Austin, Dec. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The SNS Insider report indicates that, “ The Biopolymers Market size was valued at USD 17.5 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 47.4 billion by 2032, and grow at a CAGR of 11.7% over the forecast period 2024-2032. ” The biopolymers market is experiencing robust growth driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials across various industries. The shift towards biodegradable and compostable materials, spurred by growing environmental concerns, has encouraged manufacturers to invest in biopolymer technologies. According to a report from the European Bioplastics Association, global production capacities for bioplastics are expected to reach 2.87 million tons by 2025, demonstrating a significant increase from previous years. This growth is supported by favorable regulations, such as the European Union's Green Deal, which aims to promote sustainable practices in material production. Furthermore, industry players are continuously innovating their product lines, with companies like BASF launching new biopolymer products tailored for packaging applications, which are projected to grow by over 14% annually through 2025. This dynamic landscape indicates a favorable environment for biopolymers, as industries such as packaging, textiles, and automotive increasingly adopt these materials for their benefits. Download PDF Sample of Biopolymers Market @ https://www.snsinsider.com/sample-request/4679 Leading Players: BASF SE (Ecoflex, Ecovio) Bio-on S.p.A. (Minerv PHAs, Bioplastic Granules) Cardia Bioplastics (Cardia Compostable Resins, Cardia Biohybrid Resins) DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (Sorona, Biomax) Futerro (Futerro PLA, Futerro PHA) Green Dot Bioplastics (Mater-Bi, EcoSphere) Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (BioPBS, BioPolymer) NatureWorks LLC (Ingeo, Ingeo biopolymer) Novamont S.p.A. (Mater-Bi, Novamont Bioplastics) Total Corbion PLA (Luminy PLA, Luminy PHA) AkzoNobel N.V. (Aerosol Propellants, Biobased Resins) Braskem S.A. (I’m Green Polyethylene, Green Plastic) Cargill, Inc. (NatureWorks PLA, Cargill Bioplastics) Danimer Scientific, Inc. (Nodax PHA, PHA Resins) Galactic S.A. (Lactide, Galabio) Lenzing AG (TENCEL, Lenzing Lyocell) Phaerista (PHA-based Biopolymers, PHA Compounds) Solvay S.A. (Amodel, Radel) Synlogic, Inc. (Biopolymer Solutions, Synthetic Biology Products) Toray Industries, Inc. (Torayca, Toray Biomaterials) Biopolymers Market Report Scope: If You Need Any Customization on Biopolymers Market Report, I nquire Now @ https://www.snsinsider.com/enquiry/4679 What are the growth factors of the Biopolymers market? The main reasons propelling the growth of the worldwide biopolymers market are the rising use of biopolymers in the food sectors, rising interest in protein consumption & nutricosmetics, rising applications in healthcare, and rising use of biopolymers-based biomaterials. Growing regulatory pressures and consumer demand for sustainable products are driving companies to adopt biopolymers. Innovations in production processes and materials science are making biopolymers more accessible and cost-effective. Expanding use in industries such as packaging, textiles, and healthcare increases demand for biopolymers. Consumer Trends Analysis of the Biopolymers Market The increasing consumer trend toward sustainability is reshaping market dynamics, particularly within the biopolymers sector. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are actively seeking products that minimize environmental impact, leading to a rise in demand for biopolymers. This shift is evidenced by surveys indicating that over 70% of consumers prefer brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the preference for natural products is driving companies to explore biopolymer options for packaging and cosmetics, as consumers gravitate towards items perceived as healthier or less harmful. This trend not only fosters brand loyalty but also encourages innovation in biopolymer formulations to meet consumer expectations. The overall impact is a robust market that continues to grow as more consumers choose eco-friendly alternatives, reflecting a significant change in purchasing behavior that companies must adapt to. Which segment dominated the Biopolymers Market? In 2023, the packaging segment dominated the biopolymers market with a 50% share, driven by rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Increasing environmental awareness and regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste have pushed manufacturers to adopt biodegradable alternatives like polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). Companies such as Braskem and NatureWorks LLC are advancing biopolymer-based packaging for flexible, rigid, and food packaging due to their biodegradability, barrier properties, and compostability. With the growing trend for single-use items, biopolymers align with global sustainability goals, ensuring the packaging segment's continued dominance in the market. Recent Developments November 2024: BASF partnered with Hong Kong footwear companies to develop biopolymer-based materials aimed at improving sustainability by replacing petrochemical products with bio-based alternatives August 2024: India launched its first biopolymer demonstration facility in Pune, advancing the country's eco-friendly polymer initiatives and fostering industry collaborations Speak with O ur E xpert A nalyst T oday to G ain D eeper I nsights @ https://www.snsinsider.com/request-analyst/4679 Regional Analysis In 2023, North America dominated the biopolymers market with a 35% share, driven by the presence of key players like NatureWorks LLC and BASF SE, substantial R&D investments, and