Subtle detail in new Ariana Grande photo proves she is getting serious with boyfriend Ethan Slater The pop star celebrated her starring role in her hometown Boca Raton, Florida Ariana spent 24 hours in Boca with her 99-year-old grandmother and Ethan READ MORE: Wicked fans slam Ariana Grande's 'distracting' makeup malfunctio n By MARGARET ABRAMS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 18:00 EST, 25 November 2024 | Updated: 18:00 EST, 25 November 2024 e-mail View comments Ariana Grande celebrated her starring role in Wicked by sharing behind-the-scenes photos in her hometown - and one subtle detail proved she's getting serious with boyfriend Ethan Slater. The pop star was snapped seeing Wicked in her hometown, Boca Raton, Florida , and her Wicked co-star Ethan, who plays munchkin Boq, was photographed in the back, having accompanied her home. Ariana, 31, also shared photos on her Instagram Story with her 376 million followers giving them a peek at her private life. Ethan spent time with Ariana's beloved grandmother Marjorie Grande, also known as 'Nonna,' proving that their relationship is becoming quite serious after they kept it under wraps for months. Ari, who plays Glinda in the record-breaking blockbuster hit, shared details on social media, posting a sweet snap with her grandmother and brother, while making sure to tag Ethan. 'Flew to Boca for a day to watch with Nonna at the movie theater I grew up going to every weekend, Cinemark 20 in Boca,' Ariana wrote. The luxury movie theatre was previously known as Muvico until it was bought by the Cinemark chain, and is known for having valet parking, bar, and restaurants. The former child star was photographed mingling with fans in the main lobby alongside her beau. Ariana Grande celebrated her starring role in Wicked by sharing behind-the-scenes photos in her hometown - and fans noticed he was also in the pictures The pop star was snapped seeing Wicked in her hometown, Boca Raton, Florida at her childhood movie theatre alongside co-star and boyfriend Ethan, who plays Boq READ MORE Ariana Grande's stunning fashion evolution, from cat ears to custom couture on the Wicked press tour Ariana took to her Instagram Story to share a second snap of her watching alongside her grandmother and brother, writing 'photo by @ethanslater :).' The South Florida native, born Ariana Grande Butera, has always been extremely close with her grandmother and celebrated her 99th birthday with her on October 12. On Reddit , Arianators noticed that Ethan, 32, wasn't in the family photos celebrating Nonna's birthday, and some wondered if they had split - but now, he's snapping pictures of the Grande matriarch. The co-stars kept their controversial romance under wraps after meeting in December 2022 on the UK set of the film adaptation of the Broadway hit. When they first met, the Dangerous Woman singer was married to Dalton Gomez. The Grammy winner filed for divorce in September 2023 and listed the date of separation as February 20, 2023. The former Nickelodeon star announced her separation from the luxury real estate agent only three days before confirming her new relationship with Ethan. Ethan, who played SpongeBob on Broadway, was married to his high school sweetheart, Lilly Jay, when he joined Wicked. Ariana took to her Instagram Story to share a second snap of her watching alongside her grandmother and brother, writing 'photo by @ethanslater :)' Since Ariana and Ethan's relationship was first made public, they've only been seen together a handful of times, including at the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked in November Ethan and Lily welcomed a son in 2022 and filed for divorce in July 2023, five years after they tied the knot. Since Ariana and Ethan's relationship was first made public, they've only been seen together a handful of times. They were photographed on the Wicked premiere red carpets and during his opening night in Spamalot on Broadway. Now, it looks like they're going far more public, with Ariana spending time with her family and Ethan, and making sure to give him credit for his pictures on social media. Ariana Grande Share or comment on this article: Subtle detail in new Ariana Grande photo proves she is getting serious with boyfriend Ethan Slater e-mail Add comment
Wealthy nations’ US$300b pledge for climate finance reveals new conservative political realitiesA research team led by Prof. Seung-Kyun Kang from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Seoul National University has developed a strain sensor with record-breaking sensitivity in collaboration with researchers from Dankook University, Ajou University, and Purdue University. This study introduced a hypersensitive, flexible, and stretchable sensor by combining microcracks with meta-structures in an innovative way. The advanced technology enables real-time stroke diagnosis through continuous blood flow monitoring, opening new possibilities in the field of precision biomedical engineering. The results of this study were published online on December 20 in Science Advances . Flexible and stretchable strain sensors detect biomechanical signals or deformation of specific objects based on changes in the electrical resistance of conductive materials. However, previous sensors are limited by low sensitivity and a significant decline in performance when measuring infinitesimal strains below 10 −3 . This limitation poses critical challenges in the early diagnosis of diseases associated with mechanical physiological signals, as well as in structural reliability assessments and preemptive safety evaluations. For instance, cerebrovascular diseases such as brain hemorrhage or ischemia are accompanied by infinitesimal strains smaller than 10 −3 before they become life-threatening. Similarly, structural materials typically experience surface strain levels of 10 −5 to 10 −3 prior to catastrophic failure, which can lead to significant loss of life. To address these challenges, Prof. Kang's team introduced a meta-structure with a negative Poisson's ratio, achieving up to 100 times greater sensitivity compared to the previous sensors. Their sensor is capable of detecting strains as small as 10 −5 strains, equivalent to a change in length on the scale of a single atom on the surface of a human hair. The sensor developed in this study achieved world-leading strain sensitivity by amplifying electrical resistance changes through controlled widening of nanoscale microcracks. As a result, it demonstrated the capability to monitor infinitesimal deformations accompanying microbial growth processes, such as real-time detection of contact induced by the growth of mold hyphae on bread (generating strain levels as small as 10 −5 ). The newly-developed sensor demonstrated significant potential for applications in biological environments. The research team successfully attached the sensors to the surface of cerebral blood vessels inside the skull, enabling real-time monitoring of blood pressure and blood flow changes. This breakthrough highlights the potential of the sensor for early diagnosis of cerebrovascular diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage and ischemia, as well as cardiovascular disorders, while providing precise medical data. Furthermore, the sensor consists of biodegradable materials, allowing it to decompose naturally without long-term residue in the body, ensuring patient safety without the need for additional surgeries or side effects. The research team stated, "This study is not merely about improving sensor performance, but about presenting a groundbreaking approach that overcomes the fundamental limitations of the previous technologies. We anticipate wide-ranging applications not only in bioengineering and medical devices but also in fields such as robotics, disaster response, and environmental monitoring." More information: Jae-Hwan Lee et al, Hypersensitive Meta-Crack Strain Sensor for Real-Time Biomedical Monitoring, Science Advances (2024). