KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Sophomore Mason Falslev scored 25 points to match his career high for the second straight game, adding 12 rebounds for his first double-double, and Utah State defeated Iowa 77-69 on Friday night in the Hall of Fame Classic. Falslev sank 9 of 15 shots from the floor, including 3 of 4 from 3-point range, for the Aggies (5-0). Ian Martinez totaled 13 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals for Utah State. Tucker Anderson pitched in with 10 points, five rebounds and five steals off the bench. Brock Harding led the Hawkeyes (5-1) with 19 points. Owen Freeman finished with 18 points and 11 rebounds for his second double-double of the season. Payton Sandfort scored 14, but he made only 4 of 18 shots — including 1 for 13 from beyond the arc. Falslev had two baskets in the first two minutes and Utah State grabbed the lead and held it until Freeman scored on a layup to put Iowa up 13-12 midway through the half. The Hawkeyes had a six-point lead late but Falslev's tip-in with 5 seconds left pulled the Aggies within 37-33 at intermission. Iowa maintained its lead in the second half until Falslev's layup with 14:46 remaining gave Utah State a 47-46 lead. Harding answered with a 3-pointer for the Hawkeyes, and they played with the lead until Martinez sandwiched a jumper and a 3-pointer around two free throws by Falslev to give Utah State a 58-53 lead with 10:02 left to play. The Aggies never trailed again. Iowa was trying to win six in a row to begin the season for the first time since the 2021-22 season when it won seven straight. Utah State forward Karson Templin (22) shoots over Iowa forward Owen Freeman (32) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. Credit: AP/Charlie Riedel The Hawkeyes will host South Carolina Upstate on Tuesday. The Aggies travel to Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on Thursday and open the NIT Season Tip-Off against St. Bonaventure.
Share Tweet Share Share Email Over $2.5 billion in crypto liquidations recently shook the market, hitting long positions and altcoins the hardest. This level of volatility underscores the rapid changes and inherent risks in the crypto market, emphasizing the importance of having advanced trading tools. Plus Wallet addresses this need by offering smart tracking features, including custom price alerts that keep users updated on market movements. Additionally, its Unified Wallet Balances feature allows users to manage multiple assets from one convenient interface. These tools empower users to respond quickly to market shifts and optimize their gains. Meanwhile, Binance has revealed plans for a phased relaunch of its Web3 wallet, aiming to make Web3 technology more accessible and user-friendly for its growing community. $2.5 Billion Liquidations Shake Crypto Markets The crypto market recently faced over $2.5 billion in liquidations, disrupting long positions and altcoins the most. Retail traders struggled to navigate the instability, while institutional investors concentrated on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which continued to attract heavy inflows. On December 9 alone, the market saw $1.7 billion in liquidations, with altcoins like XRP, Solana (SOL), and Hedera (HBAR) experiencing sharp declines. Despite these challenges, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs remained steady, drawing billions in investments, showcasing their growing institutional appeal even amid the turbulence. Binance Web3 Wallet Relaunch Brings New Features Binance has introduced a phased relaunch of its Web3 wallet, aiming to make Web3 more accessible and user-friendly. The updated wallet includes a new Airdrop Zone and Rewards Center, which simplifies the process of accessing benefits. This relaunch aligns with Binance’s ambition to onboard one billion users into the Web3 space. By competing with industry leaders like MetaMask and Coinbase Wallet, Binance is setting its sights on a larger share of the Web3 market. However, its centralized platform link may deter users seeking greater decentralization in their crypto wallets. Plus Wallet: Smart Tools and Robust Security The crypto market moves at a rapid pace, where missing even small opportunities can lead to losses. Staying ahead requires tools that offer both efficiency and reliability. Plus Wallet is designed to provide users with advanced tracking features and strong security, making it a reliable partner for managing and safeguarding crypto assets effectively. One of its standout tools is the custom price alerts feature, which allows users to set up personalized notifications for specific price movements. This ensures users stay updated on market changes in real time, enabling quick decisions during critical moments. Whether prices surge or drop, users can act immediately to maximize gains or mitigate losses. Another noteworthy feature is the Unified Wallet Balances tool. This function consolidates balances from multiple wallets into a single, easy-to-read interface. By removing the need to switch between wallets, it simplifies portfolio tracking and makes managing assets more seamless and efficient. Security is a key focus for Plus Wallet, especially as hacking threats continue to grow. The platform uses advanced encryption, local storage for private keys, and two-factor authentication to ensure user assets remain secure and under complete control. With its intuitive design, Plus Wallet caters to both beginners exploring crypto and seasoned traders seeking efficiency. Its combination of smart tracking tools, advanced security, and user-friendly features has earned it a reputation as a trusted wallet for navigating the fast-changing crypto market. Wrapping It Up The recent wave of over $2.5 billion in liquidations has highlighted the