+ at Amazon (available in six shades) Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Sunshine Drops: $38 at Amazon You save: $24.02 14. Coty Airspun Translucent Powder never looks cakey and trounces expensive brands' setting powders — looking at you, Laura Mercier powder . "Totally kicks the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder's ass!"— samanthas4cc98a2a4 Amazon reviewers say this version is just as good or better too! Coty Airspun Translucent Extra Coverage Face Powder: $16.51 at Amazon (available in six shades). Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder: $47 at Sephora (available in four shades). You save: $30.49. 15. Carenel Lip Sleeping Masks come in a set of three minis (for under $10!) so if you've been looking at the Laneige ones to keep your lips hydrated and supple overnight, you might want to try these. Plus they're sized perfectly for travel. For reference, the Laneige lip mask contains 20 grams of product, while each of these measures 5 grams, or 15 grams for the entire set. So even with product sizes taken into account, these are a much better deal! Promising review: "Love this! In my opinion, better than Laniege at a fraction of the price. A bit thicker, which I like. Even though it’s a sleeping mask, I use it throughout the day to keeps my lips moist and soft. Will keep ordering again and again." — Michaela Carenel Lip Sleeping Masks: $9.90 at Amazon for a set of three (available in five scent sets). Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: $24+ at Amazon (available in 10 scents). You save: $14.10 16. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream is designed to deflate your under eye bags (some say better than Shiseido's Benefiance Wrinkle Cream ), hydrate your delicate skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and brighten your under eyes, thanks to a blend of aloe, rosehip seed oil, and vitamins C & E. Promising review: "Best eye cream I have ever used!!! Better than Benefiance by Shiseido and Clinique or Lancôme, for less than a third of the price with the amount you get. It is rich enough to do the job but not greasy. It doesn't interfere with concealer, yet softens lines. Love it so much!!!!" — Lory Lacy LilyAna Naturals Retinol Eye Cream: $25.99 at Amazon. Shideido Benefiance Wrinkle Cream: $77 at Shideido. You save: $51.01. 17. Maybelline Tattoo Studio Pencils glide on with no tugging, with a creamy formula that rivals Urban Decay's eye pencils . Promising review: "L ove this eyeliner and i think its way better than the urban decay one i was using." — itsmedb Promising review: "You don't need a high-end eyeliner from urban decay or bobbi brown. I have oily lids and this is smudge-proof, lasts all day. I use it to tight-line my eyes and it glides on like silk. This will be my go-to eyeliner from now on :) Thanks Maybelline for saving me money!" — Jenny Maybelline New York TattooStudio Gel Eyeliner Pencil: $8.49 at Amazon (available in 23 colors). Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil: $23 at Amazon (available in 30 colors). You save: $14.51. 18. Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara fans out lashes and curls them just as well as Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara — similar pink packaging, vastly different prices. "It has become my holy grail of mascaras and is an even better and less expensive version of Roller Lash from Benefit. I have very fair lashes and am always looking for the ultimate mascara with a lot of volume that stays put all day. Even the washable version of Lash Sensational needs a good eye makeup remover to take it off at the end of the day. I've never had my lashes look so long and lush!" — alisonm43cd2fbbc Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara: $8.65 at Amazon (available in three colors). Benefit Roller Lash Curling Mascara: $29 at Sephora. You save: $20.35. 19. NYX Micro Brow outlasts Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz , has the same colors, and will make your brows look better than ever — and it has the same spoolie on one side and a super narrow pencil tip (perfect for drawing on realistic, hairlike strokes in just seconds) on the other. "Just as good as the Anastasia Beverly Hills brow wiz! It's literally half the cost. I use the color 'taupe' in the NYX version, and it's exactly the same as the color 'taupe' in ABH. It's just as precise with just as much color payoff. This product has saved me so much money and my brows still look awesome." — yesnokatyso "The NYX version is about half the price as the Brow Wiz, and from years of experience using both, the NYX pencil lasts over twice as long as the Brow Wiz, and the colors are so much better for me." — oatmeal1991 NYX Micro Brow Pencil: $10.42 at Amazon (available in 12 shades). Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: $25 at Amazon (available in 12 shades). You save: $14.58. 20. Briotech spray has the same magical ingredient as the very beloved Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray: hypochlorous acid. Just spritz it on whenever your skin needs a little de-stressing, and it'll help soothe inflammation, tone down redness, and strengthen your skin's barrier. BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising review: "Tower 28 SOS spray has nothing on this! This is the same exact thing and a fraction of the price. I love the way this makes my skin feel and look after using!" — Sydney A Promising review: "Just an FYI, this product has the exact same ingredients as the Tower 28 spray! It's been absolutely amazing at reducing acne and texture! It's also so refreshing and gives a lil glow. So in love!" — BK Briotech Spray: $16.49 at Amazon Tower 28 Spray: $28 at Sephora You save: $11.51 21. ColourPop Pressed Blush swipes on easily and delivers a rosy glow similar to Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush — and is available in twice as many shades. Submitted by juliav4ffadaed3 ColourPop Pressed Blush: $12 at ColourPop (available in 20 shades). Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush: $30 at Sephora (available in 14 shades). You save: $18. 22. Or E.l.f. Camo liquid blush is a great option if you're a fan of Saie's Dew blushes or Rare Beauty's liquid blushes — this has a similar doe-foot applicator. E.l.f.'s liquid blush is newer but already beloved by reviewers for its bendability and level of pigment! Promising review: "Prefer this to my Rare Beauty blush. Doesn’t dry out as much, nice color payoff and gives a great glow on the skin." — Amazon Customer Promising review: " For the price?? Best blush I've tried , lasts all day and has such a pretty color; a little bit goes a veryyyy long way. you really only need a dot for a natural look" — Leah E.l.f. Camo Blush $7 at Amazon (available in nine shades) Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush: $23 at Sephora (available in 13 shades) You save: $17 23. Milani Stay Put Brow Color will stop you spending all your cash on Anastasia Dip Brow pomade — it's just as good AND actually comes with the spoolie and brush applicator. "WAY better than Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow!" — tylerftsdk Milani Stay Put Brow Color: $8.97 at Amazon (brush included; available in five shades). Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow: $21 at Amazon ( brush sold separately for $18; available in 11 shades). You save: $30.03. 24. Physicians Formula Diamond Dust adds a gorgeous shimmer onto your eyelids, cheeks, or anywhere else for a truly ~glowing~ finish — and reviewers say if you're looking for a bit less pigmented version of Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb , this is perfect! Get a side-by-side look at this next to the Fenty Diamond Bomb highlighter on TikTok — the creator applies one to each cheek for comparison! Promising review : "I love love love my Physicians Formula Diamond Dust mineral powder! I wish I’d known about this before I spent $42 on a Fenty compact that does MORE than I want with the sparkle ; this product gives just the right amount of coverage without having it end up all over my face and on my clothes as well. It’s also pretty if you want to bring attention to your collarbones or shoulders. A perfect amount of shimmer with little effort! Try it!! You can thank me later!!" — camielle parent Physician's Formula Diamond Dust: $11.24 at Amazon. Fenty Beauty Diamond Bomb: $42 at Sephora (available in three shades). You save: up to $30.76. 25. Elizabeth Mott's cult favorite Thank Me Later Eyeshadow Primer keeps your favorite eye makeup look on lock all day AND all night — *no* creasing, *no* budging. That's right, you will NOT have to reapply before your evening plans — or shell out for pricier primers like Urban Decay's . Promising review: "This eye primer is amazing!!! I have super oily eyelids and was getting to the point that I would rarely bother with eyeshadow because even with expensive primers it would be smudged and creased within an hour. So glad I don't need to shell out for Urban Decay or Mac Paint Pot anymore; they don't hold a candle to this and it's so much cheaper. " — Chloe Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later: $13.99 at Amazon. Urban