growing consumer demand for sustainable products. Regulatory pressures to reduce plastic waste and a focus on sustainability initiatives have further boosted biopolymer adoption, particularly in packaging and consumer goods, solidifying North America's position in the global market. The biopolymers market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. As consumer awareness about environmental issues rises, industries such as packaging, textiles, and healthcare are increasingly adopting biopolymers like PLA and PHA. Regulatory pressures and technological advancements are further accelerating market expansion, with biopolymers offering biodegradability, performance, and versatility across various applications. Table of Contents – Major Key Points 1. Introduction Market Definition Scope (Inclusion and Exclusions) Research Assumptions 2. Executive Summary Market Overview Regional Synopsis Competitive Summary 3. Research Methodology Top-Down Approach Bottom-up Approach Data Validation Primary Interviews 4. Market Dynamics Impact Analysis Market Driving Factors Analysis PESTLE Analysis Porter’s Five Forces Model 5. Statistical Insights and Trends Reporting Production Capacity and Utilization, by Country, by Region, 2023 Feedstock Prices, by Country, by Region, 2023 Regulatory Impact, by Country, by Region, 2023 Environmental Metrics: Emissions Data, Waste Management Practices, and Sustainability Initiatives, by Region Innovation and R&D, by Region, 2023 6. Competitive Landscape List of Major Companies, By Region Market Share Analysis, By Region Product Benchmarking Strategic Initiatives Technological Advancements Market Positioning and Branding 7. Biopolymers Market Segmentation, by Source 8. Biopolymers Market Segmentation, by Type 9. Biopolymers Market Segmentation, by Application 10. Biopolymers Market Segmentation, by End-Use Industry 11. Regional Analysis 12. Company Profiles 13. Use Cases and Best Practices 14. Conclusion Buy Full Research Report on Biopolymers Market 2024-2032 @ https://www.snsinsider.com/checkout/4679 Buying Options 5 Reports Pack (USD 7500) 10 Report Pack (USD 12000) Vertical Subscription (150 Reports Pack Valid for 1 Year) Use this link to Purchase above packs @ https://www.snsinsider.com/subscription [For more information or need any customization research mail us at info@snsinsider.com ] About Us: SNS Insider is one of the leading market research and consulting agencies that dominates the market research industry globally. Our company's aim is to give clients the knowledge they require in order to function in changing circumstances. In order to give you current, accurate market data, consumer insights, and opinions so that you can make decisions with confidence, we employ a variety of techniques, including surveys, video talks, and focus groups around the world.
White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign
Stealth destroyer to be home for 1st hypersonic weapon on a US warshipElon Musk is hoping his ethically dubious generative AI tool , Grok, will help stem the continuing exodus from his social media site X. Musk has launched a free version of the AI chatbot Grok to X users without Premium accounts. Digital market intelligence company Similarweb estimates that the number of daily active users on X has dropped from 32.3 million to 29.6 million , an 8.4% decrease, since early October in the U.S. The exodus coincides with Musk’s takeover of the @America handle on Oct. 6 , in order to promote Donald Trump’s presidential run. The social media company has become a cesspool of right-wing hate and misinformation since Musk acquired it in October 2022 for $44 billion. It has shed around 80% of its value since Musk took over, and has continued to bleed users ever since . Numerous news organizations and journalists fled the site in November , in anticipation of dubious changes to X’s terms of service. At the same time, other social media spaces like Meta’s Threads and Bluesky have seen millions of new users flood their apps, and Musk is clearly feeling the deficit. Grok, which was launched in late November , and only available to premium subscribers at the time, was seen as a way for X to boost its piddling subscription sales. The free version allows users to ask Grok up to 10 questions every two hours and get several image analysis and generations per day. You can not use the chatbot without an X account. But Grok has serious downsides. According to Wired , “ Grok is prone to hallucinations and bias , with the AI assistant blamed for spreading misinformation about the 2024 election.” It also deeply integrates into X and implements tons of data collection, especially as X users are opted in to sharing one’s data whether using the service or not. Musk not only needs to stop the bleeding of X users, he needs to inflate his number of Grok users to compete in the AI space with more established companies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Meta’s AI assistant which boast hundreds of millions more users . To that end, Musk has allowed users to create and promulgate fake images on X using Grok , a violation of the company’s own rules against misinformation. Government spending on AI systems has increased greatly in recent years and Musk might also be feeling the need to create the appearance that his site and his generative AI are robust enough to be considered for government contracts. Contracts that he, as co-head of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency agency, might have influence on . But while Musk crows about Donald Trump’s plan to let billionaires carve up the United States and "receive fully expedited approvals and permits, including, but in no way limited to, all Environmental [sic] approvals," he clearly has no plans to clean