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2025-01-12 2025 European Cup 747 jili News

747 jili This uncomfortable truth hangs in the air of every classroom and household- the attention span of adolescents is becoming painfully short. The NHS claims that ‘working alone on a single activity, a 6-year-old may stay interested in as much as 30 minutes’, however, it would be wishful to believe that this is standard amongst children today. Social media has been flooded with the grievances of parents and, notably, teachers worked to the bone by inattentive, disruptive children. Classrooms are progressively becoming places of captivity rather than a nurturing environment for learning. This alarming decline in focus (and subsequent increase in poor behaviour) can be explained as a consequence of the unprecedented event which was the covid-19 lockdown. The lockdown created a country of socially isolated youths- a time in their lives in which the formation of friendships is crucial. A lack of contact between peers led to children turning to their devices in desperate search of mental stimulation. However, the short form content which media today offers couldn’t have been more detrimental for this country’s developing minds. Platforms like TikTok feed brains with largely pointless dopamine hits which prove to be damaging on returning to the classroom. Additionally, the extreme stress and anxiety experienced by all during the lockdown also contributed to a decrease in attention span. In the meantime, teachers and parents can only persevere and wait to see if this damage will prove to be long term.

1. An electric heated mattress pad you better believe will become their most-used item this winter — who wouldn't want to feel like a freshly toasted marshmallow??? It comes with a memory timer and 10 heat settings, ideal for when they doze off while in their cozy bubble, and it boasts dual settings so if they have a partner they can *each* set their side of the bed to the perfect temp. Promising review: "I like all the things about this bed warmer. I had one in the past and got rid of it because we could feel the wires as we laid on them. Not this one. It works well. Just need to figure out what number setting I want. I also really like the timer setting since I often freeze as I go to sleep and then boil half way through the night. But not anymore!! :)" — Fairmaiden Get it from Amazon for $55.96+ (available in twin–California king sizing). 2. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" — aka an absolute essential for achieving peak comfort goals in their living room. It features a spot to hold a remote, two mugs, and two additional beverages. They honestly may never want to leave their couch again. Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action. Promising review: "This thing is great! I’m home on maternity leave with my new baby and spend most of my time on the couch under a sleeping baby. This product makes it easy for me to keep my drinks, remote, etc close by even with dogs running around . It’s a little more expensive than I would have liked but it works and I love it so money well spent!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in eight styles). 3. A "Through The Seasons" Reverse Coloring Book , which is a newer edition of the fan favorite Reverse Coloring Book — perfect for anyone who is tired of coloring *inside* the lines and needs more of a challenge — in this scenario they'll be the one to draw the lines around the colors on the page! Basically, instead of adding the color to these, you draw lines to create images within the colors. Fun! Pair it with these fabulous black fine point pens for $9.99 on Amazon to complete the gift. Promising review : "Kendra Norton’s beautiful art books, Reverse Coloring books, have changed my world! My whole life I thought I was not creative and therefore had zero artistic ability. Now this has become my favorite form of artistic expression. I turn on music and/or an audiobook and allow myself to go for an adventure outside of my mind, beyond my mind, if you will. T his has become my favorite way to process through difficult emotions and experiences I’m working through ." — K. DeWitt Get it from Amazon for $8.29 . 4. A "flaming" humidifier to impress anyone who cherishes nothing more than cozy cottagecore vibes, soothing aromatherapy, and sleeping amongst delightfully hydrated air. Promising review : "I like how this diffuser kind of looks like a mini fireplace and it’s perfect for winter. I also like how long the water of this diffuser lasts — I always add my favorite essential oil in it when I go to sleep every night without worrying it will run out of water. I used to have insomnia and it helped me to sleep through the night with my relaxing essential oil scent, and it also worked as a humidifier." — Benny Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two colors). 5. A small lamp with the ability to rotate 180 degrees — it'll quickly become the *~light of their life~*. It has 16 color settings to choose from so they'll always be able to match the lighting to their mood and it has a remote control so they can mix it up without getting out of bed. Promising review : "I was really happy to find that the quality of this light exceeded my expectations. I’ve used it to create a calm ambience in my room with the orange setting, as well as, added fun lighting to a karaoke party with the blue setting. It has a weighty base and a reasonably long cord. You can also rotate and adjust the angle. Both lights run at the same time too." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors). 6. A quilted chenille floor pillow for anyone who has always dreamt about having their very own reading nook — this will help bring their fantasy to life without having to renovate their entire home. Plus *how lovely* do they look when stacked like in the review photo above!? Gorgeous! Promising review: "This comes just as pictured and described. It is comfortable and looks luxurious. It's great for floor seating." — AKhan Get it from Amazon for $38.49+ (available in seven colors). 7. A teak bath caddy to give them one more reason to fill the tub to the brim and soak for hours while listening to LoFi beats. Promising review: "Well made, pretty tray that fits all the way across my tub. Has a support for book or iPad which is great." — Jolene Saiz Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two styles). 8. And a mod bath pillow , a must-have for anyone who desperately needs to soak the stress of their day away (ahem, me) before hittin' the hay. Promising review: "This has a lot of cushion for your back and neck. I had no issues with sticking it to the tub. The best part is the hook which allows it to dry out well. In this time of working at home, I need a nice tub to help relax." — Danielle Piacentini Get it from Amazon for $33.99 . 9. An attachable Stanley cup snack bowl that'll take their favorite drinking vessel to the next level — a drinking and snacking vessel! Fill it with cookies, chips, fruit, candy... whatever! Once they've stocked it up they won't have to leave their bedroom until morning. Psst — lots of reviewers say this fits their Stanley cup *and* the cheaper alternative versions of it, like this $29.99 Simple Modern tumbler . Promising review : "Was I influenced by TikTok? Yes... but was it worth it? Also, yes! It fits so well on my Stanley and is secure over the handle. It fits quite a bit and has been perfect for me as I work from home. It doesn’t make drinking difficult and has been great at helping me snack throughout the day." — emily Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in three colors). 10. A star string canopy that'll make every night feel like date night as they cuddle up with their loved one *underneath the stars* before heading off to sleep and by sleep I mean to watch too many episodes of Big Brother . Promising review: "This product is great. And beautiful! It was a nice touch to a surprise anniversary date ." — Juan Rodriguez Get it from Amazon for $16.98+ (available in six styles). 11. A foot heater for anyone with perpetually cold tootsies — fire this bad boy up, turn on The Great British Baking Show , and enjoy the warmth you’re guaranteed to feel from head-to-toe (literally). Promising review: "I love this product. It's well built, nice neutral colors to blend into my carpet, so it's not an eyesore wherever I have it sitting. The fuzziness lends a cozy feel to it, as well. It offers a heat or no-heat setting and two directions for the shiatsu-style massagers to work on your heels. The inside is roomy enough that you can even turn your feet on their side to get an extra massage there as well. It's a gentle yet deep massage, so it's great for days when you've been standing for hours or walking on your feet a lot. I would recommend to anyone looking for a nice foot massager." — Gardener Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in two colors). 12. A Pura 4 smart fragrance diffuser they can use to effortlessly infuse their house with a scent that *smells like home* and can be customized with an app on their phone. The strength and duration of the fragrance can be set (wow!) and it'll store two scents at a time for whenever they want to change up the vibes. Promising review: "I ended up giving this to a friend and she and her wife love it! I gave them a Christmas scent to go with it and now they have purchased some refills on their own!" — Penny E. Get it from Pura for $34.99 and shop all the fragrance options . 13. A cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter with a flexible neck to light every candle in the house to create the *perfect* ambiance without the concern of run out of lighter fluid. Promising review: "I cook outside, and lighting a fire during wet and windy weather was a real pain. This lighter was a game changer! As long as the material is dry, this lighter will light regularly, consistently, and easily. Plus, it’s rechargeable! Love it!" — Sandra Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors and as a two-pack). 14. And a "Comfort Zone" candle that smells of coffee, cedarwood and that perfect moment when you return home to your happy place after an extremely long day — any homebody will have this on their holiday wish list (and if they don't yet, they should!) Promising review: "I am a marketing guru and love clever ideas. The candles did not disappoint, they smell great and the packaging/shipping is beautiful. Such a fun idea for friend and colleague gifts. I will definitely order them again." — Anonymous Get it from Anecdote Candles for $14+ (available in three sizes) or on Amazon for $26 . 