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1. A flocked pre-lit Christmas tree to kick things off with this holiday's centerpiece — this tree will light up some awe in all of your guests' eyes and give your home such a lovely, festive touch, you'll be tempted to brag about it on a daily basis (as you should). Promising review: "With the price of this tree I was not expecting the quality to be just great but I wanted a flocked tree and I’d be happy with it! My expectations were definitely reached far beyond what I thought I’d get! It is a beautiful, full, flocked tree! Super easy assemble. Took about an hour and a half to fluff! Still need to decorate it but I am absolutely amazed! 10/10 100% recommend!" — Andrea Oaks Get a six-foot tree from Amazon for $99.99 (available in five colors and five sizes). 2. A faux wood tealight candle holder that'll bring some life to your non-functional fireplace and some delightful coziness to your living room. Just remember to blow out the candles before bedtime (ya know, so that Santa has a clear path to delivering your gifts)! It holds six tealight candles (or LED tealights ), which aren't included. Promising review: "We do not use our fireplace and were tired of the bare look. Decided to give the fireplace area a little glam and this piece looks amazing in it. We are using LED tealights until we purchase some tealight candles in glass holders. The LED lights still look great though, and we LOVE it!" — TM Get it from Amazon for $79.99 . 3. A beloved LED lights panel to give your home some Gimbels-level holiday cheer. This has over 79,000 5-star ratings (!!) and can be used indoors and out, so get ready to be completely surrounded by the soft, cozy vibes. It comes with eight lighting modes and has a lifespan of 1,200+ hours! Promising review: "Very happy with this purchase, especially for the price. We bought two sets to hang on the ceiling in our family room during the winter when it gets dark so early. Fantastic! We used the Command small clear decorating clips to hang them. Worked like a charm! Originally intended just for the holidays, but it brightens up the room so well that we have left them up . Nightly use for several hours for several months. Couldn't be happier!" — Anon Get a 6.6-foot by 9.8-foot set of lights from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 11 colors). 4. Or some snowflake LED string lights if you (unfortunately) weren't raised by elves and don't have Buddy's paper snowflake-cutting skills. Hang these little beauties up (inside or out!) to give your home a little touch of the North Pole. These battery-powered lights come with two modes (flashing and steady), and are attached to flexible wires to give you creative freedom. Don't forget the AA batteries ! Promising review: "I loved how small the snowflakes were — I was expecting them to be bigger snowflakes and look a little more unrealistic, but these are perfect ! I also love how they are battery-operated so I can put them outside, we don't have outdoor outlets where I live. Thanks so much for my amazing product!! :)" — Courtney Get a set of two 21.3-foot-long strands from Amazon for $15.99 . 5. Or!! Festive snowflake window decals that give you the gift of a *super* easy application without the need to fumble with wires. Seriously, you can even make your kids (or lazy roomie) do it for you. Promising review: "I LOVE THESE! They look great and you can barely see the cling outline! They stick easily and hold on well . If you're thinking about purchasing them, do it! They're so worth it!" — Amber Flavin Get a pack of 135 decals from Amazon for $7.99 . 6. A fluffy reindeer-print throw blanket with a different plush material on each side — now you can snuggle up in it with your hot cocoa in hand and laugh at the Grinch falling down the garbage chute for the 100th time. And it can be thrown in the washer and dryer when it's time to clean! Promising review: "Bought this during Christmastime to cozy up watching holiday movies. Looks great, keeps us warm, and my family loves it!" — Cloud 9 Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (also available in twin, queen, and king sizes, as well as 15 other colors/prints). 7. A darling Rudolph doormat to welcome your guests with the most famous (and cutest!) reindeer of all. Many reviewers rave about how thick this mat is and how good it is at getting snow and mud off of shoes before stepping inside, which is a huge bonus! Just note that the red and black buffalo plaid mat in the reviewer photo is not included, but you can find a similar one here if you love that look! Promising review: "Excellent doormat and super cute! Very thick — good for getting snow and mud off your boots in the winter. Great size! I am extremely impressed!" — Mtngrl84 Get it from Amazon for $20.98+ (available in five sizes). 8. Six feet of red berry garland if you're more into the classic, traditional Christmas feel. Lay it across your holiday table, wrap it around banisters, or hang it up in an arch over a doorway! Promising review: "These garlands are sturdy and of good quality for the money. I loved the sparkly festive touch they add atop doorways and windows. They were pretty easy to hang with clear thumbtacks. I’d recommend and would buy again." — CocoKikiCash Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in five styles). 9. Or glittery pre-lit garland that'll give your archway, mantle, or railing a festive accessory that's both elegant and glamorous. Plus! Its faux pinecones, berries, and artificial pine needles are hypoallergenic and fire-resistant. Reviewers say it does shed a lot of glitter, but it can be used outside for less mess! Promising review: "This garland is gorgeous. The berries and pinecones and lights just look so nice together. The wire running through it is stiff and doesn't lose its shape. It also has connectors on both ends. That being said, the glitter that falls off of this garland WOOOOOOOW! If you mind glitter being everywhere, this probably isn't the garland for you. If you're like me and don't mind the glitter, you won't be sorry that you bought this. It's absolutely beautiful!" — Rachel Get a 9-foot-long strand from Amazon for $32.99+ (available in plug-in or battery-operated designs). 10. A pair of plush light-up gnomes — listen, I appreciate anyone who shares my affinity for elf culture, but we can give a gnome a home, too! Don't forget the AAA batteries ! Promising review: "Love it! Exactly what my living room needed for extra holiday magic. Perfect size and lighting." — Lily Ice Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two styles). 11. An LED star tree topper , because if you say you don't want magical light projections dancing on your ceiling, *Buddy the Elf voice* you sit on a throne of lies! This is sure to give your tree that extra ~oooh~ factor. 😍 Keep in mind that reviewers say the projections are more effective when there's more space between the topper and the ceiling. Promising review: "I adore this so much, I bought two and placed them in the corners of the room, so the snowflakes light up the entire vaulted ceiling! My 8-year-old thought we were in Frozen , and danced like Elsa." — Lauren Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in gold or silver). 12. A set of pillowcases embroidered with snowflakes to add some festive accents to your living room. Plus, they're great for snuggling up with as your sibling gives you the bombastic side eye when they hear The Polar Express theme song playing from the TV...again. This listing is *only* for the pillowcases but you can grab pillow inserts here! Promising review: "I love these pillows! The quality is good and they are exactly as pictured. I purchased them 3+ months ago for the couch and they still look like new, even after washing several times. They are a great value for the money and I would buy them again." — Mel Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99 (available in five styles). 