up the social media cesspool he’s created, and that’s the main problem. “There’s a lot of content being amplified that most reasonable people would question whether is worth amplifying,” Bruce Daisley, a former vice president of then-Twitter outside the U.S. market, told The Guardian . “If I went out to a Christmas market, and if in the corner of this Christmas market there was a group of racist protesters, I probably wouldn’t stay there.” Click here for Daily Kos’ Bluesky Starter Pack. Join us on Bluesky and @#$% Elon Musk!A truck driver named Arman Khan was brutally assaulted by right-wing members associated with a cow vigilante group for transporting bulls in his vehicle. The incident occurred in Haryana’s Nuh area on Wednesday, December 18. A video of the assault surfaced on social media platforms showing the extremist group forcing Khan to kneel while interrogating him. The assailants beat Khan and dragged him by his hair, compelling him to repeatedly chant “ gau hamari mata hai ” (the cow is our mother) and “bail hamara baap hai ” (the bull is our father). On December 18, cow vigilantes assaulted a #Muslim driver of a pickup truck, accusing him of smuggling cows in #Tauru , #Nuh , #Haryana . pic.twitter.com/9jRPgBqIO9 The incident is part of a broader pattern of violence associated with cow vigilantism in India. Several vigilante groups, often associated with Hindutva ideology have been reported involved in numerous instances of religious vigilantism and hate crimes across India, with the Muslim community being mainly targeted. These attacks involve harassment, beating and more severe forms of violence such as lynchings. One of the horrific instances includes Nasir, aged 25 years, and Junaid alias Juna, aged 35 years who were abducted and charred to death by Bajrang Dal members on suspicion of cow-smuggling on February 16, 2023. Their bodies were found inside a burnt vehicle in Bhiwani district, Haryana. A report released by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) on November 19, covered an alarming rise in mob lynchings targeting Muslims across the country, often justified by perpetrators under the guise of “cow protection” laws. The report discovered that 95 per cent of cow-vigilante social media accounts where they stream harassment online are operated from states ruled by the BJP, with Haryana emerging as a significant hotspot, making up 320 of the examined records.
iPhone 17 Air: 8 INSANE Leaks You NEED to Know!AN ONLINE shopper was left mortified after her brand new kitten heels left her looking like Mrs Doubtfire. With the festive season in full swing, many fashionistas have been racing to get their hands on the perfect sparkly Christmas outfits - and amongst them is also mum Rebecca. Advertisement 4 Mum-of-one Rebecca decided to have a look on ASOS where she found trendy kitten heels Credit: TikTok/rebecca__1989 4 The trendy heels set her back just £28 and Rebecca was planning to pair them with leather trousers Credit: Asos 4 However, things didn't quite go to plan when the shopper realised the heels made her look like Mrs Doubtfire - scroll down to see the epic fail Credit: Getty - Contributor The beauty lover, 34, already had a look in her mind for the festive get-together with her pals and went on ASOS to find a pair of heels to match the vibe. ''So I wanted some new shoes for my Christmas girls' night out this weekend and I thought I'll try some red pointy shoes.'' This is when she decided to check the online fast fashion giant where she found a pair of burgundy red kitten heels selling for £28. ''I'm wearing leather trousers, so you wouldn't be able to see the heels anyway,'' the mum-of-one shared her vision in the video . Advertisement read more on fashion SELL WELL I'm a Vinted newbie - 'the body' trick sold my crusty gym gear in 30 minutes RETURN TO SENDER Christmas shopping return dates revealed at major high street shops Unfortunately for the trendy make-up artist, when the heels finally arrived, they turned out to be an epic fail. ''I tried them on and it's giving Caitlyn Jenner/ Mrs Doubtfire ,'' Rebecca left everyone in stitches, as she shared the hilarious photo on her page . Horrified by the purchase, the online shopper also tagged the brand in the caption, writing: ''@ASOS, keep them. ''Deffo don’t recommend,'' she warned fellow fashionistas to steer clear of the ''rancid'' heels. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous HOT WINGS People urged to protect bird feeders from garden pests with 75p kitchen staple SEX SHOCK I slept with 100 men a day but had no idea HIV was sexually transmitted PLANE ODD I caught a plane passenger with her pants down - the pilot thought I was joking Exclusive DECK THE HALLS I’m obsessed with Christmas - my decorations take a month to put up Since being posted on the platform, Rebecca's clip has taken the internet by storm, winning the mum a whopping 90k views. More than 100 viewers flooded to comments in total hysterics and one person had, fortunately, seen what the kitten heels looked like in person just in time. I’m slim thicc & found dream co-ord for my curves in ASOS, I bought every colour ''omg girl you saved me these were in my basket I just yeeted them out.'' ''Oh they’re .... They’re something,'' another was quite lost for words. Advertisement ''It's giving Supernanny ,'' an eagle-eyed social media user joked. However, the red kitten heels appear to have sparked a fierce debate - as there were also plenty of those who liked the trend. ''I bought these and I love them,'' wrote one ASOS fan. ''Omg I love mine, now I’m sat here thinking was I deluded,'' another wondered. Advertisement 4 Since being shared on the platform, the clip has won Rebecca more than 90k views and dozens of comments Credit: TikTok/rebecca__1989 