Decay Primer Potion: $28 at Amazon. You save: $13.75 26. Elizavecca's collagen-infused ~protein treatment~ is an intense at-home mask that'll help your strands look and feel less damaged in just five minutes. It's basically a time machine for your hair is what I'm saying — and seeeeveral reviewers say they prefer it to the beloved Olaplex bond-builder . Reviewers with all hair types (straight to curl types including 4C ) and bleached and color-treated hair all love this! Btw, this is the same brand that makes the Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask so many people swear by. Promising review: " This is a miracle product. Works better than Olaplex. My hair is soft and shiny and my curls are bouncy with no frizz. I just add some of this to my conditioner when I wash my hair and it always comes out looking great! The smell is really nice too, and what a lovely price!" — Amy W. Promising review: "Better than Olaplex. I saw this in a BuzzFeed article. The reviews were so good I ordered it. Y’all. It came today. My hair looks like I spent all day at the salon. My hair didn’t look this good after my last Olaplex treatment and blowout . All I did after my shower was brush my hair. I added NO PRODUCT and my hair was soft, not frizzy, shiny, and just so easy to work with. It looked amazing. I am genuinely shocked and highly recommend you guys try this. I’m a real human and I’m not paid for this. Try it for yourself!" — arica kay Elizavecca Cer-100 Collagen Coating Hair Treatment: $7.40 at Amazon. Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother: $15 at Amazon. You save: $7.60 And check out the BuzzFeed Shopping writer pictured above's Elizavecca hair mask review for her first-hand experience (it's #1 in the post)! 27. A set of internet-famous Beakey makeup sponges blend your makeup to perfection — for a fraction of the price of Beauty Blender and Real Techniques sponges. Plus you get a pack of five, so you can go a little longer between cleaning them, which in my book is a huge plus. Promising review : "Don't hesitate, just buy these. I was using the Real Technique sponges for years and bought these on a whim after seeing several TikToks praising these. I love these sponges and the price. I apply liquid foundation with a damp sponge and these work better than Real Techniques. They are dense but soft and 'bouncy.' I wash mine between each use and these hold up very well and much better than the RT. Very happy with my purchase and the price. Will definitely continue to buy." — chris Beakey sponges: $5.99 at Amazon (for five sponges) BeautyBlender: $20 at Amazon (for one sponge) You save: $94.01 (if you were to buy five BeautyBlenders) 28. E.l.f. Poreless Putty primer is infused with squalene to hydrate, smooth over skin for a seamless finish, and hold onto makeup for all-day staying power — better than Benefit's Porefessional Primer . You mayyyy have seen this all over TikTok, and the reviews back up the hype! Promising review: "Better than Benefit. Such a great primer. It's worth paying a little more for when other sites are sold out." — Alyssa Promising review: "Workers better than everything else I've tried including Porefessional. Held up really well with my makeup all day and works great with my eyeshadow. Doesn't feel heavy. Will buy again." — Tia DeFye E.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer: $10 at Amazon. Benefit The Porefessional Pore-Minimizing Primer: $35 at Sephora. You save: $25 29. Or if you prefer gripping-style primers like Milk Hydro Grip (which reviewers say this is similar to!), E.l.f.'s Power Grip is formulated with hyaluronic acid to plump the appearance of skin and designed to *hug* to your makeup for all-day wear. And it's fragrance-free! Promising reviews: "I got a little sample of the Milk Hydro Grip primer, but when I went to buy it...$36 for a relatively small bottle! I wanted to find a good alternative, so I bought this. It is PERFECT! Nearly identical formula. I have sensitive skin and this did not break me out. It really does help keep makeup on all day and makes your skin look smooth . I highly recommend this." — Allison E.l.f. Power Grip: $8.90 at Amazon (available in two styles) Milk Hydro Grip: $38 at Amazon You save: $29.10 30. Bedsure satin pillowcases help maintain hair and skin health even as you sleep, reducing pesky frizz and breakage when compared with regular cotton or other fiber pillowcases — that means longer-lasting blowouts and less damage in the long run. Why spend the money on pricey brands like Slip and Blissy ? This is my go-to satin pillowcase. I have two Slip