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads9258 . www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.ads9258Now that the turkey is gone, it's time to get back to the outdoor deals. REI's Cyber Week Sale has started and runs through December 9 with many items up 50 percent off. REI members can save an additional 25 percent off a single REI Outlet item. Now is a great time to save money on tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, fitness trackers, and running shoes. Be sure to check out our many outdoor gear guides , including our Best Tents , Best Sleeping Bags , Best Sleeping Pads , Best Camp Stoves , and Best Rain Jackets for more well-tested picks. Are you working on your holiday shopping? Don't forget our guide to the Best Gifts for Hikers and Outdoorsy People . Shopping for someone else? We've put together some gift ideas for hikers, backpackers, and outdoorsy people . Updated November 30: We've added deals ranging from action cameras to merino wool apparel. WIRED Featured Deals 50 percent off the best lightweight tent you can buy: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent for $265 ($264 off) Our favorite Goruck rucksack : Goruck GR1 Rucksack for $292 ($73 off) Grab a new GoPro : GoPro Hero 13 Black Action Camera $340 ($60 off) The best sleeping pad for most people : Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Si Sleeping Mat for $89 ($79 off) A great backpacking sleeping bag : Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass Gore Text 15 Sleeping Bag for $214 ($70 off) Our favorite bikepacking tent : Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Bikepacking Tent for $441 ($134 off) A fat tire ebike for less: Aventon Aventure.2 for $1,599 ($400 off) WIRED's Black Friday 2024 Coverage Absolute Best Deals Tech Deals Deals Under $50 Apple Deals Walmart Deals Best Buy Deals Kindle Deals and Amazon Devices TV Deals Phone Deals Headphone Deals Laptop Deals Soundbar Deals Gaming Deals Toy Deals Camera Deals Dyson Deals Kitchen Deals Coffee Deals All-Clad Deals Beauty Deals LED Face Mask Deals Therabody Deals Travel Deals Mattress Deals Nomad Deals Branch Deals Black Friday Shopping Tips Jump to a Category Deals on Tents Backpack Deals Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Deals Deals on Ebikes and Scooters Camping Deals Deals on Apparel and Rain Jackets Deals on Cameras and Drones Other Great Outdoor Deals The Best Deals on Tents Camping is intense! Yup, I'm just going to keep putting that joke in any time I write about tents, because it never gets old. But your tent will. If you need a new one, there are some good ones on sale. We've spent years testing tents , and many of our favorites are on sale now. REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent for $209 (140 off) REI's Half Dome tent series is probably the most popular backpacking tent around. I can't tell you how many of these I've seen on the trail. It's reasonably priced (especially on sale), rugged, simple to set up, and offers generous living space for two with gear. The tent body is made of 40-denier ripstop nylon for durability at the base and on the floor, with 20-denier nylon mesh (both fabrics are Bluesign-approved). It also comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days. The tent poles are aluminum and interchangeable, which makes them easy to set up and take down. The Copper Spur below is lighter, but with a packed weight of just under 4 pounds, the 2-person Half Dome isn't too heavy when split between two people. MSR Elixir 3-Season Tent (4-Person) for $245 ($165 off) Our favorite lightweight family backpacking tent , the MSR Elixir 4 tent isn't quite as pricey as options like the Big Agnes Copper Spur, but it's not much heavier. I've spent quite a few nights in here with three kids, and there was plenty of interior space. That said, three adults will be more comfortable than four. The mesh at the top provides great ventilation on warm summer nights and the crossover pole helps it stand up well in the wind. The 3-person size is also on sale for $208. Mountain Hardwear Bridger 6-Person Tent for $522 ($427 off) Do you go all out when you go out? No one at our group campsite could believe the size of our Bridger 6, especially since it packs down to around the same size as our four-person MSR Habitude . Even though the assembly is pretty simple and fast. The tent floor is a whopping 90 square feet, big enough to fit two huge air mattresses. The enormous vestibule is another 90 square feet, which is big enough to fit multiple mountain bikes. The full-coverage fly kept us pretty warm while camping with 40-degree nights, but there are also two saloon doors. On lazy days, there’s plenty of room to roll up the doors, admire the lake, and take a nap. — Adrienne So ★ Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Tent for $265 ($264 off) The Big Agnes Copper Spur series is the king of ultralight tents and this is the absolute lowest price we've seen (which probably means a new model next year). I've used the two-person and four-person models (on sale for $560) over the years, and Big Agnes has continually refined the design to the point that these are pretty near perfect. This is a high-quality, well-designed tent. It's lightweight, easy to set up, and stable even in strong winds. The steep sidewalls give you more livable space than most tents and the “awning” design (with trekking poles or sticks) is great. The only complaint I have is the price, but on sale, it's a little easier to handle. ★ Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent for $371 ($158 off) If I had to pick just one tent to own, this is it. The Dagger Osmo 2P ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is a stout, low-to-the-ground (peak height is 42 inches), incredibly sturdy tent—it holds up well even in high winds (45 mph when I was testing). Pair the sturdiness with large, spacious vestibules and a roomy interior, with excellent stargazing potential thanks to the mesh roof, and you have a great backcountry tent. If you want something roomier, the three-person version is also on sale for $420 ($180 off) . Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Bikepacking Tent for $441 ($134 off) Bikepacking (backpacking on a bike) is (if it isn't already) the next big thing. Brands like Big Agnes are even designing tents with shorter pole lengths, enabling them to fit between drop handlebars, or in panniers. The Copper Spur UL3 Bikepacking tent is our favorite of the bunch we've tested. It weighs just 3 pounds, 11 ounces (1.6 kilos), and has enough space for two (a squeeze for three). It’s also available in lighter, smaller, one- and two-person options, all with twin vestibules and doors, hidden helmet storage, and external webbing for hanging out wet clothes. Grab yourself one of the hammock-style Gear Lofts ($13) , which create a huge stash space without cluttering the tent floor. Sea to Summit Telos Plus 3-Person Tent for $325 ($325 off) If you like to camp in the fall or spring, then you need a tent that’s a little more robust to keep out the wind, the cold, and the elements. That typically means your tent is heavier and bulkier, but Sea and Summit's new “3-plus season” tent is capable enough in almost any weather while staying crazy light—just 3 pounds and 12 ounces for this three-person model. I used it on a 5-day trip to Loon Lake in northern California in early October, a true “shoulder season” trip with daytime highs in the 80s, nighttime lows in