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In 2023, the average flight from the departed almost 21 minutes late, according to an . The typical Wizz Air flight from the UK left 32 minutes behind schedule. recorded a of 29 minutes, with Tui on 28 minutes. Most UK and Irish airlines were mid-table in terms of the number of minutes each flight was delayed on average, including: British Airways – 22 EasyJet – 21 Ryanair – 20 Jet2 – 18 The stand-out “success” among the major British carriers was , but even its average departure was 14 minutes late. Many flights, of course, depart on schedule. A few leave early (though this does count towards improving their delay average). But some delays extend for hours. You may be entitled to care while you wait – and, if the airline is responsible for the late arrival, . But your rights depend on: Length of wait Where your flight begins Airline For all flights from the UK and EU airports (as well as those in the wider EEA), European air passengers’ rights rules prevail. These were introduced in 2006 and are known as EC261. After Brexit, the UK copied and pasted the same regulations into British law as UK261. The rules were devised to require airlines to do the right thing for their passengers. They specify the care and compensation you can expect when your plane is heavily delayed. These rules also apply for flights on EU and British airlines departing from outside the European Union and the UK. A delay of hours rather than minutes could trigger the obligation for an airline to provide a hotel room, meals as appropriate and hundreds of pounds in cash. Conversely, when flying on a non-EU/UK carrier from outside . you may just have to put a dismal aviation episode down to expensive experience, and see if your travel insurer can help. These are the key questions and answers. For delays of under two hours you have no rights (unless a short delay in the UK triggers a missed connection and much later arrival at your final ticketed destination – see below). For longer delays, the airline should provide refreshments as appropriate after a specified length of time. This applies regardless of the cause of the delay. The time at which the duty of care kicks in depends on the distance you are flying: Short flights (up to 1,500km): refreshments after two hours. Mid-haul journeys (1,500 to 3,500km): three hours. Longer trips: four hours. Note that if the airline believes providing the care would further delay the flight, it need not deliver. If the delay extends overnight, the airline is obliged to find and pay for a hotel room. In practice, carriers often say, “too difficult”, and invite the passenger to book their own and reclaim later. While this practice does not comply fully with the rules, aviation authorities tend to turn a blind eye to it. Only after five hours, though in practice some airlines may offer a refund if you can demonstrate your trip has been rendered pointless by a shorter delay. If you are flying from a UK/EU airport or on a British/ European airline and are delayed in arrival by at least three hours, the presumption is that you are owed hundreds of pounds in compensation. The payment depends on distance: Under 1,500km, for example to Nice: £220 or €250 1,500-3,500km, such as Manchester-Malaga: £350 or €400 Above 3,500km, eg Birmingham- : £520 or €600. If a long-haul arrival delay is between three and four hours, the compensation is halved. The only way the airline can avoid paying out is by demonstrating “extraordinary circumstances” were responsible. The rules provide only a partial answer: “political instability, meteorological conditions incompatible with the operation of the flight concerned, security risks, unexpected flight safety shortcomings and strikes”. Court cases have gradually refined the concept of “extraordinary circumstances” to exclude technical problems. In other words: if a mechanical failure caused the delay, you are due compensation. A judge ruled such issues are “inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier”. Official strikes by the airline’s own staff are regarded as within the carrier’s control, but oddly “wildcat” walkouts not sanctioned by a trade union are not. Crew sickness is a grey area, with no legal certainty. Ryanair says: “Only a small number of claims will be eligible for compensation. Most delays/cancellations are out of Ryanair’s control.” Each airline should enable you to fill out an online form, but these are sometimes difficult to track down. The pages for three leading airlines are here: (click on “submit a new claim”) Compensation must be paid by bank transfer (or cheque), except if the airline obtains the prior signed agreement of the passenger to pay with vouchers for future travel. For example, an airline might offer a 30 per cent uplift if you accept vouchers that are valid for a year – so a choice between £350 in cash or £455-worth of flights. One course of action is alternative dispute resolution, but has serious reservations about some of the decisions of these arbiters. Writing a Letter Before Action – warning that you will go to Money Claim Online if you do not get a positive response within two weeks – is worth trying, so long as you follow through. For a £350 claim the fee is £50, which is refunded if you win. Since Brexit UK citizens no longer have access to the European Small Claims Procedure, so if you are chasing compensation on a flight originating in the EU it might be easiest to go through a claims handler. One such firm is AirHelp, but be warned that the company will keep between 35 and 50 per cent of any payout (the higher amount if court action is involved). If you are booked on a UK or EU airline you have full rights as above. On any other airline, you have none – though in practice a reputable airline will provide meals and accommodation as appropriate. Some travel insurance policies will help meet expenses that cannot be claimed back elsewhere, and may pay a modest amount of flight delay compensation. If you arrive at your final ticketed destination three hours or more late, you are still in line for compensation – as long as the cause was down to the airline. For example, in 2018 I flew on from Heathrow to Moscow for an onward connection to Volgograd on the Russian airline S7. The plane was an hour late leaving London because of overrunning engineering work. I missed the connection in Moscow and arrived five hours behind schedule at Volgograd. BA paid delay compensation without a fuss; the issue of meals was easily solved because S7 sent me to the business lounge to wait. It is notable that in the CAA delay figures for 2023, almost all the airlines that are largely feeding “hub” airports did better than the average: Air France, Emirates, KLM, Lufthansa and Qatar Airways all outplayed and in getting planes away on time. They have a strong incentive for punctuality, with connections sometimes less than an hour and the penalty for messing up so high. Turkish Airlines is unique among the big network carriers with an average delay of 29 minutes, which must wreck a significant number of transfers
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ViaDerma, Inc. (OTCMKTS:VDRM) Short Interest Update1. A set of two cooling pillows if sleeping on the "cool side" is something you like to do. No more flipping your pillow over constantly — reviewers say these keep you cool all night long, and they're filled with a plush gel fiber that provides just the right amount of support. If you've ever wish you could bring those fancy hotel pillows home with you...now you can. Promising review: "These had great reviews but I was still a bit skeptical. I'm a bit of a pillow snob. I usually require about three pillows for just myself, not including my husband. I like to sleep propped up a bit so my sinuses don't get stopped up at night. My old pillows would require three to nine adjustments a night for me to be comfortable again. These pillows — these amazing, heavenly pillows — are now my favorite part of going to bed. Soft but firm. How does that work? It gives support for me to sleep slightly propped up but I sink into this comfortable personal cloud. Soft, but firm. My head isn't sinking through the pillow to rest on my mattress, but I feel comfortably enveloped. Now mind you, I have one very cheap Walmart pillow behind it so I'm not against my headboard, but even still. Heaven. I bought two but think that would be too much fluff so now my husband and I each have one. Buy them. Add to cart. Buy now with one click. Stop the research. You've found the pillows you were looking for. " — Marissa Urey Get a set of two down alternative pillows from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in queen and king sizes, and four material types). 2. And to go with them: An affordable (but bougie-feeling) set of satin pillowcases good for both your hair and skin, *and* they stay refreshingly cool! Satin pillowcases help prevent breakage, frizz, and tangles in your hair, and your skin will feel happier too since these won't dry it out. PLUS, your bed will feel more ~luxurious~ for a fraction of the price that you'd spend on real silk. These have a hidden zipper so your pillow stays put and doesn't slip out! Check them out on TikTok . Promising review : "I really love this pillowcase! Not only is it super cute, but it really does what it's supposed to as far as preserving your hair overnight. As a member of the Natural Hair Community, a satin pillowcase is a MUST and this pillowcase really gets the job done! It really helps to retain the moisture in Black hair and keeps my kinky curly hair from being all over the place when I wake up. That is really beneficial for me because I'm a wild sleeper and having this pillowcase just makes it that much easier to tame my hair because it is not as dry as it would be from a regular pillowcase. I've also had no problems with washing it and it still keeping up. I've thrown it in the regular washer and dryer a couple of times, and it's still durable, satiny, and the color is not washed or faded. I definitely recommend this pillowcase for all hair types, but especially ones in the 3a–4c range." — Morgan123ThatsMe Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 25 colors, three sizes, and in one-packs). 