It’s not hard to understand the value tight end Josh Oliver brings to the Vikings. Just listen to the way people talk about him. “He’s an animal,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “Once he gets his hands on somebody, it’s kind of like, ‘Good luck.'” It was similar sentiment from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He’s the best blocking tight end in the league, and that’s no disrespect to anybody else,” Phillips said. “We will take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. It’s not only that he’s physically imposing as a 270-pound man. It’s the attitude that he plays with out there.” What are the Vikings losing now that Oliver has been ruled out with an ankle injury? His absence will be felt most when the Vikings try to run the ball against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. Though he has proved he can contribute in the passing game, Oliver has been a force in the running game since signing with the Vikings. There have been multiple times this season that Oliver had singlehandedly carved out space for running back Aaron Jones to go to work. That’s partially why Hockenson has played only about 50% of the offensive snaps since returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament a few weeks ago. Even if the Vikings are often telegraphing a run when Oliver is on the field, they don’t care because they feel that strongly about his ability as a blocker. “You see it every single week,” Phillips said. “He’s moving large men and putting them on the ground.” It’s safe to assume Oliver would suit up for the Vikings if he were able to do so. He’s been playing through a wrist injury for the past few weeks, for example, and has still been extremely effective at the point of attack. How tough is it to replace Oliver in a vacuum? “It’s a big challenge because of all the things he does on a snap in and snap out basis,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We will see some guys make some impacts on some different downs and distances than we have maybe seen up to this point.” Briefly The only other players on the injury report for the Vikings are tight end Nick Muse (hand) and edge rusher Gabe Murphy (knee). Both players were officially listed as questionable and being full participants in the walkthrough on Friday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. Related ArticlesNEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia on Monday knocked Wall Street off its big rally and helped drag U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 240 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite pulled back 0.6% from its own record. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.An anti-corruption probe into one of the state’s busiest hospitals is examining claims that surgeons charged the Transport Accident Commission for operating on multiple patients at the same time. This masthead revealed on Sunday that the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission was investigating a handful of surgeons at the Royal Melbourne Hospital over allegations they billed the TAC for medical procedures never carried out on patients, and fraudulently claimed assistant surgeon fees. IBAC is investigating claims that surgeons fraudulently billed the TAC. Credit: iStock Four sources – speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal – have revealed that surgeons would simultaneously run multiple theatres, often staffed by registrars, and then claim to the TAC they had operated in all theatres at the same time. This, the sources said, enabled them to attract higher rebates from the public insurer. Registrars are not allowed to charge the TAC. “The primary surgeon is jumping from one theatre to the next and not being meaningfully involved in the actual surgery but just writing operation reports,” one hospital source said. “They might write these reports from the tearoom. It is really disgusting.” The government-owned TAC is funded by Victorian motorists to pay for the treatment of road accident victims, and reimburses hospitals, surgeons and anaesthetists for each TAC patient they treat. Loading Surgeons and anaesthetists bill the TAC for this work in addition to receiving an hourly rate from their hospital, an arrangement insiders say creates a perverse financial incentive for some surgeons to harvest TAC patients. It can also be revealed that IBAC is looking into concerns that some surgeons at the Parkville hospital cherry-picked lucrative TAC patients, prioritising them over public patients waiting for urgent surgery. “Some surgeons have monopolised the trauma ... they have gone out of their way to treat TAC cases ... to make sure they are the only ones who bill for it,” said one hospital source, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals. This masthead has seen evidence of one injured TAC patient being moved to a rehabilitation facility before their operation and then transported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital to allegedly coincide with a particular surgeon being rostered on. A hospital source claimed this was orchestrated to allow the particular surgeon to bill the TAC for the patient’s surgery. “Everyone knows what happens; they are too frightened to say anything,” another hospital source said. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas. Credit: Nine On Sunday, Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed the IBAC investigation, saying that while there was no evidence the alleged behaviour was widespread, if the allegations were true that would be “a gross misuse of public funds and breach of trust”. “If this is true, I’m absolutely devastated. This is a breach of trust with the Victorian people,” she said. “The integrity of our health system is absolutely paramount, and it’s important that Victorians can have the highest trust in our healthcare system.” Both Thomas and TAC Minister Danny Pearson said they were not aware of the allegations before Friday, despite three hospital sources telling The Age the accusations were the worst-kept secret among Melbourne’s medical community. Thomas said there was no reason to believe the TAC incentives gave surgeons and anaesthetists the opportunity to abuse the state’s system. Pearson told media he would not comment on an ongoing investigation other than to say he had not been aware of the allegations until he read about them in this masthead. “I think it’s appropriate that that investigation be allowed to run its course without providing a running commentary,” he said. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier called on IBAC to release its findings and said she believed the alleged scam was costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars a day. “These allegations were reported to the TAC years ago, reported to IBAC years ago, reported to the Royal Melbourne Hospital executive years ago,” she said. Credit: Paul Harris “Victorians deserve better than a health system that is mired in corruption and scandals like this ... we’ve got corruption rorting in one of Victoria’s largest and most prominent hospitals – and it’s just not acceptable.” Crozier said the relevant ministers should be stepping in to resolve these issues. While the exact scale of the IBAC investigation is unknown, medical fraud and compliance expert Dr Margaret Faux said better technology was needed to crack down on incorrect claims. While the TAC has adopted the Medicare Benefits Schedule items, definitions and rules for services provided by medical practitioners, Faux said it did not have a rigorous system to interrogate claims. “As soon as they have a TAC number, it is open slather,” said Faux, who runs a company that processes medical bills for doctors and hospitals. “They do as many things as they can to these patients because they are cash cows.” A recent hospital patient, who did not receive treatment at the Royal Melbourne, contacted The Age after reading about the claims and agreed that the system was open to “all kinds of manipulation”. The Victorian resident, who requested anonymity, said that after managing to check their surgery item numbers, they were surprised by how many there were. “What other business transaction can be made without the receiver seeing an account?” A Royal Melbourne Hospital spokesperson said the health service upheld strict governance and was proud to deliver exceptional care. Loading Both IBAC and the TAC have said it would be inappropriate to comment on an any investigation. The TAC finalised 14 prosecutions last financial year, resulting in $484,124 in restitution payments for the public insurer. Thirty warning letters were sent over the same period in cases that did not meet the prosecution threshold. With Selina Zhang Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter . Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Healthcare IBAC For subscribers Henrietta Cook is a senior reporter covering health for The Age. Henrietta joined The Age in 2012 and has previously covered state politics, education and consumer affairs. Connect via Twitter , Facebook or email . Broede Carmody is a state political reporter for The Age. Previously, he was the national news blogger for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Connect via Twitter or email . Carla Jaeger is a Victorian state political reporter at The Age. She has previously covered sports affairs and worked in the investigations unit. Connect via Twitter or email . Most Viewed in National LoadingAlkami Technology's chief strategy officer sells $2.63 million in stock
Bell Capital Cup debuts sledge hockey division for children with disabilitiesSaudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's rise JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Baraa Anwer, The Associated Press Dec 13, 2024 2:40 PM Dec 13, 2024 2:50 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message A view of the Red Sea International Film Festival banner displayed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer) JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia's decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia's commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy's dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The country's General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix's platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it's not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry's evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.” Baraa Anwer, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More Entertainment News How to write a holiday rom-com for TV, according to the experts Dec 13, 2024 3:16 PM Saudi Arabia banned film for 35 years. The Red Sea festival is just one sign of the industry's rise Dec 13, 2024 2:53 PM Unique among 'Person of the Year' designees, Donald Trump gets a fact-check from Time magazine Dec 13, 2024 2:46 PM Featured Flyer
PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — Newly married and sworn as a Naval officer, Jimmy Carter left his tiny hometown in 1946 hoping to climb the ranks and see the world. Less than a decade later, the death of his father and namesake, a merchant farmer and local politician who went by “Mr. Earl,” prompted the submariner and his wife, Rosalynn, to return to the rural life of Plains, Georgia, they thought they’d escaped. The lieutenant never would be an admiral. Instead, he became commander in chief. Years after his presidency ended in humbling defeat, he would add a Nobel Peace Prize, awarded not for his White House accomplishments but “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” The life of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, ended Sunday at the age of 100 where it began: Plains, the town of 600 that fueled his political rise, welcomed him after his fall and sustained him during 40 years of service that redefined what it means to be a former president. With the stubborn confidence of an engineer and an optimism rooted in his Baptist faith, Carter described his motivations in politics and beyond in the same way: an almost missionary zeal to solve problems and improve lives. Carter was raised amid racism, abject poverty and hard rural living — realities that shaped both his deliberate politics and emphasis on human rights. “He always felt a responsibility to help people,” said Jill Stuckey, a longtime friend of Carter's in Plains. “And when he couldn’t make change wherever he was, he decided he had to go higher.” Carter's path, a mix of happenstance and calculation , pitted moral imperatives against political pragmatism; and it defied typical labels of American politics, especially caricatures of one-term presidents as failures. “We shouldn’t judge presidents by how popular they are in their day. That's a very narrow way of assessing them," Carter biographer Jonathan Alter told the Associated Press. “We should judge them by how they changed the country and the world for the better. On that score, Jimmy Carter is not in the first rank of American presidents, but he stands up quite well.” Later in life, Carter conceded that many Americans, even those too young to remember his tenure, judged him ineffective for failing to contain inflation or interest rates, end the energy crisis or quickly bring home American hostages in Iran. He gained admirers instead for his work at The Carter Center — advocating globally for public health, human rights and democracy since 1982 — and the decades he and Rosalynn wore hardhats and swung hammers with Habitat for Humanity. Yet the common view that he was better after the Oval Office than in it annoyed Carter, and his allies relished him living long enough to see historians reassess his presidency. “He doesn’t quite fit in today’s terms” of a left-right, red-blue scoreboard, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who visited the former president multiple times during his own White House bid. At various points in his political career, Carter labeled himself “progressive” or “conservative” — sometimes both at once. His most ambitious health care bill failed — perhaps one of his biggest legislative disappointments — because it didn’t go far enough to suit liberals. Republicans, especially after his 1980 defeat, cast him as a left-wing cartoon. It would be easiest to classify Carter as a centrist, Buttigieg said, “but there’s also something radical about the depth of his commitment to looking after those who are left out of society and out of the economy.” Indeed, Carter’s legacy is stitched with complexities, contradictions and evolutions — personal and political. The self-styled peacemaker was a war-trained Naval Academy graduate who promised Democratic challenger Ted Kennedy that he’d “kick his ass.” But he campaigned with a call to treat everyone with “respect and compassion and with love.” Carter vowed to restore America’s virtue after the shame of Vietnam and Watergate, and his technocratic, good-government approach didn't suit Republicans who tagged government itself as the problem. It also sometimes put Carter at odds with fellow Democrats. The result still was a notable legislative record, with wins on the environment, education, and mental health care. He dramatically expanded federally protected lands, began deregulating air travel, railroads and trucking, and he put human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy. As a fiscal hawk, Carter added a relative pittance to the national debt, unlike successors from both parties. Carter nonetheless struggled to make his achievements resonate with the electorate he charmed in 1976. Quoting Bob Dylan and grinning enthusiastically, he had promised voters he would “never tell a lie.” Once in Washington, though, he led like a joyless engineer, insisting his ideas would become reality and he'd be rewarded politically if only he could convince enough people with facts and logic. This served him well at Camp David, where he brokered peace between Israel’s Menachem Begin and Epypt’s Anwar Sadat, an experience that later sparked the idea of The Carter Center in Atlanta. Carter's tenacity helped the center grow to a global force that monitored elections across five