13. A set of glitter-specked handcrafted coasters that'll protect your beautiful coffee table when it's time for another round of hot chocolate. Promising review: "I love these coasters! They are the right size for a big mug of tea, good quality, and the sparkles are so pretty. They are understated but elegant — not too little or too much 'sparkly-ness.' I am really glad I got these. They not only work well (as coasters), but they are good quality and don't slide around on my desk ." — Katrina79 Get a set of four from Amazon for $7.99 (available in two color combos). 14. An adorable custom designed ceramic mug for all my fellow bookworms! And if you happen to be sippin' on your coffee around loved ones who just can't figure out what to get you for Christmas, here's a real *subtle* hint for them. 👀 DillyDoodleDesignz is a woman-owned small business based in New York that specializes in custom designed items. Promising review: "Beautiful Work, seller reached out to make sure it was exactly what I wanted before shipping!" — Mikayla Botelho "Excellent seller, fast delivery, super communication, awesome product! Thanks so much! 😊" — Lisa Get a set of from DillyDoodleDesignz on Etsy for $12.96+ (originally $21.24; available in two sizes and four colors). 15. A set of monochromatic ball ornaments to add some decor with dimension to your tree while keeping it nice and uniform. They're also made of plastic, so if your kids or pets decide to be cotton-headed ninny muggins with the tree ornaments, you don't have to worry about them shattering! Promising review: "These are my favorite ornaments. I love that I can still have the look of glitter without any mess! All of the pretty stuff is inside. On the outside you have a clear, mess free bulb. I have received so many compliments on these and will buy more next year. I have dropped them and my one year old has tossed them around without any concern or damage. Highly recommend!!" — Gatt Get a set of 30 from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in seven sizes and 19 colors). 16. And a 36-piece set of glittery snowflake ornaments that'll add a winter wonderland feel to your tree and a smile to your face every time you pass by it. I just like to smile. Smiling's my favorite. Promising review: "A lot of glitter and you need to string each snowflake yourself, but they provide you with the string! Overall love it!" — Shay Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in 13 colors). 17. An elegant table runner embroidered with classic poinsettias — it'll delight your guests and serve as the perfect frame for the delicious Christmas dinner you worked so hard to complete. Promising review: "This table runner is quite beautiful. I ordered one, and when it came and I saw how pretty it was, I ordered a second one. You will not be disappointed; it will add flair to any surface during the holidays. " — Trish Beyer Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 18. A mini tabletop tree so you don't have to let your tiny apartment limit your home's Christmas spirit — we wouldn't want people to think you're a South Pole elf! Plus, reviewers rave about how much cheer it brings for its small size. Both come with a red fabric base tied with a gold bow, and feature realistic needles that are fire-resistant and nonallergenic. You can also pick up tiny ornaments to decorate with! Promising review: "I bought this for my mother who is a nursing home resident. The tree is battery-operated, so we didn't have to worry about having it approved by hospital staff. The timer is easy to set and she doesn't have to worry about turning it on and off every day. After taking it out of the box there was only a little adjusting of the branches. You can also hang small, lightweight ornaments on it for trim. Everyone who comes into her room admires it." — gma J Get it from Amazon for $26.59 . 19. Or an iconic replica of Charlie Brown's Christmas tree (complete with Linus's blue blankie!) because it's the best time of year to dive into the nostalgia of classic childhood cartoons. It plays the "Linus & Lucy" Peanuts theme (and includes two AAA batteries). It's also an officially licensed Peanuts item! Promising review: "'It's Christmas, Charlie Brown!' Just looking at this tree brings a smile. Simple, elegant in its humility. It just brings a bit of nostalgia remembering all past Christmases watching Charlie Brown and the gang on television kick off the Christmas season in our house . It is a pleasure to own a replica of the original. Adding the theme at the push of a button is a nice touch. We absolutely love it!" — D. Stovell Get it from Amazon for $23.89 . 20. A dazzling snowfall lantern so you can sit back and enjoy a majestic, sparkling snowfall scene that *doesn't* require you to bundle up or grab a shovel. And just wait till you see it lit up at night! Don't forget the AAA batteries ! Promising review: "These battery-operated snow globes are the best new gift of this Christmas season!!! Ingenious, constantly rotating glittery snowflakes and a pretty little light to shine on the scene. A wonderful new decoration that will last for Christmases to come." — M. Foreman Get it from Amazon for $22.94 . 21. Or an ever-classic snow globe that comes with a handy timer mode and plays eight looped Christmas songs that can be switched on or off as sequins and snowflakes dance around a wintery scene. And bonus — the included USB power cord allows you to use the snow globe lantern without batteries! If you'd like to hang it, you can also use three AAA batteries ! Promising reviews: "This is a really beautiful globe. It is lightweight and has a handle and is well-made. You can use it with the music on or off. I liked that it was a flattened globe so you could put it on a narrow shelf if needed. Would also make a really nice gift. " — Leah Mccartt " This snow globe is gorgeous. The way the glitter hits the light is so beautiful and something photo or video doesn’t do justice. I have bought several since and would highly recommend this product." — Grant LaGasse Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in six holiday styles). 22. Light-up faux birch trees so guests are welcomed with Christmas spirit before they even cross your threshold. It'll easily add a light-filled decor piece to your space — so elegant, yet so eye-catching! The branches are flexible so you can arrange them to your liking, and they come with a UL-certificated and waterproof adapter. Promising review: "These trees are a BARGAIN for the money! They’re neatly packaged and go together in about a minute. Shaping the branches took maybe five minutes. I have an 8’ in the primary bedroom, another 8’ for my library, and the set (8’, 6’, and 4’) for the living room. I’m going to purchase another 8’ for my front porch, and another set of three for my lanai. They may be plastic, but they look beautiful, and they feel sturdy. Even though I also do a traditional tree, I love that these birches look gorgeous with very few decorations! They’re festive for really any season, so I’m likely going to just un-decorate and leave-up the one in my primary bedroom . If you’re on the fence about these, I’d say just do it! You won’t regret it!" — Thom Lundy Get one eight-foot tree from Amazon for $79.99 (also available in sets of two or three and in a variety of sizes). 23. A set of hilariously playful dish towels — reviewers rave not only about the laughs they get out of any guests that passes through the kitchen, but about their good quality, too! Michael Grace Gifts is a small business that focuses on creating simple, elegant items that celebrate life’s everyday moments. Promising review: "I bought these as a fun gift for a family member. The fabric was heavier than I expected, and the printing on each towel was clear and exactly as described. She loved them, and in her words, "thought they were hilarious." I wouldn't hesitate to order again. " — DeL Get a set of four from Amazon for $18.99 (available in three styles). 24. A tabletop fire pit that'll give you the comforting warmth of a full-size furnace as you commence your Christmas movie marathon in your small city apartment. You can even use it to make s'mores when it's your turn to host a Friday night in! Plus, it just looks so ~chic~. Promising reviews: " It was exactly what I wanted! Concrete surrounded flame container, and it sat on a marble coaster so my table was protected. I was able to burn and eat all the marshmallows I wanted! It was awesome!!!" — Susan Wilson "Bought it strictly for s’mores! My family and I love it. So convenient when your craving a s’mores night. Will be buying another as a Christmas gift. 