3. A set of hotel-worthy cooling bedsheets to make your bed feel as luxurious as the one you slept in on vacation. Silky soft and breathable, these popular sheets feel ~expensive~ but aren't, with over 261,000 (!) 5-star ratings backing up their incredible value. Promising review: "I am a very hot sleeper therefore, I am very picky about my sheets. These sheets are very comfortable and do not make me hot. They are soft and very comfortable. Also, the company is great to work with! Excellent customer service! When my sheets arrived, there was a small problem with the fitted sheet so I emailed them (the sheets came with a flier with their contact info) and they sent me another fitted sheet right away. They said they are a family owned business and really want the customer to have a great experience. I was impressed with that level of service especially in this day and age! Bottom line: great sheets, excellent customer service and great price! Do not hesitate to buy !" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in twin–split king sizes and 45 colors). 4. And a shaggy faux-fur duvet cover lined with soft velvet on the underside to replace your rough, wrinkled one. With bedding this luxurious, who could blame you for wanting to hibernate...the whole year. One side is faux-fur and the other side is plush velvet; the twin set comes with one pom-pom fringed pillow sham, and other size sets include two. Don't forget to grab a duvet insert if you need one! Promising review: "If my house caught on fire, this is the first thing I’d grab. But seriously, this is one of my favorite things in my whole house. I feel like it tied my entire room together. I get so many compliments on it and it's seriously so cozy and well made. My only complaint would be how hard this thing makes it to get out of bed in the mornings. It’s incredibly soft and isn’t the type of 'fur' that will mat and get gross-looking over time. I rely heavily on reviews when I buy things so I’m here to tell you — if you’re on the fence about buying this ... do it!! Also, the pillowcases are amazing. Super soft and the pom-pom fringe is adorable." — SK Get it from Amazon for $51.99+ (available in sizes twin–king and 34 colors). 5. Scented drawer liners with elegant floral designs to line your dresser drawers with. They'll make you smile every time you catch a glimpse of them underneath your clothes, and reviewers say they have the loveliest smell, too. Promising reviews: "I am very pleased with these scented drawer liners! They are perfect for my bedroom chest of drawers. The paper is heavy and the scent is wonderful. I love it! I may buy them as gifts." — Jennifer "This is a traditional scented drawer liner paper — the kind people used for decades before modern adhesive (plastic) papers — and it's beautiful. I purchased the royal bloom scent and it smells like fresh pears. The paper comes in a tight roll and I suggest reverse rolling or laying it flat and weighing it down for a night before installing it. I very much prefer non-adhesive paper like this because it is easy to install and replace, but also because it is old-school elegance ." — Trillium Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three colors). 6. A spa-esque towel warmer so you always have a steaming hot towel at the ready when you get out of the shower to warm you right up. Your body won't even have the CHANCE to get cold. It can fit up to two oversized bath towels and heats up in just one minute, with a built-in auto-off feature for safety. You can throw your PJs in here, too, to warm them up before bed! This particular towel warmer also comes in some adorable colors, like light blue and pink. Get a closer look at it on TikTok ! Promising review: "So, I am one of those people that usually runs colder than most. I get out of the shower, and am usually FREEZING even with a towel wrapped around me. THIS CHANGED THE GAME!! I put my towel in before my shower (I like 15–20 minutes to heat it), and when I pull it out, it is warm throughout the entire towel and if I leave the lid off after pulling out my towel (I've turned off the machine at this point) the residual heat helps to heat the room. Since I have gotten this towel warmer, I have recommended it to almost every person in my family. I LOVE IT!! So worth it!! Update: The husband has also taken to using it for every shower. STILL so in love!" — Sara Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in seven styles). 7. Oversized waffle-weave bath towels that are both lightweight and ultra-absorbent, similar to what you'd find at a spa. They dry *much* faster than the heavy plush kind, and you'll feel more luxurious every time you towel off with one. Promising reviews : "These towels are large and the thickest towels we ever had, and I'm talking about the most expensive hotels we ever stayed at. I would imagine after dozens and dozens of washing and bleaching these towels may equal those used at the Waldorf-Astoria and the Plaza in New York City . You won't find much lint on your lint trap after drying. These will last a lifetime!!!" — PS "Just finished washing towels and not one speck of lint! Just what I wanted. These towels are not plushy. They are quick dry, so they're textured and a lighter weight than a traditional thick plush towel . It is exactly what I wanted. In Europe they use towels like this because many homes do not have dryers; everything is line-dried. The thick plushy towels don’t dry well and easily get musty and odorous. These are A+++." — Sammi Get a pack of four from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four colors and other sets and sizes). 8. A luxe stone bath mat designed to absorb water *and* dry quickly — almost like magic — to eliminate moisture buildup and bad smells, a common problem with regular everyday bath mats. No risk of slipping on the wet bathroom floor or feeling that uncomfortable ~moistness~, AND the sleek modern look will add a little extra something to your b-room as well. This sustainable product is made out of diatomaceous earth and recycled paper! Reviewers say the feel of it under your feet does take some getting used to (especially if you're used to a traditional bath mat), but they attest to how well this thing absorbs water and that the moisture seemingly just disappears afterward. My boyfriend upgraded his bathroom with these, so I've been able to test them out in person. And I have to say, it really is just like how one reviewer described it: like the water is basically being sucked off your feet — and then the mats themselves dry super quickly, almost like magic. They're definitely a bit smaller than I anticipated (my partner ended up getting several and positioning them together) but since they work *so* well at drying your feet, you also don't need a ton of surface area. Get a closer look at the white version on TikTok ! Promising review : "This is our second Dorai bath stone; we are adding them to all of our bathrooms. This design and usefulness of this product is undisputed. We no longer have water on our floors, reducing the chance of slipping on wet floors . These need to be in every home in the US." — B. Henricks Get it from Amazon for $67+ (available in two colors and two patterns). 9. Prismatic film for covering your sunniest windows, or alternatives like crystal ball suncatchers and window clings (or a combination of all three!) — because there's nothing quite like the effect dancing rainbows of light have on a room. The all-over window film is a great option if you're looking to add privacy (covering a window while still letting sunlight through), while the smaller clings are even easier to apply and also double as anti-collision decals for birds. And the crystal ball suncatchers might be small, but they'll make the whole room *sparkle* with mini rainbows when the sun hits them just right. Reviewers say they look and feel way more expensive than they are! Promising review (for the prismatic film): "It amazes me that this clear window cling has no coloring in it — that is until the sun or lighting shines on it. Then watch the light show begin! A full spectrum of colors gets projected from the cling onto the wall and onto the floor when the sun hits the cling . At night, the porch light turns the clear cling into a colorful stained glass-like window. It offers a bit of privacy, too. I am very happy with this purchase!" — Amazon Customer Get the prismatic privacy film for $7.99+ (available in 13 sizes), the pair of crystal ball suncatchers for $9.98 , and the set of 16 hexagonal prismatic clings for $7.25 . 10. An ornate candle snuffer that's beautiful, functional, and a little ~extra~ all at the same time. With this, you can extinguish your candles without having to blow them out (which potentially spreads embers and wax), and it'll look SO pretty sitting on your mantle or coffee table. Promising review : "Absolutely stunning! This is gorgeous and very durable. I love it!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four colors, plus more gorgeous designs here ). 11. A jar of Capri Blue Volcano scent booster to spread this cult-favorite scent to your clothes, sheets, and towels when you do laundry. It'll make them smell deliciously fresh when they come out and add a little ~luxury~ to your laundry routine. It's featured in this TikTok ! Promising reviews : "I read many reviews of the volcano scent booster and knew I had to try it to freshen up my laundry. I’m so glad I tried it because I love the scent and my laundry smells divine, and so far it really seems to last . It’s out of stock often from what I gather, so I bought two to start with and all set for a while now. I love this stuff and will definitely be repurchasing as needed." — Kelli E. "I am in love with this scent booster! I have sensitive skin and always thought I couldn't use scented laundry items, but no issues! Particularly love on my towels and bed linens, but also when I wash dog beds and kid backpacks :) in addition to my clothes. Love!!" — Melissa D. Get it from Capri Blue for $22 . 