continents, enabled his freelance diplomacy and sent public health experts across the developing world. The center’s wins were personal for Carter, who hoped to outlive the last Guinea worm parasite, and nearly did. As president, though, the approach fell short when he urged consumers beleaguered by energy costs to turn down their thermostats. Or when he tried to be the nation’s cheerleader, beseeching Americans to overcome a collective “crisis of confidence.” Republican Ronald Reagan exploited Carter's lecturing tone with a belittling quip in their lone 1980 debate. “There you go again,” the former Hollywood actor said in response to a wonky answer from the sitting president. “The Great Communicator” outpaced Carter in all but six states. Carter later suggested he “tried to do too much, too soon” and mused that he was incompatible with Washington culture: media figures, lobbyists and Georgetown social elites who looked down on the Georgians and their inner circle as “country come to town.” Carter carefully navigated divides on race and class on his way to the Oval Office. Born Oct. 1, 1924 , Carter was raised in the mostly Black community of Archery, just outside Plains, by a progressive mother and white supremacist father. Their home had no running water or electricity but the future president still grew up with the relative advantages of a locally prominent, land-owning family in a system of Jim Crow segregation. He wrote of President Franklin Roosevelt’s towering presence and his family’s Democratic Party roots, but his father soured on FDR, and Jimmy Carter never campaigned or governed as a New Deal liberal. He offered himself as a small-town peanut farmer with an understated style, carrying his own luggage, bunking with supporters during his first presidential campaign and always using his nickname. And he began his political career in a whites-only Democratic Party. As private citizens, he and Rosalynn supported integration as early as the 1950s and believed it inevitable. Carter refused to join the White Citizens Council in Plains and spoke out in his Baptist church against denying Black people access to worship services. “This is not my house; this is not your house,” he said in a churchwide meeting, reminding fellow parishioners their sanctuary belonged to God. Yet as the appointed chairman of Sumter County schools he never pushed to desegregate, thinking it impractical after the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board decision. And while presidential candidate Carter would hail the 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed by fellow Democrat Lyndon Johnson when Carter was a state senator, there is no record of Carter publicly supporting it at the time. Carter overcame a ballot-stuffing opponent to win his legislative seat, then lost the 1966 governor's race to an arch-segregationist. He won four years later by avoiding explicit mentions of race and campaigning to the right of his rival, who he mocked as “Cufflinks Carl” — the insult of an ascendant politician who never saw himself as part the establishment. Carter’s rural and small-town coalition in 1970 would match any victorious Republican electoral map in 2024. Once elected, though, Carter shocked his white conservative supporters — and landed on the cover of Time magazine — by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Before making the jump to Washington, Carter befriended the family of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., whom he’d never sought out as he eyed the governor’s office. Carter lamented his foot-dragging on school integration as a “mistake.” But he also met, conspicuously, with Alabama's segregationist Gov. George Wallace to accept his primary rival's endorsement ahead of the 1976 Democratic convention. “He very shrewdly took advantage of his own Southerness,” said Amber Roessner, a University of Tennessee professor and expert on Carter’s campaigns. A coalition of Black voters and white moderate Democrats ultimately made Carter the last Democratic presidential nominee to sweep the Deep South. Then, just as he did in Georgia, he used his power in office to appoint more non-whites than all his predecessors had, combined. He once acknowledged “the secret shame” of white Americans who didn’t fight segregation. But he also told Alter that doing more would have sacrificed his political viability – and thus everything he accomplished in office and after. King's daughter, Bernice King, described Carter as wisely “strategic” in winning higher offices to enact change. “He was a leader of conscience,” she said in an interview. Rosalynn Carter, who died on Nov. 19 at the age of 96, was identified by both husband and wife as the “more political” of the pair; she sat in on Cabinet meetings and urged him to postpone certain priorities, like pressing the Senate to relinquish control of the Panama Canal. “Let that go until the second term,” she would sometimes say. The president, recalled her former aide Kathy Cade, retorted that he was “going to do what’s right” even if “it might cut short the time I have.” Rosalynn held firm, Cade said: “She’d remind him you have to win to govern.” Carter also was the first president to appoint multiple women as Cabinet officers. Yet by his own telling, his career sprouted from chauvinism in the Carters' early marriage: He did not consult Rosalynn when deciding to move back to Plains in 1953 or before launching his state Senate bid a decade later. Many years later, he called it “inconceivable” that he didn’t confer with the woman he described as his “full partner,” at home, in government and at The Carter Center. “We developed a partnership when we were working in the farm supply business, and it continued when Jimmy got involved in politics,” Rosalynn Carter told AP in 2021. So deep was their trust that when Carter remained tethered to the White House in 1980 as 52 Americans were held hostage in Tehran, it was Rosalynn who campaigned on her husband’s behalf. “I just loved it,” she said, despite the bitterness of defeat. Fair or not, the label of a disastrous presidency had leading Democrats keep their distance, at least publicly, for many years, but Carter managed to remain relevant, writing books and weighing in on societal challenges. He lamented widening wealth gaps and the influence of money in politics. He voted for democratic socialist Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton in 2016, and later declared that America had devolved from fully functioning democracy to “oligarchy.” Yet looking ahead to 2020, with Sanders running again, Carter warned Democrats not to “move to a very liberal program,” lest they help re-elect President Donald Trump. Carter scolded the Republican for his serial lies and threats to democracy, and chided the U.S. establishment for misunderstanding Trump’s populist appeal. He delighted in yearly convocations with Emory University freshmen, often asking them to guess how much he’d raised in his two general election campaigns. “Zero,” he’d gesture with a smile, explaining the public financing system candidates now avoid so they can raise billions. Carter still remained quite practical in partnering with wealthy corporations and foundations to advance Carter Center programs. Carter recognized that economic woes and the Iran crisis doomed his presidency, but offered no apologies for appointing Paul Volcker as the Federal Reserve chairman whose interest rate hikes would not curb inflation until Reagan's presidency. He was proud of getting all the hostages home without starting a shooting war, even though Tehran would not free them until Reagan's Inauguration Day. “Carter didn’t look at it” as a failure, Alter emphasized. “He said, ‘They came home safely.’ And that’s what he wanted.” Well into their 90s, the Carters greeted visitors at Plains’ Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and where he will have his last funeral before being buried on family property alongside Rosalynn . Carter, who made the congregation’s collection plates in his woodworking shop, still garnered headlines there, calling for women’s rights within religious institutions, many of which, he said, “subjugate” women in church and society. Carter was not one to dwell on regrets. “I am at peace with the accomplishments, regret the unrealized goals and utilize my former political position to enhance everything we do,” he wrote around his 90th birthday. The politician who had supposedly hated Washington politics also enjoyed hosting Democratic presidential contenders as public pilgrimages to Plains became advantageous again. Carter sat with Buttigieg for the final time March 1, 2020, hours before the Indiana mayor ended his campaign and endorsed eventual winner Joe Biden. “He asked me how I thought the campaign was going,” Buttigieg said, recalling that Carter flashed his signature grin and nodded along as the young candidate, born a year after Carter left office, “put the best face” on the walloping he endured the day before in South Carolina. Never breaking his smile, the 95-year-old host fired back, “I think you ought to drop out.” “So matter of fact,” Buttigieg said with a laugh. “It was somehow encouraging.” Carter had lived enough, won plenty and lost enough to take the long view. “He talked a lot about coming from nowhere,” Buttigieg said, not just to attain the presidency but to leverage “all of the instruments you have in life” and “make the world more peaceful.” In his farewell address as president, Carter said as much to the country that had embraced and rejected him. “The struggle for human rights overrides all differences of color, nation or language,” he declared. “Those who hunger for freedom, who thirst for human dignity and who suffer for the sake of justice — they are the patriots of this cause.” Carter pledged to remain engaged with and for them as he returned “home to the South where I was born and raised,” home to Plains, where that young lieutenant had indeed become “a fellow citizen of the world.” —- Bill Barrow, based in Atlanta, has covered national politics including multiple presidential campaigns for the AP since 2012.Tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passes away at 73
Mystery Drones Are 'a Very Considerable Danger,' Congressman Warns
The Chairman of Samsung Lee Jae-yong, in what is seen as a ‘desperation’ move to win freedom, has finally admitted in a South Korean Court yesterday, that Samsung is in trouble and is facing a difficult time ahead with more senior management cuts coming in the next few weeks. Samsung Electronics, who recently laid off 10% of their staff locally after a shocker 2023 financial report that saw both profits and revenues fall, has acknowledged that the business is facing a grim 2025 and that Chairman Lee Jae-yong is needed to run the business. The Chairman of Samsung Lee Jae-yong, enters court in South Korea With their share price down 29% year to date, Lee who has attended close to 100 court hearings since October 2020, yesterday acknowledged in front of a South Korean Court where prosecutors want him sent back to prison, that Samsung is grappling with multiple challenges including poor earnings and technological setbacks. In the past Samsung Australia has funded journalists to attend CES, this year there is no funding for “Any journalists” according to insiders, despite the Company looking to use the 2025 CES event in Las Vegas to launch several new TV’s and appliances. Yesterday was the first time that the Samsung chairman has publicly acknowledged that Samsung is “struggling” claim observers who were shocked at the comments. “I am well aware of the mounting concerns surrounding Samsung’s future. Some worry it is facing a fundamental crisis and fear it might be different from the challenges we have faced before. Others offer encouragement, saying Samsung will overcome the difficulties,” Lee said, addressing the judges. As ChannelNews has reported before Samsung has a track record of being able to turn difficult situations around as they have done several times in the past. Lee, pledged to tackle the difficulties, with management admitting that more “drastic changes” including major personnel reshuffles coming in the next few weeks. Pleading before the court Samsung’s Chairman said “I will do everything I can for Samsung to continue earning the public’s love and trust. I sincerely ask for the opportunity to fully focus on fulfilling my responsibilities.” Facing a final hearing of a retrial on allegations including stock manipulation related to a controversial 2015 merger, Lee pledged to do everything he can for the company to overcome its current challenges. Samsung’s problems have been developing over time, in 2021 the Company delivered A$53.36 billion dollars in profits, In 2022 this fell to $A47.5 billion, then in 2023 as Samsung Australia’s profits fell 50% the Company globally report a slump in profits to A$7.18 billion. The plunge was largely due to the poor performance of its chip division, which was severely impacted by a market downturn coupled with a major downturn in TV and appliance sales. This year the Company faced for the first time ever conflicts involving labour unions. Lee appealed to the Court for an opportunity to lead its recovery, claiming that Samsung needed him ‘At this difficult time”. “The challenges we face today are tougher than ever, but we will persevere, overcome them and move forward,” Lee said. Previously Lee was indicted on multiple charges including bribery and tax evasion, linked to the corruption scandal involving then South Korean President Park Geun-hye. In the latest case a lower court acquitted Lee of all of the 19 charges, this was not acceptable to prosecutors in the case, and they appealed resulting in yesterday’s court hearing. Now they are requested the same punishment of five years in prison and a fine of A$500,000 for Lee. If this happens Samsung’s share price is tipped to fall further despite the stock climbing over 3.6% during the past five days. In the processor market where Samsung has dominated in the past Samsung has been lagging behind South Korea’s SK Hynix when it comes to high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips used in AI chipsets. This has been a major contributor to the fall in profits claim analysts. Samsung has also lost a significant number of (HBM-related) employees to SK Hynix observers claim. Currently the Company is punting on a deal with Nvidia. A few weeks ago, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Nvidia claimed his Company was working as fast it can to certify Samsung’s AI memory chips, telling Bloomberg on the sideline of an event at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. In late October Samsung declared progress in supplying its most advanced AI memory chips to Nvidia. Ironically, Huang did not mention Samsung when he named a number of major partners during a post-earnings call with analysts late last week in Hong Kong. Young Hyun Jun, the head of Samsung’s chip division, wrote in a letter to customers, investors, and employees earlier this month “The leadership team at Samsung Electronics wishes to apologise for not meeting your expectations with our performance,” “We have caused concerns about our technical competitiveness, with some talking about the crisis facing Samsung. As leaders of the business, we take full responsibility for this,” said Jun, who took over the division in a management shake-up in May. One bright point is that Samsung has a healthy and highly profitable mobile phone division. The South Korean brand is currently the world’s largest smartphone and mobile phone manufacturer. It sells over a hundred products of different varieties and models, with operational branches present in 74 countries as of this year. Samsung’s innovation is recognised with industry accolades, including 46 wins at the CES Innovation Awards 2023, 75 trophies at the iF Design Awards 2024, and 50 awards at the International Design Excellence Awards 2023. Lee Byung-Chul founded Samsung in 1938. It started as a trading company until it gradually became an electronics manufacturer in the late 1960s. It employs about 270,372 employees, with operations in 74 countries.