Other ways to save money at ASOS HERE are some of the best ways you can save and get the best prices at ASOS and other outlet stores. Save money with ASOS Flash Sales and promo codes Flash Sales are mini-sales that last anywhere between a couple of hours to a few days - such as the 'Sample Sale'. When one occurs, an ASOS promo code will often be advertised that can be used on a particular product or range. Flash Sales also happen around bank holidays and other 'special' days like Valentine's Day, Halloween and April Fools' Day. Get an ASOS birthday discount code When signing up to ASOS, or any retailer for that matter, make sure to put in all your personal details, including your birthday, for special rewards. If a retailer knows your birthday, they'll send you a code two weeks before for you to use on full-price items. Sign up to the ASOS newsletter Again, this doesn't just apply for ASOS, but signing up to newsletters keeps you in the loop with all the latest deals and discounts as soon as they're announced. By signing up, you're usually rewarded with a new customer promo code for money off your first purchase. Buy from the multipack section Multipack sections often go unnoticed but they're a lifesaver for saving money on wardrobe essentials. For example, a plain white ASOS DESIGN women's t-shirt costs £8* when bought by itself, but a pack of two t-shirts comes in at £15* and a pack of three comes in at £22*. Get cheaper delivery While it's understandable you wan't your new product as soon as possible, try and pay for the least expensive delivery option - even if it means waiting an extra day or two for it to arrive. ASOS offers free Standard Delivery (usually £4.50) on all purchases over £40, too. Find deals in the sales If you're looking for ASOS discounts, make sure you check the outlet. The ASOS Outlet is great for finding cheap out-of-season stock, just as you'd expect at a regular outlet shop. You can find items with huge discounts of up to 70%. This comes after ASOS made a major change to its return fees , sparking fury amongst shoppers. The online retailer started charging customers when they return items unless they spend a certain amount. UK shoppers who frequently return orders will be charged £3.95 unless they keep up to £40 of their order. Advertisement The new rule, which has been introduced to crack down on serial returners, came into effect in October. Talk of the rule change has upset ASOS shoppers, with some even threatening to boycott the online store. Commenting on X, formally known as Twitter, one user wrote: "The problem for large returns is the fact half of your stock is ill-fitting and poor quality. "You’re another brand now alienating your loyal customers." Advertisement "Well ASOS if you actually made clothes that fit so I wouldn’t need to buy multiple sizes we wouldn’t have that problem, consider me no longer a customer," posted another. Read more on the Scottish Sun WARMING UP Scots set for 21C swing as temperature rise to bring an end to sub zero freeze HOT BUY Shoppers race to Primark for fleecy £14 hoodie will keep you cosy on frosty days While another wrote; "Did you [ASOS] consider that returner fee isolates customers who don't fit ideal body standards? "As a curvy girl, I have to order several sizes and often make returns as your sizing is not consistent, now I'm going to be charged for it? Way to make me feel bad about my body."
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States on Thursday offered a $5 million reward for information about an alleged scheme in which North Korean technology workers got jobs at unsuspecting U.S. companies then stole their trade secrets for ransom, with the proceeds used to fund Pyongyang’s weapons programs. The U.S. State Department said about 130 North Korean workers got IT jobs at U.S. companies and nonprofits from 2017 to 2023 and generated at least $88 million that Pyongyang used for weapons of mass destruction. Part of the total was the workers’ compensation from the employers, which ultimately went to the North Korean government, the U.S. said. The companies were not identified. The North Korea mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State Department said in a statement it sought information on two sanctioned North Korean companies — China-based Yanbian Silverstar Network Technology and Russia-based Volasys Silverstar — that it said handled the workers. The U.S. Department of Justice separately on Thursday announced indictments of 14 North Koreans accused of operating and working for the two companies as part of the scheme. Operating from either China or Russia, the workers stole sensitive company information, including proprietary source computer code, and threatened to leak it unless the employer made an extortion payment, the government said. The 14 people were charged with wire fraud, money laundering and identity theft among other offenses. “To prop up its brutal regime, the North Korean government directs IT workers to gain employment through fraud, steal sensitive information from U.S. companies and siphon money back to the DPRK,” Deputy U.S. Attorney General Lisa Monaco said in a statement, using an acronym for the North Korean state. The people and their unnamed associates used the stolen identities of hundreds of Americans to get hired under the scheme, the government said. People in the U.S. aided the scheme by purchasing laptops or receiving laptops from U.S. employers for the fraudulent workers. The Justice Department has obtained indictments of Americans accused of operating so-called laptop farms in recent months. One North Korean IT defector told Reuters in November 2023 that he would try to get hired and then create additional fake social media profiles to secure more jobs.