the 40s, and overnight winds of up to 60 mph. My favorite design detail is that the pole bag is kept rigid by an insert of opaque white plastic. Clip it to the tent’s ceiling, pop in your headlamp, and illuminate your abode. — Michael Calore Sea to Summit Alto TR1 for $250 ($250 off) The Alto TR1 is our top pick for lightweight 1-person tents . I'm currently testing the Hilleberg Akto , which I like a little better as an all-around and colder weather solo tent, but the Sea to Summit TR1 is still a great choice if you're primarily in warmer climates. The TR1 did outstanding in our testing on the abrasive volcanic rock and high winds of the north shore of Hawaii, and at this price, you really can't go wrong. All of Sea to Summit's tents are 50 percent off right now . Backpack Deals We've been testing day packs for years, and a few of our favorites are on sale now. Mystery Ranch Coulee 40 Pack for $179 ($60 off) Mystery Ranch's Coulee 30 pack ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is everything you need in a good hiking day pack. This deal is for the slightly larger 40L version, which is the same, just, um, bigger (there are a limited number of the 30L on sale at Public Lands for $113 ($75 off) ). The suspension is cushy and provides a comfortable carry even with heavy loads. Mystery Ranch's Signature Y-shaped zippers offer easy access to all your gear, and there are five externally accessible pockets for things you want close to your hand. The smaller Coulee 20L is also on sale for $135 ($40 off) , though I have not tested that model. Goruck GR1 Rucksack for $292 ($73 off) The Goruck GR1 ( 7/10, WIRED Review ) is my favorite backpack for everything but hiking. (That's when I turn to the Mystery Ranch above, thanks to its nice hip belt.) I've had mine for several years and it looks pretty much like the day I got it. The 1000D cordura resists wear like no other fabric I've used. I fully expect this thing to outlive me. The GR1 has a lot more storage space than it looks like it would, with lots of useful pockets, including a protective laptop compartment. My one gripe is the back packet zipper, which I find difficult to unzip when the pack is full. Otherwise, this is as close to perfect as a pack is likely to get. Goruck GR2 Rucksack for $262 ($113 off) I have just started testing the GR2, which is similar to the GR1, but with some larger options (I have the 34L), and additional pockets that make it good for travel. Like the original, the GR2 is massively overbuilt with 1000D cordura on the back and sides. Like the GR1, this has 210D cordura on the back panel and underside of the shoulder straps, which is a bit softer and easier on those merino T-shirts we love. The GR2 also has two compartments, each with 3 pockets, including a built-in field pocket , all of which adds up to plenty of ways to organize your gear even before you start putting stuff on all that MOLLE webbing. Mountainsmith Tour 9L Lumbar Pack for $67 ($22 off) Our favorite lumbar pack , the Tour is loaded with pockets, which gives you far more stash spaces than would seem possible in a pack this size. We've had no trouble fitting a change of clothes and a couple of meals in here, in addition to the gear you'll need for a full day on the trail or a bike. The 13L version is also on sale for $75 ($25 off) . Deuter Speed Lite 30L Backpack for $113 ($37 off) I own a slightly older version of this Deuter day pack, and the suspension system is so comfortable that I regularly load it with way more than the recommended weight and have had no problems. I found the same to be true of this updated version when I tested it. It's a comfortable, capable day pack, and Deuter's ventilation system is the best I've used. The biggest discount here is only for the yellow pack, but it's a great deal. JanSport Inbound Backpack for $48 ($32 off) Every high school kid has a JanSport. Except for those who just want a JanSport, which was me in high school. I wrote that once and JanSport reached out and ended up sending me the InBound to try. It was as good as it seemed back when in high school. You get a spacious main compartment, side bottle pockets, and an interior padded 15-inch laptop sleeve (that was not a thing when I was in high school). There's also a nice zippered vertical front pocket. This deal is only on the blue color, the others are less of a deal at $72. Deuter Kid Comfort Active Carrier for $203 ($67 off) My kid started his hiking career in this pack, which carried him from the mountains of Colorado to the hot barren mesas of Chaco Canyon. It's not cheap (though this deal takes some of the pain away), but it's well-made, and, most important, stable and comfortable. It's also the easiest kid-hiking-pack to get on and off, which you will inevitably do, a lot. REI Co-op Tarn 40 Kids' Backpack for $65 ($65 off) This internal frame kids served all my children well from the ages of about eight on up to 12. That will of course vary depending on your kid's size and growth rate, but we had two, and one made it through two different kids, so they're pretty durable (my kids typically only spend about a week a year on the trail). There's plenty of storage space and a couple of extra pockets to help organize. We've also used it as a carry-on on several trips. Peak Design 50-L Travel Duffel for $124 ($32 off) The times I want a duffel bag are rare, but they're nice when you're flying a bunch of gear and don't want to pack so much as have a bag swallow your stuff. We'll sort it out at the destination is my motto. In those cases, I like this Peak Design duffel, and its larger cousin, the 80-liter model. They're very well made, with heavy zippers that have never snagged in my testing. You can wear it as a backpack, or use the shoulder strap. REI Co-op Big Haul 28 Duffel for $50 ($50 off) REI's Big Haul Duffel is perfect for getting your gear to where you need it , whether that's a flight to Nepal or a drive to Florida. This bag swallows an impressive amount of stuff and remains comfortable. It's got plenty of straps and handles to help you get everything secured and carry in comfort. This is the smallest bag in the line, but it's still a pretty good size, enough to haul climbing gear for one. Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Deals For more on our favorite sleeping bags, be sure to check out our guides to the best sleeping bags and best sleeping pads , ★ Therm-a-Rest Vesper 32F Quilt for $274 ($156 off) If you're looking for a solid three-season quilt and don't want to pay custom quilt prices, this is our top pick . The top-of-the-line Vesper has everything you could ask for in a lightweight quilt. It weighs less than a pound, and ratcheting down the included comprehension sack will get it to roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle. The 900-fill down insulation (more on fill power here ) was more than toasty enough for nights in the low 40s in the Canadian Rockies. The down is hydrophobic, which means condensation on tent walls shouldn't be an issue. Nemo Disco 15 Endless Promise Sleeping Bag for $180 ($120 off) Our top pick for side sleepers , we love Nemo's Disco 15. This down mummy bag was designed with a "spoon shape" for side sleepers and has a little extra room in the elbows and knees so you can roll over onto your side without feeling like you're slipping into a straight jacket. It's built for temps down to 15 degrees and has zippered gills you can open to avoid overheating in the 40s, though I kept them all closed in the mid-30s and wasn't overly warm. Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass Gore-Tex 15 Sleeping Bag for $256 ($139 off) The Bishop Pass is our favorite backcountry sleeping bag , this is the Gore-Tex version, which is the same thing, with a Gore-Tex shell. Normally we'd say you don't need it, but at this price, why not? What we love about the Bishop Pass is that strikes the best compromise for most backpackers, being warm enough for the shoulder seasons and light enough (2 pounds, 5.4 ounces) that you won't mind it even when you barely need it in the summer. The lighter, 30-degree model can be had for $146 ($119 off) . Nemo Forte 35F Synthetic Sleeping Bag for $135 ($45 off) Nemo's Forte 20 is a 35-degree synthetic-fill sleeping bag, making it a good choice for summer. I tested the slightly warmer 15F version, which is our favorite synthetic ba g, but aside from fill, the two are the same. What I like most about this bag, and nearly all of Nemo's sleeping bags, is the wider cut through the torso area down to the knees. Like the Therm-a-Rest Questar above, this bag is almost a hybrid of a mummy bag and your father's good old 1970s square sleeping bag. Which is to say, this bag is roomy. Sea To Summit Comfort Plus Si Sleeping Mat for $89 ($79 off) If you want just one pad that's plush enough for car camping yet reasonably lightweight (2 pounds, 2 ounces for the regular size linked here) and small enough for backpacking, this is the pad to get. That's why it's our favorite sleeping pad. There are lighter pads, there are comfier pads, but the Comfort Plus sets itself apart by being able to gracefully slip between those worlds. Deals on Ebikes and Scooters Rad Power Bikes RadRunner 2 for $1,299 ($200 off) Rad Power Bikes is one of the first direct-to-consumer ebike companies, and as such has been the subject of some painful lawsuits as the market has grown. However, it's still a very popular bike, very affordable, and very fun and easy to ride. All of their bikes are on sale but most people seem to ride the basic RadRunner, which is insanely powerful for the price, if a little unwieldy for smaller riders. Aventon Aventure.2 for $1,599 ($400 off) We've tried several Aventon models and appreciate the high level of quality for a relatively low price point (the accessories are better than Lectric's, too). This fat-tire ebike ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is affordable, versatile, and has built-in commuter essentials. We also like the Soltera.2 and the Abound , both of which are on sale. Ride1Up Cafe Cruiser for $1,095 ($300 off) Ride1Up positions the Cafe Cruiser as its light, affordable daily cruiser ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) but with a 750W motor and a 65-pound frame, it's pretty big and powerful for an entry-level bike. Still, at this price (and for these specs!) it's a pretty amazing value. GoTrax F2 Folding Ebike for $525 ($280 off) We've tested several GoTrax's escooters but we like the company's folding, step-through ebike as well. It has the usual pitfalls of a cheap folding ebike (heavy, awkward) but it has a decent 20-mile range and all the commuter essentials for well under $1,000. Wing Freedom X for $1,098 ($500 off)—Use Code CYBER This is the affordable, DTC version of the now-defunct VanMoof ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). You get a stylish, attractive bike for not a lot of money. All of Wing's bikes are currently on sale. Camping Deals Coleman Cascade 3-in-1 Camp Stove for $157 ($52 off) My favorite of Coleman's current lineup, the Cascade 3-in-1 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) features heavy-duty cast iron, comes with a cast-iron griddle and grill, and can fit a 12-inch pan and a 10-inch pan side by side. It's all-around sturdier and more robust than other Coleman stoves, well worth the extra money if you're serious about camp cooking . NRS Heavy-Duty Straps for 20 Percent off NRS straps are a must-have for anyone strapping ... well, anything to anything. Whether you're a river guide cinching gear to your boat or, like me just want to make sure the paddleboards stay on the Jeep roof, these are the best straps I've ever used. I have NRS straps that are over 30 years old and still going strong. These are rarely on sale too. I find the 1" straps the most useful. You can grab a 2-pack of 6-footers for $13 or a 2-pack of 12-footers for $14 . Kelty Low Loveseat for $78 ($52 off) This chair is the coziest way to hang out around camp. It is somewhat huge, heavy, and awkward to fold up and carry, but it's all worth it once you cram everyone you love on it in front of a fire. The even bigger and more awkward three-person version is also on sale for $108 ($71 off) . Petzl Tikka Headlamp for $26 ($9 off) Our favorite headlamp , I've been using a Tikka for backpacking since 2012, and it's still going strong, which beats every other headlamp or flashlight I've tried in that time. To be fair, the headband gave out long ago, and I replaced it with some shock cord, but the headlamp itself is a testament to Petzl's durability. The Tikka is not the brightest light. The models linked here top out at 350 lumens, but it's plenty of light to cook by in the backcountry or trace the source of that transmission fluid dripping off the oil pan. Don't forget to grab some AAA batteries (we recommend Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable batteries ). Sawyer Micro Squeeze Water Filter for $28 ($5 off) I'm still testing the Sawyer micro squeeze filter, but so far I like it. It's tiny and weighs just 2.5 ounces. It works with a straw or the included pouch, and there's an adapter to fill your hydration reservoir directly (provided it uses the semi-standard 28-mm threads). At this size, you're going to have to back-flush it fairly frequently, but it's great for short trips. For longer hauls, I'd go with the regular size, which is also on sale for $35 ($11 off) . Leatherman, Wave+ Multi-tool for $96 ($25 off) The Leatherman Wave+ is our top pick multi-tool . The tools flip out and retract with just the right mix of smoothness and tension, and the mix of tools here is very useful—two stainless steel knives, one with a straight edge and the other serrated, along with 16 other tools, including a wood-and-metal file, a diamond-coated file, a saw, Phillips screwdriver bits, scissors, an 8-inch ruler, and a wire stripper, as well as a bottle and can opener. LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for $10 ($9 off) If you hike, camp, or have a disaster kit at the ready, a LifeStraw is a good thing to include. It filters contaminated water without batteries or other accessories. Grab a BPA-free bottle to filter into and you'll get out 99.99 percent of waterborne bacteria for up to 1,000 gallons of water. By then you'll have either made it to the survivors' camp in Vermont or the zombies will have won. Deals on Apparel and Rain Jackets REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie for $149 ($99 off) We're hard at work testing puffer jackets for an upcoming guide, but this REI Magma 850 is an early standout. With an 850-fill-power goose down and a recycled ripstop nylon shell, this is one of the warmer contenders I've used. I like the zippered chest pocket (there are also two zippered hand pockets, one of which the jacket stuffs into), and at 12.5 ounces this jacket is surprisingly light for how warm it is. The front zip has a wind flap, and there's even a draft collar, something you hardly ever find in a puffer at this price. Even better the hood uses an elastic cord in the back that allows you to cinch it down and keep cold air from blowing in the sides. I've worn this in some pretty icy winds coming off Lake Superior I haven't been anything but warm. REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket for $90 ($39 off) Our favorite bargain puffer jacket, the REI 650 Down Jacket isn't as warm as the Magma above, but it's hard to argue with this price. If you need