15. Or a floral-inspired dimmable candle-warmer lamp they can safely use to bring the scent of their favorite candle to their room (no flames necessary). An added bonus — the candle will last waaaaay longer since it's not actually burning down! Promising review: "I bought this on a whim, and I’m hooked. I love the timer and dimmer features. So far, the lamp works great. It doesn’t put out a lot of heat and I love that you can adjust the light. This is now going to be my go-to gift. " — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $29.98 (available in 10 styles). 16. Or a set of remote-controlled flameless candles so they can set up the cozy corner of their dreams without worrying about starting a not-so-cozy fire. 😅 Each candle requires 3 AAA batteries . Promising review: "I bought one set and loved them so much I bought two more sets. They're the most realistic looking fake candles I've bought so far. The 'flame' up close obviously doesn't look real but from afar with the flicker setting on, you almost can't tell these aren't real. They also put out a decent amount of light for being fake. Gives my living room a very cozy feel which is what I wanted. Remote works great as well. " — suckerforcats Get a set of three from Amazon for $25.99 (available in five styles). 17. A homebody sticker for my fellow '90s girlies who have *never* felt more at home than squatting in that all-too-memorable yellow playhouse with the pink door and light green shutters. IYKYK, my friends. SpunkeeMonkeeStudio is a small business! This sticker is waterproof so it can happily live on your water bottle! Promising review: "I had one of these!! 111/10 nostalgia core." — aria isnt here anymore Get it from SpunkeeMonkeeStudio on Etsy for $4.25 . 18. Murdle, Volume 1 , a compilation of murder mystery–themed logic puzzles that are reminiscent of the ever-popular Wordle game. This version will encourage your pal to use powers of deduction and a variety of clues to solve the mysteries throughout the book. Sherlock Holmes, who? There are 100 puzzles total, and four different levels of difficulty to tackle —each puzzle features a logic grid to help you solve it! Promising review: "The puzzles are a lot of fun, but the characters, storylines and other details take the Murdle experience to another level. I have no idea how the author came up with all of this creativeness! You can Murdle solo or with friends. I look forward to future volumes but this one will keep me busy for a while!" — Liz Gately Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . If you want to keep the fun going you can *also* snag Murdle: Volume 2 and Murdle: Volume 3 for more puzzling. 19. A " Grievance Journal ," aka a "burn book for the discerning misanthrope" that your friend with the darkest humor will find especially cathartic thanks to 52 prompts to express irritations over what's bothering them the most. Promising review : "Bought this intending to gift it to a friend but ended up getting really into the prompts and decided to keep it for myself. WOW, what an awesome way to vent and articulate the negativity you're feeling by actually forcing yourself to form coherent thoughts around your emotions. Cheaper and more effective than therapy, buying several more for friends and fam. " — Alex Get it from Amazon for $27.99 . If your recipient wants something a little less grim, check out this Burn After Writing book with a similar but lighter sentiment. 20. A chunky knit chenille blanket to bury themselves under because it's simply that time of year — it comes in so many colors you'll absolutely be able to snag one that matches their room's vibe. It's also hypoallergenic *and* machine washable! Samiah Luxe is a small business! Promising review: "Love this look. Makes the room look & feel cozy. But then the blanket ACTUALLY is cozy! Super soft. Heavy. Warm. Worth the money." — Tracy W. Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors). 21. Or a wearable blanket for anyone who typically wraps their throw blanket around their shoulders and wanders the house like a ghost. They can skip that entire step and slip this version right over their head then proceed with their meandering. Promising review: "I bought this to live in when in my college dorm and now I never want to leave my college dorm. But that means it's GOOD!! I totally slept in it last night and it's perfect for rolling out of bed when it's 40 degrees outside, which makes the floors cold. My feet may be cold, but the rest of me sure isn't! 😀👍" — Eden Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (available in kids and adults sizes and 28 styles). 22. A Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas cross stitch kit so they can *~live like Jack and Sally if you want~* or at the very least add them into their home decor. This beginner's kit comes with thread, printed fabric, needle, step-by-step instructions, and a 3-inch plastic hoop, Get it from Amazon for $6.99 . 23. A new cookbook from Prue Leith (yes, the famed The Great British Bake Off judge!) filled with a variety of exciting recipes — perfect for someone who enjoys unwinding by cooking (and even better for their roommate who gets to eat all the stress-fueled cooking). Get it from Amazon for $32.45 . 24. A heated eye massager complete with five different massage modes and Bluetooth music so you can fully indulge and relax while relieving pain from eye strain and headaches. Promising review : "I saw this product on one of Amazon’s must-have TikTok videos and I knew I had to get it. It was so worth it — even though price may seem higher compared to other sellers, this is for sure a good investment piece. The quality is top notch, the strap that goes around your head is comfortable, and most importantly, the duration of each mode is long enough that it doesn’t interrupt your rest. I work a 12-hour night shift as a nurse and this technology has helped me get through the night easily. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (available in four colors). 25. A mason jar cold brew maker, a must-have for your homebody-BFF who'll really appreciate not having to wait in line at a crowded coffee shop. Reviewers absolutely love this version and also use it to brew their favorite iced teas. Cheers! County Line Kitchen is a small business specializing in mason jar–style cold brew makers, pitchers, and accessories. Promising review: "This has been a hit in my house. Makes the most delicious cold brew and is of great quality. Has saved a ton of money on going out and on pods I used to buy. I try to let it sit for 48 hours so I can dilute it with a little water to get it to last longer, and throw it in my dishwasher in between uses. Perfect!" — Jo Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes and colors). 26. A subscription to Book of the Month for any bibliophile who hates having to actually speak to someone in a store about what they should read next and would much rather have their next fave novel delivered to their door. I was gifted a BOTM subscription many years ago and I've stayed loyal since! It's the only subscription service I've kept up with and gifted to different people. Each month your gift recipient will be permitted to choose from a selection of books (and more recently, audiobooks!), all of which are different genres. Then the book they select will be delivered to their door. Half of my beautifully color coordinated bookcase is filled with books from BOTM and I couldn't be happier! Get three months from Book of the Month for $59.99 . 27. A bookmark book tracker that'll motivate them to actually settle down and read the novel their book club decided on for this month. After they finish a book they can add the title into the spine on the bookmark and color it in — adorable. Britishbookart is a small business based in the UK that sells paintings of literary characters, like Belle from Beauty and the Beast (my personal fave) and Arya from Game of Thrones , as well as reading trackers and bookmarks. I bought two for my cousins during the holidays and the both were so excited to get started reading/coloring! Get it from britishbookart on Etsy for $3.42 . 28. And a genius amber reading light to attach directly to their novel, so even if their partner wants to hit the hay they can stay up as late as they want without disturbing them as they dive deeper and deeper into The New York Times bestseller their friends have all been raving about. Promising review: "This is a fantastic light! I use it every evening to continue reading while my son sleeps, it does not wake him or impede my sleep after I’m ready to go to bed. Great product." — Brian Masters Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 29. A pack of six aromatherapy shower steamers they can add into their morning rinse for the days they'd love to indulge in a lavish bubble bath but, sadly, have to head right out the door (and fast!) Promising review : "These are the best shower steamers I've ever tried. Usually, they aren't strong enough, or they melt too quickly to even enjoy. They are also bigger than what you can buy at the store. One lasted my entire shower and still smelled amazing even after I was done. These are the best shower steamers, hands down. I would definitely buy these again." — Krista Get it from Amazon for $16.99 . 30. An "Awakened Artifacts" puzzle from the TikTok-famous Magic Puzzle Company for your happiest-at-home friend, perfect for helping them unwind after a day filled with unpleasantries. There are over 50 hidden Easter eggs in this journey of an activity (including a hidden twist at the end!) that'll delight and amaze anyone who works on it. Promising review: "Bought this as soon as I got the email that it dropped on Amazon! Love this series and will continue to purchase them. Was it the most challenging puzzle? No, but that didn't take away from the fun of putting it together. Great artwork, wacky pieces, two posters, you just can't go wrong with a magic puzzle!" — Jennifer Lawton Get it from Amazon for $22.99 . This is one of 14 puzzles from the Magic Puzzle Company , so there's lots of other ~puzzling~ possibilities once this one's finished! 31. Espresso Martini Instant Cocktail Tea Bags that can be used to take *~tini time~* to the next level with minimal effort (and for wayyyy cheaper than a bar that's filled to the brim with humans...no thanks). All they'll need to do is steep the bag in cold water and a spirit of their choice (vodka is recommended, but it can also be made as mocktails) until the majority of the bag dissolves. Cheers to that and to being able to drink at home in their pajamas! SAYSO is a small business! Promising review: "Initially thought these would need to steep in hot water, but they work in cold water. I like to let them steep around 10 minutes. Quick and delicious cocktails! I’ve tried all flavors but Old Fashioned and that’s next. These are fantastic for cocktail lovers that camp. No heavy mixers to carry." — AnneF Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six other cocktails and in a variety pack). 