need for better tools to manage crypto assets and respond to market volatility. While institutional investors remain focused on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, retail traders face increased uncertainty. Wallets like Binance Web3 Wallet and Plus Wallet address these needs in different ways. Binance’s Web3 Wallet aims to simplify the Web3 experience but faces challenges due to its centralized connections. In contrast, Plus Wallet continues to win users with its advanced features, like custom price alerts and Unified Wallet Balances, along with its robust security measures. For anyone seeking a dependable solution to navigate the ever-changing crypto market, Plus Wallet is a clear choice. Explore Plus Wallet: Website: https://pluswallet.app/ Download: https://pluswallet.onelink.me/8QWS/install Twitter: https://x.com/pluswalletapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pluswallet.app/ Related Items: Plus Wallet , press release Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you The Best Crypto Wallets in 2024: 4 Must-Have Options for Safety and Gains Ethereum, Solana, XRP Surge—Is Lightchain AI Poised To Join the Altcoin Season? Lightchain AI Price Predictions– What Investors Should Expect in the Next Bull Cycle CommentsLawmakers gather inside the hall of the National Assembly, after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, in Seoul, Dec. 4. Reuters-Yonhap President Yoon Suk Yeol's shocking late-night declaration of martial law brought years of clashes with domestic opponents, the media and even his own conservative party to a head and threw his political future into doubt. He promised to roll back that order only hours later after parliament, including some members of his own party, voted to block the move. Yoon squeaked out a victory in the tightest presidential election in Korean history in 2022 on a wave of discontent over economic policy, scandals and gender wars, reshaping the political future of Asia's fourth-largest economy. He was embraced by leaders in the West as a partner in the U.S.-led effort to unify democracies against growing authoritarianism in China, Russia and elsewhere. But even as he talked up a foreign policy of shared democratic values, Yoon drew increasing accusations of heavy-handed leadership at home, and fears of more strident crackdowns have percolated for some time. During his confirmation hearing as defense minister in September, Kim Yong-hyun, then Yoon's head of presidential security, denied opposition lawmakers' suggestions that his appointment was part of preparations to declare martial law. A spokesman for Yoon did not respond to repeated phone calls. Yoon's move comes as Korea tries to shore up its position before the Jan. 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who clashed with Yoon's predecessor over trade and paying for U.S. troops stationed in Korea. "For a president who has focused so much on Korea's international reputation, this makes Korea look very unstable," said Mason Richey, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. "This will have a negative effect on financial and currency markets and Korea's diplomatic place in the world." One Western diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive politics, said the martial law declaration would complicate conversations about Korea joining more multinational diplomatic efforts. Jenny Town of the U.S.-based Stimson Center think tank said the move appeared "desperate and dangerous" and could spell the beginning of the end of Yoon's presidency. "He was already unpopular, but this might just be the final straw to move impeachment processes forward," she said. People surround a military vehicle outside the National Assembly in Seoul after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in Seoul, early Dec. 4. EPA-Yonhap Erosion in democracy Democracy in Korea took a step backward since Yoon took office, the Varieties of Democracy Institute at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden said in an annual report in March, citing legal cases against figures associated with the previous administration and assaults on gender equality and freedom of expression. Yoon has responded to criticisms by declaring them fake news, filing more defamation cases than other recent presidents and in some cases restricting media access. Under Yoon, Korea dropped from 47th to 62nd in the global press freedom index unveiled this year by Reporters Without Borders. In some cases he claimed "pro-North Korean" or "anti-state" forces were behind criticism of him — language he used on Tuesday to justify his martial law order. "The forces of communist totalitarianism have disguised themselves as democracy activists, human rights advocates and progressive activists," Yoon said in speech last year. The president's ruling conservative People Power Party (PPP) suffered a heavy loss in April's general election as the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) took 175 out of the 300 seats in the National Assembly. DPK, which is in disarray with its leader convicted of election law violations and facing charges of corruption, clashed with Yoon over budgets and investigations into Yoon's wife and top officials. In November, Yoon denied wrongdoing in an influence-peddling scandal involving him and his wife that has driven his approval ratings to record lows. Yoon has also taken a hard line against labor unions, as well as striking doctors who oppose a major healthcare reform plan that would add 2,000 medical students a year to make up what the government says is a severe shortage of physicians. Tuesday's martial law decree ordered those doctors back to work. Yoon's handling of the scandals as well as the doctors' strike led to public rifts with Han Dong-hoon, his former confidant and current leader of Yoon's People Power Party. Han and the PPP called for Yoon to roll back the order. David Rhee, 48, said he was a PPP supporter but came out to protest outside the parliament on Wednesday because Yoon's move was beyond comprehension. "Communist forces? That is Yoon's dogma, not fact," he said. (Reuters)