a cheap, packable jacket for those cold summits or star gazing on chilly nights, this is the jacket to get. The stiched-through baffles mean this one isn't as warm and is more susceptible to wind, but at this price, it's worth buying. REI Co-op 650 Down Vest for $70 ($30 off) If you want to go even lighter, the 650 Down Vest is the same as the jacket above, minus the arms. Provided you have a good base layer on your arms, a vest is the way to go for more active pursuits. I use a vest for all but the coldest weather since my arms rarely get cold and I prefer to have an increased range of motion. Fjallraven Expedition Pack Down Hoodie for $196 ($84 off) This is another very nice down jacket, well, technically a hybrid fill jacket. Fjallraven uses 700-fill-power down for most of the jacket but adds synthetic recycled polyester insulation over the shoulders to help resist moisture. This is a mid-layer jacket where I live, but it does have a nylon shell that resists wind and water if you're wearing it as an outer layer. The hood does a good job of keeping you warm while staying out of your way thanks to two drawcord tabs at the front, and an elastic drawcord at the back. Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks for 25 Percent off Darn Tough makes our favorite Merino wool socks . Just about all varieties are on sale, but if you don't know where to start I like these Midweight Hiking Socks for $22 ($7 off) for cooler adventures in fall and spring. Prana Heavana Leggings for $53 ($36 off) Prana is having a bonkers sale right now, offering 40 percent off certain styles. Reviewer Nena Farrell and I are both fans and have recommended Prana leggings in our Gifts for Mom guide. The fabric is ridiculously soft and thin, especially if you like hot yoga. The Halle Pants are also my go-to climbing and hiking pants. —Adrienne So Branwyn Merino Bralette for $36 ($12 off) The Branwyn bra is in our essential guide to merino wool , but I like it enough that I wrote a whole separate rave about it. Merino wool is a miracle fiber—it’s renewable, odor-resistant, regulates your temperature and doesn’t leave you with a terminal case of swamp booty should you choose to jump in a river with your hiking clothes on. What’s not to like? Everything at Branwyn is 25 percent off through Cyber Monday. —Adrienne So Smartwool Merino Base Layer Crew for $86 ($34 off) Base layers are the perfect place for merino wool , and this is our top-pick merino base layer . The softness of this Smartwool shirt is hard to beat, and the 100 percent merino means you get all of the temperature-regulating, odor-resisting goodness of wool without any synthetic fibers to drag it down. Huckberry Flint and Tinder Waxed Canvas Jacket for $304 ($54 off) I am a waxed canvas convert. It's not breathable, and it can be heavy so it's not necessarily the best when you're heading into the backcountry, but if you want to say dry, it beats everything else I've tried. It also looks a lot better. This waxed canvas jacket from Huckberry is far and away the most stylish thing on this page and the wool lining means you'll stay warm and dry. I have the flannel-lined version and wish I had the wool. Don't be me, get the wool version. La Sportiva Tarantulace Climbing Shoes for $67 ($22 off) It's winter, and it's getting colder. That means you're probably heading to the climbing gym . These are some of the most comfortable and cheapest climbing shoes around, so they're great for all-day wear, or beginners whose feet haven't entirely converted into calloused toe claws. Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoes for $125 ($30 off) The Hoka Speedgoats are our favorite trail running shoes , which makes sense since the company started off making trail running shoes. It's roomy in the toes for long runs and has a durable Vibram outsole, and it's noticeably lighter than previous Speedgoat models. —Adrienne So Altra Outroad 2 Trail Running Shoes for $85 ($55 off) This is my favorite running shoe. Altra's shoes have a roomy toe box and are zero drop, which means that they're flat—the heels are not higher than the toes. which improves your posture and strengthens your lower leg. The Outroads are designed for both trails and roads. This is a very good all-in-one shoe over a variety of terrain. —Adrienne So Stance Dimensions Crew Socks (3 Pairs) for $33 ($22 off) I bought these running socks earlier this year to replenish my stock, and I'm now going to buy more because this is an unbelievable deal. These are great for winter running—synthetic quick-dry fibers are good for the rain, and the crew height keeps wet mud and dirt from sliding in next to my skin. —Adrienne So Rab Glaceon Pro Women's Down Jacket for $255 Rab's Glaceon Pro is an early front-runner in our hoodie testing (guide coming soon). It's the warmest of the bunch of tried, especially for how small it packs down. The ripstop nylon shell is reasonably tough (my puppy has failed to rip it) and windproof. It'll hold off a drizzle pretty well, but anything more than that and you'll want to pull out a shell. I like the adjustability of the hood and the two-way front zipper for accessing a climbing harness when you're wearing one. Outdoor Research Foray II Men's Rain Jacket for $135 ($90 off) I tested this jacket all summer and into the fall (admittedly, one of the driest ever where I live), and it's performed incredibly well. I've twice had it in significant downpours and not had it wet through and the size zippers give you great ventilation options. The entire jacket is seam-taped, adding to the waterproofing, and the stretchiness of the shell fabric is great for a large range of motion when you're hiking with a pack on. The only downside is that it weighs 15.3 ounces, which is on the heavy side. Deals on Cameras and Drones When you're getting after it outdoors, these cameras and drones will help save the memories. GoPro Hero 13 Black Action Camera $340 ($60 off) GoPro's new Hero 13 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) is a fantastic action camera. The Hero 13 features a new interchangeable lens system, with Macro, Ultra Wide, and Anamorphic lenses, plus a set of four neutral density filters (all sold separately). The Hero 13 Black even autodetects which lens is attached and changes settings accordingly. It's a slick, if expensive, system, but this deal at least saves you some cash on the base camera, which you can put toward an extra lens. Except the Anamorphic, which won't be available until 2025. GoPro Hero 12 Black Action Camera for $296 ($103 off) This deal has been running since the new Hero 13 Black launched earlier this year, and if you have the extra $40 to spare, I highly recommend the Hero 13 over the 12. But if you're on a tight budget, or don't have any interest in the interchangeable lenses, the Hero 12 uses the same sensor and makes a great action cam . DJI Air 3 Drone for $879 ($220 off) The DJI Air 3 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) remains one of our favorite drones , despite the brand new Air 3S. The new Air 3S brings larger sensors, which do improve the video a bit, but the Air 3 is still a fantastic dual-camera drone and, at this price, a better value than the new Air 3S. DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo for $209 ($90 off) The Osmo Action 4 has been surpassed by the new Osmo Action 5 , but the Action 4 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is still a fantastic action camera, especially at this price. The magnetic mounting system is great, the menu system makes switching between modes a snap, and the resulting photos and video are excellent. Insta360 Ace Pro Action Camera for $300 ($50 off) Insta360's Ace Pro was just replaced by the new Ace Pro 2 , but