32. Fuzzy slippers with a lil' coquette vibe to 'em that'll make your pal feel feel oh-so pretty while they kick back, relax, and let the world know they're taking a much-needed break. Promising review: "Love them. My cousin had them so I had to have them. Super cozy and super cute." — lauren Get it from Amazon for $17.98 (available in women's sizes 5.5–10 and six styles). 33. Cadbury Drinking Chocolate for anyone who knows the best way to commemorate the return of winter weather is by toasting it with a mug of full-body-warming cocoa. Promising review: "We drink this almost nightly and we do it year-round. When I die, cremate me and put me in a Cadbury Drinking Chocolate tin." — Majombaszo Get it from Amazon for $12 . 34. Or a holiday gift set from Blue Bottle Coffee complete with their winter blend and a mug that just screams "I'm happy and cozy at home with my caffeine." The coffee blend includes 10 oz of whole bean coffee featuring tasting notes of dark chocolate, molasses, and blackberry. The mug is simple, sturdy, holds 12oz and was beautifully crafted in Japan. My husband purchased this set for himself (wish he would've told me for the holidays, but I digress) so I can confirm the mug really is quite lovely. Perfect for someone who appreciates the simpler, but finer, things in life. Get it from Blue Bottle Coffee for $54 . 35. And a mug warmer because when it's cold outside there is nothing better than being able to wrap your hands around a hot bev — this lil' gadget won't take up much room at all and will ensure that their drink remains the perfect temperature. Promising review: "It's so nice to work on the computer and reach for the coffee ☕️ and it's still hot or warm, your choice. Great buy." — Chip Wood Get it from Amazon for $19.98 . 36. A flexible universal tablet stand , in case they have roommates and simply don't feel like hanging out with them to watch TV every night. This handy dandy gadget will ensure they can continue to watch episodes of The Bear hands-free and human-free. Tablift is a small business created by Scott Blevins after he had trouble finding a tablet stand for his bed. This is compatible with Apple, Samsung, Microsoft, and most other tablets (but you may have to remove the case in some cases). Promising review : "I wondered how the flexible legs might be. The problem I envisioned was that the legs would deflect as I used the support — nope! Not at all! It's flexible AND stable in just the right way. The legs twist in a wide variety of positions and the STAY where I put them. I use it for reading in bed at night mostly but have also used it's on the couch while watching TV. Ideal in each instance. Great job!" — R. Steven Cooper Get it from Amazon for $49.95 . 37. Microwaveable hugging sloths filled with soothing lavender — who better to spend a cold wintry night with?! The pair breaks apart so they can share the love with their roommate when they're having a rough day. 🥹 My sister bought my son a Golden Retriever Warmies plush before he was born and it's recently become a staple in his collection of "crib friends." It smells incredible and is so soothing for bedtime. I love that they're weighted but not *too* heavy that I'd be worried to let him snuggle with it overnight. Promising review: "I have a sloth obsession so I'm adding these to my collection! Perfect size and absolutely adorable! Not sure I'll use them for warming, but I have other Warmies for that purpose!!" — Heather W. Get it from Warmies for $29.99 or Amazon for $26.95 . 38. And a subscription to Hallmark+ you might want to go ahead and send over to them right now — a 10/10 gift for your pal who would be over the moon to have an excuse to hunker down and indulge in a marathon of lovey-dovey holiday movies. One of my all time greatest guilty pleasures is watching a concerning number of Hallmark Christmas movies from the moment the clock strikes 12 on November 1st through the end of the winter (if I'm being honest). As someone who got rid of cable years ago, I used to have to jump through hoops to get my fix. Now that Hallmark+ exists I was able to get a lovely little subscription (they range from three months to a year) and enjoy my favorite seasonal treat, hassle-free. Get a 3-month subscription from Hallmark+ for $23.97 . Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 25 — Amid busy lives and changing traditions, going to a restaurant or ordering takeaways for festive seasons, Christmas included, has become a growing trend in Malaysia. While many Malaysians still participate in a communal preparation of the festive spread at home — which more often than not would include a curry or two — just as many households are opting out of hours spent in the kitchen and turning to gourmet festive offerings at local restaurants and hotels. The menu offerings of roast turkey, roast lamb, wagyu steak and increasingly popular beef Wellington, priced from RM300 upwards, are now key players in many modern Malaysian Christmas feasts, with customers preferring the convenience of dining out or having a hefty spread delivered right to their doorstep. “We’ve seen a 50 per cent increase in turkey sales compared to last year,” Chong Ai Lee, business director of Maria’s SteakCafe, told Malay Mail . “We have sold 33 turkeys so far,” she added. Originally from Ipoh, Perak, the steakhouse has since expanded to the Klang Valley and now boasts five outlets. Maria’s SteakCafe, which first launched its Christmas delivery menu in 2017, has seen a year-on-year increase in orders, with families and corporate clients opting for high-end meals for year-end gatherings or as gifts. It offers an extensive range of dishes beyond turkey, including Wagyu MB5-7 Tomahawk, Black Angus Tomahawk, Angus beef Wellington, and roast lamb. “Our goal is to take the stress out of your Christmas celebrations by providing our customers with delicious, high-quality meals,” said Chong. “We want to help make this festive season memorable so that people can focus on enjoying precious moments with family and friends.” Botanica + Co, serving its Christmas menu since 2014, offers turkey and salmon as the main festive dishes, with a strong following among families and company groups. The turkeys, imported from the US, cost RM680 each. “Most who buy them are people who want to take them to family gatherings or company groups that hold their own Christmas functions,” a representative from Botanica + Co told Malay Mail when contacted, declining to be named. “This year we have sold some 51 turkeys, which is more than last year, and the restaurant is always packed during this time of year too,” the representative added. The Four Seasons Hotel in Kuala Lumpur has reported strong sales, with around 50 orders, including turkey sets starting at RM588, prime rib, roasted duck, and smoked chicken. In Penang, Smokepapa BBQ has been offering smoked whole turkey and smoked whole chicken sets since 2020, doing especially well during the lockdown years of 2020 and 2021. “During MCO, we sold between 40 to 45 whole turkeys,” said Tan Eik Hong and Jen Phan, owners of Smokepapa BBQ. “Since then, the number of orders has averaged around 30 turkeys every year.” This year, Smokepapa BBQ received 35 turkey orders, along with 10 sets for ham and 26 chicken sets, with a majority of the orders coming from locals. “Among those who ordered turkeys are expatriates, church groups, and some with big families,” said Phan. “I would say 60 to 70 per cent are locals.” At the Eastern & Oriental Hotel in George Town, Penang, general manager Alison Fraser said that festive goodies, including its roast turkey priced at RM980, have seen consistent sales over the years. “We usually sell a good number of turkeys as it is a symbolic dish and must-have during this festive season,” said Fraser, who also noted that prime ribs (RM980) and lamb legs (RM780) were among the most popular items. In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, local restaurant Limau and Linen has been offering unique festive options such as cherrywood smoked hams and truffle beef wellingtons, setting itself apart from traditional turkey-focused menus. “When we were the new kid on the block, everyone was going turkey, roast beef, and lamb racks,” said Limau and Linen’s owner and creative chef Linn Yong. “To set us apart, we did a whole suckling pig, house-cured hams, and wellingtons. “We still get about 150 or so orders of our roasts,” said Yong. Yong admitted that the turkeys are not as popular as its other dishes, with only about 10 per cent of orders from loyal, regular customers. Limau and Linen’s turkeys cost RM568, the suckling pig costs RM498, the beef wellington RM458, and the ham RM148 per kg. “It’s slower this year, but we anticipate last-minute rush orders,” Yong said. Another Sabah restaurant, Happy Place, said its most popular offerings include spatchcock turkeys with sides for RM588++ and roasted lamb legs for RM328++, alongside beef wellington, roast beef, and salmon. “We usually sell out every year, with a maximum of about 50 turkeys,” said general manager Kathie Renjus. “December is our busiest month every year, and we have to limit our roasts to 60-80 per day.” Renjus also noted that almost half of its orders come from non-Christians, who are looking for festive meals for their events or gatherings. At Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, there is a noticeable shift away from turkey, with roasted lamb leg and chicken proving to be more popular, as well as other festive specials like Angus beef en croute — it looks similar to beef wellington in that it’s enveloped in puff pastry, but comes with a topping of pate atop the steak — as well as gingerbread houses and stollen.Washington Commanders' offense busts out thanks to its old friend, the running game

Pelicans vs. Grizzlies Injury Report Today – December 27 Published 4:33 pm Thursday, December 26, 2024 By Data Skrive As they gear up to play the New Orleans Pelicans (5-25) on Friday, December 27 at Smoothie King Center, with tip-off at 8:00 PM ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (20-10) have four players currently listed on the injury report. The Pelicans have listed six injured players. Watch the NBA, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up. The Pelicans are coming off of a 132-129 OT loss to the Nuggets in their last outing on Sunday. Jordan Hawkins scored a team-high 25 points for the Pelicans in the loss. The Grizzlies lost their most recent matchup 114-110 against the Clippers on Monday. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 24 points in the Grizzlies’ loss, leading the team. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report Today Sign up for NBA League Pass to get live and on-demand access to NBA games. Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report Today Get tickets for any NBA game this season at StubHub. Pelicans vs. Grizzlies Game Info Catch NBA action all season long on Fubo. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .

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Spain's monarch pays tribute to the victims of Valencia floods in his Christmas Eve speechRock Island continued its early season success with an 83-46 victory over the Chicago-based Bowen Boilermakers early Saturday afternoon on Day 2 of the Rock Island Thanksgiving Tournament. The Rocks shot 75 percent from the field in the first half and their defense caused 17 turnovers in a well-rounded performance. “We came out and I felt like we did do what we needed to do,” Rock Island head coach Marc Polite said. “We got off to a slow start, but once we settled down, we were able to get some distance.” Bowen is part of the Chicago Public Blue South Conference and finished last season second in the conference with a 21-11 record. However, the Boilermakers have now started the season 0-3. The Rocks pressured the Boilermakers early and often, forcing Bowen to cough up the ball 14 times in the first half with typical Rock Island fullcourt press. The stifling Rocks’ defense did not allow much breathing room for any Bowen offensive player. The Boilermakers solely relied on senior Rae’Qwon Rogers, who scored 17 of Bowen’s 27 first half points, mostly on one-on-one isolation play. Rogers only had two points after halftime. People are also reading... “Bowen is a tough cover,” Polite said. "Whenever a team like them has five guards that they can put on the floor that can dribble and are aggressive with the ball, it really tests our defensive principles. I thought we made some good adjustments after they got rolling in the first quarter.” Bowen took a narrow two-point lead (11-9) with just over four minutes left. The Rocks then turned up the intensity on the defensive side of the ball, ending the quarter on a 13-5 run. Rock Island also shot the ball at a blistering pace in the first quarter, nailing nine of their first 13 attempts, including three-point plays by juniors Avian Thomas and Lawson Zulu. “I felt like we came out strong,” Thomas said. “It was a little sloppy in the beginning, but we came together as a group and stuck with each other and still believed in each other throughout the game.” Thomas had 15 points, with Zulu leading all Rocks with 17 points. The Rocks continued their offensive dominance in the second quarter, ending the first half by converting their last nine shots. Eight of those were either transition layups on Bowen turnovers, or layups in the half-court offense off beautiful assists. “We finally got into a rhythm,” Polite said. “We are a rhythm-based team, and I thought we strung together some possessions that we were indicative of what we were trying to do on the offensive end. I felt like we had two or three stretches where we had some great offensive rhythm and moved the ball around.” “I feel like our aggressiveness leads to our offense,” Thomas added. "When we are hitting wide open shots, we are a tough team to beat.” The Rocks were comfortably ahead at halftime, leading 49-27, and ended the half on a 19-7 run. “That is a big testament to our offense,” Polite said. "I thought we moved the ball well. We have guys who are ball-tough. With teams like Bowen and Dyatt on Friday, they really get after you, and we have to be tough and strong with the basketball.” Rock Island had an amusing moment halfway through the third quarter. Senior Jae’Vion “Juice” Clark-Pugh split the Boilermaker defenders with a monstrous one-handed dunk. The problem was that the ball popped straight up, and Clark-Pugh used his off-hand to dunk the ball again while still hanging on the rim. “I did not think ‘Juice’ was going to grab the ball and put it back in,” Thomas said. “If he had let go, I think the ball would have gone in. But that made us all laugh, and that is what he brings to the team. He is an energetic, big, fun guy and we love him.” “Juice is an athletic kid,” Polite said of that moment. “I thought he played his best game thus far. He played a really complete game. I thought he finished well and played good defense and rebounded the ball well. For us to be successful this year, we are going to need some games like this from him.” Clark-Pugh had 15 points, with all his baskets coming from around the rim. It was not all good news for the Rocks. In the late stages of the third quarter, Rocks’ glue guy and senior Isaiss Duarte went for a layup, with the Rocks up 68-27. Duarte fell hard on his right wrist and was in obvious pain. He immediately went to the locker room with the Rock Island trainer and did not return. “Duarte has to get an X-ray and figure out what is going on,” Polite said. “I think initially, it maybe felt a little bit worse than what it was, but we are hoping to get positive.” Duarte had seven points before leaving with the injury. “’Zay’ is our energy guy,” Thomas said. “He brings in that defense and tenacity, and we are going to miss him. Hopefully, we can have him back by next week, and I think Deven Marshall is going to come in and fill that role. He has been playing really well in this tournament.” The Rocks closed the tournament with a game against Rockridge (2-1) on Saturday night. Details were not available at press time. A full story will be published on Monday. The Rockets fell in a hard-fought, defensive mid-afternoon game against Dyatt, 54-43 on Saturday. “We are a next-man-up. That has always been our philosophy,” Polite said. “We have other guys whare are going to have to step in to contribute and cover some of his stuff. Duarte does so much for us.” Thomas is greatly anticipating Saturday night’s game. “Rockridge is a tough opponent,” Thomas said. "If we play together as a team and throw the first punch like we have been doing over the past three games, we can get out early and run away with this game.” Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox! {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . ABILENE, Texas (AP) — Sam Hicks scored on a 53-yard run in the fourth quarter and finished with 171 yards on the ground to lead Abilene Christian to a 24-0 victory over Northern Arizona on Saturday in the first round of the FCS playoffs. The Wildcats (9-4), ranked No. 15 in the FCS coaches poll and seeded 15th, qualified for the playoffs for the first time and will travel to play No. 2 seed and nine-time champion North Dakota State (10-2) on Saturday at the Fargo Dome. The Bison had a first-round bye. Abilene Christian grabbed a 7-0 lead on its second possession when Carson Haggard connected with Trey Cleveland for a 37-yard touchdown that capped a 10-play 97-yard drive. Northern Arizona (8-5), ranked 17th but unseeded for the playoffs after winning five straight to get in, picked off Haggard on the Wildcats’ next two possessions but could not turn them into points. NAU went for it on fourth-and-goal at the 1-yard line with 9:30 left before halftime, but Jordan Mukes tackled Ty Pennington for a 4-yard loss. That led to a 46-yard field goal by Ritse Vaes and a 10-0 lead at halftime. The score remained the same until Hicks’ big run with 10:16 left to play. Haggard passed 6 yards to Blayne Taylor for the final score with 2:16 to go. Haggard completed 23 of 29 passes for 244 yards with three interceptions. RELATED COVERAGE Michigan, Ohio State fight broken up with police pepper spray after Wolverines stun Buckeyes 13-10 Sellers’ 20-yard TD run with 1:08 to go lifts No. 16 South Carolina to 17-14 win over No. 12 Clemson No. 7 Tennessee gives up 1st 14 points before rallying to rout Vanderbilt 36-23 Abilene Christian’s defense allowed at least 20 points in every game during the regular season and yielded at least 30 six times. The Wildcats lost their season opener to FBS member Texas Tech 52-51 in overtime. Abilene Christian’s last shutout came in a 56-0 victory over Lamar on Sept. 25, 2021. ___ 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

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It was the spring of 1991, and St. John’s had just lost to eventual champion Duke in a regional final of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Lou Carnesecca invited the several newspaper writers who covered the team to a season-ending lunch at Dante Restaurant, his longtime hangout near campus. Why not? It seemed like a nice gesture. So this then-30-year-old reporter told his editor he would be gone for a bit and set out from Newsday’s Queens office. Six hours later . . . I left the restaurant with a better sense of what a casual lunch with Carnesecca entailed, and with a quintessential New York experience. Rather than the small table of sportswriters I envisioned, there were long ones that filled the restaurant with several dozen of Looie’s closest friends. Menus? Um, no. Just rounds of Italian food as chosen by the chef, and even more rounds of red wine bottles. Scenes from an Italian restaurant on Union Turnpike, hosted by Lou Carnesecca, complete with heartburn and a hangover. Why bring this up now? Because it is one way among many of illustrating the life and times of Carnesecca, who died Saturday at age 99. To call him old school would be an understatement. The guy was born in 1925, two years before television. His father, Alfredo, ran a grocery store in East Harlem. Carnesecca lived his entire life in and around New York City other than during his service in World War II and evolved only grudgingly. He was a character who reveled in being a character, most of it genuine, some of it shtick and all of it memorable. And as much as he was a New Yorker out of central casting himself, he knew almost every other famous New Yorker in the sports world of the middle-to-late 20th century. And non-New Yorkers, too. Basketball was his bailiwick, though. St. John's basketball coach Lou Carnesecca, center, flanked, by players from left, Ron Steward, Chris Mullin and Bill Wennington, laugh as they hold the trophy for winning the Holiday Festival College Basketball tournament, December 29, 1984 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Credit: AP/G. PAUL BURNETT In an interview with Newsday late in 2023, two weeks before his 99th birthday, he was able to offer firsthand opinions on iconic coaches the likes of Joe Lapchick, John Wooden, Frank McGuire, Adolph Rupp, Nat Holman, Ben Carnevale, Clair Bee and, yes, Rick Pitino. Like others with images so colorful they threatened to overshadow their accomplishments – Yogi Berra comes to mind – it was easy to forget Carnesecca knew basketball in general, knew recruiting the streets of New York City in particular and was no one’s pushover. Most