‘Baby Driver’ Star Remembered at Memorial Service After Death at 16Is anything more gratifying than an unexpected gift from a stranger? The answer is “yes,” but we’ll get to that. Several days ago, a friend was shopping at a local dollar store, buying small items to place in gift boxes for children. Her church had given her a debit card with a $150 allowance, and she went through the aisles placing dozens of toys and school supplies in her cart, keeping a running amount in her head. When she got to the checkout, she told the clerk to stop when the total got close to her spending limit. The clerk, a big rough-looking man, started scanning the items. “You sure have a lot of stuff here,” he said. My friend explained what she was doing, that everything would go to children who do not get any other presents for Christmas. He smiled and kept scanning. When the register total came to just shy of $150, he paused. “What about those?” He pointed to the handful of things left in the cart. “That’s OK,” my friend said. “They can go back on the shelf.” “I’ll pay for them,” he said. My friend objected at first, but the clerk was insistent. “I was one of those kids,” he said. “My dad never got us presents for Christmas, and I don’t have any kids of my own.” He scanned the rest of the items, then reached into his pocket for a crumpled wad of bills to pay the balance. Then he put everything into bags and her cart. “God bless you,” he said with a smile. “Every gift requires two freedoms,” author Peter Kreeft wrote, “the giver’s and the receiver’s.” We must be careful to respect the privilege of giving, for it is in giving that we feel our humanity most deeply. As technologies make life more automated, our interaction with strangers is declining. That might seem good to some. But the overall effect is to increase anxiety by depriving us of daily exercise in social skills, something necessary for a healthy democracy. It also removes opportunities to give and to receive. One of the great misfortunes of a prosperous society is that giving and receiving become transactional rather than relational: A class of people deliver goods and services, and a class of people receive them. One group funds the local shelter and the soup kitchen, and another group goes there to get housing and nourishment. One is the host, the other the guest. Many less prosperous societies still follow the ancient practice of bringing a stranger into one’s home for shelter and meals together. The guest and host get to know each other. It is not easy to say who benefits most, because both provide something to each other: the need to receive and the need to give. This practice of relational giving and receiving is retained in the gift exchanges among family and friends during the holidays. It is a chance to remind one another of our interdependence. Yet for those who have no one close with whom to celebrate, this time of year can be especially sad and lonely — not just because they receive no gifts but because they have nobody to whom to give. Their loneliness is a symptom of disconnection at a time of year when relationships with family, friends and neighbors are lifted up and celebrated everywhere one turns. It doesn’t have to be that way. Every community is filled with people who need something. Churches have giving trees. Schools and nursing homes need volunteers. And just about everybody has a neighbor who could use a small box of cookies and a smile. Every year I rewatch “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It just might be the best movie ever made. Watching it reminds us that the greatest contribution a person can make in life is to lovingly tend to the relationships where you are. A pivotal moment in the movie comes shortly after George Bailey pulls Clarence out of an icy river. As they are drying off, Clarence explains he is an angel sent to save him. George is understandably skeptical. “Save me!?” he responds. Clarence explains, “I knew if I were drowning, you’d try to save me, and that’s how I saved you.” The gift Clarence gave to George was an opportunity to be useful when he thought the world would be better off without him. Like many of us, George overvalued the worth of his contributions and undervalued the worth of his presence. Even those who have great needs can be raised up by an opportunity to give. It is through the mutuality of both giving and receiving that we experience the grace that shines on every act of shared kindness. Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
NexPoint Comments on Cancellation of United Development Funding IV (UDF IV) 2024 Annual MeetingShirley Ballas has shared an exciting new announcement away from the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom following axe demands. The Head Judge, 64, on the BBC dance competition received backlash last week her alleged “overscoring” of a mediocre performance during Blackpool week. Now, the mum-of-one has revealed another exciting venture away from the studio which may surprise some fans. The TV favourite has penned a tantalising crime drama set backstage at the Royal Albert Hall. Taking to Instagram , Shirley announced that she will be hosting a book signing in December where fans can meet the presenter and get a copy of her new book signed. She penned: “Happy Thursday all [heart emoji] ... two weeks to go until a beautiful Christmas evening at Piccadilly Waterstones. It’s the perfect place to get a copy of my latest book just in time for Christmas. Excited