😊 " — Yesenia Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (also available in a two-pack and as a fire bowl kit). 25. A scrumptious Yankee holiday candle , which comes in various Christmas-inspired scents, like "frosty gingerbread" and "red apple wreath." It's just the thing to help you relax after a jam-packed day of making gingerbread houses, eating cookie dough, going ice skating, and maybe even holding hands! Promising review: "Yankee Candles always rock. This purchase was a curiosity purchase, and this candle did not disappoint. Non-lit, and it's strong and sweet, and when you light it, there's a light fragrance that isn't too overwhelming but not bland. Just enough to get you hungry. It lights for awhile; I've had it for months, and it's pretty good. If you like sweet candles, get this!!" — Danster Get it from Amazon for $16.88+ (available in two sizes and eight holiday-inspired scents). 26. A Lionel North Pole Central train set — I mean, just look at how charming it is! And don't worry, unlike the train in The Polar Express , this one will stay on its track and keep choo-choo-chooing around your Christmas tree year after year. It comes with a battery-powered remote and tracks that can be shaped into a circle, oval, or rectangle. Don't forget the AAA batteries for the remote and C cell batteries for the train itself! Promising review: "This is a beautiful decorative Christmas train set for around the tree or any other festive plans you may have for it. I was very skeptical at first reading about the plastic track and battery powered wireless operation. But the track comes in very short sections and is very sturdy. Connects together very tightly and strong. The operation was flawless, from the wireless controller to the train rolling along the track without any issues at all. Again, as part of holiday decorations, for under $100 it's a home run. This is perfect for the season and the wallet. No regrets. Very happy with this purchase." — Scotty Blonde Get it from Amazon for $110 (also available with bluetooth). 27. A set of super adorable plush stockings with the holiday season's most iconic characters. Now all that's left to do is fill 'em with goodies! Promising review: "I looked at so many and chose these. The characters are great quality and really stuck into the stocking. They are super sturdy and adorable. I fill my stockings with a lot of heavy stuff, and these held nicely!" — Natalie Get a set of four from Amazon for $21.99 . 28. Or a set of classic customizable stockings you can embroider with each family member's name and use for years to come. You can choose from a variety of colors and fonts, and they'll look oh-so-beautiful hanging over the fireplace. Promising review: " The stockings are knit and very roomy! The embroidered names really look great! I ordered stockings for my elderly parents. They never had stockings, so I plan to surprise them this Christmas. I highly recommend this stocking! Do not wait until the last second to order! Christmas is soon!" — Caregiver Get it from Amazon for $9.98 (also available multipacks). 29. A durable, dazzling gingerbread arch — you're about to become the Martha May Whovier of the neighborhood with this beauty. Many reviewers say it looks just like the picture, and rave about its quality! Promising reviews: "Was very happy with the product. The neighbors even commented about how cute it was. Would recommend!" — Bobby Dusbabek "It looks so pretty!!! Different from the ones you see at regular stores." — Stephanie H Get it from Amazon for $85.99 . 30. Or a charming set of ladder lights if you're looking for something a little more subtle, but just as festive. They come with a timer and eight lighting modes that'll make it the piece all your guests and neighbors will be demanding to know where you got. Promising review: " It is absolutely adorable, well-made, bright, and so much fun. Takes two minutes to set up and no batteries, just plug it in. Everyone that sees it loves it and wants one (or two). I have ordered four more as gifts. Comes in a sturdy box and so easy to wrap." — Lianne Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in three sizes and five colors). 31. A super cute snowman soap dispenser — this little guy will keep the holiday cheer intact for everyone, even if all they're doing is washing their hands. Not to be dramatic, but I would die for this snowman. Promising review: "It's a very cute little soap dispenser and arrived very quickly, well-packaged, and it is absolutely adorable. The fact that he is a snowman in neutral tones means that he is great for the holiday, but I can leave him out all winter long. Very happy with this purchase." — Colleen Rentas Get it from Amazon for $26.99 . 32. A bundle of the cutest bottle brush trees that you can use to enhance your little Christmas village scenery or place it on your tabletop right next to Santa's cookies. Promising review: "This set of bottle brush trees was great for the price. The trees seem sturdy enough to last for a while. Just be warned, the gold ones shed glitter!" — Autumn & Co . Get a set of 24 from Amazon for $17.99 . 33. A plaid Christmas tree skirt with a timeless red and black plaid pattern that's sure to give your tree a lovely pop of color. Plus, it'll go with *lots* of the decor you've already collected over the years. Promising review: "This tree skirt came in quickly and we were extremely satisfied with the look of it. It was super cute and JUST what I wanted for our tree!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes). 34. Or a plush, faux fur, snowflake-adorned tree skirt if you're going for more of a classic white Christmas vibe. This elegant piece will accessorize any tree perfectly! Promising review: "This Christmas tree skirt was giving exactly what I needed and wanted for my decor!" — Queen B Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two sizes). 35. A silly framed sign that'll be a hit with your guests because it brings a little Christmas comedy into your bathroom. (By the way, have you seen these toilets? They're ginormous!) Creativencustomized is a small business based in Lafayette, Louisiana, that sells customized holiday decor and gifts. Promising reviews: "Perfect addition to my Christmas bathroom decor." — Shelly Morris "Item looks just like the picture. Will make a great gift!" — Katie Brown Get it from Creativencustomized on Etsy for $15.99+ (originally $21.32+; available in two sizes). You, looking at your beautifully decorated home: Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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'A Real Pain,' 'English Teacher' among Independent Spirit Award nomineesThe world according to Jim: • The Commissioner of Baseball seems to have gotten out over his skis. Whether it was boredom, a desperate attempt to placate the game’s TV benefactors or a sincere desire to make the game better – and we’ll leave that for you to judge – the latest “innovation” he offered this week has to be a non-starter. • His brainstorm? The “golden at-bat.” Basically, allowing a team to use its best hitter, out of order, in a singular key situation, to artificially create a dramatic matchup. Maybe it was the Shohei Ohtani-Mike Trout confrontation at the end of the USA-Japan final in the World Baseball Classic two years ago. Or maybe it really was a TV executive, or a member of MLB’s crack marketing staff (sarcasm intended), who floated this test balloon. Time to ground it. ... • Classic confrontations can’t, and shouldn’t, be manufactured. That goes against not only the charm of baseball but the entire nature of the game. The great matchups and great late moments of the past happened organically. Gibson vs. Eckersley . in Game 1 in 1988. Bill Mazeroski vs. Ralph Terry on the final at-bat of the 1960 World Series. Or Joe Carter taking Mitch Williams deep for a Game 6 walkoff that decided the 1993 Series. Or, yes, Freddie Freeman vs. Nestor Cortes, in Game 1 of the 2024 World Series. And this is a reminder that one manager does have control over such matchups, and the Yankees’ Aaron Boone isn’t