Chris Cenac Jr., the top center in the Class of 2025 according to the ESPN100, has committed to play for the Houston Cougars. The five-star recruit announced his decision Tuesday via the Bleacher Report's B/R App. Cenac previously said he wouldn't make his decision until the spring, but his stock soared over the summer after his impressive play on the Puma Pro 16 circuit with Dallas-based YGC, vaulting him into the national top-10 rankings. The 6-foot-10 New Orleans native was reportedly choosing between LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Tennessee and others before making the decision to join Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson's team. "I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac told 247Sports. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level." Cenac's rating of .9978 by 247Sports Composite makes him the Cougars' highest-rated commit in the modern era, according to multiple outlets. "They see me as a four who can kind of play all over the court and do everything," Cenac told 247Sports. "I can get rebounds, push the ball, shoot and play all over the floor." With Cenac joining other Houston commits like five-star shooting guard Isaiah Harwell, four-star point guard Kingston Flemings and three-star wing Bryce Jackson, Houston's Class of 2025 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN. --Field Level MediaJimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’
ASML Deadline: ASML Investors with Losses in Excess of $100K Have Opportunity to Lead ASML Holding N.V. Securities Fraud Lawsuit
These clever and useful items don’t come with a hefty price tag. In the quest for checking everyone off your list and staying on budget, this epic list of amazing gifts under $25 on Amazon will be a huge help. Below, you’ll find a little bit of everything. Whether you’re shopping for a techie friend, a passionate foodie, or the little ones in your life, there’s plenty to choose from. A vertical charging hub with 4 USB ports & a 2-foot extension cord For a gift that everyone on your list will find useful, get this . The pink pyramid-shaped charging station has four USB ports and a two-foot extension cord for flexibility. The flat base provides stability so it can be placed on a desk or nightstand. In addition to light pink, it’s also available in hot pink and classic black. A cute foldable phone stand with adjustable height & angle This features a playful design and its height and angle can be adjusted for optimal use. It’s fully foldable which makes it great for commuting and travel, and it’s sturdy enough to accommodate a variety of phone models as well as tablets. The stand has a flat base that keeps it stable and it leaves plenty of space for a charging cable. Mini silicone oven mitts that are heat-resistant & have a nonslip grip If you’re on the hunt for a practical gift for someone who loves to cook, these are an amazing pick. The pair is made from food-grade silicone and provides both flexibility and a secure nonslip grip. The oven mitts are heat-resistant up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent painful burns and they are easy to put on and take off. A mindfulness meditation light with 7 sounds & colors to choose from Give the gift of calm with this that features a fun puppy design and is also available in a bear, penguin, and kitty version. The rechargeable light offers seven white noise sounds and seven colors to choose from. It also doubles as a night light. Additionally, you can use it as a calming breathing guide to inhale, hold your breath, and exhale following the light’s color changes. A shower foot scrubber mat that massages & exfoliates feet Sure, a gift card to a spa is a wonderful one-time gift, but this is the gift that keeps on giving all year long. The mat has strong suction cups on the bottom to securely adhere to the shower floor and it is large enough to stand on with both feet. The dual-bristle design exfoliates the feet to remove dead skin, deep cleans the soles and between toes, and massages feet to provide relief and improve circulation. Sliding camera covers for laptops, phones & tablets Equal parts cute and practical, these protect the lens and your privacy while adding a whimsical accent to your device. They are compatible with most laptops, tablets, and phones, and come in a set of six, each featuring an adorable plant design. The covers are ultra-thin and don’t add extra bulk to your device, and they can easily be removed without leaving behind a sticky residue. Self-adhesive cable clips that secure 4 cords in place These are a fun yet practical gift for anyone whose desk could use a little bit of a declutter. The flexible silicone clips are self-adhesive, can be attached to any flat surface, and neatly hold four cords each. The three-piece set includes muted pink, green, and blue clips, which provide plenty of space for a variety of cable types, from phone chargers to hair dryer cords. Insulated ice cream & soup bowls made from unbreakable stainless steel These are made from unbreakable stainless steel. With a double-walled design, frozen treats will stay cold for longer. The bowls hold 15 ounces each and their brushed finish gives them an elegant look – and helps reduce the appearance of fingerprints. The bowls are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup and can also be used to keep hot foods such as soups and stews warm for longer. A set of 5 mini kitchen gadgets with a space-saving nesting design This set of five makes for a genius gift for someone who loves camping or has a teeny-tiny kitchen with minimal storage space. It includes a peeler, bottle opener, pizza cutter, grinder, and grater, all of which have a clever nesting design for space-saving storage. The gadgets may be small, but they have sharp stainless steel blades and are just as easy to use whether you are right or left-handed. A hilarious cow-shaped tabletop vacuum to clean up small messes This hilarious cow-shaped is bound to be a winner at your office white elephant gift exchange. It’s designed for an ergonomic grip and is powered by two AA batteries that provide strong suction. The mini vacuum can be used to clean up dust, crumbs, and other small messes, all without an annoying cord and for under $20. Silicone anti-dust plugs to protect laptop ports & prevent damage These are a great little stocking stuffer for anyone with a MacBook Pro manufactured after 2021. They come in a set of seven and are specially molded to be flexible, reusable, and endure the high temperature of a computer that’s been running for an extended period. The plugs protect laptop ports from dust, dirt, and liquids, preventing permanent damage and a pricey replacement. Self-adhesive hat hooks that don’t require drilling & can secure up to 3 pounds each If you know someone with an ever-growing hat collection, chances are they could use this set of that don’t require any drilling. Made from strong plastic, each hook holds three pounds and can be mounted on a flat surface like drywall or a closet door. The curved shape of the hooks protects hat rims and prevents warping. Besides hats, the hooks are also a clever way to store headphones and accessories such as headbands. Easy-to-use light-blocking stickers that dim bright LED lights by 80% For a practical gift pretty much anyone can use, go with these that are designed to dim bright LED lights on routers and other electronics. For less than $10, the pack includes one sheet of different shaped and sized stickers and an uncut sheet you can trim down to size. The light-blocking stickers dim lights by up to 80% and can be doubled up if need be. A memory foam armrest cushion with a