pillowcases, and several of these, and actually the Bedsure ones wash up much nicer and retain an incredibly silky smooth feel after dozens of trips through the laundry. They're the only ones I'll buy going forward, and I recommended them to my mom and now she's in love with them too! Promsing review: "I was skeptical that these wouldn't work as well as silk pillowcase because the price was so low. But, game changer, seriously. Not sure what kind of sorcery in built into this, but it stays cool all night, my hair hasn’t been a wreck when I wake up. Get this!" — Susie F. Promising review: "I bought these cases to match a new sheet set. I previously had bought much more expensive brands to match other sheets but I love the Bedsure brand of products and wanted to try these out. Arguably, they’re softer than my more expensive ones! They did arrive very wrinkled but a quick wash and dry and they’re shiny and wrinkle free. I like the envelope closure a lot more than competing brands zip closure. Highly recommend!" — Hannah Watkins Bedsure satin pillowcases: $5+ at Amazon (available in standard, queen, kind, and body pillow sizes and 38 colors). Blissy silk pillowcases: $59.89 at Amazon You save: $54.89 31. Shea Moisture's manuka honey mask is packed with powerful ingredients like mafura oil, shea butter, baobab oil, African rock fig, and honey (duh!) to lock in moisture and definition. Reviewers note they prefer it to K18 and Olaplex, and one cosmetologist reviewer says it's comparable to salon deep conditioners! Promising review: " Better than the expensive K18 and Olaplex. I recently spent $70 on a hair mask because my hair has been in need of some love. I won’t name it because I don’t think I can, but I thought, 'It’s 70 bucks, so it must be good.' It was NOT. I didn’t hate it, but it didn’t do much for me. So I thought, 'Screw it, let me try something more natural and drugstore.' I saw the good reviews on this, so I thought, 'Why not?' And now I have my new favorite hair mask. So moisturizing. Makes my hair so soft. It’s VERY thick. But that’s what I wanted. If you’re looking for deep Hydration, look no further." — Kirstin Promising review: " I don't usually leave reviews, but I had to because I love this conditioner so much. I have EXTREMELY dry 4c hair. It's very picky with products. After getting to know my hair, I noticed that my hair only likes products that get absorbed into the hair right away. If it leaves a coating over it, then my hair is not going to like it. It might even feel super soft for a day, but then it gets extremely dry after. Even though this product is super thick (so thick that the cream stays in the jar when you flip it upside down), my hair absorbs everything, and it stays super moisturized for 2–3 days afterward. I used this on my hair about two days ago. Today, I touched my hair expecting it to feel dry like always, but it felt like I just moisturized it. MIND BLOWN. It also smells AMAZING. It smells more like a fruity, sweet, and creamy perfume fragrance rather than a hair conditioner. It almost reminds me of Mon Guerlain. Literally the nicest-smelling hair product I've ever used. 10/10" — Khady Ndiaye Shea Moisture manuka honey mask: $8.99 at Amazon K18 Molecular leave-in mask: $75 at Amazon You save: $66.01 32. Kyda Soap Brow Kit comes complete with pomade and a spoolie to brush those eyebrow hairs UP UP and UP (without the lather some people find with actual soap brows) — with all-day staying power. It *also* conditions those hairs to help encourage brow growth! Why spend the money on Anastasia Brow Freeze ? Just wet the spoolie, drag through the pomade, and brush UP. Promising review: "Amazing!!! I’ve used the Anastasia Brow Freeze and this is honestly so much better, a lot less messier and less sticky. Plus, I didn’t realize it came in a two-pack, so definitely great value for $$$." — Amazon Customer Promising review: "I love this, I do the minimal with my brows. I use the Anastasia gel but this works better and holds well." — Regina Villalobos Kyda Soap Brow Kit: $7.99 at Amazon (for a pack of two pomades and two spoolies). Anastasia Brow Freeze: $23 at Amazon (you have to buy the applicator separately for $17). You save: $32.01. 33. CeraVe Retinol Serum lives up to the CeraVe name and uses *encapsulated* retinol to reduce the appearance of scars and pores without flaking or redness. If you haven't gotten into retinoids yet or are worried about irritating your skin, this gentle but effective serum is a great option — and reviewers say they like it better than other more expensive options (like Murad's Retinol Serum ). And remember, like with any retinol (that actually works) *just do not use it every day.