famously, he made the transition from the ancient days of Eastern college basketball’s loose affiliations to become a towering figure in the early Big East. The pinnacle came in 1985, when he led St. John’s to the Final Four before it fell to mighty Georgetown. The rivalry between St. John’s and Georgetown that season was and remains one of the highlights in New York City’s long love affair with college basketball. And it cemented New York’s long love affair with Carnesecca. The feeling was mutual, to understate things. Lou Carnesecca coaches his St. John's team from the sidelines during their game against Niagara on Nov. 23, 1991. Credit: AP/Mark Lennihan Carnesecca never did leave his hometown. Why would he? He lived out his final years in Queens, still sharp and witty. When St. John’s hired Pitino, an old Big East rival, as its coach in 2023, the then-98-year-old showed up at the introductory news conference. “Lou built a legendary program – legendary – and we will get back to those days by exemplifying everything that he taught,” Pitino said, pointing to Carnesecca. As he left the event that day, the old man said, “This is a great day, a great day.” Carnesecca loved all the attention he got in one of his first public outings since the COVID-19 pandemic. People were his lifeblood, and he could kibitz and zing one-liners with the best of them, from recruits to fans to reporters. Asked on the cusp of turning 99 what kept him going, he said, “It must be the olive oil.” Recalling when he denied his father’s wish that he become a doctor, he said, “I thank God in his infinite wisdom. He knew I would have caused more deaths than the bubonic plague.” Journalists usually must approach modern coaching stars through protective public relations folks. How did one get an audience with Carnesecca? By showing up unannounced at his office and asking his secretary, “Is Coach around?” (He was the only coach I called “Coach” in 40 years of sportswriting.) Privately, Carnesecca had a tough side that he could and would aim at those who crossed him. But his public face never wavered, and his famously raspy voice and accent said it all. He was a New Yorker, troo and troo. Next round is on me, Coach. No menu required. Neil Best first worked at Newsday in 1982, returned in 1985 after a detour to Alaska and has been here since, specializing in high schools, college basketball, the NFL and most recently sports media and business.La Salle defeats Temple 83-75

Washington, D.C., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAINN , the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, today announced it has been selected as a winner of the 2024 Amazon Web Services (AWS) IMAGINE Grant , a public grant opportunity open to registered charities in the United Kingdom and Ireland and registered 501(c) nonprofit organizations in the United States who are using technology to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. The grant will support RAINN’s efforts to expedite access to trauma-informed support for sexual violence survivors of all ages, delivering critical interventions where people already communicate. Now in its seventh year, the AWS IMAGINE Grant provides vital resources to nonprofit organizations looking to deploy cloud technology as a central tool to achieve mission goals. As part of the program, AWS seeks proposals for big ideas on how to leverage cloud technology in new and innovative ways to accelerate impact in local and global communities. RAINN was named a winner in the Pathfinder – Generative AI category, which recognizes highly innovative, mission-critical projects that leverage generative AI. RAINN will receive up to $200,000 in unrestricted funding, up to $100,000 in AWS Promotional Credits, and implementation support from the AWS Generative AI Innovation Center . Proposals were judged on several factors including the innovative and unique nature of the project, impact on mission-critical goals, and clearly defined outcomes and milestones. RAINN will use AWS generative AI services to integrate RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline and additional support mediums for survivors directly into social media, gaming, and social networking sites. Through this integration, RAINN aims to expedite access to trauma-informed support for sexual violence survivors of all ages, delivering critical interventions where people already communicate. “RAINN is honored to be a 2024-2025 Amazon Web Services IMAGINE Pathfinder recipient,” said Bill Bondurant , Chief Technology Officer for RAINN. “AWS enables RAINN support specialists to connect with survivors, especially those from vulnerable populations, where they are already communicating and may be most comfortable accessing support. Reaching out for help is already difficult, and removing barriers to accessing crisis support for survivors is a critical component of RAINN’s mission. Together, utilizing AWS services, we will help more survivors and work towards creating a world free from sexual violence.” "At AWS, we're inspired by the nonprofit sector's unwavering commitment to preserving the dignity and health of people and our planet," said Allyson Fryhoff, managing director of nonprofit and nonprofit health at AWS. "Our Imagine Grant winners are pioneering groundbreaking, technology-driven approaches that will amplify their mission impact and build a more equitable and compassionate world. We are thrilled to work alongside these organizations, helping them leverage the transformative capabilities of the AWS Cloud to bring these projects to life.” Since the launch of the IMAGINE Grant program in 2018, AWS has awarded over $14M in unrestricted funds, AWS Promotional Credits, and expert technical guidance to over 130 nonprofit organizations in support of their technology-driven goals. Previous winners are currently using AWS services to tackle critical challenges such as eliminating barriers to food security , improving maternal health outcomes , helping millions access clean and safe drinking water globally, tackling rare disease research, and more. Over 85,000 nonprofit organizations worldwide use AWS to increase their impact and advance mission goals. Through multiple programs tailored specifically to the nonprofit community, AWS enables nonprofits of all sizes to overcome barriers to technology adoption, while enhancing the scale, performance, and capabilities of mission operations. For more information on the AWS IMAGINE Grant, visit https://aws.amazon.com/government-education/nonprofits/aws-imagine-grant-program/ ### About RAINN RAINN , the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, help organizations improve their sexual assault prevention and response programs, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, free, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visiting hotline.RAINN.org . Contact: Erinn Robinson Director of Media Relations media@rainn.org Erinn Robinon Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) 8133351418 ErinnR@rainn.orgThe Department of Defense (DoD) published the updated Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Program to enforce existing cybersecurity standards across the defense industrial base. This program is designed to ensure the protection of Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) from growing cyber threats. CMMC requirements will be phased into contracts starting in 2025, marking a shift in accountability for safeguarding non-public information throughout the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). Key Aspects of the CMMC Program The CMMC framework includes three certification levels, each with progressively more stringent requirements based on the sensitivity of the information handled. Level 1 requires contractors to complete a self-assessment covering 15 basic safeguards outlined in FAR 52.204-21. Level 2 necessitates contractors implement 110 requirements under NIST SP 800-171 and adds a third-party assessment for some contracts. Level 3 adds 24 additional requirements from NIST SP 800-172 with the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Assessment Center (DIBCAC) conducting assessments every three years. Certification Process and Compliance Steps Each certification level requires specific accountability measures. Level 1 and certain Level 2 contractors conduct self-assessments and report their scores to DoD’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS). For some Level 2 and all Level 3 certifications, contractors must undergo a third-party assessment by a certified C3PAO or DIBCAC. Contractors may use a Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M) for up to 180 days to address gaps in requirements. Contractors must submit an annual affirmation to maintain certification, while periodic reassessments ensure ongoing compliance. If requirements cannot be implemented, contractors may request enduring exceptions, particularly if specific technologies lack compatibility with a requirement. Integration of CMMC Requirements in DoD Contracts DoD will roll out CMMC requirements across contracts gradually, with full implementation expected by 2028. Initially, CMMC requirements will apply only to contracts requiring Level 1 or Level 2 self-assessments, but all contracts involving FCI and CUI will include CMMC requirements by 2028. This phased approach gives contractors time to comply yet underscores the need for prompt action. Implications for the Defense Supply Chain CMMC requirements extend beyond prime contractors to subcontractors handling FCI or CUI. Prime contractors must ensure their subcontractors meet the necessary certification level, creating accountability across the supply chain. Preparing for CMMC Certification To prepare for certification, contractors should conduct a thorough internal cybersecurity review under privilege to identify gaps. Contractors who handle CUI must develop a System Security Plan (SSP) to document compliance strategies. Engaging a C3PAO for higher-level certifications and reviewing subcontractor compliance are key steps. Acting early allows contractors to align cybersecurity practices with CMMC requirements. Conclusion The CMMC Program shows the DoD’s commitment to securing its supply chain. Contractors who fail to comply with CMMC requirements risk losing DoD contracts and/or facing government enforcement actions. Defense contractors who plan ahead and take necessary actions will maintain contract eligibility and safeguard sensitive information effectively.