12. A genius water bottle with a built-in infuser for adding lemons, berries, mint leaves, ginger, or other ingredients to your water. It'll kick up the flavor, yes, but it'll also make you feel ridiculously fancy (it's the little things, OK!!) — plus, no seeds or pulp will slip through! It even has handy time markers on the side to keep you on top of your hydration schedule. It comes with an insulation sleeve, cleaning brush, and recipe booklet! My former colleague Britt Ross says, "I am one of those people who has, until recently, gone through life thinking, 'Why would I drink water when there are other beverages that actually taste good to be had?' Well, I received this gizmo as a birthday gift from my water-loving husband as a not-so-subtle hint to change my ways, and lo and behold, it's been a revelation. I often have lemon remnants left over from cooking and baking, and they're the perfect things to throw into the infuser section of the bottle to liven things up. It's amazing what a little fruitiness can do — I can guzzle a whole bottle easily! Plus, it's much easier to clean than you'd think (each section comes apart and there's an included brush!), and there's a grippy section on the side so it doesn't slip out of your hand. Oh, and did I mention it has not ever leaked?! 10/10, no notes, buy it NOW!!!" Promising review: "This is my new obsession! I can’t believe how much joy a little thing like this can bring, but I just love it! I love experimenting with new fruit and herb combos (orange/blackberry/mint, and lemon/ cucumber are my favorites so far). I drink much more water now, and my skin is glowing! And it's so cheap but feels so fancy. Buy it, of course!" — Kindle Customer 1 Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in seven colors). 13. A gorgeous Hatch Restore 2 , the new-and-improved version of TikTok's favorite sunrise alarm clock. This beauty is designed to gentle wind you down at night and wake you up just as gently with its soft glow and gentle sounds. It also functions as a touch-controlled smart light and bedside lamp! If you're trying to train yourself to wake up earlier, reviewers say it can keep you from hitting that 'snooze' button like you're used to. The Restore 2 comes with design upgrades and a bunch of new content. It has 10 new sunrise sounds, new light and sound pairings, 12 new sleep sounds, and a Morning Moment that includes meditation, stretches, and more to start your day off on the right foot. Basically, if you don't already have a Hatch Restore, it's worth going for this upgraded version, though the 2020 model is also still available for $99.99 . Promising review: "I have been eyeing the Hatch alarm clock for over a year and am so happy I finally purchased the Hatch Restore 2! I work as a nurse and get up much earlier than my partner. He hasn’t woken up or been bothered by my alarm at all. I’m waking up in a better mood because the sound of the alarm is soothing, and the light that comes on when it’s time to start waking up is really nice instead of waking up to a completely dark room. "Having a pretty and unique alarm clock on my bedside table was important to me and I’m loving the latte color. Setup was easy using my iPhone and I love that I can choose specific days I want to wake up early for my irregular work schedule. Overall, I really love this alarm clock and am so glad I don’t have to use my phone any longer ." — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (available in three colors). 14. A bestselling Elizavecca collagen-coating hair treatment that deeply repairs and hydrates your hair thanks to restorative ingredients like collagen and ceramide 3. You just apply it after shampooing, wait as little as five minutes, then rinse it out for hair that looks *and* feels luxuriously soft. Some reviewers say it's even BETTER than Olaplex. (And that's over three times the price!) Reviewers with everything from thin, fine hair to 4c curls have reported positive results from this moisturizing formula, which is particularly recommended for folks whose hair is damaged from using hot tools, bleach, and the like. Promising review: "This is the first product that I have ever used where I saw immediate results. For those out there who have tried Olaplex at home, it's very similar in consistency but I think I see better results and this product is much cheaper. I shampooed my hair, towel-dried so my hair was damp, then ran the product through all my hair, mostly concentrating on my ends. I left it in for as long as I could and rinsed it out and my hair felt smooth and soft immediately. I let my hair air dry and it was soooo shiny! It is a small bottle but you don't need to use much so I can see it lasting for a while if you only do a treatment once a week or once every two weeks." — Samantha Ellis Get it from Amazon for $8.40 . 15. A refreshing ice roller you can keep in the fridge or freezer, then take out as needed to give your face a chilled massage and reduce puffiness and under-eye circles. Basically, you can start your day feeling like you just got a pricey facial. Stick it in the freezer, apply your favorite moisturizer on your face, and then sweep the roller all over. Reviewers also swear by this migraines and cooling down on hot days, so it's multitalented. Watch how it's used by one reviewer to address morning eye puffiness on TikTok ! Promising review: "I was skeptical about this product. I wasn't sure how it was much different than rolling any other frozen thing on your body. I'm beyond pleasantly surprised. I've used it for sinus pain, migraines, swollen neck glands, under-eye circles/bags, inflamed acne, TMJ pain, etc. Not to mention, when I used it on my face, it leaves my skin feeling tight and wakes me up in the mornings. It also stays cold for forever but never sweats or leaves water behind. It's like magic . I also bought one for my mom who suffers from nerve damage in her arms and legs. I think it'll really help when she has bad pain days." — Jessica McRee Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in eight colors, including bundles with two types of rollers). 16. A pack of 23 Facetory sheet masks packed with all sorts of skin-friendly ingredients, from soothing rice bran extracts and brightening lemon to detoxifying charcoal and plumping collagen. You'll feel so luxurious having this many ~options~ to choose from when your skin needs a pick-me-up, and the positively adorable packaging is just the cherry on top. ✨ Facetory is a Korean brand that launched in 2016, and all of their products are made in Korea. The masks are also cruelty-free and free of sulfates, parabens, fragrances, and synthetic colors. I've bought this face mask collection myself and absolutely love it. Each one has a few key benefits, which are detailed on the back along with the main ingredients (plus a super cute illustration with directions on how to use, in case you've never used sheet masks before). I leave each mask on for ~15 minutes, then pat the remaining product into my skin until it absorbs completely, and follow with a moisturizing cream to lock it all in. Doing this a few times a week has made my nighttime skincare routine feel so much more luxurious , and at just over $1 per mask, I think it's a sweet deal for something that's not only great for my skin but a mood-booster as well! Promising review : "Omg, too busy education professional here. Never time for any skin regimen. I’ve been using these nightly though as my little treat at the end of a challenging day. I pop these on and go about unwinding. They work like a charm and my tired, overworked drying skin is responding! They are nicely cool on your face and refreshing. Love each one I’ve tried so far, and that’s saying a lot. Feel like it’s my secret little luxury. And I do deserve this lol!" — Kindle Customer Gina Get the variety pack from Amazon for $34.50 (also available in other packs). 17. And a gentle, TikTok-popular bubbly clay mask that also deserves a spot in your skincare routine ASAP (because self-care is *not* overrated). It's designed to deep clean your pores and help remove blackheads, but ALSO it'll foam up to make your face look like a cloud!! Now that's just fun. Check out a TikTok of the foaming mask in action. Promising review: "I love this stuff! I received some for a gift and then purchased it for my daughter from Amazon. It feels like a clay mask going on, and then starts bubbling and turns to a thinner substance when it's done. I feel like it is very gentle on my face. My skin feels amazing after I wash it off. It feels like I used moisturizer, even though I did not. I hear that these masks are very popular in Japan." — L. Shea Get it from Amazon for $15.10 . 18. A set of vintage-inspired glass mugs so you can feel *extra* fancy drinking your lattes, tea, or [insert drink of choice here]. Heck, you could even eat yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, or other little snacks out of this and I would support it 100%. The set of two also comes with two gold spoons to match. 🥺 Promising review : "Came straight to Amazon when I saw these beautiful mugs on TikTok. I just had to have them! I’m very picky with mugs, these are perfect for me. Stunning to look at and a pleasure to drink out of. Highly recommend!" — Margarita Harutoonian Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in seven styles). 19. A Grosche moka pot , aka a stovetop espresso maker if you've been *dying* to whip up some delicious lattes and other ~fancy~ coffee drinks at home but aren't as excited at the thought of shelling out hundreds for an espresso machine. It's super easy to use, has a durable stone finish, and comes in some gorgeous shades, including speckled pink, gray, and mint. Check it out on TikTok ! The reviewer demonstrates how they use it on the stove for making espresso for their lattes. Promising review : "Greatest purchase in the last five years!!! I have always been a coffee drinker but I recently purchased a moka pot to make iced espressos during the summer. Quickly it became an everyday thing! I love this moka pot more than any other item in my kitchen other than my actual coffee pot brewer! I had bought a cheap one elsewhere and that lasted about three weeks before falling apart. I spent a little more money for a quality product and have never looked back! I recommend this particular moka pot as it was slightly more than the cheap ones but less than some of the bigger name brands. It has lasted me two and a half years now without ever giving me a problem. Definitely a customer for life." — A. Arvy Get it from Amazon for $31.62+ (available in 11 colors and four sizes). 