living this one down for a while. Yankees fans do have long memories. (See below.) ... • If those matchups are artificially obtained rather than organic, how long before we become bored and start referring to them as “tin can at-bats?” Then again, to Manfred one piece of metal must be no different from another. ... • Are Yankees fans jaded? You judge. The night the Dodgers won Game 5 in Yankee Stadium, Dodgers fans were still on the field and in the stands celebrating as 2 a.m. Eastern time approached . (And for others, the subway platform was party central that night.) Anyway, walking out of the ballpark after filing for West Coast deadlines, I informed the security guy at the media gate that there were still hundreds of Dodger fans celebrating inside the ballpark, two hours or so after the game had ended. His response: “Well, we still have 27 of them,” meaning championships. I didn’t remind him that his team’s drought was now 15 seasons. ... • There have been just three equal or longer droughts in Yankees history. Can you name them? Answer below. ... • So why are we reminiscing about the World Series? Have you seen the Lakers play recently? ... • The late Chick Hearn used to have a line that would pretty well alert you that things weren’t going well, even if you were listening to the radio half of the simulcast. “The Lakers are STANDING, “ he would say in a scolding, cranky grandpa tone. (And before you interpret that as a criticism, it’s not. I’ve used that tone.) Maybe John Ireland and Mychal Thompson on radio and Bill Macdonald and Stu Lantz on TV should resurrect it. ... • It’s bad enough when the Lakers stand around offensively. JJ Redick let it be known the other night that his team needed to get back to ball and player movement, and that’s sort of a basketball fundamental. But when you’re standing around on defense – or worse, taking your own sweet time getting back downcourt – that’s trouble. ... • It’s obvious that Father Time – who remains undefeated, by the way – is taking his toll on LeBron James. The goal of playing all 82 games, which James set before the season began, seems counterproductive at this point. ... • And there is a wrinkle in the league’s player participation rules, established last year and designed to make sure the stars are on the floor, especially in nationally televised games. A player who is over 35 or has more than 34,000 regular-season minutes or 1,000 regular-season and playoff games can sit out one game of a back-to-back, though it has to be preapproved by the league. If Adam Silver’s office needs convincing, I’m sure the Lakers’ video people can put together plenty of clips of James coasting back up the court. ... • Things that make you shake your head: The A’s signed free-agent pitcher Luis Severino, three years at $67 million, the largest contract in franchise history. It would serve them right if he bails on them before they get to Las Vegas in 2028 (or thereabouts). ... • Quiz answer: The Yankees have gone 19 years without winning a World Series (at the start of the franchise’s existence, 1903-23), 18 years (1978-95) and 14 years (1962-76). Otherwise, their fans don’t have that much to complain about. ... • The hubbub over college football winners planting the flag on the turf of the losers reached its nadir with a set of skirmishes last weekend, including a brawl in Columbus, Ohio, that had the cops using pepper spray to try to calm things down between Michigan and Ohio State. This may be simplistic – and there are some coaches, including Penn State’s James Franklin and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, who have shown they can defuse such situations before they ignite – but how about this solution: Play better, and if you lose, own it. ... jalexander@scng.com

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Mr Nicholas Tan founded the label Aupen in Singapore in November 2022. SINGAPORE – Securing an interview with Mr Nicholas Tan, the Singaporean founder of Aupen, is no easy feat. After weeks of back-and-forth e-mails, the stars finally aligned for a Friday night Zoom call on Nov 29. I first met the Paris-based 35-year-old at a yacht party in Singapore in September. At the time, his identity as the man behind the viral online-only bag brand was still a topic of speculation. But I knew exactly who he was. Watching him effortlessly navigate the room, it was clear that the same air of purpose and quiet confidence driving Aupen were also deeply woven into his personality. Mr Tan appeared on my screen promptly at 8pm, exuding a sharp focus and a more reserved demeanour compared with the relaxed charm he displayed at that party. Tonight, he is all business, ready to dive into the story of Aupen – a label that has taken the fashion world by storm. “It’s funny,” he says, leaning into the camera. “Everyone thinks Taylor Swift launched us when she carried our bag (while out) with Travis Kelce. But that wasn’t even the first time.” The moment he is referring to – a paparazzi shot from October 2023 of the American pop star leaving a New York City restaurant with her American football star-boyfriend Kelce – went viral, with Swift clutching Aupen’s US$420 (S$560) black Nirvana bag. An October 2023 photo of American pop star Taylor Swift carrying an Aupen bag while out with her boyfriend, footballer Travis Kelce. PHOTO: AUPEN That single photo ignited a frenzy, catapulting searches for Aupen to new heights. However, Mr Tan is quick to set the record straight. “The first time Taylor carried the bag was actually to (American producer-songwriter) Jack Antonoff’s wedding in August,” he says, a smile breaking across his face at the memory. “I saw it on her Instagram and was so happy,” he adds, admitting that he is a Swiftie. He clarifies that Swift’s use of the bag was not a planned placement, nor are the sightings on a slew of Hollywood actresses. And that, according to him, is exactly what makes Aupen stand out. “These celebrities genuinely use it. It’s not just a one-off thing for the cameras,” he stresses. “Selena Gomez has carried our bags four or five times. Jennifer Lawrence, the same. Emma Stone has worn our designs on multiple occasions. It warms my heart to know that the bag is a real part of their wardrobe.” Founded in Singapore in November 2022, Aupen has achieved what few home-grown brands have: stratospheric fame on a global scale. Its designs have struck a chord with both fashion insiders and everyday consumers. But, for Mr Tan, Aupen’s appeal lies in more than just aesthetics. “I think what Aupen is doing today in the fashion industry is really disrupting and breaking some traditional systems,” he says. Unlike heritage fashion houses that adhere to a rigid calendar – showcasing autumn collections in February and spring lines in September – Aupen chooses a freer approach. New styles are occasionally showcased on its Instagram page (@aupenofficial), which has more than 63,000 followers. Aupen’s newest collection, launched in late November as its first collaboration with LVMH Metiers d’Art, introduces five festive interpretations of the Nirvana bag, including designs in brown shearling and metallic finishes. PHOTO: AUPEN “With social media, there’s this constant churn of new products, new trends. Everyone’s asking, ‘What’s next?’ But we’re not interested in being part of that cycle,” he says. Instead, Aupen releases products on its own schedule, unveiling new styles only when they are fully ready. “We produce things in limited quantities and when they sell out, they sell out,” he says. This philosophy extends to the brand’s pricing. With designs that rarely exceed $600 in price, Aupen positions itself as an accessible luxury brand, offering products that combine premium craftsmanship with a price point that feels attainable. This ethos has not only won over the hearts of consumers, but also earned the recognition of industry giants like LVMH Metiers d’Art, a division of the French luxury conglomerate dedicated to preserving artisanal craftsmanship. The partnership, announced in July, is a groundbreaking first for a local company and a significant milestone for Aupen. It elevates the brand’s craftsmanship to the prestigious “Made in France” quality synonymous with the luxury sector – a momentous achievement, especially in today’s competitive fashion landscape. Mr Tan reveals that he initially reached out to LVMH in 2023, drawn by their shared commitment to quality and innovation. Once it became clear that their values were aligned, the collaboration took shape, granting Aupen access to LVMH’s renowned network of ateliers, including Tanneries Roux and Jade Groupe. “They’ve taught us so much about quality control,” Mr Tan says. “For example, testing leather for colour fastness, scratch resistance and thickness – these are things they’ve helped us refine. And for hardware, they’ve shown us how to test for durability across all the different materials used,” he says, adding that LVMH’s expertise brought a new level of precision and sophistication to their processes. From humble beginnings to Hollywood Aupen’s founder Nicholas Tan grew up with a middle-class background and is close to his grandmother. PHOTO: AUPEN I had been advised beforehand to steer clear of personal questions – a boundary Mr Tan fiercely guards as part of his desire to maintain privacy and keep the spotlight firmly on his work. But, after some gentle persuasion, the bachelor opens up about his personal story. His journey to founding Aupen began in Clementi, where he grew up. The middle child in a family of five, Tan had a close relationship with his grandmother, who played a pivotal role in his upbringing. His father, now 69, was a university lecturer, while his mother, 68, worked as an accountant. His two sisters, aged 37 and 31, pursued their own paths outside the fashion world, leaving Mr Tan as the outlier with a passion for design. “My late grandfather was a truck driver who shovelled sand to build Singapore during its early years,” he says. “It was a milestone when my dad became the first university graduate in our family. And now, I’m proud to say I’m the first entrepreneur.” When asked if he has the so-called “middle child syndrome”, he waves off the suggestion and insists he enjoyed a normal upbringing. But, from an outsider’s perspective, it is easy to see how traits often associated with middle children – self-reliance and independence – may have played a role in shaping his ambitious, driven nature. His tenacity was evident even before he entered the fashion world. A competitive swimmer during his school years at Raffles Institution and Raffles Junior College, he trained rigorously – up to 10 times a week. “I’ve always been ambitious and competitive, whether it was in the pool or now with Aupen,” he reflects. “That energy and discipline I had as an athlete are things I still channel into my work today.” Former national swimmer Nicholas Tan swims the butterfly leg of the 4X100m medley relay final at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, on Nov 18, 2010. ST PHOTO: LIM SIN THAI After completing his national service in the Republic of Singapore Navy and graduating with a biology degree from Harvard University in the United States, he ventured into the world of fashion with no formal training. In 2014, he had his first brush with the global fashion spotlight, as one of seven international models handpicked by Italian fashion house Dolce & Gabbana for an advertising campaign. This moment might have been a career pinnacle for many, but for Mr Tan – then 25 – it was simply another stepping stone in an eclectic professional journey that would later include tech IPOs and entrepreneurship. “My interests have always been varied,” he says. “I want to inspire people to be open-minded and not pigeonhole themselves or their identities. With determination and curiosity, you can embrace new interests or careers, no matter where life takes you.” That same year, he became an early team member at Garena – now Shopee – Singapore’s leading e-commerce platform. He then returned to fashion, opening a showroom in 2018 that introduced the works of acclaimed designers such as Belgium’s Dries van Noten and French-American Joseph Altuzarra to the Asian market. “I was managing all these other brands, but at a certain point, I realised I didn’t want to be the backup singer any more,” he says. “I wanted to be the lead.” With that resolve, he closed his showroom and founded Aupen in 2022, creating a brand that would reflect his own vision. However, his journey to success was far from smooth. “When I pitched my plans for Aupen to people in Singapore, they were rejected for not being ‘holistic’. I remember friends of mine – even a chief editor at a fashion magazine – told me I was never going to make it because I didn’t have the right qualifications,” he says. “I hope Singapore will realise we have talent in our own backyard.” For the first two years, he operated out of his grandmother’s home, with her serving as the stock controller. He personally designed the bags and sold them directly through his website. “I didn’t like seeing her alone after my grandfather passed, so I asked if she wanted to help me with my business. It gave her a sense of purpose and allowed us to spend more time together,” he recalls fondly. For him, Aupen – a portmanteau of “authentic” and “open” and pronounced as “open” – embodies a departure from traditional or trend-driven accessory design. “I’m inspired by sculptures. I don’t think many bags are envisioned as sculptures first when they’re designed. Often, bags are engineered around trends or practicality – what can you fit inside? “For us, it’s a completely different approach. We start with form and artistry, creating something that’s visually striking but still functional,” he says. This sculptural perspective has become Aupen’s hallmark, as have its minimalist yet architectural designs. One of the earliest celebrities spotted with an Aupen bag was American model Hailey Bieber. Mr Tan recalls the surreal moment he came across a 2023 photo of her at Coachella, carrying the Aupen Purpose Bag. “I thought I was dreaming,” he says. “I had to look at the photo again to make sure it was real and not a dream. She even did a series of Instagram posts with the bag.” Aupen continued growing and what began as a one-man operation has since grown into a dynamic team of more than 10 people today. Unlike many luxury brands with a single, visionary creative director at the helm, Aupen takes a collaborative approach to design. “I contribute to the designs, but we also have other talented designers in the company,” says Mr Tan. Aupen’s newest collection, launched in late November as its first collaboration with LVMH Metiers d’Art, introduces five festive interpretations of the Nirvana bag, including designs in brown shearling and metallic finishes. They are retailing for $458 each on aupen.com Mr Tan says: “The Nirvana has been spotted on so many pop stars recently, including Charlie XCX, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift. With this collection, we wanted to play with textures to create this beautiful juxtaposition that complements a girl’s outfit.” A post shared by AUPEN (@aupenofficial) A post shared by AUPEN (@aupenofficial) A post shared by AUPEN (@aupenofficial) Today, Aupen’s primary markets are in America and Europe, where the brand’s aesthetic and accessible luxury ethos have resonated deeply. According to Mr Tan, there are no plans to establish a physical retail presence, at least for now. “The true story of Aupen is that it was the West that picked us,” he says, adding that he is still in the midst of looking for an office space in Paris – a city that has become a wellspring of inspiration for him. “Paris is the epicentre of fashion,” he continues. “Being in the city exposes me to so many different brands, collections, museum exhibits and fashion events. It’s an environment that helps me understand where luxury fashion is headed.” Mr Tan also spends much of his time flying among fashion capitals, where he finds inspiration in how deeply rooted heritage brands are in their respective cultures. “When I’m in Paris, I see so many Parisians proudly carrying Louis Vuitton and Chanel because those brands are French. In Milan, I see Italians carrying Prada and Gucci with the same pride. It’s a reflection of their cultural identity.” His aspiration? To see Singaporeans embrace Aupen in the same way. “I hope that one day, as I walk down the streets of Singapore, I’ll see girls carrying Aupen bags with the same pride,” he says. “Right now, our brand awareness in Singapore isn’t as high as it is overseas.” As our conversation winds down, I ask Mr Tan what advice he would give to his younger self. “I would tell myself to not set limits, to dare to think big and dream big,” he says. “It’s something I’ve learnt gradually over time. “In Singapore, there’s often a tendency for society to impose limitations or stereotype you into certain professions. But I hope my journey – and what we’ve built with Aupen – shows that it’s possible to break free from those expectations. If you truly believe in yourself and set your mind to it, you can achieve anything.” Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. 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Middle East latest: Lebanon closes all its land border crossings with Syria except oneLincoln Capital Corp raised its holdings in Amazon.com, Inc. ( NASDAQ:AMZN ) by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 44,410 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock after purchasing an additional 422 shares during the period. Amazon.com comprises 3.4% of Lincoln Capital Corp’s holdings, making the stock its 8th largest position. Lincoln Capital Corp’s holdings in Amazon.com were worth $8,275,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Joel Isaacson & Co. LLC grew its holdings in Amazon.com by 3.9% in the third quarter. Joel Isaacson & Co. LLC now owns 157,724 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $29,389,000 after purchasing an additional 5,948 shares during the period. Tarbox Family Office Inc. grew its holdings in Amazon.com by 11.5% in the third quarter. Tarbox Family Office Inc. now owns 10,027 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $1,868,000 after purchasing an additional 1,031 shares during the period. Sigma Investment Counselors Inc. grew its holdings in Amazon.com by 0.8% in the third quarter. Sigma Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 79,141 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $14,746,000 after purchasing an additional 636 shares during the period. BayBridge Capital Group LLC grew its holdings in Amazon.com by 51.8% in the third quarter. BayBridge Capital Group LLC now owns 14,368 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $2,677,000 after purchasing an additional 4,905 shares during the period. Finally, Pettinga Financial Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Amazon.com by 4.3% in the third quarter. Pettinga Financial Advisors LLC now owns 5,512 shares of the e-commerce giant’s stock valued at $1,027,000 after purchasing an additional 225 shares during the period. 72.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Ratings Changes AMZN has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price target on Amazon.com from $224.00 to $245.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Maxim Group lifted their price target on Amazon.com from $251.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Rosenblatt Securities lifted their price target on Amazon.com from $221.00 to $236.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and issued a $236.00 price target (up from $230.00) on shares of Amazon.com in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their price target on Amazon.com from $215.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, forty-one have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Amazon.com presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $236.20. Amazon.com Stock Up 1.0 % AMZN opened at $207.89 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $194.78 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $186.94. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. The company has a market cap of $2.19 trillion, a PE ratio of 44.52, a P/E/G ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 1.14. Amazon.com, Inc. has a 52 week low of $142.81 and a 52 week high of $215.90. Amazon.com ( NASDAQ:AMZN – Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 31st. The e-commerce giant reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.14 by $0.29. The business had revenue of $158.88 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $157.28 billion. Amazon.com had a return on equity of 22.41% and a net margin of 8.04%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.85 EPS. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Amazon.com, Inc. will post 5.29 EPS for the current year. Insider Transactions at Amazon.com In related news, CEO Matthew S. Garman sold 15,260 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $200.19, for a total value of $3,054,899.40. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 349,261 shares in the company, valued at $69,918,559.59. This represents a 4.19 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . Also, SVP David Zapolsky sold 2,190 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $195.00, for a total value of $427,050.00. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now owns 62,420 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,171,900. This represents a 3.39 % decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last three months, insiders sold 6,026,683 shares of company stock valued at $1,252,148,795. Corporate insiders own 10.80% of the company’s stock. About Amazon.com ( Free Report ) Amazon.com, Inc engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscriptions service through online and physical stores in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America, International, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). It also manufactures and sells electronic devices, including Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TVs, Echo, Ring, Blink, and eero; and develops and produces media content. See Also Five stocks we like better than Amazon.com Insider Trades May Not Tell You What You Think The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing Investing In Preferred Stock vs. Common Stock 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 What is a Bond Market Holiday? How to Invest and Trade FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMZN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Amazon.com, Inc. 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LORETTO, Pa. – The St. Francis University football team announced the addition of 13 players to the signing class of 2025. The student-athletes inked their National Letter of Intent Wednesday as part of the early signing period. "Signing day is a cornerstone of our program's future," St. Francis coach Chris Villarrial said. "It is the process of countless hours of hard work by our staff, the families, and most importantly, these young men who have chosen to trust us with their development. Today, we celebrate their commitment, not just to football, but to becoming part of something bigger. We are building a championship culture, and these players are the foundation of what is to come." St. Francis welcomes running back Josiah Bryson; wide receiver Lukas Gilland; offensive linemen Hunter Albright, Kevin Evehe, Nate Hampton and Wyatt Maines; defensive lineman Darian Slaughter; linebacker Cameron Kiersch; safeties Hunter Giacomo and Arison Walker; and defensive backs Anthony Gengarella, Darian Nelson and Ky'Mir Williams. Albright is a 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive lineman from Hollidaysburg. He was a member of a Hollidaysburg team that went 13-1 in 2024 and advanced to the PIAA quarterfinals. "Hunter plays with an edge and nastiness that every offensive line coach is looking for," offensive line coach Cullen Casey said. "I am excited for the energy and attitude he will bring to the group." Bryson is a 5-9, 200-pound running back from Stafford, Virginia. Bryson rushed for over 1,000 yards in his junior season at Colonial Forge and helped the Eagles to a 10-3 record this season. Bryson earned first-team all-district and second-team all-region honors while at Colonial Forge. He won a regional championship with the Eagles. Bryson also ran track and field for Colonial Forge and is a member of the