this is a good deal on what is still a great camera. Capable of recording up to 8K 24 fps, with solid stabilization, good color handling, and a Leica lens to boot, there's a lot to love here, especially for only $300. That said unless you think you're going to use the 8K (which is only usable in still shots, not action footage), the Osmo Action 4 deal above is a better value. Insta360 X4 360 Camera for $425 ($75 off) Our favorite 360 camera, Insta360's X4 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ), features a 1/2-inch sensor capable of 8K video, which is as high-resolution as you can get in a 360-degree camera. The 8K resolution means you can reframe your footage to fit rectangular video formats and still have high-quality clips sharp enough to mix with other sources. It doesn’t reframe to 4K (you'll have to wait for 12K footage before that's possible), but it's good enough for anything you'd put on social media. Other Great Outdoor Deals ★ Firebox G2 Stainless Steel Wood Stove for $65 ($10 off) I love my Firebox stove . There are fewer and fewer places you can use these thanks to backcountry burn bans, but when you can, there's nothing like cooking real food over an open flame after a long day's hike. The Firebox is a stainless steel box you can fold up to be flat for easy packing. Most of the company's stoves are on sale right now, but the G2 is the best for most people. If you regularly cook for larger groups, the best option is the Freestyle Everything Kit for $120 ($74 off) . Solo Bonfire Essential Bundle 2.0 for $280 ($50 off) The Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0 is our top pick for backyard fire pits . At 19.5 inches wide and 15 inches tall, it’s small enough to toss in the trunk and lug to the beach or a tailgate but big enough to gather a group of a half-dozen friends around without feeling like you’re sitting around a Sterno can. Made from stainless steel, it weighs about 25 pounds. This deal is on the bundle, which gets you the firepit, lid, stand, and handy carrying bag. If you want something bigger, the Yukon is also on sale for $580 ($70 off) . BioLite FirePit+ for $187 ($62 off) Our pick for the best hibachi grill and fire pit , Biolite's FirePit+ is a sleek, portable, mesh box with removable legs, a hibachi-style grill, and an ash bin. It has a rechargeable 10,400 mAh battery that can power 51 air jets for up to 26 hours. This allows you to precisely control the flame, and to some extent, the heat of the fire. It’s Bluetooth-compatible so you can tweak the airflow—and how high the flames go—on your phone. The FirePit+ can burn charcoal or wood and, thanks to the fans, you don't need a charcoal chimney and you'll never struggle to get a fire burning. Garmin InReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator for $300 ($100 off) Garmin's InReach Mini is the satellite communicator in the ultralight and backpacking worlds. It's tiny, weighs a mere 3.5 ounces, and uses the super-fast Iridium satellite network, so you can send a rapid SOS from pretty much anywhere, even the middle of the Indian Ocean. It can also do more mundane things like allow friends and family to track daily progress via a real-time map. As you would expect, it plays nicely with compatible Garmin watches. Garmin Forerunner 255 for $250 ($100 off) The Garmin Forerunner 255 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is aimed at runners and triathletes, with plenty of mileage and stats available for running and swimming. There are also pretty solid sleep-tracking features and the battery life is great. The Forerunner generally knew what I was doing, logging pushups, walking, running, and resting without issue. It's particularly well-suited to interval training thanks to the automatic detection. Fitbit Charge 6 for $100 ($50 off) The Fitbit Charge 6 ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) tops our guide to the best fitness trackers thanks to the perfect balance of attractiveness, affordability, accessibility, and ease of use. Google’s takeover has led to several smart integrations with Google Maps, Google Wallet, and YouTube Music Premium. This tracker can keep tabs on your skin temperature, 24/7 heart rate, activities, and sleep schedule. You can also expect week-long battery life, but the best features still require the $10/month Fitbit Premium subscription. — Simon Hill Garmin Instinct 2 for $300 ($100 off) This is still the watch I would wear if I didn’t have to test other fitness trackers —and I’m not the only one, because Garmin’s Instinct line is one of the company’s most popular. It has all the backcountry capabilities of the higher-end Fenix and Epix lines, but it’s more affordable because it ditches the fancy screen. The Instinct 2 Solar’s battery life lasted almost three weeks when I tested it in Hawaii, where I used it to keep track of everything from trail runs to keeping me oriented toward the beach when snorkeling. — Adrienne So Rocky Talkie 5-Watt Two Radios for $288 ($72 off) WIRED reviewer Adrienne So reviewed the 2-watt version of these bulletproof walkie-talkies ( 8/10, WIRED Review ), and Gear Team director Martin Cizmar, has been testing this version, which has more than twice the power and promises a half-mile of carry-in even the least advantageous of environments (and up to 35 miles when circumstances are right). They’ve got USB-C charging and IP56 water resistance and the signal has been clear and strong in our testing. This is the first time the 5-watt version of the Rocky Talkie radio has ever been on sale. Isle Switch 3 Inflatable Paddleboard and Kayak for $695 ($300 off) The Isle Switch 3 is by far my favorite inflatable that I have tested. Do you want to paddle out in glassy, still water and lie on your belly with your dog and watch fish? Then it’s a big, solid, stable paddleboard with a grippy, soft surface perfect for puppy paws. Is there a bit of a breeze and you want to put the full force of your paddling muscles in play? Slip the hooks into the eyes and tighten the straps to put on a big, comfy seat and foot brace. (I used mine as a seat for the kids behind me.) Even the paddle converts from an SUP paddle to a kayak paddle. I can’t believe I’ve never tried one of these before. This deal includes a free electric pump. —Adrienne So ★ Bote Breeze Aero Inflatable Paddle Board for $489 ($80 off) The Breeze Aero ( 7/10, WIRED Recommends ) inflatable paddleboard is well-built and durable, and it packs up reasonably small. It's also one of the stablest paddleboards I've tried, making it a good choice for beginners. It's easy to unpack and easy to use. Inflating is something of a chore with the hand pump, but once it's deflated, it's not hard to stow it away again. This deal is on the 11'6" model (which supports up to 355 pounds). Oru Beach LT Folding Kayak for $959 ($240 off) It's been a while since we tested an Oru, but every time we have we've loved them. These clever kayaks fold up like origami, packing down to the size of a small suitcase. Most weigh around 25 pounds and they're all on sale . The Beach LT is in the middle of the lineup, both in terms of size and price. It's a bit wider than some models, making it more stable and giving you a spacious cockpit that's more beginner-friendly. —Adrienne So Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station for $500 ($400 off) Goal Zero's Yeti 1000X is a good choice for off-grid camping. It's got enough power to recharge all your devices for a week or more, as well as power smaller appliances like a portable fridge. It offers a 60-watt USB-C power delivery port, two USB-A ports, a 12-volt port, and two 120-volt AC ports (1,500 watts, 3,000 watts surge). You can pair it with some solar panels if you're going to be off-grid for longer periods of time. Peak Design Out Front Bike Mount V2 for $56 ($14 off) I recently stopped putting my phone on my handlebars when I ride, but when I did this was by far the best mount I ever used. It uses Peak Design's SlimLink magnetic mounting system, which is super strong and easy to take on and off, just press the button, and your phone releases. It'll fit a large range of handlebars and can go out front as the name implies, but also below or behind if you want to position it differently. The only catch is you need to use Peak Design's phone case for this to work.