to meet you all and sign your copies.” It didn’t take long before fans flooded to the comments to shower her with compliments online. One user penned: “Fully recommend this and I have purchased Shirley’s book and it’s a page turner [smiling emoji].” Another agreed: “I’m excited!!! [three applause emojis]” as a third echoed: “Looking forward to seeing you next month in Windsor [smiling emoji].” A fourth chimed in with: “Just ordered both you books. Very much looking forward to reading them Shirley.” It comes after the star came under fire last week after she praised Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal for the Cha Cha, set to the sounds of Right Said Fred’s hit I’m Too Sexy. The reality star sported a pair of skintight pink PVC trousers and a sheer pink shirt which complemented his dance partner’s glitzy pink dress. Craig Revel Horwood was quick to share his criticisms over the routine, blasting Pete’s routine as “very uncoordinated” and noting “you were behind musically” before doling out a measly four points. Motsi Mabust was both puzzled and amused by the performance, conceding: “I loved it for all the wrong reasons, I would watch it over and over. I’m still trying to figure out what’s happening here.” In stark contrast, Shirley saw plenty to praise, rewarding Pete and Jowita with and eight. She gushed: “You had some very good isolation, you had a very good neck line... Your hips were swinging left and right.” Fans soon flooded to X – formerly known as Twitter – to share their disappointment online. One user penned: “Need Shirley to leave after this series. So f***ing unprofessional. Pete gets ‘very entertaining’ for that.” Another agreed: “Shirley losing all credibility as a judge” as a third quipped: “No matter what Pete does Shirley praises him.”Stock market today: Meeting the market estimates, Carraro India's share price is listed on the Indian stock market at a discounted price. Carraro India's share price had a discounted opening on the BSE at ₹ 660 apiece, ₹ 44 per share or 6.25% lower than the upper price band of ₹ 704 apiece. Likewise, Carraro India shares are listed on the NSE at ₹ 651 per share, ₹ 53 or 7.53% lower than the upper price band. However, after a discounted listing in the Indian stock market, Carraro India's share price witnessed strong buying at the lower levels. After the weak opening, the stock climbed to an intraday high of ₹ 682 on the BSE and the NSE. However, the stock could sustain higher levels and slip below the listing price. Currently, at 10:04 AM, Carraro India's share price is quoting 636.75 apiece on the BSE and ₹ 640.75 apiece on the NSE. Carraro India IPO details By the close of bidding on Tuesday, Carraro India Ltd's IPO had been subscribed to 1.12 times. The portion reserved for qualified institutional buyers (QIBs) saw a subscription rate of 2.21 times, while the retail individual investors (RIIs) segment garnered 71 per cent of subscriptions. Non-institutional investors accounted for 60 per cent of the subscriptions. Founded in 1997, Carraro India Ltd specializes in producing components ranging from tiny gears to full tractor assembly. According to the red herring prospectus (RHP), the company's listed peers include Escorts Kubota, which has a P/E ratio of 43.21, Schaeffler India at 74.22, Sona BLW Precision Forgings with a P/E of 76.93, Ramakrishna Forgings at 42.82, Happy Forgings with 47.08, and Action Construction Equipment with a P/E of 50.56. Launched at a price band of ₹ 668 to ₹ 704 per equity share, Carraro India IPO reserved not more than 50% of the shares in the public issue for qualified institutional buyers (QIB), not less than 15% for non-institutional Institutional Investors (NII), and not less than 35% of the offer is reserved for retail investors. Axis Bank Limited, BNP Paribas, and Nuvama Wealth Management Limited were the book-running lead managers for the Carraro India IPO, and Link Intime India Private Ltd served as the registrar. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Sen. Joanne M. Brown on Monday announced the re-appropriation of $350,000 in lapses from her last two terms in office, directing these funds to support a variety of critical community programs and services. Brown will not be in the incoming 38th Legislature after losing her re-election bid. In a statement, her office said this re-appropriation reflects the pressing reality of the needs in the community and underscores the incredible dedication of those who work tirelessly to keep vital services running despite ongoing constraints. “As I reflect on my time in the Legislature, I am reminded that true service is about lifting others up—whether it’s children who have experienced hardship, animals who rely on our care, or the many dedicated individuals who work within our public services to keep our community strong," Brown said in a statement. She said these re-appropriations serve as a reminder of the ongoing needs of government agencies and nonprofit organizations, many of which do important work with limited resources. "The people working in these agencies, and the volunteers who support our animals, are the true heroes in our community. They do so much with so little, and this funding is a recognition of their dedication,” the outgoing senator said. “The work that our nonprofit organizations and public service employees do is nothing short of heroic. They are the backbone of our island, and they continue to provide services even in the face of limited resources." The re-appropriated funds in the amount of $350,000 will go to the following recipients: • $25,000 to Guåhan Paws for Pets. This funding will help cover the cost of necessary supplies and medical services for animals under the care of Guåhan Paws. • $35,000 to Guam Animals In Need, GAIN. The funds will