20. Or a dreamy Mackenzie-Childs enamel tea kettle to elevate not just your daily tea ritual but the entire aesthetic of your kitchen. Hand-painted with an elegant glass knob and wood handle for easy pouring, this work of art combines function and beauty and *demands* to be left out for admiring at all times. Get a closer look at it on TikTok ! Promising reviews : "Really, has anyone ever gotten anything from MacKenzie-Childs and NOT been completely over the moon? I love this teapot! I wish I could afford the whole line of Courtly Check enamel dishes ...for a start!" — Debbie Dombrowski "As silly as it sounds, I see this teapot on so many TV shows sitting on the stove. I just had to have one, and this is perfect — it brightens up my white kitchen. It doesn't whistle, so you can't leave the room with it on the stove. But if you watch Real Housewives and see this on every single stove, it's the one, and I love it!" — Jackie M Get it from Amazon for $149 (available in two sizes and five colors). 21. Sugar cubes for sweetening your coffee or tea (instead of scooping into your regular sugar jar), especially if you're serving it to others. I mean, look at them — they're just delightful. Bonus points if you store them in a pretty container and serve with tongs . Promising review : "What else would I use in my fancy cocktails and lattes? Nothing else. Just douse them with colorful aromatic bitters and you have a beautifully made cocktail. I drop them into a glass of champagne and my girlfriend squeals with delights. They're a great way to celebrate old school by serving them with coffee or espresso — one lump or two?" — Phil Philson Get a 1-pound box from Amazon for $8.99 . 22. A gold decorative mirror you can hang or even use as a tray to elegantly display jewelry, perfume, or other items. This low-key looks like something out of Beauty and the Beast and I'm here for it. See it on TikTok . Promising review : "I am forever in love with this! Very aesthetically pleasing!! Mirror hasn’t scratched and adds some *spice* to my perfume collection." — Morgan Newbanks Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors). 23. A chic transparent book vase , appropriately titled The Mystery of Growth , that'll inspire you to treat yourself to fresh flowers — because whether you're single or in a relationship, you don't need to wait for anyone else to surprise you with a bouquet (*cue "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus*). 💐 Peep this gorgeous book vase on TikTok ! I also highly recommend looking through the Amazon review images because every single one looks like it belongs in a magazine. Promising review : "I love all things books — so when this popped up in my feed, I had to have it. I ordered it ASAP. It arrived ASAP. I bought tulips ASAP. And it's PERFECT! This is the latest addition to my home office and I love staring at it! 😄 Save time — buy at least two!" — ED Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in five transparent colors). 24. And a gorgeous speckled pot you'll want to step back and admire every time you're making the rounds watering your plants. Here's to moving your green bbs into ~aesthetic~ planters that double as decor. 🪴 BTW, I have an entire roundup of pretty planters (in a variety of styles) worth checking out if you're ready to treat your plants to some new homes. Franca is a small, woman-owned design studio based in Brooklyn, New York. They sell handmade planters, dinnerware, vases, and dog bowls. My former colleague Christine Forbes has a very similar speckled pot from Franca and swears by their planters: " Every now and then, I splurge on a Franca pot and I never have any regrets. This one is so cute! It's becoming one of my favorites from their shop. If you know someone who loves plants, this will make an excellent gift." Get it from Franca for $62+ (available in three sizes). 25. A facial steamer if you've ever stayed in a hot shower a little longer to just soak in the steam — now you can enjoy the same experience from the comfort of your bed or couch. This creates "nano-ionic" steam that penetrates your skin deeply to soften, hydrate, and open up pores — and like your steamy showers, it can also help relieve sinus congestion. Note that this does come with a five-piece stainless steel tool kit as well, but please be careful if performing extractions on yourself as these can injure your skin if not used properly. Promising review : "I absolutely love this product. I purchased it when I was congested because I wanted to use steam to break up congestion. This steamer felt amazing. It definitely helped with my congestion and it opened up my pores too. I used the skin tool kit and that worked great as well. I love that this comes with so many settings including a humidifier and towel warmer as well. This was an absolute game changer for me and I highly recommend it." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $32.95+ (available in three colors). 26. A set of groovy archway light switch covers because swapping out those boring white covers for something a little more exciting is such an easy (and rental-friendly) way to add more color and personality to your space. MindFlowers is a woman-owned small biz creating '60s and '70s-inspired clothing, accessories, and home decor. Her psychedelic designs are meant to empower any and everybody with a focus on eco-friendly production. Check out some of the gorgeous designs + how easily they're installed in this TikTok . Promising review: "Beautifully packaged and the plate was better than I imagined. Sleek colors, just like image online, and super easy to put on. Absolutely love it. Thank you very much." — Hayley W. Get a two-pack from MindFlowers for $45+ (available in 12 switch types and many styles, with customization available). And check out their full collection for lots of other groovy designs! 27. Peel-and-stick stair riser decals to majorly upgrade your staircase with very little effort so you can treat yourself (and any visitors) to a little art show on your way up. Available in a glossy or matte finish and a variety of heights, these decals stick stick right on and can be removed just as easily. Get a closer look at these and how easily they're applied on TikTok ! Bleucoin is a small shop based in India that sells a stylish variety of decals for walls, stairs, tile, and more. Promising review : "I’m the biggest skeptic and also the most critical of imperfections...and I give this product a 100% approval! Super-high-quality materials, the colors are vibrant and the patterns are gorgeous , soooo easy to install (like ridiculously easy), and the shipping was lightning fast. Excellent communication by seller. I will totally be purchasing from them again!" — kurstinhollenbeck Get them from Bleucoin on Etsy: the Warsaw tile design (left) or the Hanover design (right) for $11.98+ (available in 11 sizes and matte or glossy finishes). And check out their store page for more designs! 28. And removable wallpaper with bright colors or bold patterns for contrast in a room that's currently pretty plain or neutral-colored. It'll bring the whole area to life, and it's commitment-free — you're not locked in if you decide to switch up your aesthetic again down the road! Sweet Pea Wall Design is a business based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in vivid and easy-to-apply removable wallpaper. Promising review: "Beautiful wallpaper. Delivered very fast, easy to install. Looks perfect in our office." — Marta Get them from Sweet Pea Wall Design on Etsy: the dalmatian dot wallpaper or the pink floral wallpaper for $5+ (available in four sizes and one sample size, plus two material types). Be sure to check out all the other wallpaper designs and patterns on their store page for more options! 29. A beautiful jade roller and gua sha set , because once you start using these on the daily, there's no going back. These popular beauty tools are great for using with serums, helping the product absorb more deeply, *and* they can help reduce puffiness, tighten skin, improve blood circulation, and even provide relief from headaches and sinus congestion. Few beauty tools feel like pampering yourself as much as this trusty duo. They're crafted with natural jade! FYI, I use a very similar set at home when I'm applying serums as part of my skincare routine (literally morning and night), and they definitely feel like they're helping the product sink in better and faster. Plus, they always feel really cooling against my skin in the most refreshing way. Promising review : "I love this roller!! Don't even need to put it in the fridge because it's always cold. It feels so, so good applying a bit of pressure and following videos on how to drain the nodes. So relaxing. It makes me happy using it and feels good. It's also gorgeous — very pretty pink and rose gold colors! So luxurious and makes me feel like royalty!" — Uzma Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in pink and blue). 30. A tub caddy , which will motivate you to set a good hour aside for a relaxing bath and pull out all the stops: candles, a cold glass of wine, a bath bomb, and a good novel (or Netflix). It's not only size-adjustable to accommodate different tubs; it also comes equipped with a wineglass holder, edges that safely prop up a book or tablet, a candle holder, and extra space for whatever else your cozy heart desires. Promising review: "When I placed my order for this tray I looked at the pics but did not realize how really cool this piece is. The ability to change the size is great, but I just love the different trays that are removable as well as the ability to put my phone and a Kindle in 'safe' areas of the tray. I found a perfect place for my TV remote should I want to watch TV and not read. I just got it and used it last night but it appears to be well-made, balanced, and offers versatility for the things you may want at your fingertips when taking a luxurious bath!" — SindiMcG Get it from Amazon for $49.97 (available in 11 styles). 