* Start slow and work yourself up if needed, paying attention to your skin. Promising review: "I bought this for my teenager to use for his acne scars, but he ended up not using it. I ran out of my Murad retinol serum, so I gave this a try. I actually like it better than the Murad! It absorbs quickly, with zero smell or irritation. As with any retinol product, be sure to wear sunscreen when you're going to be outside." — C. Munsterman CeraVe Retinol Serum: $18.68 at Amazon. Murad Renewal Retinol Serum: $82.80 at Amazon. You save: $64.12 34. E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter is comparable to (or even better than) Charlotte Tilbury's famous Flawless Filter, according to reviewers. Apply this as a luminous, blurring base, mix it with your moisturizer or foundation, or dot it over makeup as a natural-looking highlight. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid and squalene for a boost of hydration too! Promising review: "This stuff is so legit I’ve gone through three bottles . Adds the perfect glow to your skin! Sometimes I use it under foundation, and sometimes, I use it solo with a bit of concealer. I will never not repurchase it for the price and how beautifully it sits on the skin. This stuff is viral for a reason!!" — mapagill Promising review: "If you like Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter, this is leaps and bounds better! Just buy it. The coverage is better and makes my skin have the most amazing natural glow! The colors run with a more warm/yellow undertone, which worked great for me! Spend a fraction of the price and just get it; you will be happy you did!" — Amazonreview E.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter: $14 at Amazon (available in 12 shades). Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter: $49 at Sephora (available in 12 shades). You save: $35 35. And their Halo Glow Beauty Wand , a buildable liquid highlighter formula, delivers a majorly radiant, lit-from-within finish to your skin without lots of glitter (like Charlotte Tilbury's highlighter blush wands). The cushion-tip applicator is super easy to apply, too! Promising review: "I think it’s better than Charlotte Tilbury, I love the color" — Alicia Shea Westbrooks Promising review: "We saw this highlighter in a makeup tutorial video online and thought we would try it. It was an easy decision to purchase it because the price was relatively low compared to other highlighters. I t is worth every penny and more! I’ve seen this shade applied on different skin tones and it looks beautiful on everyone! Just the right shimmer, not glitter. It’s gorgeous! " — Joyinmyheart Halo Glow Beauty Wand: $9 at Amazon (available in three shades). E.l.f. also has reviewer-loved blush and contour shades in the same wand design! Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Highlighter Wand: $42 at Sephora (available in seven shades) You save: $33 When you realize if you buy everything on this list instead of the expensive version, you'd save over $1,350 total: Submissions and reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Exclusive: Perry Offer Discusses ReveNet's Innovative Solutions for MNOsWhen federal parliament passed legislation last week which will ban under 16s from social media, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese celebrated. Posting on X, he said : “We’re doing everything we can to keep our kids safe”. Part of that commitment involves launching a trial of age assurance technologies to determine the best way of enforcing the social media ban for under 16s and preventing young people under 18 from accessing online pornography sites. The trial will be run by a consortium led by a British company called the Age Check Certification Scheme. It has previously tested software for Australian troops in Afghanistan. The trial, which the government says is a “key plank” of its online safety agenda, will kick off next year. According to the project plan , it will explore “how different methods perform in verifying a user’s age without compromising their personal data”. In turn, this will help Australia “establish best practices and potential regulatory frameworks for age assurance”. The trial will involve about 1,100 Australians of varying ages and cultural backgrounds. According to the project plan , it will test three main technology options. So what exactly are these options – and what does the evidence say about their effectiveness? Age assurance technologies The trial will assess the following three