Iran Ministry Protests over Arrests in US of its Nationals
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The guy on the Philly sports talk radio station had something to say, and he started to vent about the perceived strained relationship between star quarterback Jalen Hurts and standout wide receiver A.J. Brown. Why weren’t these two Pro Bowl Eagles on the same page? Why had their personal and professional relationship changed even with Philadelphia enjoying tremendous success? Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekProminent figure from Canada's trucker protests against COVID-19 restrictions found guiltyNebraska has landed one of its most high-profile transfers of the portal era in a former five-star prospect who fills an immediate team need. Ex-Missouri defensive end Williams Nwaneri committed to the Huskers on Thursday afternoon after entering the portal earlier that morning. He has four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting his first college season — he appeared in four games and logged 38 defensive snaps and two tackles this fall. The 6-foot-7, 255-pounder from the Kansas City area held offers from most top schools in college football as the nation’s No. 1 edge rusher in the 2024 class. Nebraska’s connection begins with senior football assistant Jamar Mozee, who was Nwaneri’s high school coach at Lee’s Summit North. Mozee convinced the teenager to play football as a freshman and his stock soared soon after while playing for one of the area’s top programs. Nwaneri as a prep senior logged 50 tackles (13 for loss) in 11 games with 23 quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles. People are also reading... Spreading kindness one butterfly at a time At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Camper total loss after fire north of Beatrice BPS receives a "good" classification Hubbell native, Gage County Fair performer hosting Christmas concert Holiday lights travel through downtown Beatrice for annual parade Early names to know as Nebraska begins early shopping in the open transfer market Hit show ‘Yellowstone’ doesn’t just portray ranching in Montana. It has changed it. Amie Just: This recruiting class marks the beginning of a new era — one without walk-ons Orangemen wrestlers get their season started Now streaming and on DVD: 'Speak No Evil' scares the trip out of you Amie Just: A letter to Nebraska volleyball seniors ahead of their final match at Devaney "Shop with a Cop" held Lady O comes from behind to beat Crete P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Mozee — who once went through the recruiting process as a K.C. high-school star running back and was part of Oklahoma’s 2000 national-title team — served as one of Nwaneri’s central advisors during his recruitment. Georgia and Oklahoma were the prospect’s other finalists then. Being close to home and an extensive family of supporters was key in his evaluation. “I feel like he wasn’t biased in any way,” Nwaneri said of Mozee a year ago when he signed with Missouri. “He was coming from a place of caring about me. I thank him a lot.” Mozee celebrated with Nwaneri at the time before leaving to join UCF in February 2024 as an off-field staffer. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule hired Mozee in July. At Nwaneri’s signing ceremony last year, Mozee said the player had “pro talent” he flashed daily. “You’ve got to be careful to say that as a high school coach but there’s just not many kids like him, just being honest,” Mozee said. “Physically, the way he’s made, the way he’s built. He’s different than everybody I’ve ever seen.” Nwaneri also played multiple seasons at Lee’s Summit North with incoming Nebraska receiver Isaiah Mozee, Jamar’s son. The younger Mozee has said he leaned on Nwaneri at times during his own recruiting process that included navigating 40-plus offers. Nwaneri drew national headlines as a prep senior when the state of Missouri passed a law allowing high schoolers to earn name-image-likeness benefits once they’ve signed with a school. The legislation applies only to Missouri residents. Rhule this month praised Nebraska’s formidable financial resources made available through its 1890 collective and what’s coming with revenue sharing. It allows the Huskers to be competitive with anyone for any player, he said. That includes Nwaneri, who arrives as the Huskers reset their defensive line with a new position coach and different starters for the entire front. “We are officially now a ‘have,’” Rhule said. “We’re going to have more (resources) than most people in college football.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!