31. Or if you're more of a shower person, a jar of whipped shower icing that feels as indulgent as gourmet dessert, except this "icing" goes on your body! Each one of these jars are filled with layers of soapy ~frosting~ with a creamy whipped texture that both cleanses and moisturizes as you lather it on. Indulgence Spa is a Maryland-based, Black woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2015 that specializes in soaps, hair care, and body products. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, " I started using this in the Three Wishes Tea flavor (a combo of tea leaves, peaches, rosebuds, and marigolds) and the smell alone is swoon-worthy, but I love love love how it feels in the shower. It has a satisfying creamy whipped texture, but suds up when you use it so you get that nice satisfying squeaky clean feeling, too. It's lasting a long time, too (which is great, but means I have to wait a little longer to try the other flavors 😂)." Promising review: "Very delicious and very rich! I bought a set in the Black Opium fragrance, which smells just divine! I will definitely buy again." — invisible9 Get it from Indulgence Spa on Etsy for $18.50 (available in many scents). 32. Or some luxurious body butter from The Skincare Bakery — I'm actually salivating looking at these pics. But it's not for eating (sadly); it's for your skin! This fluffy, bronzey goodness will leave your skin soft, supple, glowy, and smelling absolutely DELICIOUS. Check out this viral small business on TikTok , including a vid showing how their body butter looks on different skin tones! Promising review : "This body butter is unlike anything I have ever tried! The consistency is perfect and I love the way it goes on the skin. Don’t even get me started on how amazing it smells! I also love the glowy shimmer it gives your skin." — Jessica Clark Get it from The Skincare Bakery for $14.40 (available in many scents and bundles, including the Bronzy body butter shown above). 33. A quality pair of silk pajamas worth every penny for how luxuriously soft and breathable they are — one reviewer even says they feel like being naked — with a slouchy oversized fit that won't feel suffocating. The best part: They're machine washable! Though I haven't tried this sleep set yet, I have a silk robe from Lunya that my sister-in-law got me a couple of years ago and it's hands-down the most luxurious thing I own. It's true 100% silk (like these PJs) and has the most incredible buttery soft texture to it — so I can only imagine what it'd feel like to fall asleep in one of their silk sets. Psst — you can check out more of their washable silk styles if you prefer a long-sleeve set, for instance. And see our guide to the best silk pajamas for more options elsewhere! Promising reviews : "I am so obsessed with this silk set. It is so comfortable to wear and the material is so soft. I live in Southern California, and this is the only thing I can wear in the summer. Unlike other material, this silk won’t add any warmth to your body. Just feels like being naked! Silk material does get wrinkle easily, but I don’t think these PJs wrinkle that bad, at least I don’t mind." — Smart10 "I cannot say enough how much I love Lunya silk pajamas. The sleep top is VERY oversized and loose, but in a good way. I find the photos of the fit on Lunya's website accurate, with the back of the top's length going past the shorts (I'm 5'5) . I find the shorts to be true to size. The best thing is these actually wash well and are so silky soft . I'm more of a neutrals fan, but ordered the pink and I'm obsessed." — JBJBJB33 Get them from Nordstrom for $198+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and seven colors). This exact set is sold out at Lunya, but they have a new version of it available for $198 (available in two colors) — the new set is at Nordstrom too if you like those colors! 34. A popular pair of criss-cross faux fur slippers that'll make you feel so fancy when you're drinking your morning coffee or relaxing in the evening. Reviewers swear these are cozy and warm despite the open-toe design, which also allows for circulation so your feet don't get sweaty, and their waterproof, anti-slip soles mean you can step outside in them too. Promising review : "I hate my feet being hot. There are sooo comfy, yet warm and let my toes breathe. Slipping into luxury. Wish I could buy three more! Highly recommend." — Amber Rose Get them from Amazon for $14.99 (available in women's sizes 5–10 and 16 colors). 35. And a splurge-worthy Barefoot Dreams robe reviewers rave about for its luxurious softness and cozy warmth. It'll really come in clutch after a hot shower (because stepping out into the cold air is the *worst*), but you'll probably want to wear it all day and pretend you're living at a day spa. Promising reviews : " My 'treat yourself to luxury' gift. I bought this robe last year for myself, and it was the best thing I could have given myself. I feel like a queen when I get out of the shower and wrap up in this soft, snuggly, cloud of a robe." — Miken Davis " If you want the softest, yummiest robe ever, this is for you! It engulfs you in softness, it breathes so you don’t *glisten* while wearing it. Mine is floor length, so I can pull my legs up on the couch or chair, and relax! I wish you could slip it on right now and feel its softness! It washes up beautifully too!" — Luvstawkin Get it from Amazon for $104.99+ (available in three colors and three sizes — size 1 is recommended for people 5'6" and under, size 2 is recommended for 5'6" to 6', and size 3 is recommended if you're over 6'). 36. A French-style marble butter keeper so you always have room-temp and perfectly spreadable butter on hand for your morning bagels and toast (because we all know the torture of trying to spread chilled butter). Promising review : "There are people who have this butter bowl and then there are savages. It’s like Zeus made a statue of himself and then carved the butter bowl out of that. I feel like society moved one step closer to true enlightenment with this invention. It really is the cats meow, and keeps our cat from licking the butter! " — Mike Get it from Amazon for $29.85 (available in three colors). 37. Clear fridge organizing bins if you saw the inside of Kris Jenner's fridge(s) and were like, "Honestly, slay." It won't just make your fridge look like something out of a magazine; it'll also help you get through all that expensive food you bought before it goes bad thanks to the clear design that lets you see everything at a glance. You can use these in your pantry too! Promising reviews : " If you watch all those TikTok videos that show people taking care of their fridge with perfect organization, these are definitely the storage units to start with! I personally love organization and wish I could use more of these in the fridge but my family doesn’t agree so...they can absolutely be used in other areas of the home as well!" — Aysha Mirza "Ok, I'm a bit of an over-organizer (if there is such a thing). But my refrigerator was seriously lacking in organization. These beauties did the trick. No more fruit rolling around, grapes being crushed, cheese sticks everywhere, cold cuts hiding . I love them. And they make keeping the refrigerator clean easy, pop them out and rinse." — DLWH Get a set of eight bins for $20.99 (also available in other sets). 38. A velvet cover for that stained couch you inherited from an old roommate — you can try out a new, chic color for relatively cheap! This one has nonslip straps that hold it in place even when rambunctious kiddos and energetic pups put it to the test. You get separate covers for each cushion, which is what makes it look so natural. (Don't worry, we won't tell.) It's also machine washable (so you can try out having a ~fancy~ white couch without long-term commitment or stress). Promising review: "I have never been so excited about a slipcover. Total transformation of our couch and loveseat. I was worried about it not working on our leather couch, but it stays on really well due to the straps and the separate cushion covers. LOVE." — Brian/Liz Get a slipcover for a three-cushion sofa from Amazon for $38.49 (available in 10 colors and four other sizes). 39. Waterfall faucets that'll inject a bit of fancy spa resort energy into your bathroom. Promising review: "Very impressed with the high-quality and thoughtful design of this sweet little waterfall bathroom faucet. It really upgraded and modernized the look of our bathroom, and it was a great relief to discard the dated, worn, corroded faucet it replaced. The installation was fairly straightforward and pain-free." — EHL Get it from Amazon for $34.43+ (available in four finishes). 40. And to make your showers feel just as fancy: An easy-to-install high-pressure rainfall showerhead with an adjustable extension arm so you can set your preferred angle and height. Check out how easy this is to set up in this TikTok ! Promising review (it's long but worth the read!): "Once upon a time, my overpriced apartment had a shower that required I stand on my tip-toes for prime water-stream positioning due to the shower's narrow position and my short stature. Why am I living like that, might you ask? Because this grad-school budget hasn't allowed for much else — OR SO I THOUGHT. This showerhead is well within a reasonable budget and goes well beyond the bang for its buck . I should have known I was in for a treat by the sleek stainless steel with chrome finish but my journey was only just beginning. For the independent handywoman I am, I was initially intimidated by installation as my plumbing expertise ends with removing hair from the drain. Luckily, it comes packaged with a small wrench and a single-paged instruction sheet that was within my attention span to follow. " We were up and running in under 10 minutes and I could not wait to hop in. Once I did, the luxury I experienced could've fooled me into thinking I was anywhere but my own shower. The stream is wide enough that I feel like I'm getting hugged by the goddess of the sea Amphitrite herself but still controlled to not spit on me if I step out of its line of fire. Its pressure, meanwhile, is soft enough to maximize relaxation while still giving enough strength to get all the shampoo out of my thick, unkempt hair. I would say more but I'd rather go shower for the third time today. I'll leave it at this: Love yourself and your shower mates. There's no reason not to — you all deserve this experience too." — Amazon Customer Get the shower head for $14.99+ (available in four finishes and five sizes) and the adjustable shower arm for $15.99+ (available in four finishes), both from Amazon. 