technology options. Age verification – using a person’s identity credentials, such as a digital ID or an uploaded driver’s license or passport. With this information, it is able to verify a person’s stated date of birth – and therefore, whether they are over or under an age threshold. Age estimation – analysing a person’s biological or behavioural features known to change with age, such as examining a photo of their face or recordings of their voice. According to the project plan , these systems sometimes “employ machine learning and artificial intelligence and may be subject to configuration settings or age buffers to avoid false positives based on inherent performance errors”. Age inference – which involves using known details of a person’s life circumstances to infer they are an adult, for example, because they are married, have a credit card or mortgage or because they have a government (.gov.au) email address. Reliability concerns These three technologies differ in terms of their reliability, how they can go wrong, and their potential unintended consequences when widely deployed. Age verification based on identity credentials (whether a digital ID or an uploaded driver’s license or other physical documents) is likely to be most reliable – as long as the person supplying the credential actually owns it. What protections will prevent a 14-year-old from uploading their parent’s birth certificate remain unclear. One option could involve requiring people to take a live photo of their face in real time and to upload that photo alongside verified photo ID. Facial recognition technology might then verify that the same person supplying the credential is pictured in it, by checking whether the face in the real-time photo matches the one in the ID. However, as anyone who knows how easy it is to fake a live Snapchat picture will tell you, it can be difficult to prove whether a photo was taken live. Therefore, this kind of checking needs to be very carefully implemented to be effective against savvy and motivated teenagers. Age estimation technology is also likely to include estimating somebody’s age based on (purportedly) real-time photo or video of their face. Even ignoring the difficulties of determining whether a photo or video was taken live, this kind of technology is known to be imperfect. Previous evaluation has shown that on average it is accurate within only 3.7 years of somebody’s true age. More concerning, it performs worse on tweens and teens than it does on adults over 20. So age estimation may fail precisely when it is most needed. We should expect similar challenges with age inference. However, it is also likely to exclude many people including young adults who still live with their parents and therefore don’t have evidence such as rental agreements or credit cards. The age assurance trial will involve about 1,100 Australians of varying ages and cultural backgrounds. Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock Privacy concerns The age assurance trial includes evaluating the privacy implications of each technology option. However, it’s unclear how well Australians understand these risks. This is something that will be much harder for the trial to evaluate. Polling from 2024 suggests most people are in favour of age assurance to prevent children and teens accessing social media or pornography online. However, attitudes may shift next year when platforms deploy these technologies to enforce the impending ban. Ultimately, no matter which technology is deployed, it remains to be seen how many Australians will be happy to identify themselves (whether with a digital or traditional ID, a photo of their face, or by their bank records) to access social media or adult content online. Toby Murray has previously received research funding from Facebook and Google. He is Director of the Defence Science Institute, which receives State and Commonwealth government funding.