improve the safety and security of animals housed at GAIN, including clearing and grading the drive-in area, installing a permeable driveway, reinforcing the perimeter fence, and installing a state-of-the-art security camera system. These upgrades are essential for ensuring the safety of the animals and the security of staff and visitors. Support for Guam's children: • $39,000 to the Department of Public Health and Social Services' Foster Care Division. This funding will support the care of Guam’s foster children by providing essential resources to ensure their well-being and safety. • $55,000 to Harvest House. Harvest House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting foster children who have experienced abuse and neglect, will use this funding to stock essential items needed to properly care for the children they serve. Support for public services and critical infrastructure: • $42,000 to the Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement Section’s Conservation Corps Apprentice Program. These funds will provide the necessary equipment, including body armor and uniforms, for the Conservation Corps Apprentice Program, helping apprentices safely perform their important work in preserving Guam’s natural resources. • $42,000 to the Department of Parks and Recreation’s Park Police Section. The funding will go toward purchasing a new CCTV system, off-road motorcycles, portable generators, and other critical equipment to enhance safety and security in Guam’s parks. • $70,000 to the University of Guam’s Water & Environmental Research Institute, WERI. These funds will support research, training, and outreach related to the detection of salinity levels in Guam’s wells, ensuring the sustainability of the island’s water resources in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. • $42,000 to the Department of Corrections' Administrative Services Division. This funding will be used to replace outdated computers and ensure compatibility with newly purchased software, allowing the department to better manage Guam’s prison and parole system. Brown said this funding isn’t just about dollars but it’s about what those dollars will do. "It’s about ensuring that the children in foster care have the resources they need to thrive, that the animals at GAIN and Guåhan Paws are given the medical attention and security they deserve, and that the people working in our government agencies are equipped with the tools they need to keep our community safe and strong," Brown added.
Major milestone! UPI hits record 15,547 crore transactions worth Rs 223 lakh crore by November 2024Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”
When Carmen Wageman started a home staging business out of her Richmond Hill garage 22 years ago, she had a hard time convincing sellers she could make their properties look bigger, brighter and newer — leading to faster and more profitable sales. “I was escorted out of houses a couple of times in the beginning because I told them to paint out their gum wood,” Wageman says. “Now, when I go in, one of the first things people say is, ‘You can tell me anything. Tell me to get rid of anything. Just make me some money.’” It’s been a turbulent year in Toronto’s real estate market with housing prices going down and the number of new listings going way up. Despite the downturn — or some say because of it — realtors have relied more than ever on a highly specialized but growing segment of the industry to compete and clinch sales. Staging has never been more popular or lucrative. “This is our best year yet,” says Wageman. “We’ve added more than 20 per cent to our bottom line.” Wageman recently expanded her operation into a 50,000-square-foot warehouse in East York to accommodate a growing inventory: more than 100 neutral sofas and sectionals in many shapes and sizes, large-scale original artwork, and tens of thousands of chairs, coffee tables, linens and toss cushions. With her daughter Jessica Steinman, Wageman this year launched a rental arm to her Stage Right Home business, making all of their inventory available to realtors and home sellers who don’t have the budget for full-service staging. S “This is our best year yet,” says home stager Carmen Wageman. “We’ve added more than 20 per cent to our bottom line.” There is no scientific data that home staging actually nets sellers more money. But there is a growing body of academic research that shows buyers experience a “cognitive deficit” in their hunt for a home. Their ability to make rational decisions is hampered by high emotions. A sparkling clean home, with high-end furniture and counters cleared of any sign of bill payments, is powerful bait for picky buyers, especially in a sluggish market. “We’ve never invested more in staging than in the last year,” says Christina Pinelli, a real estate agent with Heaps Estrin. “There are actually still a lot of buyers out there. It’s just that buyers are taking longer to make a decision and in general they prefer a turnkey home. So if you can provide as close the image of that as possible, it’s easier for them to visualize their life there.” In late September, Pinelli hired a team to transform her client Julie Tyas’s Leaside home. Over just a few days, the traditional two-storey brick house that Tyas, a lawyer, her husband and their three kids called home for 15 years was ripped apart and reset to get it ready for sale. Some of the furniture and most of the bedding was a rented prop brought in by a professional stager, including 13 pillows for Tyas’s bed and comforters piled so high her Jack Russell terrier could barely spring up to his usual spot. Heaps Estrin real estate agent Christina Pinelli arranged for a contractor, home stager and professional organizer to glow up this Leaside home before it went to market in the