41. Plus! A bundle of fresh eucalyptus for hanging in your shower to provide some luxe-feeling aromatherapy when it starts to steam up. Also, it just LOOKS nice. These bundles are put together and sold by Eucalyptus Blooms, a small woman-owned shop based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They come with a free hook for hanging it inside your shower! Promising reviews: "Exceeded my expectations!!! I received my bundle quickly and it was packaged well. Very fragrant and I appreciated the hook that was included with the bundle to hang it right in my shower. I am definitely enjoying the aroma of eucalyptus as I shower." — Mcjunkinst "Love this!!!! Will absolutely buy again. My eucalyptus bunch is still going strong after a couple of weeks. Adds a spa-like quality to my daily shower!!! " — elizabethghall09 Get it from Eucalyptus Blooms on Etsy for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and in bundles). Shipping is free! 42. A pack of three under-cabinet lights that'll create ~ambient~ lighting so you're not always relying on those harsh overhead lights (which are *not* the vibe). Consider installing them in the kitchen so you're not fumbling around when you come in for water at night. It'll also accentuate your backsplash! These under-the-cabinet lights are battery-powered and come with a remote that will allow you to power them on and off, change their intensity, and set them to be motion-activated. Promising review: "I just remodeled my kitchen and wanted lights under my cabinets to give it a cozy feel. I wanted something easy to install but effective. These lights are great! You can adjust the brightness and can even put them on a timer so they turn off on their own after 15, 30, or 60 minutes. They come with a sticky tape to attach to cabinets but I also added sticky back Velcro and they have stayed on perfectly. The company sent me an email offering any assistance if I should need it. I absolutely LOVE them and would recommend." — Lisa Corey Get a pack of six from Amazon for $24.99 . 43. Waterproof, stain-resistant faux-marble granite adhesive so you can give new life to that old, scratched-up desk, vanity, or bathroom counter. It's *significantly* cheaper and quicker than a full remodeling, and you're not married to the final result if you change your mind down the road, as it peels off easily without leaving damage. It took most reviewers less than an hour to completely revamp their desks, and it was two hours *tops* for others (depending on how much space you're redoing!). Psst — If you pick this up, check out this reviewer's great installation tips for applying it to a desk! Promising review: "Wow, seriously love this stuff! Completely transformed the space I'm working on. I LOVE that it's shiny with a smooth finish... instantly felt luxurious especially compared to how it looked before! " — Natalie Logan Get it from Amazon for $4.99+ (available in six sizes). 44. A bed canopy to make your bedroom feel like even more of cozy sanctuary and add a lil' extra privacy so you can lounge like the absolute royalty you are. 👑 Bonus: It can even help dull outside noise and hold in some warmth while you sleep. Hang some vines and/or fairy lights to really add to that fairytale vibe! It can also help serve as a room divider. Promising review: " Beautiful princess bed for a 31-year-old self-proclaimed princess . Initially, I was concerned that my ceiling fan in the middle of my room would be an issue, but it surprisingly was not. This product was very easy to assemble, instructions were thorough. I did not need to use wall anchors. It fit above my queen-sized bed perfectly. The product came perfectly intact inside the package and I have had this for a few months now and still no rips in it. Great way to add a unique touch to your simple, boring, or plain bedroom." — Stephanie Vaught Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (also available in black and another shape). 45. And a gorgeous velvet tufted headboard in case you want your bed to feel even *more* like the height of luxury. And to really feel like you're living in the world of Bridgerton , pick up a matching bench for the foot of the bed to tie this gorgeous look together. This is def a more expensive upgrade but worth considering if you feel like your bed setup needs a little extra oomph. Promising review: "You know how you hate buying something online because you're not sure if it's going to be crap? Well let me tell you, this is one of the best purchases I've made. It's excellent quality. The foam is nice and plush and you can't feel the board. If you ever need to move, the whole thing folds in half and the legs and all the part fit in a zipper compartment in the back for easy transport. Would be perfect for some one who stages homes because of how portable it is but the quality is A+." — T. Sayer Get it from Amazon for $171.25+ (available in two sizes and eight colors). 46. Premade wall panels that'll bring an interesting flair to plain walls and doors, adding just a dash of elegance without being distracting. Looking at these while you perform household chores might give you a little extra pep in your step. Some reviewers used mounting tape in their apartments for a no-damage-to-the-walls installation while others added these panels onto their doors and kitchen islands! Promising review: "Moldings came in well-packed and quickly. Super easy to install. Used white lightning-speed grip from Sherwin-Williams to adhere the panels. These panels gave a 'high-end' look to an otherwise drab wall and peninsula. So classic and affordable and it will never go out of style! I ordered four too many and had no problem returning for a full refund. I would HIGHLY recommend this product for a custom-designed look. Use your imagination!" — JM Get a single panel from Amazon starting at $12.15+ (available in many sizes). 47. Elegant sheer curtains to replace your dark, heavy ones, because it'll help brighten up a room and let that good sunlight stream in. It helps make the room feel bigger, too. If you don't want to get rid of your blackout curtains entirely, you can always layer them with sheers and keep them tied back when not in use! I switched to sheer curtains when I moved into my new NYC apartment over a year ago, and I honestly feel a bit more luxurious just having them around and seeing them lightly sway when I have my window open and they catch a breeze. They're just the best!! Promising reviews: "I LOVE THESE! I was looking for something to brighten my apartment up and to make it feel bigger . I’m so, so, so glad I decided to go with these! I was so scared while opening them. I ordered four white 95-inch sets. I just threw them in the dryer for two to three minutes to de-wrinkle them and hung them. These are amazingly cheap for how nice they are! Definitely makes my apartment feel like HOME . I would recommend these to anyone." — Amazon Customer "After quotes of $3,000 for blinds, I decided to rethink our window dressing and ordered these sheer curtains. They have brought elegance and luxury to our home. Highly recommended. Better than the blinds I was looking at!!" — Paul M. Hammond Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in 15 sizes and 23 colors). 48. And gorgeous velvet curtains that'd look lovely paired with sheers or on their own, bringing a chic, polished look while also insulating to keep a room cool thanks to their thermal lining. Reviewers rave about the weighty luxurious feel of these. Get a closer look at these on TikTok ! Note that the listing describes these as "blackout" curtains, but some light may still filter through if you get a lighter color. Promising review : "Gorgeous, gorgeous gorgeous!!! I did a lot of homework on finding the perfect curtains for our new home addition. I needed a lot of them, something pretty, full, and good insulation. It could get very expensive, these were more than I could have wanted, and at such a great price...I ended up getting the longer ones because they cost less (I needed 12 panels). As a result of longer ones, they are fuller on the bottom, look so lovely, and I get all the compliments. My mom is a designer and I grew up being particular about fabric and how things are made, these are well-constructed and have gorgeous lining, lots of detail put into these , thank you!! Also, they are true to color ;)" — Mrs. Get them from Amazon for $39.96+ (available in 31 colors and nine sizes). 49. Decorative hinges to add a vintage-y touch to your garage doors you'll be able to admire every time you get home for the day. They attach magnetically and add that classic carriage house style. Promising review: " A really simple, affordable way to add a luxury upgrade to your home! I didn’t realize how easy these would be to install when I bought them. They’re just magnetic and snap onto your garage! They move around really easily and add an instant eye-catcher." — Samantha L. " I didn't think these would last through one Oklahoma Spring tornado season but they have. They were easy to install and very durable. They add a very unique touch to my new garage doors." — Lila S. Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three styles/combos; faux windows also available if you want the full look above). The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.AP News Summary at 12:25 p.m. EST
ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO struggled with deputies and shouted while being led into court Tuesday as new details emerged about his possible motivation behind the ambush. In his first public words since a five-day search ended with his arrest at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania, Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car shouting about an "insult to the intelligence of the American people" while deputies pushed him inside a courthouse. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family is fighting attempts to extradite him to New York so that he can face a murder charge in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson, who led the United States' largest medical insurance company. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called "parasitic" health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while "our life expectancy" does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called "Unabomber" Ted Kaczynski — who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology — a "political revolutionary," according to the police bulletin. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione to New York, but at a brief hearing Tuesday, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey said his client will not waive extradition and instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. He mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally looking at papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. "You can't rush to judgment in this case or any case," Dickey said afterward. "He's presumed innocent. Let's not forget that." Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City, after a McDonald's customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald's while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York police officials have said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. A law enforcement official who wasn't authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said a three-page, handwritten document found with Mangione included a line in which he claimed to have acted alone. "To the Feds, I'll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn't working with anyone," the document said, according to the official. It also said, "I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming." Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. Mangione was born into a life of country clubs and privilege. His grandfather was a self-made real estate developer and philanthropist. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. "Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest," Mangione's family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. "We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved." From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a "co-living" space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. "Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints," Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they're saying he committed." At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago.On paper, Luigi Mangione had it all: wealth, intellect, athleticism, good looks. But the child of a prominent Maryland family may have spurned it all in a spasm of violence, in a killing that has mesmerized Americans. The 26-year-old was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, a health insurance chief executive and father of two who was gunned down in Manhattan last week by someone who, evidence suggests, has endured his own debilitating health crises and grew angry with the privatized US medical system. The cold-blooded killing has laid bare the deep frustration many Americans feel toward the country's labyrinthine health care system: while many have condemned the shooting, others have praised Mangione as a hero. It has also prompted considerable interest in how a young engineer with an Ivy League education could have gone off the rails to commit murder. News of his capture at a Pennsylvania McDonald's triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. As Americans have looked for clues about a political ideology or potential motive, a photo on his X account (formerly Twitter) includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. Mangione lived in Hawaii in 2022 and, according to his former roommate R.J. Martin, suffered from back pain, and was hoping to strengthen his back. After a surfing lesson, Mangione was "in bed for about a week" because of the pain, Martin told CNN. Earlier this year, Martin said, Mangione confirmed he'd had back surgery and sent him photos of the X-rays. Police said the suspect carried a hand-written manifesto of grievances in which he slammed America's "most expensive health care system in the world." "He was writing a lot about his disdain for corporate America and in particular the health care industry," New York police chief detective Joseph Kenny told ABC. According to CNN, a document recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." video game character Luigi. Many expressed at least partial sympathy, having had their own harrowing experiences with the US health care system. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. Mangione hails from the Baltimore area. His wealthy Italian-American family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, according to local outlet the Baltimore Banner, and cousin Nino Mangione is a Maryland state delegate. A standout student, Luigi graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. A former student who knew Mangione at the elite Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," the person said. Mangione attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage. On Instagram Mangione shared snapshots of his travels, and shirtless images of himself flaunting a six-pack. X users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo includes an X-ray of a spine with bolts attached. Finding a political ideology that fits neatly onto the right-left divide has proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on online site Goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out multiple bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, in a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline, and retweeted posts on the impact mobile phones and social media have on mental health. ia/abo-mlm/nro
CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — Cade Klubnik threw for three touchdowns, backup running back Jay Haynes scored twice on the ground and defensive tackle Payton Page had a 57-yard pick-6 score as No. 17 Clemson routed The Citadel 51-14 Saturday to move to 39-0 all-time against FCS opponents. The Tigers (9-2) won their third straight and still held on to feint hopes of reaching the Atlantic Coast Conference title game and the College Football Playoff. Clemson, which finished ACC play at 7-1 with last week's 24-20 win at Pittsburgh, needs No. 11 Miami to lose at Syracuse next week to play for a league crown for the eighth time in 10 seasons. Clemson cranked it up early in this one, looking a lot like the offense that averaged better than 48 points during a six-game win streak earlier this season instead of the one that had not surpassed 24 points in any of its past three contests. Klubnik connected with Antonio Williams for a 30-yard TD to start the scoring and then the 315-pound Page stretched out for an interception and rumbled along the left sidelines — losing momentum with each step — for Clemson's first score from a defensive lineman in four years and a 14-0 lead. And Page wasn't the only defender to score. Clemson's All-American linebacker Barrett Carter playing his next-to-last home game, had a 4-yard TD run on Senior Day to end the Tigers' scoring. The Citadel (5-7), of the FCS Southern Conference, went on to its 19th straight loss to Clemson since 1932. Klubnik completed 12 of 16 passes for 198 yards. He headed to the sidelines after his second TD pass to Williams that gave the Tigers a 42-0 lead in the third quarter. Haynes got the bulk of the work after starter Phil Mafah achieved his 1,000-yard rushing season with three first-quarter runs. Haynes had scoring runs of 70 and 9 yards. The Citadel: The Bulldogs are the leaders among FCS teams in victories over FBS opponents with nine since the college football split into Division I and Division I-AA in 1978. They couldn't stay competitive, but did roll up a season-high 288 yards rushing and scored a touchdown against Clemson for the first time in the past four games in the series. Clemson: The Tigers reached nine wins in a season for the 14th-straight time. Only Alabama, which entered the season with 16 straight nine-win seasons, had a longer current streak. The Citadel's season is complete. Clemson closes the regular season with its rivalry game with South Carolina on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
Swaffar: Three things to watch in USD’s playoff opener against Tarleton StateThe 139th Airlift Wing and The Sound of Speed Airshow were selected as the winners of a 2024 award. The Airlift Wing shared on social media on Tuesday evening that they and the Sound of Speed Airshow were named the Air Force Thunderbirds' 2024 Military Show Site of the Year. The Airlift Wing and the Airshow were named as the 2024 winners during the International Council of Airshows Convention's "Open House" event on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Area residents will remember that this past September, the Thunderbirds performed at the 2024 Sound of Speed Airshow in St. Joseph. The Thunderbirds perform for people all around the world to display the pride, precision and professionalism the U.S. Air Force represents," according to the United States' Airforce website . "Through air shows and flyovers, they aim to excite and inspire. In addition to showcasing the elite skills all pilots must possess, the Thunderbirds demonstrate the incredible capabilities of the Air Force’s premier multi-role fighter jet, the F-16 Fighting Falcon." To keep up-to-date on the 139th Airlift Wing and the Sound of Speed Airshow visit their social media pages, facebook.com/139aw and facebook.com/SoundofSpeed .