A designated disability minister will be appointed to each Government department to “champion disability inclusion and accessibility”, the Government has announced. Work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms said the move aims to drive “real improvements” for disabled people, whom the ministers will be encouraged to engage with on a regular basis. He told the Commons: “I am very pleased to be able to announce today the appointment of new lead ministers for disability in each Government department, they will represent the interests of disabled people, champion disability inclusion and accessibility within their departments. “I’m going to chair regular meetings with them and will encourage them to engage directly with disabled people and their representative organisations, as they take forward their departmental priorities. “And I look forward to this new group of lead ministers for disability together driving real improvements across Government for disabled people.” This came during an adjournment debate on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling raised concerns about “floating bus stops”, which have a cycle lane between the stop and the pavement. Intervening, the MP for Torbay, who is registered blind, said: “The Government needs to ban floating bus stops.” Sir Stephen said: “I do think this issue about floating bus stops is an important issue which we need to work across Government to reflect on.” Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who led the debate, had earlier criticised the lack of accessibility for disabled people on trains. The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP said: “Our train network does not have level access, and we heard Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson from the other place make this plea back in the summer, absolutely outrageous what she was put through. “But I was absolutely shocked to find, when I had a presentation of the TransPennine route upgrade, that the rolling stock yet to be commissioned is not going to provide that level access. “It’s absolute nonsense, it’s not even in the design of that procurement, so we must do better than this.”Easey Street suspect to face murder and rape charges

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A T-fal non-stick cookware set for 25% off complete with 17 pieces including dishwasher- and oven-safe pots, pans, griddles, and Dutch ovens. There's even a steamer included for those who want to get really fancy. Reviewers say they're easy to clean and are *truly* non-stick. What's included? 1-quart, 2-quart, and 3-quart covered saucepans, 8 and 10-inch frypans, 11.5-inch covered frypan, 10.25-inch griddle, 3.5-quart sauté pan, 5-quart dutch oven, 3-quart steamer insert, and one egg wonder frypan. Promising review: "These pans are really great! These are fabulous and well priced! The larger one is my go-to for everything now. Nothing sticks, they're easy to clean, and there are no scratches after many uses. Of course, always use silicone scrapers/spatulas ." — Kathryn Price: $149.99 (originally $199.99; available in multiple set sizes) 11. A Philips Sonicare toothbrush for 45% off with all the bells and whistles you know and love: the two-minute QuadPacer timer so you make sure you're brushing all areas of the mouth effectively, a pressure sensor to prevent over-brushing, and different cleaning modes (gum care, whitening, etc!). And hey, this is the cheapest this model goes for! Aaaand a charging travel case! I have this toothbrush and love it! But I paid more for it than you have to if you get this Prime Day deal. Promising review: "After speaking to my dental hygienist and a friend who had an electric toothbrush, I finally decided to get one. The difference is like night and day. I can never go back to a regular toothbrush after using an electric toothbrush; there's no comparison in how much of a better job this thing does on my teeth. The hardest part of using it was getting used to letting it do the brushing; I keep wanting to use it like a regular toothbrush and move it up and down for brushing strokes. I finally stopping manually making brushing strokes and just let it do it's thing. My hygienist could see the improvement during my first cleaning after using this toothbrush. I gave one to a friend as a birthday gift and she loves it. And she said that she her hygienist also noticed an improvement during her cleaning after using this toothbrush." — Amazon Customer Price: $59.95 (originally $109.96) 12. Cosrx’s snail mucin repairing essence for 48% off that may seem like it would give you the ick, but is totally worth adding to your routine. No snail-like results here: Just pat it in, and you’ll be appreciating the moisture boost right away. Reviewers say it helps with acne , inflammation , peeling, fine lines , and more! Promising review: "This product is everything everyone says it is and more. If I could recommend one product that is the key to glass skin, it would be this. It gives an immediate glow, and makes the skin look so supple and healthy. The texture wasn't off-puting for me, but it is a bit slimy and stringy when you first pump out the product. It absorbs pretty quickly and doesn't leave a sticky residue, and it is unscented. Can't say enough good things about this product and the brand. You need this product in your life!" — Sarah Deeb Price: $9.58 (originally $25) — and check out all the Cosrx products on sale for Prime Day 13. The viral Tirtir foundation cushion for 39% off that 10,000+ reviewers rated 5-stars for providing full coverage without the heavy, cakey feeling. It's designed to provide a radiant finish (hello, glass skin!) and reviewers says it pulls through on its long-lasting claims. Promising review: "I was skeptical buying this just because I’ve seen it all over TikTok. But once I saw it was on Amazon, I had to buy it since Amazon makes it easy to return if I don’t like it. But let me tell you, this is by far the BEST makeup product I have ever owned. I have the Dior concealer for my under eyes and it does nothing compared to this. This covers my dark circles completely and any hyperpigmentation! I showed my boyfriend, and he asked if I even had makeup on because my skin looked so natural but flawless. I don’t even need to use a lot and it’s completely full coverage. It feels like I have nothing on my skin! My pores are completely covered (no primer) and it honestly makes me look 5 years younger! I’m not even joking. I am not a fan of foundations because they always feel heavy and look cakey but not this. My face looks like a baby’s bum! Lol This is now my forever concealer and foundation. I can’t wait to return all of my expensive concealers I have because none of them compare to this. I’m shocked that it took me this long to give this a try and it’s now my holy grail. Just use a little at first! Don’t dab the sponge too hard because I promise you that it’s picking up product and it’ll be more than enough. It does not set into the fine lines under my eyes either. It does oxidize a little so before you say it’s too light, let it sit for like 20 minutes and then decide. I can’t wait to put all of my friends and family onto this! LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! Also, it really is waterproof because I tried to wash it off around my eyes and I had to use a make up wipe. That might be a con for some, but I honestly don’t care because it’s just so perfect on me throughout the day. Do you’re a favor and buy it! Trust me it’s so worth it. Best purchase I’ve ever made on Amazon." — Chellseynicole Price: $15 (typically $24.70; available in 40 shades) 14. A roomy 30-inch hardshell suitcase up to 32% off — its got convenient spinner wheels and a durable, scratch-resistant surface, making it ideal for traveling. Who wants to worry about ruining their luggage anyway? With a suitcase that's earned nearly 37,000 5-star reviews, you definitely won't have to. Promising review: " This suitcase has been the best suitcase I have ever owned! There is ample storage and pockets inside, as well as a zipping divider to hold clothes on the top section of the suitcase. The outside is a hard plastic that seems waterproof and is tough. I dropped my fully loaded suitcase down about six stairs and was surprised the outer shell was only scuffed. I would highly recommend this product!" — Blaize Price: $74.49 (originally $109.99; available in three sizes, four colors, and multiple sets). 15. The TikTok-famous Bissell Little Green carpet and upholstery cleaner for 34% off for knocking out pet stains , spills, and more — without having to waste a lot of your valuable storage space. Promising review: "Yup, saw it on TikTok and had to buy it. My car's upholstery was so dirty from my dogs and years of NOT getting it deep cleaned. This is a game changer. I should've taken a before and after because it was awesome. Not to mention how satisfying it is seeing the dirty water get sucked back into the tank. Easy to prep. Easy to use. Easy to clean. I definitely recommend. This will be perfect for other things in the house as well because if it can tackle MY car with two big dogs , it's gold." — Taylor L. Price: $81.49 (originally $123.59) 16. A heated Shiatsu foot massager for 21% off to get the ultimate form of ache relief and relaxation. It features three levels of deep kneading intensity, air compression technology, a heating function (obvi), and an auto shut-off switch....because it's very likely you will fall asleep in this thing. Promising review: "[My] feet have never felt better! I have recurring arch pains and PF issues, this device is a game changer and I felt like I was walking on clouds after the first use . Surprisingly good amount of pressure and heat given the size of the unit. Relatively quiet as well. " — Namey McNamerson Price: $109.99 (originally $139.98) 17. The fan-favorite Chom Chom pet hair roller up to 22% off if you love your pets but hate how much they shed...on everything. Roll it over your couch, bed, favorite blanket, you name it, and watch it lift the fur away. See, we can own nice things!! Promising review: "This Chom Chom Roller is a fur-midable tool for pet owners! It's a paw-sitively amazing way to keep my home free of pet hair. The roller is super easy to use and incredibly effective. Just run it over any surface, and watch as the pet hair sticks to it like a cat to a warm lap. It's like a magical wand that waves away all the fuzz! I've used other lint rollers in the past, but none of them compare to the Chom Chom. It's the purrfect solution for pet hair problems. I no longer have to decide between being unable to wear black again!" — Bruce Salas Price: $15.99 (originally $24.99; available in three colors) 18. A Philips Norelco electric trimmer for 21% off that is beloved by tens of thousands of shavers for a reason. It can trim hair to the desired length (there are five length options!), shape edges, and (of course) shave — wet, dry, and with foam — comfortably and without irritating skin. Just rinse clean when done. And psst: Reviewers love it for their bikini line too! Promising review: "I’ve used multiple other electronic shavers, and nothing, I mean nothing compares to this one. This will literally leave you babyfaced, where as some other ones will leave a stubble. Will definitely be using this a whole lot more on the future!" — Nosey Rosey Promising review: "Best thing since sliced bread! I wish they would have made this 40 years ago! I literally have tried to cut or snag myself with this and still can't. This makes grooming those hard to see/reach areas sooooooo much easier." — James W. Price: $29.96 (originally $37.99) 19. A classic KitchenAid stand mixer for 27% off (a really solid deal!) so you can give your arms a break next time you want to bake something from scratch. This is one of those things you'll buy once and enjoy forever. Psst while that floral blue bowl on the left isn't currently available, you can check out all the different bowl designs you can get on the KitchenAid Amazon store page ! Promising review: "I had a stand mixer prior to getting this one, but it was lightweight (literally and performance-wise) compared to this one. So far, I've used it for general batter mixing and with very stiff cookie dough, which it handled like a champ. Can't wait to try it