honor roll. He intends to major in sports management. "Josiah is a talented young back who has good vision and cuts well," running backs coach Josh Hutchinson said. "He is a dynamic player when he gets the ball in his hands. I look forward to watching him grow as a running back here at St. Francis." Evehe stands at 6-6 and 305 pounds and is from Randallstown, Maryland. He was an all-county selection at left tackle and is a regional champion with Randallstown High School. He intends to major in business. Evehe was a team captain for the Rams. He is a multi-sport athlete as well, lettering in basketball. Evehe has been an honor roll student in high school. "Kevin is a mountain of a man who will help us protect the blindside of the quarterback for years to come," Casey said. "His ability to compete both on the field and in the classroom made him a perfect fit for the Red Flash family." Gengarella is a 5-10 and 175-pound defensive back from Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland. Gengarella was an all-district and all-conference selection in his junior and senior seasons at Northwest High School. He led the Jaguars in tackles during both seasons and won letters in all four years at Northwest. Gengarella has also lettered in track and field as a sprinter. He has been on the honor roll every semester of his high school career. He intends to major in business. "Anthony is an all-around athlete who continued to make plays for Northwest in all three phases of the game," defensive coordinator Jacob Craig said. "We look forward to continuing the success had by Northwest defensive backs here at St. Francis." Giacomo stands at 5-11 and 190 pounds from Charleston, West Virginia. Giacomo was a team captain for George Washington and a three-time first-team all-conference selection for the Patriots. Over the course of his career, Giacomo started 46 games, recorded 365 total tackles, three interceptions and a defensive touchdown. Giacomo added 62 catches for 852 yards, 1,594 all-purpose yards and 13 total touchdowns. Giacomo earned three letters in baseball at George Washington and is a member of the National Honor Society. His father, Butch, played college football at the NAIA level. Giacomo intends to major in business administration. "Hunter has consistently been ranked as one of the top linebackers in the state of West Viriginia," Craig said. "The combination of his willingness to fit the run and his athletic ability is why we are excited to work with him at safety." Gilland is a 6-1, 190-pound wideout from Mineral City, Ohio. Gilland hauled in 141 catches for 2,400 yards and 32 touchdowns at Sandy Valley. He totaled 3,250 all-purpose yards. Gilland was a three-time all-state selection as a receiver and a four-time all-county selection as a defensive back. Gilland also earned three letters in basketball and two letters in track and field. He was an all-district selection in basketball. Hampton stands at 6-3 and 290 pounds and goes to DeMatha Catholic in Maryland. The offensive lineman was a member of a Stags team that went 10-1 in 2024 and won the WCAC championship. Hampton helped DeMatha make the WCAC championship game in each of his final three seasons. "Nate is a glass eater," Casey said. "His physicality will show up in the run game, but he is able to redirect with quick hand placement in the pass game." Kiersch is a 6-0, 220-pound linebacker from Danville Area High School. Kiersch recorded 479 total tackles, 48 stops for loss, seven sacks, eight interceptions and four blocked kicks over the course of his career at Danville. He was a three-time all-state and all-conference selection as a linebacker and was named The Daily Item linebacker of the year. Kiersch won four District 4 championships with the Ironmen and was a team captain. Kiersch holds the Danville Area record for tackles in a season with 170 in 2024 and is second in school history in career stops. He also lettered in lacrosse four times and was a first-team all-district selection and named The Daily Item MVP in the sport. Kiersch is a member of the National Honor Society and intends to major in physical therapy. "We are excited to welcome Cameron to the Red Flash family," linebackers coach Ben Bruni said. "Cameron is coming to us from a great program at Danville Area High School. Cameron is an extremely versatile linebacker who has a nose for the football. Cameron is great in coverage and an elite tackler and are pumped up to have him join our room." Maines stands at 6-5 and 275 pounds from Hollidaysburg. Maines was an all-district selection at Hollidaysburg and won district and subregional championships. He also wrestled and was a member of the track and field team at Hollidaysburg Area. He won the American Citizenship Award. Maines intends to major in business. His sister, Brooke, is a sophomore on the cheer team at St. Francis. "Wyatt brings a versatility to the offensive line that will pay dividends early in his career," Casey said. "He is a two-way player from Hollidaysburg and his athleticism and size will help bolster our group." Nelson is a 6-1, 190-pound defensive back from Plum Senior High School. Nelson made 161 total tackles, 13 stops for loss, four interceptions and three forced fumbles at Plum. He registered seven sacks over his junior and senior seasons, as well as three blocked field goals. Nelson is three-time first-team all-conference selection for the Mustangs. He also lettered in track and field and basketball. He intends to major in global affairs. "Darian is an all-around athlete who played multiple positions on offense and defense for Plum this season," Craig said. "We're excited to see his athletic play in the secondary for years to come." Slaughter stands at 6-3 and 250 pounds as a defensive lineman at Plum Senior High School. Slaughter finished his career at Plum with 146 tackles, 35 stops for loss and 23 sacks. Over his final two seasons, he forced five fumbles. Slaughter has earned a first-team all-conference selection and a second-team all-conference selection while playing for the Mustangs. Slaughter is on the honor roll at Plum and intends to major in criminal justice. He also played basketball. "Darian is a big athletic lineman that played both offensive and defensive line for Plum," Craig said. "We're excited not only about his ability to rush the passer, but his ability to also be strong in the run game." Walker stands at 5-9 and 170 pounds from Aliquippa High School. Walker was a two-way player at Aliquippa, making 65 tackles, three pass breakups and two interceptions in his senior year. On the other side of the ball, he added 30 catches for 468 yards and seven total touchdowns. Walker was a first-team all-conference selection on both sides of the ball and was also an all-state selection. While at Aliquippa, Walker won three District 7 championships and two state titles. Walker is a member of the National Honor Society and is class president for 2025. He intends to major in finance. He also played baseball and basketball for the Quips. "Arison joins our safety room coming from a historic Pennsylvania program," Craig said. "Arison played pivotal roles in all three phases at Aliquippa and we're excited for his future on defense and special teams moving forward." Williams is a 5-11, 185-pound defensive back from Harrisburg High School. Williams was a part of a secondary that helped Harrisburg finish 11-3 overall and 8-1 in conference on the year. Willaims and the Cougars made it all the way to the 2024 PIAA Class 6A semifinals. "Ky'Mir is a ball hawk that flies around on the defensive side of the ball," Craig said. "He played a key role in the playoff push Harrisburg had this season and we're excited for his future at St. Francis." (c)2024 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at www.tribune-democrat.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