CEO killer suspect: golden boy who soured on US health systemPOUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP) — Elijah Lewis scored 21 points as Marist beat Binghamton 69-51 on Sunday. Lewis also had six rebounds and six assists for the Red Foxes (9-2). Josh Pascarelli added 15 points while shooting 6 for 12, including 2 for 5 from beyond the arc and grabbed seven rebounds. Jason Schofield shot 5 of 13 from the field to finish with 10 points. The Bearcats (8-7) were led by Ben Callahan-Gold, who posted 10 points. Gavin Walsh added nine points, 11 rebounds and three steals for Binghamton. Tymu Chenery had nine points and five assists. The loss snapped the Bearcats' six-game winning streak. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .On paper, Luigi Mangione had it all: wealth, intellect, athleticism, good looks. But the child of a prominent Maryland family may have spurned it all in a spasm of violence, in a killing that has mesmerized Americans. The 26-year-old was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, a health insurance chief executive and father of two who was gunned down in Manhattan last week by someone who, evidence suggests, has endured his own debilitating health crises and grew angry with the privatized US medical system. The cold-blooded killing has laid bare the deep frustration many Americans feel toward the country's labyrinthine health care system: while many have condemned the shooting, others have praised Mangione as a hero. It has also prompted considerable interest in how a young engineer with an Ivy League education could have gone off the rails to commit murder. News of his capture at a Pennsylvania McDonald's triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. As Americans have looked for clues about a political ideology or potential motive, a photo on his X account (formerly Twitter) includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. Mangione lived in Hawaii in 2022 and, according to his former roommate R.J. Martin, suffered from back pain, and was hoping to strengthen his back. After a surfing lesson, Mangione was "in bed for about a week" because of the pain, Martin told CNN. Earlier this year, Martin said, Mangione confirmed he'd had back surgery and sent him photos of the X-rays. Police said the suspect carried a hand-written manifesto of grievances in which he slammed America's "most expensive health care system in the world." "He was writing a lot about his disdain for corporate America and in particular the health care industry," New York police chief detective Joseph Kenny told ABC. According to CNN, a document recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." video game character Luigi. Many expressed at least partial sympathy, having had their own harrowing experiences with the US health care system. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. Mangione hails from the Baltimore area. His wealthy Italian-American family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, according to local outlet the Baltimore Banner, and cousin Nino Mangione is a Maryland state delegate. A standout student, Luigi graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. A former student who knew Mangione at the elite Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," the person said. Mangione attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage. On Instagram Mangione shared snapshots of his travels, and shirtless images of himself flaunting a six-pack. X users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo includes an X-ray of a spine with bolts attached. Finding a political ideology that fits neatly onto the right-left divide has proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on online site Goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out multiple bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, in a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline, and retweeted posts on the impact mobile phones and social media have on mental health. ia/abo-mlm/nro Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, sports, arts & entertainment, state legislature, CFD news, and more.
Robert C. Donnelly , Gonzaga University Former President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29, 2024, at age 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia, was a dark horse Democratic presidential candidate with little national recognition when he beat Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in 1976. The introspective former peanut farmer pledged a new era of honesty and forthrightness at home and abroad, a promise that resonated with voters eager for change following the Watergate scandal and the Vietnam War. His presidency, however, lasted only one term before Ronald Reagan defeated him. Since then, scholars have debated – and often maligned – Carter’s legacy, especially his foreign policy efforts that revolved around human rights. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Critics have described Carter’s foreign policies as “ineffectual” and “hopelessly muddled ,” and their formulation demonstrated “weakness and indecision.” As a historian researching Carter’s foreign policy initiatives , I conclude his overseas policies were far more effective than critics have claimed. The criticism of Carter’s foreign policies seems particularly mistaken when it comes to the Cold War, a period defined by decades of hostility, mutual distrust and arms buildup after World War II between the U.S. and Russia, then known as the Soviet Union or Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). By the late 1970s, the Soviet Union’s economy and global influence were weakening. With the counsel of National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski, a Soviet expert , Carter exploited these weaknesses. During his presidency, Carter insisted nations provide basic freedoms for their people – a moral weapon against which repressive leaders could not defend. Carter soon openly criticized the Soviets for denying Russian Jews their basic civil rights , a violation of human rights protections outlined in the diplomatic agreement called the Helsinki Accords . Carter’s team underscored these violations in arms control talks. The CIA flooded the USSR with books and articles to incite human rights activism. And Carter publicly supported Russian dissidents – including pro-democracy activist Andrei Sakharov – who were fighting an ideological war against socialist leaders. Carter adviser Stuart Eizenstat argues that the administration attacked the Soviets “in their most vulnerable spot – mistreatment of their own citizens.” This proved effective in sparking Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s social and political reforms of the late 1980s, best known by the Russian word “glasnost ,” or “openness.” In December 1979, the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in response to the assassination of the Soviet-backed Afghan leader, Nur Mohammad Taraki. The invasion effectively ended an existing détente between the U.S. and USSR. Beginning in July 1979, the U.S. was providing advice and nonlethal supplies to the mujahideen rebelling against the Soviet-backed regime. After the invasion, National Security Advisor Brzezinski advised Carter to respond aggressively to it. So the CIA and U.S. allies delivered weapons to the mujahideen, a program later expanded under Reagan. Carter’s move effectively engaged the Soviets in a proxy war that began to bleed the Soviet Union. By providing the rebels with modern weapons, the U.S. was “giving to the USSR its Vietnam war,” according to Brzezinski : a progressively expensive war, a strain on the socialist economy and an erosion of their authority abroad. Carter also imposed an embargo on U.S. grain sales to the Soviets in 1980. Agriculture was the USSR’s greatest economic weakness since the 1960s. The country’s unfavorable weather and climate contributed to successive poor growing seasons, and their heavy industrial development left the agricultural sector underfunded . Economist Elizabeth Clayton concluded in 1985 that Carter’s embargo was effective in exacerbating this weakness. Census data compiled between 1959 and 1979 show that 54 million people were added to the Soviet population. Clayton estimates that 2 to 3 million more people were added in each subsequent year. The Soviets were overwhelmed by the population boom and struggled to feed their people. At the same time, Clayton found that monthly wages increased, which led to an increased demand for meat. But by 1985, there was a meat shortage in the USSR. Why? Carter’s grain embargo, although ended by Reagan in 1981, had a lasting impact on livestock feed that resulted in Russian farmers decreasing livestock production . The embargo also forced the Soviets to pay premium prices for grain from other countries, nearly 25 percent above market prices . For years, Soviet leaders promised better diets and health , but now their people had less food. The embargo battered a weak socialist economy and created another layer of instability for the growing population. In 1980, Carter pushed further to punish the Soviets. He convinced the U.S. Olympic Committee to refrain from competing in the upcoming Moscow Olympics while the Soviets repressed their people and occupied Afghanistan. Carter not only promoted a boycott, but he also embargoed U.S. technology and other goods needed to produce the Olympics. He also stopped NBC from paying the final US$20 million owed to the USSR to broadcast the Olympics. China, Germany, Canada and Japan – superpowers of sport – also participated in the boycott. Historian Allen Guttmann said, “The USSR lost a significant amount of international legitimacy on the Olympic question.” Dissidents relayed to Carter that the boycott was another jab at Soviet leadership. And in America, public opinion supported Carter’s bold move – 73% of Americans favored the boycott . In his 1980 State of the Union address, Carter revealed an aggressive Cold War military plan. He declared a “ Carter doctrine ,” which said that the Soviets’ attempt to gain control of Afghanistan, and possibly the region, was regarded as a threat to U.S. interests. And Carter was prepared to meet the threat with “ military force .” Carter also announced in his speech a five-year spending initiative to modernize and strengthen the military because he recognized the post-Vietnam military cuts weakened the U.S. against the USSR. Ronald Reagan argued during the 1980 presidential campaign that, “Jimmy Carter risks our national security – our credibility – and damages American purposes by sending timid and even contradictory signals to the Soviet Union.” Carter’s policy was based on “weakness and illusion” and should be replaced “with one founded on improved military strength,” Reagan criticized. In 1985, however, President Reagan publicly acknowledged that his predecessor demonstrated great timing in modernizing and strengthening the nation’s forces, which further increased economic and diplomatic pressure on the Soviets. Reagan admitted that he felt “very bad” for misstating Carter’s policies and record on defense. Carter is most lauded today for his post-presidency activism , public service and defending human rights. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for such efforts. But that praise leaves out a significant portion of Carter’s presidential accomplishments. His foreign policy, emphasizing human rights, was a key instrument in dismantling the power of the Soviet Union. This is an updated version of a story that was originally published on May 2, 2019. Robert C. Donnelly , Associate Professor of History, Gonzaga University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Want stories like this delivered straight to your inbox?Stay informed. Stay ahead. Subscribe to InqMORNINGRedefining the Future of Shopping: Jingo Gains Silicon Valley's Backing
Intoxicated man yells profanities at police from his apartment; drunk woman passes out on walking path: Berea police blotterSupport for Luigi Mangione, charged in connection with the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is part of the bitter messaging that's been bubbling up amid debate about health care in America since the CEO attack that captured the country's attention.Ben Houchen 'invites Donald Trump to Tees Valley' in congratulatory letter