out on bread dough. It came with a wire whip, a dough paddle, and a bread dough hook. It is very heavy and doesn't budge on the counter while I'm using it. It's extremely powerful and handles everything I can throw at it with ease. I've been upgrading to better quality tools in my kitchen and this mixer did not disappoint. The aqua color is beautiful in my kitchen, too. It was pricey but is well worth the price. It pays off in quality and performance. Highly recommended." — farmkiti Price: $329.95 (originally $449.95; available in 21 colors) 20. A National Geographic mega fossil dig kit for 24% off — an incredibly cool and educational activity for kiddos to learn about fossils from around the world. The kit comes with 15 diggable fossils (and their histories!), as well as the tools to excavate. Promising review: "This was one of my daughters favorite gifts for her seventh birthday. It worked out great, nothing difficult, we didn't need to cheat and use water to get it out. It took a 1-1.5 hours to get everything out and then lots of research with the book. She's already asking for another of this same exact kit for Christmas. If definitely buy again." — GirlMomB Price: $18.99 (originally $24.99) 21. A 72-pack of Mighty Patch Pimple Patches for 25% off, which absorb pus and oil from *inside* the zit, protecting skin from further damage and reinfection so you don't have to hot compress, pop, ooze, scar, and repeat. Now you can stock up and save quite a bit! Promising review: "5 stars. This is the best pimple patch out there. I swear by these and recommend anyone to use them. Fast working and helps with redness, swelling, and pulling out the gunk." — Jenna G Price: $16.49 (originally $21.99) 22. A mini Bluetooth speaker for 38% off (currently the lowest price we've seen!) with a clip to easily attach to your bag or belt loop. Because it's waterproof, many reviewers even clip to their caddies in the shower! Promising review: "Got this for an upcoming trip. I had to try it out to see how well it performs. I’m sooo impressed by it. First off, the battery is 10 hours. I can attest to it. I was amazed by how long it lasted. It was easy to charge. It comes with a USB-C cable. No charging block but I have plenty of those. As for the sound, it works well. I thought cause it’s small, the sound would be rather generic and weak. Nope!! It actually has quite a bit of bass to it. It sounds good, and overall, I like the design. The carabiner clip makes it easy to carry when traveling. It’s sturdy and it’s quite easy to pair to a phone or device for listening...I think it’s definitely worth the price. Plus, it was on sale, so that’s another positive for it." — Magnus4000 Price: $39.95 (originally $64.95; available in 16 colors) 23. The Bissel Cleanview cordless vacuum for 35% off (also a lowest recorded price) designed with pet households in mind — it has a deep-cleaning "furbrush" to pick up hair from upholstery, floors, and your car interior, powerful suction, lights to help you see the mess in front of you, and a ~SmartSeal~ system to trap allergens like dust and dander. And it easily converts from a stick vac to a hand vac! Promising review: "In the last 10 years I’ve had a Dyson, Shark, 2 off brand cordless vacuums and now this Bissell. I would say I’m an expert on the cordless stick vacuum, and this is top of the charts!! I have a dog that sheds, so I vacuum daily. I chose this vacuum because of the pet hair attachment and it doesn’t disappoint! It works as well as the Dyson, and is substantially better than the Shark, for less than half of what either of those cost. It came with a nice variety of attachments, as well as a wall charging mount. The vacuum is sturdy, portable, and very easy to use." — A Hudson Price: $149.99 (originally $229.99) 24. A Gameboy-inspired AirPods case for 20% off to add a touch of nostalgia to the typical Airpod case you carry around daily. It's made of silicone to protect both the earbuds and the case, *and* comes with a clip so that you don't lose them...again. Compatible with Airpods 1 and 2. Promising review: "Quite possibly my favorite purchase ever lol. Very retro and nostalgic... I’ve already dropped this a couple of times and it feels well-protected. It’s soft but it’s super cute! Buy it! It’s cheap, anyway. Well worth it!" — Jessica Garcia Price: $11.99+ (originally $14.99+; available four colors). 25. A compact space heater for 36% off because it is getting colder, after all. This heater fits perfectly on your desk, and works wonders when placed under it. The tiny, minimal design is also much more ~aesthetically~ pleasing than those giant alternatives, and it works just as well. Promising review: "This heater is absolutely the best heater I’ve ever had, mighty but small. Heats the bathroom completely. It doesn’t get hot around the top, sides, or bottom, which is a great safety feature. Easy to use!" — Margie K Price: $12.79 (originally $19.99). 26. A pair of classic ballet flats up to 30% off you can wear casually or to the office — truly versatile footwear you need in your closet! Promising review: " These are the best little ballet flats I’ve ever owned! I have tried everything from cheap to designer and still got blisters on the back of my heels. These don’t dig and just get more comfortable every time you wear them. I bought the blush color and they are a perfect for a neutral pair of everyday flats. Thinking of purchasing more colors! They are soft and flexible and would be perfect to put in your bag for relief after a night of wearing heels." — Moskwaka Price: $15.30+ (originally $21.80; available in women's sizes 5–15, standard and wide fits, and 20 colors/styles). 27. A lightweight cardigan for up to 35% off! It comes in over a dozen colors and patterns (including cheetah print 👀), it's comfortably lightweight, and the sizing goes up to 6X! No wonder it has over 15,000 5-star reviews. Promising review: "These cardigans are so great. I bought one in three different colors and they all came exactly as pictured. They are not super thick but still great quality and are very soft. They add a casually dressed up style, if that makes any sense. The only thing I noticed is that they run just a tad big. But they still look classy and are very comfortable." — AF af Price: $18.10+ (originally $27.90; available in women's sizes XS–6X and 20 colors). 28. A 6-quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven for 27% off that will become your go-to for making all your favorite pasta or soup recipes. It's also perfect for bread-making because it's oven-safe. Promising review: "Have used it a few times now and have had no problems, cooks the food evenly and cleans up good. Just remember this is enameled cast iron so it retains heat longer. When cooking on an electric stove (coil or class top) don't cook on high and this should last you a long time. Also there is some expected discoloration on the inside so be aware, don't think you have ruined your pot if you can't remove all the stains." — Jackie Fonseca Price: $47.79 (originally $65.60) — Use promo code "Buzz10" for an additional 10% off! 29. A Renpho percussion massager for 22% off that you don't even know how badly you need until you're using it — this gizmo is great for releasing knots, aches, and muscle tension, whether you got it from working at a desk too long or an intense workout. Check out a TikTok of the massager in action. Promising review: " I have tried EVERYTHING for my feet, nothing works and I am always in pain. I tried it out and I thought wow, that feels AWESOME. But the true test is how do you feel the next day right? You cannot always walk around with a massage gun in your hand. The next day, I felt AMAZING. AMAZING. I used it on my hubby's back too, and he said he felt so much better today as well! In addition, this one is way QUIETER than my original massage gun. It's just really a quality piece. You won't be disappointed in this one. It really is what it says. I know it is hard to choose from all the models on the internet, but this one is the real deal. It's worth the money if you have pain." — L Johnson Price: $69.99 (originally $89.99; available in three colors) 30. TruSkin vitamin C serum for 43% off which *six separate reviewers* are calling a "magic potion." It's formulated with hyaluronic acid (to provide a boost of hydration), soothing aloe vera, and vitamin E (in addition to the namesake vitamin C) — a combo designed to brighten and smooth your skin for your glowiest glow yet. And money-saving alert: reviewers say it's comparable to the SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic serum (which costs $182 for the full-size, btw!). Promising review : "I should have started using this years ago! I’m in my mid-30s, and I’ve tried everything, including much more expensive brands, Korean skincare , Japanese skincare, etc., but I’ve always had breakouts and problems with texture. This is by far the best vitamin C product I’ve tried. I’ve tried multiple vitamin C serums in the past, but they always broke me out or had a slimy or gritty texture. This serum has a smooth texture, soaks in quickly, does not pill with other products, and has noticeably cleared up my skin." — Amazon Customer Price: $21.41 (typically $37.36; also available in a smaller size) 31. A pair of pillow slides for 20% off so you can feel like you're walking on clouds all day every day. These cushioned beauties will quickly become your new go-to! Over 35,000 5-star reviews well-earned. Promising review: "So comfortable. I bought these as indoor slippers but they seem to have taken over and I wear them everywhere. Very lightweight and strong, they fit my wide feet well . Great price and I see they have been further reduced." — Sophia Hunter Price: $20.35+ (originally $25.37; available in women's sizes 4–16, men's sizes 3–14, and 14 colors) Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Declining attention spans in schoolsNorth East shop worker began messaging underage girl he served in discount store

NBA's Christmas Day ratings skyrocket, even going up against NFL games

Former lawmaker Mary Murphy, longest-serving woman in Minnesota House, suffers strokeJuan Soto buttoned up his Mets threads for the first time on Thursday afternoon and explained his reasons for changing sides of New York went beyond the 15-year, $765 million contract. "What they had done the last couple of years, they have shown all of the ability to keep winning, to keep growing a team to try to grow a dynasty," Soto said Thursday. "What you were seeing from the other side was unbelievable. The vibes and everything, the feel and future this team has had a lot to do with my decision." Seated at a table with agent Scott Boras at his left and Mets general manager David Stearns to his right between Soto and franchise owner Steve Cohen, the coveted free agent said he enjoyed the courtship of multiple teams but opted against returning to the Yankees or joining one of their American League East rivals. The Blue Jays and Red Sox also met with Soto. Since the free agency process started, Soto all but tuned out the Yankees. Asked if he talked to anyone with his former team on Thursday, Soto said "I haven't talked to any of those guys. We talked to them through the playoffs, at the end of the playoffs. After that, I made this process, I haven't talked to any of those (guys)." Cohen, a billionaire who made his riches in hedge funds, felt the Mets would lure Soto away from the Yankees if they were able to make the pitch more personal. He said he was persistent and made sure Soto knew the Mets meant business all the way to the finish line. A second meeting with Soto, when the Mets said they learned about the slugger as a person and family man, Cohen felt the Mets sealed the deal. "We want to show them we're not just an executive, show them who we were -- have a personal touch and act like you care about the person, which I do," he said. Soto, 26, joins the Mets -- his fourth team since breaking into MLB with the Nationals in 2018 -- after spending one season with the crosstown rival Yankees, who gave the outfielder a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer that was turned down back on Nov. 19. The New York Post reported that the Yankees were willing to fork out $760 million over 16 years to bring back Soto, but the Mets ended up outbidding them. Soto helped the Yankees reach the World Series in 2024 after hitting .288 with a career-high 41 home runs along with 109 RBIs in 157 regular-season games. In the Fall Classic, Soto posted a .313 average and blasted a solo shot to account for his only RBI of the series, a five-game set that the Los Angeles Dodgers took 4-1. The Dodgers made baseball's biggest splash last offseason, signing free agent Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract. Shortly after the signing, however, reports surfaced that Ohtani was deferring $68 million of the $70 million he is due each season, with Los Angeles paying the two-way star through 2043. In 936 career games across seven major league seasons with the Nationals (2018-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23) and Yankees (2024), Soto has clubbed 201 homers, racked up 592 RBIs and is a .285 hitter. --Field Level Media

KILLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — American skier Mikaela Shiffrin said she suffered an abrasion on her left hip and that something “stabbed” her when she crashed during her second run of a World Cup giant slalom race Saturday, doing a flip and sliding into the protective fencing. Shiffrin stayed down on the edge of the course for quite some time as the ski patrol attended to her. She was taken off the hill on a sled and waved to the cheering crowd before going to a clinic for evaluation. “Not really too much cause for concern at this point, I just can’t move,” she said later in a video posted on social media . “I have a pretty good abrasion and something stabbed me. ... I’m so sorry to scare everybody. It looks like all scans so far are clear.” She plans to skip the slalom race Sunday, writing on Instagram she will be “cheering from the sideline.” The 29-year-old was leading after the first run of the GS and charging for her 100th World Cup win. She was within sight of the finish line, five gates onto Killington’s steep finish pitch, when she an outside edge. She hit a gate and did a somersault before sliding into another gate. The fencing slowed her momentum as she came to an abrupt stop. Reigning Olympic GS champion Sara Hector of Sweden won in a combined time of 1 minute, 53.08 seconds. Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia was second and Swiss racer Camille Rast took third. The Americans saw Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien finish fifth and sixth. “It’s just so sad, of course, to see Mikaela crash like that and skiing so well,” Hector said on the broadcast after her win. “It breaks my heart and everybody else here.” The crash was a surprise for everyone. Shiffrin rarely DNFs — ski racing parlance for “did not finish.” In 274 World Cup starts, she DNF'd only 18 times. The last time she DNF'd in GS was January 2018. Shiffrin also has not suffered any devastating injuries. In her 14-year career, she has rehabbed only two on-hill injuries: a torn medial collateral ligament and bone bruising in her right knee in December 2015 and a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligament in her left knee after a downhill crash in January 2024. Neither knee injury required surgery, and both times, Shiffrin was back to racing within two months. Saturday was shaping up to be a banner day for Shiffrin, who skied flawlessly in the first run and held a 0.32-second lead as she chased after her 100th World Cup win. Shiffrin, who grew up in both New Hampshire and Colorado and sharpened her skills at nearby Burke Mountain Academy, has long been a fan favorite. Shiffrin is driven not so much by wins but by arcing the perfect run. She has shattered so many records along the way. She passed Lindsey Vonn’s women’s mark of 82 World Cup victories on Jan. 24, 2023, during a giant slalom in Kronplatz, Italy. That March, Shiffrin broke Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark’s Alpine mark for most World Cup wins when she captured her 87th career race. To date, she has earned five overall World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals — along with a silver — and seven world championships. In other FIS Alpine World Cup news, the Tremblant World Cup — two women’s giant slaloms at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant scheduled for next weekend — were canceled. Killington got 21 inches of snow on Thanksgiving Day, but Tremblant — five hours north of Killington — had to cancel its races because of a lack of snow. AP Sports Writer Pat Graham in Denver contributed to this report. More AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiingA designated disability minister will be appointed to each Government department to “champion disability inclusion and accessibility”, the Government has announced. Work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms said the move aims to drive “real improvements” for disabled people, whom the ministers will be encouraged to engage with on a regular basis. He told the Commons: “I am very pleased to be able to announce today the appointment of new lead ministers for disability in each Government department, they will represent the interests of disabled people, champion disability inclusion and accessibility within their departments. “I’m going to chair regular meetings with them and will encourage them to engage directly with disabled people and their representative organisations, as they take forward their departmental priorities. “And I look forward to this new group of lead ministers for disability together driving real improvements across Government for disabled people.” This came during an adjournment debate on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling raised concerns about “floating bus stops”, which have a cycle lane between the stop and the pavement. Intervening, the MP for Torbay, who is registered blind, said: “The Government needs to ban floating bus stops.” Sir Stephen said: “I do think this issue about floating bus stops is an important issue which we need to work across Government to reflect on.” Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who led the debate, had earlier criticised the lack of accessibility for disabled people on trains. The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP said: “Our train network does not have level access, and we heard Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson from the other place make this plea back in the summer, absolutely outrageous what she was put through. “But I was absolutely shocked to find, when I had a presentation of the TransPennine route upgrade, that the rolling stock yet to be commissioned is not going to provide that level access. “It’s absolute nonsense, it’s not even in the design of that procurement, so we must do better than this.”

Serbian List Set To Appeal Kosovar Election Commission's Decision Barring It From February Election

WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump's transition team on Tuesday signed an agreement to allow the Justice Department to conduct background checks on his nominees and appointees after a weekslong delay. The step lets Trump transition aides and future administration staffers obtain security clearances before Inauguration Day to access classified information about ongoing government programs, an essential step for a smooth transition of power. It also allows those nominees who are up for Senate confirmation to face the background checks lawmakers want before voting on them. Teams of investigators have been standing by to process clearances for Trump aides and advisers. "This agreement with the Department of Justice will ensure President Trump and his team are ready on Day 1 to begin enacting the America First Agenda that an overwhelming majority of our nation supported on Election Day," said Susie Wiles, Trump's designate to be White House chief of staff. The announcement came a week after the Trump transition team signed an agreement with the Biden White House to allow transition staff to coordinate with the existing federal workforce before taking office Jan. 20. The White House agreement was supposed to have been signed by Oct. 1, according to the Presidential Transition Act, and the Biden White House issued both public and private appeals for Trump's team to sign on. Security clearances are required to access classified information, including on ongoing operations and threats to the nation, and the Biden White House and outside experts emphasized to Trump's team the importance of having cleared personnel before Inauguration Day so they could be fully briefed and ready to run the government. Republican Senators also insisted on FBI background checks for Trump's nominees before they face confirmation votes, as has been standard practice for decades. Lawmakers were particularly interested in seeing the findings of reviews into Trump's designated nominee for defense secretary, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, and for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to be director of national intelligence. "That's why it's so important that we have an FBI background check, a committee review of extensive questions and questionnaires, and a public hearing," Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said Monday. John Thune, incoming Senate Republican leader, said the Trump team "understands there's going to have to be a thorough vetting of all these nominees."The Biden-Harris White House has wished Americans a “Happy Kwanzaa” — a holiday invented in 1966 by a racist extremist who served prison time for torturing a woman. Vice President Kamala Harris — who was born just two years before the holiday’s inception — claimed in 2020 that she and her family used to gather around, “across multiple generations,” and discuss Kwanzaa’s “seven principles” — which are identical to the principles of left-wing terrorist organization Symbionese Liberation Army. Harris wrote on X in 2020 that her family’s “Kwanzaa celebrations are one of my favorite childhood memories,” garnering thousands of critical comments pointing out that the holiday’s founder, Maulana Karenga (born Ronald McKinley Everett, pictured above), was a violent radical: Despite the backlash, the White House has once again posted a “Happy Kwanzaa” message on social media: Happy Kwanzaa from the Biden-Harris Administration! Posted by The White House on Thursday, December 26, 2024 A 1971 Los Angeles Times article detailed the testimony of a victim of Karenga: Deborah Jones, who once was given the Swahili title of an African queen, said she and Gail Davis were whipped with an electrical cord and beaten with a karate baton after being ordered to remove their clothes. She testified that a hot soldering iron was placed in Miss Davis’ mouth and placed against Miss Davis’ face and that one of her own big toes was tightened in a vise. Karenga, head of “US” [which purportedly stands for United Slaves, though that is disputed], also put detergent and running hoses in their mouths, she said. They also were hit on the heads with toasters. According to a 2019 survey by AP-NORC, just 3 percent of Americans celebrate Kwanzaa — though the study has a 4-point margin of error. Theoretically, it could be less than a single percentage point, and definitely far fewer than those who celebrate traditional religious holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah around the same time of the year. Karenga set the date for Kwanzaa as December 26 to be an alternative to Christmas, declaring Christianity a “white religion” with a “white God” that black people should not celebrate. As conservative writer Ann Coulter put it, “Kwanzaa is a fake holiday invented in 1966 by black radical/FBI stooge Ron Karenga — aka Dr. Maulana Karenga, founder of United Slaves, the violent nationalist rival to the Black Panthers.” She compared Karenga to former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke, saying it is as if he “invented a holiday called ‘Anglika,’ which he based on the philosophy of ‘Mein Kampf.'” “The United Slaves were proto-fascists, walking around in dashikis, gunning down Black Panthers,” Coulter added. To be fair, President-elect Donald Trump also wished Kwanzaa celebrators a happy holiday during his time in office — but never claimed that he celebrated it himself.

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