WASHINGTON—The White House on Dec. 12 sought to allay concerns over recent mysterious drone sightings in New Jersey, stating that they do not pose a threat to U.S. national security. “We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security, or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby said during a press briefing. So far, no reported visual sighting has been corroborated, Kirby added. “To the contrary, upon review of available imagery, it appears that many of the reported sightings are actually manned aircraft that are being operated lawfully,” he said. Dozens of mysterious drones were first reported on Nov. 13 in Morris and Hunterdon counties, raising concern among residents and officials. Sightings have spread to more than a dozen areas, including Monmouth, Ocean, and Camden counties. Kirby said that the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are still investigating the sightings to determine their origin. The United States Coast Guard, which is also assisting with the investigation, has found no evidence of foreign involvement from coastal vessels. “And importantly, there are no reported or confirmed drone sightings in any restricted airspace,” Kirby said. Witnesses have reported that the drones were large, about the size of an SUV, and often traveled in groups. Part of the worry stemmed from the fact that the flying objects were initially spotted near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, as well as near President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told reporters on Dec. 9 that their technology appeared to be “very sophisticated.” “The minute you get eyes on them, they go dark,” he said. Following the White House press briefing, the FBI and DHS issued a statement saying that they continue to “investigate this situation and confirm whether the reported drone flights are actually drones or are instead manned aircraft or otherwise inaccurate sightings.” “Historically, we have experienced cases of mistaken identity, where reported drones are, in fact, manned aircraft or facilities,” the statement reads. Lawmakers and local officials have been expressing concerns and demanding more answers. Booker said he recognized “the need to maintain operational security of ongoing investigations” but urged the officials to release any available information in order to avoid spreading “rumors, fear, and misinformation.” House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on Dec. 12 that he expected to receive a classified briefing soon about the drone sightings, calling them “a quandary.” While law enforcement and other agencies have found no indication of malicious activity or intent at this stage, Kirby said the reported sightings expose a gap in threat prevention. He urged Congress to pass legislation that would “extend and expand existing counter drone authorities” so that the government can mitigate potential threats to airports or other critical infrastructure.

( MENAFN - EIN Presswire) Commercial Turf Equipment Global market Report 2024 - Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033 The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-for a limited time only! LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, December 13, 2024 /EINPresswire / -- The Business Research Company's Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports-limited time only! Projected growth in the commercial turf equipment market size has seen a strong increase in recent years. From $6.19 billion in 2023, it is expected to reach $6.53 billion by 2024, an impressive compound annual growth rate CAGR of 5.5%. This growth trajectory can be largely attributed to a rise in disposable income, growth in the parks and recreation sector, economic expansion, increasing property values, and the flourish of various sports leagues. What Major Factors Will Drive The Commercial Turf Equipment Market's Growth? The commercial turf equipment market size is set to witness a significant surge in the near future, slated to peak at an estimated $8.12 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 5.6%, with increasing commercial landscaping projects, urbanization surge, the growth of golf courses and recreational facilities, expanding awareness of turf health, and an overall increase in sports venues fueling this growth. Major trends expected in the forecasted phase include advancements such as GPS and autonomous systems, further innovation in turf technology, growing demand for sustainable practices, and the call for professional turf management services and smart equipment uptake. Sample the detailed findings of this report at: In sports, the maintenance of high-quality playing surfaces is a critical aspect to ensure optimal sporting performance, safety, and durability for both games and practices. This has substantially contributed to driving the commercial turf market growth. Participation in sports activities shows a rising trend due to the increasing awareness of health benefits, improved access to sporting facilities, and a growing emphasis on fitness and well-being society-wide. For instance, the US-based Sports and Fitness Industry Association SFIA published a report in February 2024 revealing that 78.8% of Americans, equivalent to 242 million people, participated in at least one sports activity in 2023, marking 2.2% increase from 2022. Which Key Industry Players Are Operating in The Commercial Turf Equipment Market? Major companies pushing forth the growth of the commercial turf equipment market include Honda Motor Co., Deere & Company, Kubota Corporation, Stanley Black & Decker Inc., Textron Inc., Husqvarna AB, The Toro Company, MTD Products Inc., Briggs & Stratton Corporation, among others. These companies are continually innovating and developing technologically advanced products such as spreader sprayers, designed to offer efficient and uniform distribution and application of fertilizers and chemicals over large land areas. How Is The Commercial Turf Equipment Market Shaping Up With Emerging Trends? In line with innovative trends, for instance, Turfco, a US-based company providing commercial lawn care, turf maintenance, and equipment launched the T3200 spreader sprayer in March 2024. The T3200 spreader sprayer, the largest in its class, stands out with its capacity to fit through a 36-inch gate. It can be paired with the T-Flex15 tank, providing up to 140,000 square feet of coverage per fill and offering the flexibility to spray two liquids either simultaneously or independently. This design reduces turf damage and enables precise alignment with each pass while the low maintenance requirements and on-demand electric pump enhance its usability. Get the full report at: How Has The Commercial Turf Equipment Market Been Segmented? The commercial turf equipment market in this report is segmented as: 1 By Products: Mowers, Turf Tractors, Aerators, Turf Sprayers, Bunker Rakes, Other Products. 2 By Fuel Type: Gas-Powered, Battery-Powered, Electric-Powered. 3 By End-User: Sports, Golf. What Are The Regional Insights Into The Commercial Turf Equipment Market? North America, in 2023, was the largest region in the commercial turf equipment market. On the other hand, Asia-Pacific is expected to register the fastest growth in the forecasted period. The regions accounted for in the market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, and Africa. Browse more similar reports- Unmanned Commercial Aerial Vehicle Global Market Report 2024 Autonomous Commercial Vehicle Global Market Report 2024 Light Commercial Vehicle Global Market Report 2024 About The Business Research Company Learn More About The Business Research Company. With over 15000+ reports from 27 industries covering 60+ geographies, The Business Research Company has built a reputation for offering comprehensive, data-rich research and insights. Armed with 1,500,000 datasets, the optimistic contribution of in-depth secondary research, and unique insights from industry leaders, you can get the information you need to stay ahead in the game. Contact us at: The Business Research Company: Americas +1 3156230293 Asia +44 2071930708 Europe +44 2071930708 Email us at ... Follow us on: LinkedIn: YouTube: Global Market Model: global-market-model Oliver Guirdham The Business Research Company +44 20 7193 0708 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook X LinkedIn Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above. MENAFN12122024003118003196ID1108988699 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Alameda County divests from Caterpillar over equipment sales to Israel