The Christmas party is in two hours. You step out of the shower, wrap yourself in a towel, head over to the mirror and wipe a spot clean so you can see your face. You continue to get ready, and your mind wanders. You already picked up a bottle of wine to bring (and it was a good deal, too!); all the presents are wrapped. Just gotta get dressed, put everything in the car and — Oh, no. It hits you in the stomach like a super-sized helping of pumpkin pie: You forgot a present. Your mom texted you to remind you your great-uncle is coming, but with everything else on your overflowing holiday plate, you didn’t get to cross him off your list. It’s Christmas Day and everything is closed — even Amazon Prime can’t save you now. What’s a Penny Hoarder to do? It’s possible you could get stuck in a situation where the only viable option is hitting the pharmacy or grocery store on the way to Grandma’s. But that doesn’t mean Uncle Mark’s stocking stuffer has to be a bottle of Advil. If you’re creative, you can find awesome Christmas gifts wherever you go. Just put a ribbon on it, and it’s an instant gift! Need some extra cash to fund the holidays? Try one of these 50 ways to make extra money this month. Does your convenience store carry bargain DVDs? Microwave popcorn? Snag ‘em and grab a bow: You’ve given the gift of a night in! Raid the beauty aisle for a few bottles of nail polish and a foot scrub, or try a luxurious face mask. Got a birthday coming up? These 117 places will give you free stuff on your birthday. If you live in a state where beer and wine are sold in drug stores and groceries, no worries! You have an opportunity to give a classic gift — even at the eleventh hour. You may be worried your giftee doesn’t need this household staple. But if you skip the generic stuff and pay a little more for a fancy imported bottle, you’ve got a great gift your recipient will actually use — guaranteed. Looking for another money-saving life hack? These companies give you food and other products for free. Like a nice olive oil, a true foodie would appreciate a bottle of gourmet vinegar. Skip the blue box. Scour the Italian aisle for tri-color tripolini and a high-end jar of sauce for good measure. You’ve given the gift of a nice meal. Make your money work harder for you with our top picks for savings accounts. Yeah, there’s nothing very exciting about garlic salt or onion powder. But what about a jar of Spanish saffron or grains of paradise? Bonus: Find a great-looking recipe that uses the spice(s) you choose. Write it into a Christmas card to go along with your gift. These are staples in pre-packaged gift baskets. Pick a whole-bean variety from your grocery aisle so your giftee can get it ground fresh to his needs, or pick up a bag of fancy-ish loose-leaf tea. Here’s how to start saving money, even if you don’t have room in your budget. A nice package of pistachios or macadamia nuts can make a nice (healthy!) gift. They’re pricey enough that your recipient probably doesn’t keep them on hand — but inexpensive enough to be Penny Hoarder-friendly at the same time. Chocolate is awesome, and it’s available at pharmacies and groceries everywhere . Skip the M&Ms and spring for the good stuff — you’ve got a gift that’s hard to beat! Wrangle your budget with one of our picks for the best budget apps for couples. If CVS or Walgreens is your only option, this likely won’t work for you. But if you can swing by the supermarket on the way to the soirée, consider grabbing a beautifully decorated cake from the case — or even just a nice loaf of bread. There’s nothing better than fresh, in-season fruit. Pair it with chocolate to really amp up your gift. Love to play on your phone? These 22 legit games play real money. Soda crackers, sharp cheese and red wine. Dark chocolate and almonds, with a perfectly paired dark roast coffee to enjoy alongside. A bag of apples and a jar of caramel sauce. A pasta basket. The possibilities are endless — and the best part? All you really need to make anything a gift is a ribbon. Your grocer probably also sells them during the holidays. Everyone loves bringing fresh flora indoors. Grab a bouquet or a potted plant for your host — if she’s a cook, maybe even a couple of potted herbs from the produce section! Looking for a side gig? These are our top 28 picks. Candles are great, because they’re both visual and olfactory. Plus, all those nice holiday scents — like evergreen and peppermint — are likely to be on steep sale! You might want to skip the cheesy romance novels, but most convenience stores have at least a few recent bestsellers. Another money hack? Stop spending too much money on these dumb things. Grocery stores sell gift cards to everything from restaurants to iTunes. Help your host commemorate another awesome year and successful holiday. No one has to know it was a last-minute purchase! Many pharmacies carry ornaments and decorations in their seasonal aisles — and this late in the game, they might also be on sale. Want more money-saving tricks like this? Here are eight more you should try. There are actually some pretty cool cooking gadgets on the endcap you always pass at the grocery store. Your host might love a pretty new ceramic pie pan — or maybe a slow cooker! Drop by the photo center to print a few favorite memories from a USB stick. Then spend some time sharing them around the table. Save $100 (or more!) on groceries with these 25 tools and tricks. At the end of the day, even a thoughtful card is better than nothing. You just need to show you didn’t forget about the person in question (even though you totally did). Grab a Christmas card and write an IOU for a home-cooked meal, a night out or a few hours catching up over coffee — a gift way more thoughtful than any object you could wrap and put under a tree. This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder , a personal finance website that empowers millions of readers nationwide to make smart decisions with their money through actionable and inspirational advice, and resources about how to make, save and manage money.