fall. The property sold in a few days for $2.64 million, nearly $150,000 over its asking price. “It’s hard to not take it personally when your own items have been replaced with items not to your taste but I trusted Christina (the agent) and knew it was being done for a reason,” Tyas says. Alyssa Douglas was part of the small army that Pinelli called up to Tyas’s home. Until last year, organizing and decluttering was a side hustle to her full-time corporate job. But when the number of calls to organize homes for sale grew exponentially, Douglas took a leap into her “dream job,” starting Tidy Rabbit Organizing. “This spring was very, very busy,” says Douglas, who generally charges between $75 $100 hourly, depending on scope. “We were working seven days a week to fit clients in.” Helping people get organized to leave their homes, not live in them, is a high-pressure process that involves working on a tight deadline with the buyer to make quick decisions on what items stay and what needs to go. “It requires a different mindset,” Douglas says. She works room by room, starting with the basement, which typically has the most “stuff,” and goes through every closet and drawer, paring back clothes to a limited wardrobe that matches the season as “buyers want to see a lot of storage space.” Douglas budgets to spend one day on each floor. In Tyas’s home, piles of paperwork and clutter vanished into storage boxes. The tchotchkes that were on display shelves were carefully boxed and replaced with seagrass baskets, leather-bound books and a few objets d’art. A couch the kids like to play on went into storage. Ditto the chairs in their living room, which were swapped for more modern, Scandinavian-style ones. A new coffee table arrived along with spotless area rugs. When she saw the listing photos, Tyas says, “I got it. It was pleasing for the masses.” The first offer landed the same day the house was listed. By the weekend, five buyers sparked a bidding war. Less than a week after hitting the market, the house sold for $2.64 million, $145,000 over asking. Staging a residential property in Toronto can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $18,000 for the first month, depending on the size of the space and how much furniture is required, Wageman says. That amount includes service fees. The standard average cost runs between $5,000 and $8,000. The cost for a second or third month is reduced, reflecting rental fees on the borrowed items. When she started out, homeowners would generally cover the bill for staging. But as competition for lucrative listings increased, many realtors began offering to foot or split the cost. It’s tricky to quantify staging’s impact on sales because there are so many variables but Wageman says she’s confident the work she does increases the home’s appeal to buyers and its ultimate value. “If you pay $7,000 for staging, you know you’re going to get more than $7,000 back. You know, you’re probably going to get more than $14,000, which is doubling your money. You know, you’re probably going to get more than $21,000. Where in investment can you put in a dollar and get three? Staging is probably the last area of investment where you can make a ton of money like that.” Patrick Rocca, a broker with Bosley Real Estate, has tapped Wageman to stage his listings for the past 15 years and credits her with houses routinely selling $150,000 to $300,000 over asking. Rocca will occasionally cover the cost of staging if he’s charging full commission, but more often his clients pay Wageman directly. A few years ago, Rocca took over a stale listing on Bessborough Road near Sunnybrook Hospital that had sat for three months with no bites. He told the clients they needed Wageman to work her magic. “So I come in and I’m the bad cop,” she says. Wageman’s to-do list for the clients was extensive and expensive. “There was a leak in the bedroom from the Juliet balcony so the carpet was all stained,” she says. “It had been fixed but sent red flags everywhere. The colour of the house was all wrong. It was too dark. The colours of the interior were so rich and vibrant but it’s not a mass appeal. As a matter of fact, it was a little oppressive. They needed to paint the entire house, kitchen cabinets included, change the knobs, change all the lighting, get rid of their furniture. And they did it.” While these sellers were highly motivated to co-operate, Wageman says they encounter those who invite them in but then push back. It happens often enough across the industry that Wageman says the average “shelf life” of a home stager is three to five years until burnout. The pandemic didn’t help. “Some sellers have become angrier, they have no filter. They say whatever they want and apologize later.” The Bessborough property owners’ support, though, resulted in a record payday. The house sold for $1 million over asking, a figure Rocca calls a “once in a lifetime” event. The most important part of staging any property, Wageman says, is getting the “money room” right — the first space a buyer sees when walking in the house. There are different statistics on how quickly a potential buyer decides whether or not to make an offer on a home. “Some say 30 seconds, I think it’s more like five,” Wageman says. “If somebody is not wowed within the first five seconds they’re in the house, it’s really hard to get their attention back.” Not everyone agrees staging is worth the cost. Barry Cohen, who is currently listing the most expensive residential property in Toronto — a $34.5 million manse near Casa Loma with its own indoor parking lot complete with built-in turntable and car wash — uses stagers sparingly. While he says “good staging can move buyers across the finish line,” the Re/Max broker generally works with the seller’s furniture. “It costs money,” he says. “Every once in a while I have a seller who says ‘I want to physically stage.’ That seller quickly doesn’t want to pay for the second or third month.” Wageman is mindful that many in the industry are trying to cut costs. In late October, she and Steinman went on a major buying trip to High Point Market in North Carolina. They’re expanding their stock to accommodate the growing rental business. They’re also widening their sales business so realtors and homeowners can purchase furniture, lighting packages, linens and art directly from them through another arm of their business called Hive Society. It’s the first trade store for real estate agents and their clients. In the new year, they’re launching a staging school for realtors who want to learn how to do it properly themselves. Stage Right Home is expanding to teach classes on home staging for realtors who want to save money by doing it themselves. One of the lessons Wageman is eager to teach is that Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace is not everyone’s answer for walls. “My God, if I see this colour one more time,” Wageman says. “We’ll teach them how to choose paint colours and provide them with the selections we choose over and over and over that seem to be successful across the board no matter what.” Cohen predicts the future of staging is virtual. One of his clients recently toured a three-dimensional rendering of his new 7,000-square-foot home at an architect’s office using a virtual reality mask. “He walked into the living room, went to sit on the sofa and fell on the floor,” Cohen says with a laugh. “It’s only a matter of time before the technology is part of every real estate office,” Cohen says. “People won’t need to leave the office.” Wageman isn’t convinced.The Future of Heists! 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CHARLESTON, S.C. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), the leading provider of software for powering social impact, today filed a Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stating that the Company concluded a material pre-tax noncash impairment charge, which may be up to approximately $415 million , is required for its EVERFI asset group and will be recorded during the fourth quarter of 2024. As previously disclosed, due to EVERFI performing below expectations, Blackbaud is considering a range of alternatives for EVERFI, one of which includes a potential divestiture of the business. The impairment charge was determined to be necessary as part of this process. "To comply with generally accepted accounting principles, we're planning to record this noncash charge in the fourth quarter," said Mike Gianoni , president, CEO and vice chairman of the board of directors. "We want to emphasize that EVERFI remains well positioned to support its customers and continue helping companies dedicated to social impact reach communities through custom education and workplace solutions for today's key issues. In addition, Blackbaud's core business remains strong, and we are committed to helping customers around the world use technology to drive meaningful social impact. As we determine our long-term strategic approach to the EVERFI business, we will continue to provide updates." Additional details can be found in Blackbaud's Form 8-K filed today with the SEC. About Blackbaud Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) is the leading software provider exclusively dedicated to powering social impact. Serving the nonprofit and education sectors, companies committed to social responsibility and individual change makers, Blackbaud's essential software is built to accelerate impact in fundraising, nonprofit financial management, digital giving, grantmaking, corporate social responsibility and education management. With millions of users and over $100 billion raised, granted or managed through Blackbaud platforms every year, Blackbaud's solutions are unleashing the potential of the people and organizations who change the world. Blackbaud has been named to Newsweek's list of America's Most Responsible Companies, Quartz's list of Best Companies for Remote Workers, and Forbes' list of America's Best Employers. A remote-first company, Blackbaud has operations in the United States , Australia , Canada , Costa Rica , India and the United Kingdom , supporting users in 100+ countries. Learn more at www.blackbaud.com or follow us on X/Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and Facebook . Media Inquiries media@blackbaud.com Forward-looking Statements Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations and assumptions contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K are forward- looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's estimates regarding the impairment charge related to the EVERFI assets. These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Although we attempt to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the risk factors set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from our investor relations department. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward- looking statements, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blackbaud-announces-impairment-charge-related-to-everfi-assets-302330791.html SOURCE Blackbaud- In its continued support of those experiencing food insecurity, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles helps launch the holidays with its 4th Annual Turkey Drive - LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 3, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The bright yellow tents of the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology Los Angeles had something special at their weekly food drive on the Saturday before Thanksgiving: 300 turkeys for local families. The economic impact of the pandemic in 2020 marked the beginning of widespread unemployment and financial hardship. Although lockdowns have been over for several years, and many people have regained or found new employment, food insecurity remains a growing concern. A 2023 study by USC Dornsife Public Exchange revealed that nearly one-third of Los Angeles County residents experience food insecurity. According to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank , more than half of the parents surveyed in May 2024 reported difficulty accessing food, particularly as pandemic-era benefits phased out. It also reported that L.A. County has more food-insecure children than any other county in the U.S. In response to this urgent need, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles began providing a weekly food drive in 2020 and has continued to offer this service, helping hundreds of families each week. The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the world’s largest independent relief forces. A Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.” Their motto is no matter the circumstances, “Something can be done about it.” For more information on the technology used by the Volunteer Minister, watch Scientology Tools for Life and the documentary Operation: Do Something About It on the Scientology Network on DIRECTV 320 or at www.Scientology.tv . LEARN MORE: https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/ https://www.scientology-losangeles.org VIDEO: https://youtu.be/B0xMnowNCYo?si=DDYMrYdRbb-XAG-1 https://www.scientology.tv/watch/series/inside-scientology/inside-a-church.html PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-1203-s2p-COS-TurkeyDrive-300dpi.jpg PHOTO CAPTION: Cars line up at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles for a special addition to its weekly food drive. TAGS: #ChurchOfScientologyLosAngeles #TurkeyDrive #FoodDrive #Thanksgiving #ScientologyVolunteerMinisters NEWS SOURCE: Church of Scientology International Keywords: Religion and Churches, Church Of Scientology Los Angeles, Turkey Drive, Food Drive, Thanksgiving, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Church of Scientology International) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122625 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/church-of-scientology-food-drive-makes-thanksgiving-special-for-300-local-families/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.Kerry Sirkka joins Medical Solutions as Chief Recruitment Officer
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- In its continued support of those experiencing food insecurity, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles helps launch the holidays with its 4th Annual Turkey Drive - LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 3, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The bright yellow tents of the Volunteer Ministers of the Church of Scientology Los Angeles had something special at their weekly food drive on the Saturday before Thanksgiving: 300 turkeys for local families. The economic impact of the pandemic in 2020 marked the beginning of widespread unemployment and financial hardship. Although lockdowns have been over for several years, and many people have regained or found new employment, food insecurity remains a growing concern. A 2023 study by USC Dornsife Public Exchange revealed that nearly one-third of Los Angeles County residents experience food insecurity. According to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank , more than half of the parents surveyed in May 2024 reported difficulty accessing food, particularly as pandemic-era benefits phased out. It also reported that L.A. County has more food-insecure children than any other county in the U.S. In response to this urgent need, the Church of Scientology Los Angeles began providing a weekly food drive in 2020 and has continued to offer this service, helping hundreds of families each week. The Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers program is a religious social service created in the mid-1970s by L. Ron Hubbard. It constitutes one of the world’s largest independent relief forces. A Volunteer Minister’s mandate is to be “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.” Their creed: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to the pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.” Their motto is no matter the circumstances, “Something can be done about it.” For more information on the technology used by the Volunteer Minister, watch Scientology Tools for Life and the documentary Operation: Do Something About It on the Scientology Network on DIRECTV 320 or at www.Scientology.tv . LEARN MORE: https://www.scientologynews.org/press-releases/ https://www.scientology-losangeles.org VIDEO: https://youtu.be/B0xMnowNCYo?si=DDYMrYdRbb-XAG-1 https://www.scientology.tv/watch/series/inside-scientology/inside-a-church.html PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-1203-s2p-COS-TurkeyDrive-300dpi.jpg PHOTO CAPTION: Cars line up at the Church of Scientology Los Angeles for a special addition to its weekly food drive. TAGS: #ChurchOfScientologyLosAngeles #TurkeyDrive #FoodDrive #Thanksgiving #ScientologyVolunteerMinisters NEWS SOURCE: Church of Scientology International Keywords: Religion and Churches, Church Of Scientology Los Angeles, Turkey Drive, Food Drive, Thanksgiving, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Church of Scientology International) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122625 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/church-of-scientology-food-drive-makes-thanksgiving-special-for-300-local-families/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.Google Joins the Vision-Language Model with PaliGemma 2, But How Will It Help its AI Charge?