It’s Cyber Monday, and the deals and discounts are only still active for a limited time! We’ve been looking out for the best Amazon deals for weeks now, and if you’ve been in the market for an awesome 4K drone , today is your lucky day: Right now, when you order the Bwine F7 GPS Drone on Amazon, you’ll only pay $400 for Cyber Monday . At full price, this model sells for $630. The F7 comes with everything you need to get airborne, making for what could be a very exciting Christmas Day for you and yours! We also recommend checking out our roundup of the best Cyber Monday drone deal s for even more sky-is-the-limit discounts! Why you should buy the Bwine F7 GPS Drone The Bwine F7 comes with a 4K video camera that captures up to a 120-degree field of view. From new heights, you’ll behold the glories of sunrise, sunset, your neighborhood, and other places of interest. The three-axis gimbal ensures your video is buttery smooth, and you’ll be able to get in close to the action with the camera’s 5x digital zoom. Not to mention, you’ll be able to take the F7 up to 2,000 feet in the air, making it a must for mountaintop photography. On a full charge, you can expect the F7 to last for up to 75 minutes, and the drone comes with three rechargeable 2,600mAh batteries, so you’ll have over three hours of recording time if you pack all three cells. We were also glad to learn that once the F7 battery starts getting low, the drone will automatically fly back home. And the easy-to-use F7 app even lets you share pics and clips on social media platforms like TikTok and FaceBook. We’re not sure how long this Cyber Monday markdown is going to stick around, but this is definitely going to be a popular purchase. That being said, today might be the only day to grab the Bwine F7 GPS Drone for as little as $400. That’s 37% off its $630 list price! We also recommend checking out our roundups of the best Cyber Monday Walmart deals and best Cyber Monday Best Buy deals.
Sunday, November 24, 2024 Vietnam’s much-anticipated North-South high-speed railway project is set to transform the nation’s transportation landscape, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and covering 20 provinces along a 1,541-km route. This $67.3 billion initiative integrates advanced rail technology, high-speed passenger services, and freight capabilities, aiming to redefine long-distance travel in Vietnam and set a benchmark for infrastructure development in Southeast Asia. The project introduces three types of passenger train services designed to meet the diverse needs of travelers: Each train type has been meticulously planned to ensure high-speed connectivity while balancing regional accessibility. The double-track railway will feature a standard gauge of 1,435 mm and is designed for speeds of up to 350 kph. Passenger trains on the long-distance route will operate at a maximum of 320 kph, while regional and short-distance services will run at speeds between 250 and 280 kph. Freight trains, operating during off-peak hours, will achieve speeds of 120 to 160 kph. Spanning 20 provinces, the railway includes 23 passenger stations and 5 freight stations, with each province featuring at least one passenger station. Key infrastructure highlights include: Approximately 60% of the railway will be on bridges, 10% in tunnels, and the remaining 30% at ground level with protective fencing, ensuring safe and efficient operations. While the railway prioritizes passenger transport, it also accommodates freight during off-peak hours to optimize infrastructure usage. The existing north-south railway will be upgraded to focus on cargo and container transport, complementing the high-speed system. Initially, two pairs of passenger and freight trains will operate daily on the main route, with plans to expand the frequency and capacity as demand grows. The introduction of eight-car trains with a capacity of 610 passengers will be followed by 16-car configurations in Phase 2, accommodating 1,220 passengers per train. Regional segments are expected to handle approximately 106.8 million passengers annually, with the full route serving an estimated 133.5 million passengers. To make high-speed rail travel accessible, ticket prices will be segmented into three tiers: These competitive rates aim to attract passengers from all demographics while challenging existing bus and railway services. The North-South high-speed railway promises substantial economic benefits by enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times. The project supports Vietnam’s ambitions for sustainable development and regional integration, providing a modern alternative to road and air travel. Key expected outcomes include: The project’s phased implementation ensures scalability. By increasing train frequency and capacity, Vietnam aims to meet growing travel demands while promoting eco-friendly transport options. The consultant’s proposal emphasizes daily passenger operations from 6 a.m. to midnight, ensuring consistent availability for travelers. Looking ahead, Vietnam’s high-speed railway is poised to become a model of innovation and efficiency in Southeast Asia, offering unparalleled travel experiences and economic opportunities.‘You’re not so bad’: BLACKPINK’s Rose teases Bruno Mars after he asks to be called pretty