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York Factory First Nation (YFFN) in northern Manitoba has launched its own Cree language learning app called Inineemowin. Developed by a committee of YFFN language experts, HFC Planning and Design, and Vincent Design Inc., the app provides users with an interactive platform to learn the Nation’s stories, words and teachings. “It’s a wonderful resource for the young people,” said YFFN councillor Louisa Constant. “They are loving it at home. There have been so many downloads by the younger generations. It’s wonderful work.” The project began about a year ago with funding from the Heritage Canada’s Indigenous Languages Program. A second phase later this year will expand the content available for users. “York Factory came to Vincent Design in December last year and had this idea, a very loose idea, for an app they wanted for language learning,” said Jordan Dysart, software developer for Vincent Design Inc., an Indigenous-led Winnipeg design creative agency. In the following months the groups met and gathered information and resources to be used in the platform. “The intention with this language app is we really wanted to tie the app and experience to the community, and in this is their work,” said Dysart. “We want to highlight them as a community. York Factory Language Committee is trying to inspire youth and language learners to continue on and provide tools so that it makes it more accessible to learn about history, culture, local stories, and landmarks.” Dysart said each area throughout the western communities that speak Cree have “slight differences” in their dialect. When users launch the app, they will be presented with an illustration of a map which represents the community. Important landmarks and cultural gathering sites throughout the community are highlighted including an explanation or an image with a Cree title and a Cree word describing it. There is also an option for users to play an audio file of the words. The app’s Learning Path takes users through eight modules of lessons that introduce basic grammar and phrases in the context of cultural traditions including spring goose camp, winter carnival and sewing. “(Then) you can explore some of the other features that we’ve created,” Dysart said. “One where you can learn these curated progressions ... in full on phrases of the Cree language. The next category of that learning chapter is something that goes and pulls translations directly from the dictionary that we have saved on the device and it pulls and shuffles a certain amount of words directly from the dictionary.” These words can be chosen by selecting the user’s skill level. And then, if they want to use them again, they can choose to use the audio files to hear the words. Dysart explained these options offer a more diverse learning experience aside from just reading the words. “They can use the audio recognition as well (to test their progress),” he added. The Syllabics section of the app provides users with audio, recorded by the committee, that explains each symbol’s meaning. In addition, Inineemowin provides local Knowledge Keeper’s stories, children’s stories, community stories and historical photographs. Dysart used his own Cree heritage and prior experience with language revitalization initiatives to provide a unique fusion of tradition and technology for the app. His personal connection to the work made the development of the Indigenous language learning app a significant milestone for Vincent Design Inc. “This is an area that’s very important to me,” Dysart said. “I’m a Cree man from northern Manitoba, very close to York Factory. It’s been such a wonderful process and we’re so excited to have this out. There is so many lessons and memories that are drafted in the language and as language develops it develops around the environment that it’s spoken in. Inside jokes or comments around the campfire, if you’re in the Rockies it’s going to be different in the Prairies.” Once the app had been developed, Dysart was able to have a ‘focus group’, which actually consisted of his grandparents, try it out. “It was really cool to see my grandparents playing on the app,” said Dysart adding they were testing the various translations and showed a lot of interest with the differences to their own dialect. The Inineemowin app is available on the App Store or Google Play.