washable cover This will be a game-changer for anyone with a long commute. Designed for a car’s center console, the cushion is filled with pure memory foam in order to provide comfort for the elbow and reduce strain on the arm. For easy maintenance, the cushion has a removable cover that’s washable and quick-drying. A mug warmer with 3 temperature settings & an auto shut-off safety feature Gift this cute to the coffee (or tea) lover in your life. It has three temperature settings to choose from and a handy shut-off safety feature that automatically turns it off after eight hours. The mug warmer is suitable for a variety of different mugs, and it cleverly doubles as a candle warmer. An adorable night-light with 16 color choices This cute and customizable is a fun gift for any unicorn lover in your life. It emits a soft glow and has 16 color options, two brightness levels, and a rechargeable battery that works for 10 hours. The lamp is made from soft silicone and can be turned on and off with a simple tap, making it easy enough for kids to control by themselves. That said, you can also buy a version that comes with a remote. Rechargeable hand warmers that double as a power bank These are really two gifts in one because they amazingly double as a power bank. The hand warmers heat up quickly and provide wrap-around heat at three different temperatures. When used as a power bank, the warmers are compatible with iPhones and Android phones, delivering a quick charge with a USB cable. An LED night light with a color-changing mushroom design Stocking stuffers don’t get much more fun than this that’s adorned with color-changing mushrooms. The plug-in light is a favorite among Amazon shoppers and has gained over 13,000 five-star reviews. Lots of shoppers mention it makes for a great gift and wrote, “I love this little nightlight! It does a fine job and I love seeing it change colors! I have already bought several for gifts.” An adjustable cup holder phone mount that fits all smartphones Make someone’s drive time easier with this that’s compatible with all smartphones. It has an adjustable gooseneck that rotates 360 degrees for an optimal view and leaves plenty of room for a charger. The cup holder expands to hold tumblers from 17 to 40 ounces in size, and it has built-in rubber tabs that secure it in place. Stretchable toiletry skins that prevent messy leaks while traveling Every traveler will appreciate a set of these whose stretchable design means they fit on everything from toothpaste to shampoo bottles. The reusable sleeves are made from high-quality thermoplastic rubber that creates a tight seal to prevent messy leaks. They are great for car and airplane travel, and work on most standard and travel-size toiletries other than pump tops. Silicone cup covers that prevent leaks & keep drinks hot These make for a lovely gift that’s not just pretty but practical, too. The pastel-colored covers are made from food-grade silicone and are perfectly sized to sit on a mug rim to prevent messy spills and keep the beverage nice and hot. They feature cute double-layered designs and are heat-resistant up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit to withstand high temperatures. A massager with 20 speed levels & 6 different heads For a cheaper gift alternative to a pricey massage gift card, opt for this under-$25 . It comes with six interchangeable massage heads, offers 20 speed levels, and has an LED touch screen that displays the speed and battery power. The massager is rechargeable and includes a handy carrying case for a deep tissue massage anytime, anywhere. A magnetic pickup tool with an LED light & an extendable neck Check off the DIY enthusiast on your holiday shopping list with this that should be part of everyone’s toolbox. It has an extendable neck that prevents back strain and an LED flashlight to easily retrieve lost nuts, bolts, and nails. Plus, the genius tool comes with pre-installed batteries for immediate use and has a belt or pocket clip for hands-free carrying. Essential oil-infused shower steamers that come in a beautiful gift box Not only do these smell amazing, but they come already packaged in a beautiful gift box. The set includes six shower steamers which are infused with essential oils such as lavender, grapefruit, peppermint, and watermelon. Each of the tablets is individually wrapped and dissolves in the shower without leaving behind any residue. A chic electric wine opener that works in just 7 seconds Switch things up this holiday season and instead of the standard bottle of wine, gift your friends this ultra-chic . It’s battery-powered and lasts for up to 30 bottle openings, removing the cork in just seven seconds. The electric opener has a premium silicone coating and a built-in stand for freestanding storage – which coincidentally doubles as a foil cutter. A TV LED light strip with 15 color & 10 brightness options If a new TV is not in your gift budget, get this cheap but highly effective instead. It creates a better viewing experience by making colors richer, producing greater contrast, and reducing eye strain. There are 15 colors and 10 brightness levels to choose from, and the light strip comes with a remote for easy operation. Ultra-soft & breathable plush cloud socks for all-day comfort Give the gift of cozy with a pair of these ultra-soft . They’re made from plush polyester and are warm yet breathable for all-day comfort. The socks have a unisex fit, they feel way more luxurious than their budget price tag, and they come in a cute drawstring bag perfect for gifting. A silicone straw cover cap designed for 30-ounce & 40-ounce travel cups For less than $8 for a three-pack, you’re gonna want to snag a couple of these to give to all your Stanley cup-carrying friends. They are made from food-grade silicone and fit any 30-ounce and 40-ounce Stanley travel cups with straws. The caps are reusable and besides looking super cute, can prevent spills and protect your beverage from bugs, dust, and dirt. A reusable heating pad filled with lavender & clay beads that you can pop in the microwave Next time you feel a mild ache approaching, grab this that offers aromatherapy benefits. This pad is filled with lavender and clay beads that can help aid in relaxation. If you pop it in the freezer, it can also be used as a cold pad, making it a versatile addition to your self-care collection. A 6-pack of mini flashlights with 9 bright LED lights each Get this six-pack of colorful to stick in everyone’s stocking this holiday season. Each flashlight works at the push of a button, has a textured surface for a tight grip, and offers a 59-foot beam range with nine bright LED lights. They’re compact and have an attached lanyard for easy carrying. Plus, you’ll love the fact that they include three AAA batteries so you don’t need to worry about adding those to your holiday shopping list. Self-adhesive LED button lamps that can be stuck anywhere These ultra-bright are a gift everyone will be grateful for come an emergency like a power outage. The self-adhesive lamps can be attached to any indoor or outdoor surface and are highly durable thanks to their waterproof and shockproof construction. Each has an easy flip switch that turns the powerful LED light on and shoppers say they’re bright, useful, and easy to install. A multi-colored light bar that syncs to music Whether you buy it for yourself or give it as a gift, this is the ultimate way to make the holiday party season extra festive this year. It offers eight single color and eight dynamic color modes, and syncs to music through three different audio modes. The light bar comes with a handy remote control which can be used to change colors