The Bangladesh stock (equity) market has experienced significant fluctuations since the 2010 market crash, reflecting a challenging macroeconomic and political environment. Analysing the post-crash period from 2011 onwards provides insights into the volatility and recovery patterns of the market. In 2011, the market experienced a dramatic loss of 32.2 percent (total return), driven by a sharp capital loss of 36.6 percent following the speculative bubble that burst in late 2010. This was compounded by high inflation (10.7 percent), leading to a substantial negative real return of 42.9 percent. Investor confidence remained low in 2012, with a further decline in market returns (by 16.1 percent) and inflation staying elevated (8.7 percent), resulting in another negative real return of 24.9 percent. However, the market began to stabilise from 2013 onwards. Although capital gains were modest at 4 percent, dividend yields provided some cushion, and total market return rose to 7.8 percent. With inflation beginning to taper (7.5 percent), the real return turned positive at 0.3 percent, signalling a tentative recovery. From 2014 to 2017, the market gradually improved, with total returns averaging around 15 percent per year. The highest total return during this period was 26.7 percent in 2017, despite inflation averaging around 5-7 percent, leading to consistent positive real returns. A major setback occurred in 2018 when the market saw a loss of 10.8 percent (total return), coupled with inflation at 5.7 percent, resulting in a negative real return of 16.4 percent. This trend continued into 2019 as the market struggled to recover, with a further 13.1 percent decline in total return. The market showed a sharp recovery in 2020 and 2021, with total returns of 24.4 percent and 29.1 percent, respectively, as post-pandemic optimism boosted performance. However, high inflation and corporate-led corruption have led to a decline in 2022 and 2023, and in 2024 YTD, the market is down by 16.2 percent (capital loss), facing significant headwinds like macro instability, high inflation, and weak investor sentiment. The overall post-crash analysis shows a pattern of recovery but is marked by periods of volatility, inflationary pressure, and ongoing political and economic risks. The Bangladesh stock market typically rebounds after 2-3 consecutive years of correction, as historical patterns suggest. Based on past trends, one might expect a recovery in or by 2025. However, the current situation presents unique challenges, as the market's trajectory is increasingly intertwined with the country's macroeconomic conditions and political landscape. Given these dynamics, the projection for the next two years remains cautious. The Bangladesh stock market is poised to encounter substantial headwinds due to a confluence of macroeconomic and political uncertainties, which could significantly impact its performance. Below is a detailed analysis of the key challenges expected to shape market outcomes in the coming years. To provide a more comprehensive understanding, the article includes historical context that sheds light on the underlying causes of anxiety among minority investors in Bangladesh's stock market, ensuring these issues are neither overlooked nor ignored. Bangladesh's stock market is under strain as high interest rates on government bonds (11-13 percent) pull institutional investors toward safer, risk-free returns, weakening liquidity and investor confidence. Rising inflation, projected to hover around 10 percent for at least the next two years, exacerbates economic instability by eroding consumer purchasing power and corporate profitability while also increasing borrowing costs. Additionally, declining foreign exchange (FX) reserves, driven by reduced export competitiveness, supply chain disruptions, and rising business costs, further undermine economic stability. The weakening taka adds to the strain, raising import prices, feeding inflation, and deterring foreign investment due to the risk of currency losses. Compounding these challenges is Bangladesh's rising foreign debt burden, which is becoming increasingly expensive to service due to the taka's depreciation, diverting resources away from critical development projects and infrastructure investments. Without effective fiscal management, investor confidence and stock market growth are likely to remain subdued. High global interest rates, particularly in the US, are drawing investment flows away from emerging markets like Bangladesh. With US bonds offering safer, more attractive returns, foreign investors are less likely to invest in Bangladesh's stock market, exacerbating capital outflows. Additionally, capital flight driven by export-import manipulation and corruption in large project financing, involving major corporations like S Alam Group, Summit Group, and BEXIMCO Group, continues to deplete foreign exchange reserves. Hopes of recovering these siphoned funds are unrealistic, as they are often held in tax havens with little incentive to cooperate. This capital flight and lack of international legal recourse further weaken the country's economic stability and stock market performance. Bangladesh's stock market faces significant challenges due to weak regulatory leadership, institutional failures, and unresolved margin loan issues. The Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC) remains under scrutiny. Compounding these concerns, the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB), once a major stabilising force in the market, is now struggling under a portfolio of junk stocks and questionable investments. Years of mismanagement and corruption, including dubious investments have left ICB in a weakened financial state, severely limiting its ability to intervene in market downturns. Moreover, the persistent issue of margin loans continues to burden financial institutions. Merchant banks and brokerage firms, plagued by bad debts from margin loans extended during previous market bubbles, are unable to provide fresh loans, stifling market liquidity. The total outstanding margin loans, including interest, have reached Tk 250 billion ($2 billion), with a significant portion in negative equity. Despite efforts to address these issues, powerful individuals with political and social connections have manipulated the system, obtaining unauthorised loans and evading accountability. Without decisive action from the BSEC and a comprehensive cleanup of financial institutions' balance sheets, Bangladesh's stock market will remain vulnerable, limiting its growth potential and undermining investor confidence. Bangladesh's stock market is grappling with a significant lack of "smart capital," as wealthy investors and corporations either move funds abroad or hold back investments due to uncertainty. This absence of new, well-capitalised investors leaves the market dependent on a small group of players, increasing the risk of manipulation and volatility. Foreign investors, too, are deterred by poor transparency, particularly under the previous leadership of the BSEC, further stalling capital inflows. Additionally, tax policies provide little