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The first guest invited to ring the bell to open trading at the New York Stock Exchange in 1956 wasn’t a company executive, a politician or a well-known celebrity. It was a 10-year-old boy, Leonard Ross, who received the honor by winning a television quiz show. Since then, business titans, political giants and global film stars have all been among those ringing the opening bell at the NYSE. Ronald Reagan rang the bell as president in 1985. Billionaire businessman and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. have also rung the bell. The list even includes famous Muppets: Miss Piggy was once a bell ringer. President-elect Donald Trump joined that list Thursday when he opened trading at the famous stock exchange on Wall Street. He was accompanied by his wife, Melania, who interestingly enough received the honor before her husband. As first lady, she rang the bell in 2019 as part of her “Be Best” program. Bell-ringers are more commonly founders and executives from a wide range of companies. Over the last few months, the guests have included executives from Alaska Air Group, Bath & Body Works, and Ally Financial. Stock trading around the location of the NYSE's current home has deep roots that trace back to the Dutch founding of New Amsterdam and when Wall Street had an actual wall. The NYSE traces its direct roots to the “Buttonwood Agreement” signed in 1792, which set rules for stock trading and commissions. The NYSE moved into its first permanent home in 1865. The first bell in use was actually a gong. The exchange moved into its current iconic building in 1903 and started using an electronically operated brass bell. That has evolved into synchronized bells in each of the NYSE’s four trading areas.Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston named an expanded 21-member cabinet Thursday during a ceremony in downtown Halifax that excluded reporters in a departure from a long-standing tradition of open coverage. In an address that was livestreamed, Houston said his newly re-elected government would continue to deal with issues that matter to Nova Scotians, including health care, housing and affordability. “This term will also be very focused on growing our economy and continuing to lower taxes,” the premier said. “We have to grow our economy to be better able to support the services that Nova Scotians have a right to expect.” Before the election, in which the Tories won 43 of the legislature’s 55 seats, Houston led a 17-member cabinet. The government allowed only one television outlet to have a pool camera at the ceremony held at the Halifax Convention Centre, citing “limited capacity” inside the building that occupies a full city block. Journalists who tried to enter Thursday were turned away by building security. Houston was asked by reporters as he arrived why the media were not being given access to the new cabinet members. “It’s all live streamed ... It’s a really exciting day, you guys have lots of access, and you guys know that,” he said. Reporters were allowed to attend the swearing-in ceremony held at the same venue after the Tories were first elected in 2021, although it was during the COVID-19 pandemic and they were placed in a separate room to monitor the event before interviewing ministers. In the new cabinet, Houston will be joined by veterans John Lohr, who becomes finance minister, Becky Druhan, who moves from education to justice, and Michelle Thompson, who continues as minister of health. There are five new members, including political newcomer Leah Martin as minister of Communications Nova Scotia and L’ nu affairs and Fred Tilley, a former Liberal who crossed the floor just before the Nov. 26 election and becomes minister of public works. The other new ministers are Dave Ritcey in the tourism portfolio, Nolan Young, who is minister of labour, and Scott Armstrong as minister of opportunities and social development — formerly the Department of Community Services. In another departmental change, veteran minister Colton LeBlanc will head the new Department of Growth and Development, which was formerly known as economic development and will now also oversee housing. Composed of 14 men and seven women, the cabinet will see Barbara Adams return as minister of seniors and long-term care and serve as deputy premier. Tim Halman retains the environment portfolio and Tory Rushton stays on in natural resources, while Kim Masland moves from public works to the Department of Emergency Management. The former community services minister, Brendan Maguire, takes over education and also assumes the duties of advanced education from Brian Wong, who was dropped from cabinet along with Susan Corkum-Greek, the former minister of economic development. Alex Marland, a political scientist at Acadia University, said the government could have found room for reporters had it wanted to. “This isn’t a new government, so there are some experienced hands who at a minimum could have been made available,” Marland said. He added that in general, there are governments that feel the need to control their message, and that also tend to be cautious with newer ministers who lack media training. “If this is a pattern and it persists, that’s going to be a problem for the Houston government,” he said. “But if this is a one off and by January things are a little different because people have gone through media training, then a lot of it will be forgotten.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. — With files from Lyndsay ArmstrongThe financial services industry has witnessed a profound risk management and compliance evolution. This transformation, driven by regulatory changes, technological advancements, and an increasing focus on cybersecurity, demands a strategic approach from industry leaders. Following the financial crisis, Basel III and Dodd-Frank reforms have revolutionised capital requirements and transparency mandates, compelling financial institutions to adopt more dynamic risk management strategies. Moreover, the digitalisation of services has placed a premium on cybersecurity, necessitating reinforced defences against an array of emerging threats. Successfully navigating this evolving landscape requires a proactive stance, integrating advanced analytics and AI into risk frameworks while emphasising continuous training. Rahul Jagetia, an exceptional risk management professional with over 13 years of experience, has been at the forefront of these shifts. He has led initiatives that align risk strategies with business growth while embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into strategic planning. His focus on staying ahead of regulatory changes and implementing innovative approaches has helped organisations adapt and thrive in a complex, ever-changing financial environment. New Challenges And Risk Strategies Over the past decade, risk management and compliance within financial services have evolved significantly, driven by regulatory reforms, technological advances, and shifting market conditions. Reforms like Basel III and Dodd-Frank have introduced stricter capital requirements, stress testing, and transparency mandates, making compliance more demanding. As Rahul notes, "Post-financial crisis reforms have introduced stricter capital requirements," reflecting the heightened focus on robust regulatory frameworks. The rise of digital banking has also amplified the need for more robust cybersecurity measures, with regulators implementing stringent... Mike Malone