and brightness, but it can also be operated using the buttons on the bar itself. A spilled wine bottle holder for a creative way to store & display bottles If you’re looking for a creative gift for the sommelier in your life, consider yourself covered with these . They come in a set of two — one for red wine and another for white — and offer a fun way to store and display bottles. The holders have a glossy finish and are perfectly angled to prevent corks from drying and the wine from oxidizing. Reusable beeswax food wraps to replace disposable plastic These are a great present for anyone trying to make more sustainable choices in their home. They come in a three-pack which includes small, medium, and large-size wraps, and are an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic wrap. They’re pliable once they come into contact with the warmth of the hands and can be used to cover bowls and pie dishes, wrap cheeses and veggies, and pack snacks and sandwiches. A portable & collapsible desk lamp with 3 brightness levels A great addition to a small desk, this super bright is easily portable and collapsible. It has a sensitive touch control feature and offers three brightness levels to choose from. The folding design makes it easy to adjust its angle and height, and the lamp can either be powered using the included USB cable or four AA batteries. An ergonomic mouse pad for cushioned wrist support Get this for anyone who spends extended periods on their computer. Larger than the standard mouse pad, this memory foam pad has an eight-degree tilt designed to provide cushioned wrist support and relief from pain. It has a nonslip base to prevent sliding and is available in nine designs including solid black as well as colorful prints. A magnetic beer bottle opener that releases caps with one push Beer lovers will appreciate this that amazingly releases caps with a single push motion. Made from sturdy stainless steel, the opener doesn’t bend caps and works to release them quickly and effortlessly. It’s lightweight and easily portable, doesn’t take up excessive storage space, and for less than $10, it’s a great little gift for the person always talking about craft beers and cool new microbreweries. Pizza scissors with sharp stainless steel blades that even cut through thick slices If you’re looking for a clever gift for a pizza lover, look no further than these under-$10 . They have an ergonomic handle for comfortable use and sharp stainless steel blades that cut through thin and thick slices alike. The scissor sides double as a handy spatula to lift a cut slice, and the blades are detachable for easy washing. Waterproof LED flashlight gloves in a one-size-fits-all size These have elastic fasteners that give them a one-size-fits-all fit. The unisex gloves are constructed from a soft and breathable fabric that’s lightweight and waterproof. They can be adjusted and secured using the hook and loop fasteners, then turned on to provide four beams of bright, hands-free light. A 20-ounce tumbler glass bottle with a silicone sleeve & bamboo lid Any drink will taste better out of this cute that makes for a nice under-$20 gift. The glass container is dishwasher-safe and has a bamboo lid with a silicone seal to provide a tight fit and prevent spills. A silicone sleeve with a playful cutout star pattern adds a whimsical touch as well as a tight grip. A set of self-watering planter pots For the friend who loves live greenery but can’t seem to keep it alive, get these that will take care of the watering for them. The six-inch pots store water on the bottom and have a wick rope that feeds it to the plant as needed to ensure hydration but prevent root rot caused by over-watering. The planters have a minimalist design to allow the greenery to shine and they’re available in white, gray, and black to fit any interior color scheme. An AirTag keychain holder with an overall score of 4.8 stars Featuring an adorable avocado design, this is designed to fit most trackers. It’s made from high-quality PU leather and helps protect trackers from damaging scratches. The ring clip can be attached to everything from suitcases and backpacks to a pet’s collar, ensuring a secure hold so lost belongings can be found quickly. Reviewers gave it an overall score of 4.8 out of five stars, which backs it up further. Easy-to-clean lightsaber chopsticks with red & blue lights fans will most certainly appreciate receiving these this holiday season. The Amazon favorite has garnered more than 8,000 five-star reviews that say the epic chopsticks are fun to use and are a good gift idea. They feature red and blue light-up blades which are battery-powered and are easy to clean. Silicone coasters with a matching holder This six-piece makes for a lovely gift that’s both useful and aesthetically pleasing. The four-inch coasters come with a matching holder for neat storage and are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance. The set includes three beautiful carved designs that help absorb and contain moisture to protect surfaces from moisture and heat damage. A Cuisinart cast iron grill press to make sandwiches on a grill or griddle If you’re looking for a gift for the home chef in your life, look no further than this cheap but highly rated (as in, has 16,000+ five-star reviews) . It weighs just 2.1 pounds and has an easy-grip wood handle that provides good control. The press can be used to make everything from gourmet sandwiches and paninis to deliciously charred burgers on a grill or griddle. A foldable gym bag with a separate shoe compartment This lightweight looks chic, it’s super versatile, and it folds down into a small package. It’s made from durable tear-resistant fabric and has two carrying handles but also includes a detachable strap. The bag contains items inside a zippered opening and even has a separate shoe compartment, and the exterior features a handy outer pocket for small items and a convenient slot for a water bottle. A luxurious artisanal soap bar enriched with shea butter Cheap yet ultra-luxurious, this is one of those gifts you may want to pick up for someone else, and for yourself. Enriched with moisturizing shea butter, it creates a rich lather that’s layered with a luscious coconut scent for a calm and refreshing feel. The bar is quad-milled using a traditional French technique to make it extra smooth and it features the brand logo on the front to add to the luxe feel. A budget-friendly pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds with 34,000+ 5-star reviews For a reviewer-approved gift, you can’t go wrong with these that have more than 34,000 perfect reviews on Amazon. The budget-friendly pair is available in 15 colors and comes with a matching charging case. The earbuds provide eight hours of playtime on a full charge and they can be used individually as well as together. A velvet-like memory foam travel pillow with a customizable design Whether you’re looking for a present for a traveler or someone who suffers from knee pain, this fits the bill. It has an interchangeable design that lends itself to supporting the neck, legs, and head, but it conveniently also doubles as a handy phone and tablet stand. The pillow has a soft velvet-like texture for maximum comfort and includes an eye mask and earplugs for a nice gift bundle. Air freshener clips with rhinestones that bring a little bling to the dashboard These give “passenger princess” a whole new meaning. Made of high-quality metal and decked out with rhinestones, they’re fashionable and functional. With five different scents available, you’re sure to find one you love. They come in two cute designs: a purse and a high heel. Insulated & double-walled