incentive for companies to list on the stock exchanges, with the tax differential between listed and non-listed firms being too narrow to justify the costs of going public. As a result, many well-established companies avoid the stock market, depriving it of the quality listings needed for growth and stability. Combined with the regulatory failures that allow debt-ridden companies to remain listed, these factors prevent the market from attracting both local and international long-term investors, ultimately stifling its development. Without reforms, the Bangladesh stock market will struggle to achieve sustainable growth and liquidity. Given these challenges, a conservative investment strategy focusing on government bonds is advisable. Allocating 60-70 percent of funds to government bonds ensures capital preservation in uncertain times. Until a stable government is established and market conditions improve, focusing on low-risk investments is a prudent approach. It's important to remember that in a stormy sea, keeping your ship steady is far more vital than rushing toward the horizon. In such dangerous waters, ensuring your vessel stays afloat matters more than chasing quick profits.
CROWN ROYAL JOINS FORCES WITH NATE SMITH AND SCOTTY HASTING TO SUPPORT VETERANS AS THE AWARD-WINNING WHISKY DONATES $50,000 TO CREATIVETS ON COUNTRY MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHTNone
In a way, tariffs, sanctions and bans all boil down to one word: no. We’ve just had a month of “no”. No-vember, you could even say. But not all noes are the same. Tariffs, sanctions and bans are designed to achieve different things. This November, the words became confused, a scrambled negation. So it is with Donald Trump’s tariffs , promised during the election campaign as a way to protect American manufacturing interests in the face of competition from global trade. These promises spoke to the towns and cities gutted and citizens rendered jobless and hopeless as corporates offshored their business. They painted a picture of resurgent industry and innovation in America, leading to prosperity for working people. Trump’s tariff announcement wiped billions from the Australian sharemarket. Credit: The idea of tariffs has economists in a flap. As you are sure to have heard them patiently, if condescendingly, explain by now, tariffs are really taxes on consumers in the country that imposes them. They make imported goods more expensive, lowering the overall buying power of the average punter. In an economists’ paradise, our interests would be best served by removing trade barriers entirely and letting every country produce according to its ability and sell to others according to their need. Unfortunately, humanity has proven unworthy of this lofty ideal. In the real world, there are wars and chaos. In this world, a tariff can serve a strategic purpose – for instance, a country might put a tariff on the import of milk to protect its local milk producers. This ensures it always has access to the nutritious comestible, even if supply chains are cut off or relations with the supplying nations sour. Trump isn’t yet president again, but he’s already described the tariffs he actually plans to make policy. When he gains office, at the end of January next year, he will slap a 25 per cent tariff on all goods imported from Canada and Mexico, along with another 10 per cent tariff on China. But here’s the perplexing thing: the purpose of these so-called tariffs is not to protect US industry (at least not any legal one) from cheaper goods from overseas. The tariffs Trump has announced since winning have been focused on curbing the importation of illegal drugs and stopping immigrants entering the US without permission. Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that his tariffs “will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” Which reveals the problem: the word tariff doesn’t mean what Trump thinks it means. A tariff levied on all goods for the purposes of forcing a country to comply with international rules, such as respect for borders and prohibitions on narcotics, is not a tariff at all. It’s a sanction. Sorry, not sorry, for splitting that hair. Confounding tariffs and sanctions is a serious matter, which will lead to poor policy outcomes and worse living conditions for your average world citizen. Only pedantry can save us now. It could save sex, too, and the joy of human relations. To celebrate this No-vember, American women unhappy with Donald Trump’s win imported the 4B movement from South Korea. The name translates to the Four Noes – because adherents say no to dating men, no to marrying men, no to having sex with men, and no to having children with men (which presumably means no entirely to the last, given the tricky gamete situation faced by our dioecious species). This is a classic case of imposing a sanction where a tariff would be better suited. It must be assumed that the women committing themselves to 4B are heterosexual women (otherwise there’s nothing to give up) who have decided, on the basis that some men have political or social attitudes that they disagree with, to place sanctions on the entire gender. Not only is this a neat illustration of the fact that sanctions can also have consequences for the sanctioning party – these women are denying their own urges to inflict a punishment on others – but it demonstrates the importance of choosing the right tariff, sanction or ban to achieve your objective. In this case, a tariff would be more beneficial. Instead of swearing off men entirely, heterosexual women (who want those things) could impose an extra cost on sex, dating, marriage and children by only engaging in those activities with men who treat women well and respect their physical autonomy. There are no rules that tariffs have to be levied in dollars and cents. You could say that, before social norms changed, the tariff levied on sex used to be marriage; selecting for character was called being choosy. Sure, it’s harder to find a decent man than settle for one who’s handy, randy and willing. But as we’ve already established, while tariffs might protect something we consider desirable, they do it by making goods dearer for the consumer. At least, unlike sanctions, tariffs don’t render them unavailable entirely. So the power of pedantry to clarify the different types of “no” is crucial to getting the best out of national and social relations. But it could also create a better conversation around the so-called social media bans for under 16s. This legislation has been rammed through parliament just in time for parents to spend Christmas trying to explain it to their children. The trouble is, the ban is not a ban – it’s an attempt to respond to the damage that autoplay and algorithms are doing to attention spans and to discourage a scrolling spiral of harmful content. And that needs, somehow, to stop. Most people don’t necessarily want to ban social media; we want it to be better. Targeted modifications could help, but even more powerful would be a subscription fee that would force platforms to verify users through a credit card payment. So, yes, it would cost the consumer to fix social media. But if there’s one thing we can learn from this November, it’s that saying no – whether through tariffs, sanctions or bans – can, in the right circumstances, be worth the price. Parnell Palme McGuinness is managing director at campaigns firm Agenda C. She has done work for the Liberal Party and the German Greens.India News | Defence Ministry Inks Rs 7628 Crore Deal with L&T for K9 Vajra-T Guns
Maine Republicans take aim at public advocate nomineeStrictly star STRIPPED in front of me & left me stunned – there’s reason why celebs think they can behave how they want