wine glasses for a perfectly chilled sip every time Red, white, and rosé all taste amazing in these . Their durable, stemless design makes them easy to carry from place to place. They’re made of BPA-free plastic. Double-walled, they keep cold drinks cold. Two glasses come with every purchase, so they’re perfect for sharing. A spa self-care basket that’s way less expensive than a professional treatment You could shell out for a professional treatment, or you could opt for this instead. It includes body wash, lotion, a loofah, and more, with 10 spa-worthy products in total. Their lily scent practically begs users to take a deep breath. With a cute ribbon around the basket, it comes ready for gifting. An easy-to-use AirPod cleaning set to prevent bacteria from building up over time Music and podcast listeners will appreciate this . It gets dirt and grime out of hard-to-reach spots, preventing bacteria growth and buildup over time. Each kit comes with a sponge, a brush, and a metal pen tip. Together, these three things make for a luxurious listening experience. A bamboo side table for the sofa that makes snacking so easy No movie night is complete without snacks — upgrade yours with this . It fastens securely to your sofa arm, and it’s adjustable for a perfect fit. It also has a slot for phones and tablets, so you can watch your shows on a smaller screen. Its 360-degree rotating bracket gives you easy snack access. A reusable wine stopper with a feline design Gift this to the cat lady in your life. Its adorable feline design practically screams, “check me-owt!” Made of food-safe silicone, it keeps wine fresher for longer. Its universal size fits into most wine bottles. This company works with artists all over the world to create fun and functional kitchenware, and this genius stopper makes for a great first-time buy. A cleaning gel for the car that lifts dirt & debris from hard-to-reach spots This gives you easy access to spots that are hard to reach. You can clean air vents, steering wheels, and console panels with minimal effort. Reuse it over and over to save on cleaning supplies. Its high-tech material is gentle on car interiors. Besides, it’s fun to use — just asked the nearly 50,000 reviewers who gave it a five-star review. A nourishing lip balm set with 3 flavors that protect against the sun Dry, chapped lips need this . Each set comes with three delicious flavors, natural, mint, pineapple, mint, and shea butter. As if looking good and tasting good weren’t enough, these balms also protect against the sun. They come in a retro-inspired reusable tin for storage. A water bottle carrier with convenient pockets for keys, wallets, & phones This keeps you hydrated and ready for anything. It’s made of durable neoprene and has an adjustable shoulder strap. With two front pockets, it’ll carry your keys, wallet, and phone. It’s designed for use with 40-ounce Stanley bottles, but it also fits other bottles of the same size. Shower steamers to open airways & nip colds in the bud Getting sick is no fun — but these can help. With peppermint and eucalyptus oils, they open airways for fast relief from cold symptoms. Each bag comes with 10 steamers to last through multiple bouts of sickness. The best part? A cold is not a prerequisite for use. They also just smell good. A migraine stick packed with essential oils for cooling comfort This helps provide fast relief anytime, anywhere. Made with essential oils, including peppermint and lavender, its cooling sensation can help with headaches. Apply it to the temples, forehead, and the back of the neck. Its rollerball is so user-friendly, and it's cruelty-free. Best of all, it has no side effects. A wireless charger that's seriously efficient For a full charge on a time crunch, try this . Having passed millions of charging tests, it's optimized for efficiency. Batteries should be completely full in under three hours. With its reversible design, you can charge devices using either side. Its sleek LED lights show your charging status. Roller balls to soothe sore muscles anytime, anywhere Sore, tired muscles are no match for these . They provide a powerful massage in a small package. Since they’re so compact, they’re perfect for packing in purses and gym bags. Glide them over clothes or bare skin – they won’t create any friction. Two come per pack. A portable diffuser for aromatherapy benefits at work, at home, or on the go This is a perfect introduction to aromatherapy. With its small size, it fits into purses and suitcases. Use it on your desk, your nightstand, or in your hotel room. Just one or two drops of essential oil are enough to fill your whole space. It’s made of medical-grade materials that are BPA-free. An adorable night-light that recharges during the day to glow in the dark Kids and adults will fall in love with this . Its sweet bunny design adds a charming touch to any nightstand. Its light shines in 16 colors, which work one at a time or in a cycle. Made of soft silicone, they’re safe for kids who want to play. Recharge them during the day for 10 hours of light at night. A hydrating & conditioning beard balm crafted from natural ingredients For thicker, fuller facial hair, try this . It conditions and protects, warding off itchiness and getting rid of dandruff. Plus, it’s handmade in the USA. Beards, mustaches, and even goatees have never looked better. With over 26,000 five-star reviews, customers love how well it hydrates. “My husband found this product a couple [of] years back and will no longer use anything else. This product is not only natural but works well. It leaves his beard soft and controlled,” said. Foot cream for deep hydration to help heal dry, cracked heels fast If you stand up all day, this popular is essential. It creates a protective layer over your skin, trapping moisture for maximum hydration. There’s a strong chance that your skin will feel better in just a couple of days. Unscented and hypoallergenic, it’s safe for sensitive skin. Use it daily for healthier, happier feet. A car seat gap filler that stops smaller items from slipping through the cracks This can prevent trouble down the road (no pun intended). Made of durable faux leather, it keeps your keys, phone, and other small essentials from slipping through the cracks. With its stunning workmanship, you would never know it was so cheap. Just attach it to your seat, and it won't budge, even on bumpy roads. An ultra-lightweight backpack that folds down Bring this on that next big hike. Weighing in at half a pound, it's easy to carry all day long. Its nylon material is water-resistant and won't rip or tear. When you reach base camp, fold it down into its zippered pouch. It also has a reflective strip for safety at night. A foot massager that improves circulation Whether you suffer from foot aches or just need to relax, try this . With trigger point stimulation, it can help provide some relief, proving itself suitable for anyone's tired feet. Shaped like an arch, it also cleverly supports your soles while you let your worries melt away. “I use this every day before bed with a lymphatic oil, the feeling is unmatched. My feet feel less tense and [more] relaxed,” said one . A retro-style calendar that’s easy to assemble & maintain This is a great addition to someone’s work desk, whether they’re at home or in a cubicle. With antique-inspired text, it’ll give your space a retro feel. Also available in pink, it’s easy to put together and change up each day. “Changing the date daily helps keep me prepared for my busy day. The quality is great and I love the colors! Seems like a quality piece for the price,” said one .Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke
