Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”Waters Co. (NYSE:WAT) Shares Purchased by Public Sector Pension Investment Board
FAIRVIEW — Tyler Loan had a pair of long touchdown runs, Wyatt McPherson had both a rushing and fumble recovery score and Fairview won 27-6 over Belt on Saturday for its second straight 8-Man football state championship. The Warriors (13-0 overall) won their 25th consecutive game dating back to last season . They are the first back-to-back champions in 8-Man since Drummond-Philipsburg accomplished the feat from 2017-18. Fairview's defense was stifling, holding Belt, which appeared in the state championship game for the third year in a row, to its lowest point total since 2023's season opener when the Huskies were held to 20 points — also against Fairview. Belt has lost just three times since the beginning of the 2022 season, on all occasions to Fairview. McPherson got the party started on a frigid day near the North Dakota border with a 2-yard rushing score on the Warriors' first drive of the game, set up by a 45-yard run from the quarterback, Loan. Belt punted, and Loan went off to the races again with a 65-yard house call to double the Warriors' lead. The scoring pace slowed down from there, with multiple turnovers each way plus a missed field goal from Loan right before the half leaving it 14-0 to the hosts at the break. The Huskies got on the board with their opening series of the second half, with Blake Waldner finishing off a punishing Belt drive with a 5-yard carry to make it 14-6. But Fairview's defense held firm the rest of the way, including when it secured a momentum-shifting 35-yard scoop and score from McPherson to restore the two-score advantage at 20-6 going into the fourth quarter. Belt hit Fairview with attack after attack in the final frame, but the Warriors stopped the Huskies five times on fourth down in the closing quarter as Belt was unable to dent Fairview's lead any further. A 42-yard Loan keeper for another score with 2:01 left iced it and kicked off the celebrations. Fairview won its third title in program history with the victory and first on its home field after capturing the crown at Belt a year ago. The Warriors had also previously beaten Alberton-Superior in 2019 at Rocky Mountain College in Billings.Jimmy Carter: Many Evolutions For A Centenarian ‘Citizen Of The World’
MiguelMalo Admittedly, in a world filled with artificial intelligence where ChatGPT can write complicated code in about 5 seconds, it's difficult to get excited by a consumer packaging company like Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYESE: NYSE: BERY ). But excited is Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of BERY, MAGN-DEFUNCT-3910 either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.TXNM Energy Increases Common Dividend
In case you missed the first culture war of Australia Day 2025 on Monday, Australia’s second-largest hospitality group , before backtracking after receiving a considerable response from Coalition politicians and punters. Liberal senator Jane Hume called the move “absolute nonsense”, while Nationals senator Matt Canavan called on the pub group to “drop the moral grandstanding”. Australian Venues Co, which operates 200 pubs and restaurants around the country, mostly in Queensland and Victoria, told staff at the weekend there would be no festivities to mark the national holiday in 2025. In a statement on Monday, a spokesman said issues had been raised by staff and patrons because of the “sadness” the day caused for some members of their community. But after the considerable media attention on the decision, Australian Venues Co walked back its decision, remarking that its original comments caused “concern and confusion”. “We sincerely regret that. Our purpose is to reinforce community in our venues, not divide it,” a spokesperson said. “It is not for us to tell anyone whether or how to celebrate Australia Day. We acknowledge that and we apologise for our comments. It certainly wasn’t our intention to offend anyone. “Whether you choose to celebrate Australia Day or not, everyone is welcome in our pubs, always.” The sale of Boost Mobile will deliver a significant payday to its co-founder, former prime minister Paul Keating. reports that Keating will pocket at least $40 million in the sale of the budget mobile business to Telstra, in a deal to acquire the carrier for just under $140 million cash. Keating holds a 29 per cent stake in Boost Mobile, which he co-founded in 2000 with businessman Peter Adderton, who holds 32 per cent. In the acquisition, expected to be completed this month, Boost Mobile employees would be integrated into Telstra and there would be no changes for Boost’s thousands of prepaid customers. Boost’s prepaid plans are cheaper than Telstra’s but don’t offer access to the full Telstra network. The companies have been partnered for 13 years, with Telstra responsible for most of the operational parts of Boost’s business, including network access and customer service, while Boost has been responsible for its branding and marketing. Several streets around the RNA Showgrounds will be closed for five days from Thursday for the Good Things music festival. The council has advised that sections of Gregory Terrace, King Street and Alexandria Street will remain closed from December 5 to 10, and has advised motorists to seek alternative routes. The parking lane on Costin Street, between Gregory Terrace and Carriage Street, will also be closed. The annual Good Things festival started in 2018 and this year’s line-up features Korn, Violent Femmes and Sum 41. Already reeling from their November defeats, Democrats are now grappling with President Joe Biden’s pardoning of his son Hunter for federal crimes after the party spent years slamming Donald Trump as a threat to democracy who disregarded the law. “He believes in the justice system, but he also believes that politics infected the process and led to a miscarriage of justice,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who along with Biden and other White House officials insisted for months that Hunter Biden would not get a pardon. That explanation did not satisfy some Democrats, angry that Biden’s reversal could make it harder to take on Trump, who has argued that multiple indictments and one conviction against him were a matter of Biden and Democrats turning the justice system against him. “This is a bad precedent that could be abused by later presidents and will sadly tarnish his reputation,” Colorado Governor Jared Polis wrote of Biden on the social media platform X. Arizona congressman Greg Stanton said on X: “This wasn’t a politically motivated prosecution. Hunter committed felonies and was convicted by a jury of his peers.” Certainly, the president has plenty of Democratic defenders who note Trump’s use of presidential powers to pardon a slew of his convicted aides, associates and friends, several for activities tied to Trump’s campaign and administration. “Trump pardoned Roger Stone, Steve Bannon, Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, as well as his son-in-law’s father, Charles Kushner — who he just appointed US ambassador to France,” wrote prominent Democratic fundraiser Jon Cooper on X. “Sorry, but Biden was right to pardon his son Hunter to protect him against Kash Patel’s weaponised FBI,” Cooper concluded, referring to Trump’s apparent plan to oust FBI Director Christopher Wray in favour of a loyalist who has talked of going after political opponents and journalists. First Lady Jill Biden said on Monday from the White House: “Of course I support the pardon of my son.” A man has been jailed for five years over his knife-wielding attack on two police officers who made a split-second decision not to open fire. Paul Gali, 32, pleaded guilty in the Brisbane District Court to one count of unlawful wounding with intent to resist lawful detention, and one count of obstructing a police officer with an offensive instrument. Crown prosecutor Melissa Wilson said police had been called to Gali’s home at Rothwell, north of Brisbane, the morning of May 1, 2023, in response to him threatening family members with a knife. Judge Carl Heaton was shown bodycam footage that showed Gali, dressed in a yellow high-visibility shirt, climb over a police vehicle’s bonnet and roof before charging at the officer with a knife raised. “The officer repeatedly told [Gali] to drop the knife. He was in the process of holstering his firearm and drawing his Taser when [Gali] jumped down and ran at him,” Wilson said. Wilson said the officer was retreating and attempting to strike Gali with the Taser when he was stabbed in a shoulder area that was not covered by his protective vest. In the footage, blood could be seen dripping onto the road as the officer called for back-up and told his partner, who had his firearm drawn, not to shoot Gali. Gali told officers to shoot him throughout his attack and performed an act of self-harm during the standoff. He surrendered shortly after when reinforcement officers arrived and also pointed their firearms at him. Wilson said the wounded officer spent two days in hospital but had suffered ongoing psychological effects that had taken away the happiness and sense of purpose he took in police work. Gali was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment and ordered immediately eligible to apply for parole, having spent 19 months in custody. We’re in for another cloudy summer’s day in Brisbane, with a top of 30 degrees. And the days to come are looking similar, with barely a chance of showers and top temperatures similar for the rest of week. Here’s the outlook: Stories making the rounds beyond Brisbane this morning include: The Reserve Bank is being accused by some of the nation’s of putting the employment of hundreds of thousands of Australians at risk by keeping interest rates too high in order to reduce inflation. Longtime has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Sex offenders will be kicked out of the Australian Defence Force and potential leaders tested for emotional intelligence under a to combat the crisis of military personnel taking their own lives at alarming rates. Laurie Daley is back for a second stint in charge of the Blues, . “In finalising his cabinet,” , “Donald Trump has come to resemble an American Caligula, the Roman emperor rumoured to have considered appointing his beloved stallion as consul. So unorthodox have been the president-elect’s appointments that I half expected him to nominate his golf cart as the new transportation secretary.” Good morning, thanks for joining us for live news blog. It’s Tuesday, December 3, and we’re expecting a partly cloudy day and a top temperature of 30 degrees. In this morning’s local headlines: One of Brisbane’s top music venues is warning its future residents could inundate them with noise complaints. We rely on essential workers to keep Brisbane running. But can they afford to live here? As the city’s housing squeeze continues, A parliamentary inquiry into the LNP government’s proposed changes to youth justice laws has drawn with concerns the legislation violates human rights and disregards evidence-based approaches.
Wonderfully weird products that are cheap as hell. Amazon is full of surprises, but some of the best finds are the ones you never knew you needed. This list of weird-yet-genius products is packed with quirky gadgets, unexpected solutions, and offbeat decor that actually make life better. From clever problem-solvers to things that are just plain fun, these picks might seem a little out there—but once you see how useful they are, you’ll wonder how you lived without them. Get ready to discover the kind of weirdness that totally works. 01 A rechargeable hand warmer with a built-in carrying strap Featuring a built-in carrying strap that fits comfortably on your wrist, this rechargeable hand warmer is great for taking on the go on chilly days. It takes less than two minutes to heat up and lasts for up to four hours on a full charge. The compact size means it can be slipped into your pocket for easy access when you need it. 02 A silicone remote cover that reviewers say fits their TV sticks “like a glove” If you’re worried about wear and tear on your TV stick (or just want to make it easier to find in the dark), these silicone covers are for you. With two in a set, they have a glow in the dark design that makes them easy to spot, even when the lights low. And reviewers noted that the sleeves are a perfect fit for their Amazon Fire TV Sticks. 03 These elastic bands that keep your sheets in place No more pulled-up sheets — these bedsheet straps fit over the corners of your mattress to keep your sheets securely in place all night long. Made from durable elastic nylon, these bedsheet holders are the superhero your bed deserves, fitting all sheet sizes from twin to California king. They can also be used on sofas, ironing boards, and more. 04 A roll-up dish drying rack that doubles as a trivet This roll-up dish drying rack will free up a ton of counter space and reduce mess since all drips will land directly back into your sink. The stainless steel rods have silicone tips to keep them secure and in place as you pile on your dishes. It can also be used as a colander when washing fruits and vegetables or as a heat-resistant trivet. 05 A grill scraper that will leave your BBQ sparkling If your grill is getting a little grimy, use this metal scraper to freshen it up. The grooves on this tool fit any round or V-shaped barbecue, smoker, or oven, and it's safe for both indoor and outdoor grills. There’s also a built-in bottle opener so you can easily enjoy a cold beverage while you barbecue. 06 These cool sticky notes that are waterproof & transparent Unlike regular sticky notes, these transparent sticky notes are designed to avoid covering up important information, making it easier to add notes or mark documents without leaving any stains on the paper. They stick well without leaving any residue and can be easily moved without tearing pages. Each order includes four 3 by 3-inch pads for a total of 200 sheets. 07 These reusable dishcloths that function like paper towels Save money and help cut down on waste by switching to these reusable Swedish dish cloths that look like extra-plush paper towels. Made from super absorbent cellulose and cotton, these cloths are safe for use on any household surface. Each cloth is soft to the touch when wet and gritty enough for scouring for dry, making them versatile for a variety of cleaning tasks. 08 These cable ties that will help you stay super organized Decrease clutter in your life with these self-gripping cable ties that can be wrapped around phone chargers, HDMI cords, headphones, and more. Made from heavy-duty nylon, these are small but durable and can be adjusted for the best fit. You can even connect multiple ties together to make a longer one if needed. 09 A multitool pen with lots of built-in features This multitool pen is one of those things you’ll be glad to have on hand for small projects around the house. Need a ruler, level, or screwdriver? It's got you covered. It also has a built-in LED light for dim spaces and a bottle opener because why not? Plus, it makes a great gift for that person who has everything. 10 A nonslip bath mat with an exfoliating loofah texture This nonslip bathtub mat is designed to stay in place without any hard-to-clean suction cups. It has a lattice backing that helps prevent slipping while allowing water to drain easily. The loofah-like texture also feels amazing on your feet — like a massage every time you shower. 11 These grippers that keep rugs from sliding around Improve safety and style in your home with these rug corner grippers that help prevent slipping and curling without leaving any residue on your floor. The easy-lift design also allows you to pick up rugs and clean underneath without a hassle. Plus, the grippers’ stickiness can be refreshed by wiping them with rubbing alcohol. 12 A set of sneaker erasers that will make your favorite kicks white again Got dirty sneakers? Try these sneaker cleaners — a set of erasers that can effectively remove scuffs and marks on your shoes. These can be used on a variety of sneaker materials and simply require water to begin cleaning. The small sponge size also makes them great for taking on the go. 13 A pumice stone that will clear away toilet stains Cleaning the toilet doesn’t have to be a pain with this pumice stone cleaner . It effortlessly tackles hard water stains and mineral deposits while remaining gentle on surfaces, so you can confidently use it on toilets, sinks, tiles, and more. Along with the pumice stone, you get a handy storage kit for convenient drying. 14 These retractable gel pens that use erasable ink Enjoy using pens without the commitment with these retractable, erasable gel pens . They use a nontoxic thermo-sensitive ink that can be removed with the attached eraser. With 10 vibrant colors included in each pack, these pens are great for everything from scheduling to Sudoku puzzles. 15 This tool that makes it easy to fasten bracelets on your own If you have a hard time getting bracelets on, this helper tool will come in handy. It has a comfortable handle that’s easy to hold and a strong clasp that will hold one end of your bracelet in place while you fasten it with your other hand. It can also help with necklaces, zippers, and watches. 16 These self-closing toothpaste caps that reduce messes in the bathroom Say goodbye to toothpaste messes on your bathroom counter with these self-closing silicone caps that keep toothpaste contained. They’re super easy to use and great if you have a hard time remembering to put the cap back on. Plus, the dispensing system makes sure you don’t use more toothpaste than you need, saving you money in the long run. 17 A keychain holder that will make sure you stop losing your lip balm Tired of losing your lip balm? This keychain holder keeps it secure wherever you go, making sure you always have it on hand. Made from stretchy elastic, the holder can fit a variety of lip balms. With lots of vibrant colors and patterns to choose from, you'll find one that matches your vibe perfectly. 18 A collapsible cutting board that doubles as a wash basin This cutting board earns its spot in your cabinet, doing double duty as a basin you can use to wash off produce before you chop it up. It’s especially handy for food prep during camping trips, and as a bonus, it even comes with a matching knife and protective cover. 19 This vinyl & leather repair kit for easy furniture fixes This vinyl and leather repair kit is your go-to solution for fixing scratches, tears, burns, and more on your furniture, jackets, and car seats. Just apply the specialized compound to seamlessly match the color of your items, whether it's your favorite shoes or that beloved leather couch. No need for complex tools or expert skills — it's designed for beginners. 20 A trash can that’s designed for your car You might not think about putting a trash can in your car, but it’s an easy way to keep the interior of your vehicle free from empty food wrappers and drink cups. Fastening securely with an adjustable, quick-clip strap, this trash can is a breeze to attach to your headrest, console, or side door handle. It also comes with disposable liners to make cleanup easy. 21 A credit card holder that sticks to your phone Keep the two most important things in your life — your phone and your wallet — together with this stick-on wallet that attaches to the back of your phone. It features four card slots, including a transparent ID slot, secured with a durable snap closure that will keep your things from falling out. Color options include seafoam green, black, white marble, and more. 22 These whiskey stones that won’t water down your drink These whiskey stones are the weird and genius secret to keeping your drinks ice-cold without dilution. You’ll get six cube-shaped natural granite stones, neatly organized in a stylish wooden tray. They’re also super easy to use — just freeze the stones in the tray and pop them into your drink when you're ready. 23 This tool that makes it easy to grab hard-to-reach items Whether you’re picking up trash or retrieving keys from under the couch, this grabber tool makes it easy to get those hard-to-reach items. The rotating head and magnetic nonslip claws make it a pro at reaching into tricky areas to grab your stuff. Weighing less than 9 ounces and featuring a foldable design, it's also light and easy to store. 24 This foot peel mask that will leave feet soft & smooth This foot peel mask offers a weird yet effective solution for dry, cracked feet. By putting your feet into the mask socks and waiting for an hour, you kickstart a process that gradually peels away dead skin over the course of six to 11 days. The masks are made with a blend of fruit acids and extracts and gently exfoliate rough skin. 25 A cutter that simplifies prepping hard-boiled eggs Make slicing hard-boiled eggs a breeze with this egg cutter . With its sharp stainless steel blades, it easily slices eggs into neat and uniform pieces. It has three slicing modes, includes a container to catch the food, and also works on tomatoes, bananas, mushrooms, and other soft foods. When you’re done, pop everything in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. 26 These under-bed storage containers that effectively utilize space Store blankets, coats, and other bulky items in these under-bed storage containers designed to slide underneath most standard bed frames. The lightweight material is easy to move around but durable enough to protect your items, and the zippered enclosure prevents dust and dirt from getting inside. 27 A blind spot mirror that’s designed for your car You can expand your field of vision on the road with these small convex mirrors , which are designed to attach to the corner of your car’s side-view mirrors. With two in a set, they’re easy to install, thanks to the adhesive that’s suitable for outdoor exposure. And they have a frameless design along with three-times magnification for a clearer view of what’s around you. 28 A plastic restorer for car detailing Whether it’s your bumper or interior that need to be revived, this plastic restorer will get the job done. It restores and leaves a beautiful finish that will last for several months without fading. No oily residue will be left behind. In fact, the formula will quickly be dry to the touch. 29 These microfiber dusting gloves that let you clean with dexterity Easily wipe away dirt and grime from any object around the house with these microfiber dusting gloves . They come in a pack of three pairs with the microfiber material able to easily pick up small particles of dust with just a swipe of your hand. Use them to additionally scrub down dirty items such as oven tops or tires and simply wash them with some water and detergent to be reusable again and again. 30 These adorable night-lights that add such a cool vibe These mushroom night-lights are one of those things that are just cool, adding a fun woodland vibe to any room. They automatically change through seven colors when turned on and have a built-in light sensor for convenience. The LED light they emit is soft and warm, creating a cozy atmosphere without being too bright or too dim. 31 A shoe deodorizer that freshens up your kicks overnight Available in a set of two, place a shoe deodorizer within each shoe to absorb smells completely overnight. They work for up to six months at a time and are also perfect for use in gym bags, closets, or even luggage. Featuring a compact size, they use nontoxic ingredients to banish both moisture and odors from your oft-used equipment. 32 These mop slippers that make cleaning fun Make your cleaning routine more efficient with these mop slippers that lift dust and absorb water while you walk. Made from chenille microfiber, these ultra-soft slipper shoes soak up water fast without damaging surfaces. With five fun color options and adjustable sizing, these fit over your shoes comfortably and can also be placed on a mop head. 33 This dish squeegee that quickly clears away leftovers Make doing the dishes that much easier with this dish squeegee , a cool kitchen utensil that lets you wipe away excess food on plates and bowls before washing them. Not only will doing the dishes take less time, but you’ll use less water too. The sturdy silicone material is gentle on surfaces while providing a solid clean, and fits snugly in your hand. 34 An attractive plug-in night-light that’s motion activated This plug-in night-light has come along way from the ones you might remember as a kid, between its modern backlit design and its convenient functions. It has a minimalist design that only blocks one socket, leaving the second one free for you to use. Set it to night mode to have it turn on automatically after the sun goes down, or switch it to auto mode so it activates whenever it senses motion nearby. 35 This flexible phone holder that lets you use your device hands-free This cell phone holder features a flexible gooseneck stand that can be adjusted into various shapes to get you just the right angle for your phone. It’s compatible with most smartphones and can be used for all sorts of activities, whether you’re reading in bed or watching a movie on an airplane. Choose from black, blue, pink, and white. 36 These stickers that cover annoying lights from electronics Little lights from clocks, TVs, and other electronics can be distracting, especially when you’re trying to sleep at night. Cover them up with these light-blocking stickers that can effectively reduce LED light glare by up to 80% for a more peaceful environment. The set comes with pre-cut stickers and a customizable sticker sheet to suit your needs. 37 A kitchen sink squeegee that efficiently deals with wet spills Quickly and thoroughly deal with any countertop mess using this kitchen sink squeegee . It’s created with a narrow squeegee blade on one side to handle any kind of wet spill and a brush on the other for dry messes, wiping everything directly into the sink for easy cleaning. It even features a neat built-in ledge for storage on the edge of your sink. 38 This wireless doorbell with customizable chimes You don’t have to spend a lot to give your entryway a high-tech upgrade — just get this easy-to-install wireless doorbell . The set comes with one outdoor doorbell and one indoor receiver, which can be programmed to ring with any of 50 different tones. And with up to three years of battery life, the weather-resistant doorbell is super low-maintenance. 39 These handy tools that remove clogs from drains When a clogged drain inevitably happens, try using these drain clog remover tools before calling a plumber. The flexible plastic can be snaked down most drains with ease and the barbed hooks work to pull up hair, grime, and other gunk clogging the pipes. These are eco-friendly and don’t rely on any chemicals to get the job done. 40 This set of shoe travel bags with a 4.7-star overall rating Keep your shoes organized and your other belongings clean with this four-pack of shoe travel bags . The highly rated set features waterproof nylon and zippered closures. Two of the bags are standard size and two are extra large for larger or bulkier pairs of shoes. 41 A 2-pack of door draft stoppers that help regulate your home’s temperature Reduce the outside noise and draftiness entering your home with this two-pack of door draft stoppers . This weather stripping helps keep cool air in during warmer months and warm air in during cooler months, which in turn helps lower your utility bills. They’re also effective in reducing the outside noise that can permeate your space. Just trim them to fit your door, and the adhesive sticks firmly to where you stick it. Two layers of insulation help preserve your space’s peace, even helping keep insects out. Choose from five colors. 42 These damp sponges that are great for pulling up dust Clean hard-to-reach areas like vents and window tracks easily with these duster sponges that contain grooves to pull up dust from tricky spots. By wetting the sponge before using it, you’ll experience powerful cleaning all over the house. Plus, these can be dried and reused multiple times. 43 This pair of mesh bags for keeping food separate while grilling Whether you want to throw some veggies on the grill for a side or keep certain foods separate, these mesh grill bags are a handy BBQ accessory. The set of two bags help keep their contents free from grilling grate detritus, and they’re made from nonstick mesh that can be easily flipped on the grill. They’re heat-resistant up to 599 degrees Fahrenheit. 44 A label maker that will help you organize everything Label everything you own with this Bluetooth label maker , a cool device that connects to your phone for easy use. Thanks to the app, you can make labels for drawers, containers, and more, using letters, numbers, and even emojis to properly express their titles. Choose from five fun colors. 45 This mini book light that lasts 80 hours per charge You won’t need to squint at your novel or while crafting with this mini LED book light at hand. It will last for up to 80 hours per charge (on the lowest brightness) and it features three color temperatures and five brightness levels to choose between. It comes in three colors in the listing and weighs a mere 2.2 ounces. 46 These highly rated measuring spoons that store magnetically With an amazingly high 4.9-star rating over the course of 44,000 reviews, these measuring spoons are the obvious choice for any home chef. They come in a set of eight ranging in size from 1⁄8-teaspoon to 1 tablespoon and nest magnetically for neat storage. There’s even an oval end that’s designed specifically for accessing jars more easily. 47 A retractable car charger with a compact design This ingenious car charger plugs into your 12-volt port and is designed to take up minimal space in your car. It features two retractable cords (USB-C and lighting cable) that can extend up to 31.5 inches letting even the backseat get in on the charging. It has the ability to rotate 180 degrees and even includes an additional USB-C and USB-A port for more charging options. 48 These fuzzy balls that efficiently dry your hands — & look cool, too Made of super absorbent microfiber material, these fuzzy ball towels are made to dry your hands quicker than using regular towels. With sewn-in loops for convenient hanging, they also look cool hanging on your bathroom or kitchen wall. Choose from three color options. 49 A garlic press that can peel, dice, slice, & grate You’ll wonder why you stuck by your trusty old knife for so long after one second of using this cleverly designed garlic press . Not only does it come with a silicone piece that removes the skin in an instant, but it also includes two interchangeable blades to dice and slice. All garlic lands in a clear catch container, keeping your hands completely smell-free, as a bonus. 50 These headrest hooks that can hold 55 pounds each This four-pack of headrest hooks will keep everything you need close by. Instead, your backpack and grocery bags will be neatly hung on the durable pieces that can hold up to 55 pounds each. Nothing will ever roll out of place ever again. 51 These silicone dishwashing gloves that scrub to cleanliness Put away the dish brush and sponge, because all you need are these silicone dishwashing gloves . Made of durable and flexible silicone, they feature built-in bristles that are dense enough to give you great scrubbing power. Easily clean dishes with hardened food particles, wash produce, or detail your car — it’s all possible with only these gloves and a bit of soap. 52 A versatile finger massager that helps soothe stiff or achy joints Do your fingers sometimes get achy from a long day of typing or gaming? This dual-sided massager can offer some relief. It offers two types of massages in one compact tool, and it has a lightweight design that makes it easy to pack in a bag or suitcase to take on the go. You’ll even get an exercise guide for detailed instructions. 53 An outlet extender with a built-in shelf for your devices With this outlet extender , not only will you have plenty of places to plug in your devices, but you’ll also have a built-in shelf where they can sit while they charge. Available in your choice of black or white, it includes six AC outlets, two USB-A ports, and one USB-C port, ensuring you have every option you need. 54 A spray made from orange peels that eliminates bad pet smells If you have a puppy you’re house training or a pet who simply has accidents sometimes, this pet odor eliminator works hard to eliminate the bad odors that can result. Made from orange peels, this spray acts as a deodorizer that targets lingering smells and removes them. “It didn’t just cover the smell either, it is eliminated completely!” one reviewer wrote. 55 A straw that’s clinically proven to stop your hiccups Finally, there’s a proven solution for a case of hiccups; this Shark-Tank -approved straw has a special design that, when used to sip water, activates your vagus and phrenic nerves while also “engaging the diaphragm” — a combination that has been clinically proven to stop hiccups with a 92% effectiveness rate. Plus, it has a portable construction that’s dishwasher safe, making it convenient to use. 56 This clever knife that makes it easier to spread cold butter Make it easier to spread cold butter on your toast with this ingenious butter knife . It features slotted holes along the blade to create butter curls, allowing you to spread it on bread without ripping your toast. You can also use the knife to cut butter strips and slices. 57 A car seat net to keep loose items secure while on the go Made of stretchy nylon mesh, this car seat net keeps all those loose items from rolling around and becoming inaccessible. It attaches to the front seat and stretches to fit anything from groceries to handbags to papers. Adjustable straps ensure a secure fit, keeping the net flush to the seat when not in use. 58 A slim can cooler to keep your beverage deliciously chilled for hours Keep that 12-ounce seltzer or beer as chilled as when it first came out of the fridge using this slim can cooler . Made of stainless steel, it’s designed with double-wall insulation and ensures a condensation-free grip every time. Easily pop it into your bag to take with you to any gathering with a nonslip silicone base keeping it secure on most surfaces. 59 This nonslip gel pad to keep your device secure on any surface Never again have to watch your precious device fly off a car console or countertop when you place it on this nonslip gel pad . Available in a pack of two, the pad adheres to any surface when pressed firmly for five seconds and can even be cut to size. It can be removed without leaving sticky residue and reused with just a bit of water and soap to renew its grip. 60 A meat thermometer for precise cooking With over 69,000 reviews and a high 4.7-star rating, this meat thermometer is the answer to achieving that perfectly cooked result. It takes a measurement in under two seconds and features a retractable probe to keep your hands safe from heat. A backlit LCD screen is easy to see with readings down to the half-degree to dial in that perfect temperature. 61 A foldable & adjustable laptop stand For the constant traveler or anyone who likes to popcorn around your house, this foldable and easy-to-move laptop stand can adjust to multiple heights to suit your work preferences. It folds down multiple ways to fit in a small travel bag, making it easy to throw it in your backpack on the way to a coffee shop, or keep it in your suitcase when you’re traveling. Internet Culture
Women investors in Indian mutual fund industry grow 2.5 times in 2024 NEW DELHI: Women investors in the Indian mutual fund (MF) industry, especially from the smaller cities and towns, have grown more than 2.5 times (year-on-year) on average amid the boom in the stock market, a report showed. Women’s financial inclusion is increasing across urban and emerging regions and tier 4 cities saw a whopping over 140 per cent growth in women’s participation in the MF market, according to data shared by online brokerage Groww. “While we had amazing growth across all segments in 2024, two segments stood out. Rise of women investors – number has doubled this year. And the number of portfolios with size greater than 1 crore tripled this year,” Lalit Keshre, Co-founder and CEO, Groww, posted on X on Saturday. The women’s participation in MFs saw more than 100 per cent growth in Metro, tier 1, 2 and 3 cities. Among the cities with the highest number of women MF investors are Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata (Metro) and Pune, Lucknow, Nagpur, Ahmedabad and Jaipur (Non-Metro). “Women’s SIP contributions are 25 per cent higher than men’s, and female SIP investors now make up one in four (compared to one in five last year),” the data showed. When it comes to monthly SIP contribution, the average ticket size is Rs 2,500 (indicating a focus on long-term wealth). Among the women SIP investors, 50 per cent are less than 30 years of age, followed by 33 per cent in the 30-40 year bracket and 17 per cent are age 40 and above. Meanwhile, the Indian mutual fund industry saw a meteoric rise in 2024, as the assets under management (AUM) of all MF schemes increased by more than Rs 17 lakh crore this year. According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the mutual fund industry’s AUM was Rs 68 lakh crore at the end of November 2024, which is Rs 17.22 lakh crore or 33 per cent more than the December 2023 figure of Rs 50.78 lakh crore. A record 42,76,207 investors joined the Indian stock market in November, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) data showed. As per a latest SBI Research report, the country is witnessing at least 30 million new demat accounts being opened every year since 2021. AgenciesSyrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: The Israeli military said on Sunday it was reinforcing a barrier along its border with Syria as part of its “enhanced preparedness” in the area following the fall of the Assad regime. Israel released images of the construction, which showed bulldozers digging what appeared to be a trench. The army said in a statement that the barrier was named “New East.” Satellite images analyzed by The Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began building what could be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. Over the weekend, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border with Syria. Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest.
Tweet Facebook Mail England's prestigious Oxford University has found its word of the year for 2024 - and it is, aptly enough, "brain rot". The word was chosen from a shortlist of six, which also included "demure", "dynamic pricing", "lore", "romantasy", and "slop". More than 37,000 people voted across a two-week period. READ MORE: 'Lost my eyesight': Music megastar's shock update "Brain rot" refers to the over-consumption of online content, especially on social media. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) The university defined "brain rot" as "the supposed deterioration of a person's mental or intellectual state, especially viewed as the result of overconsumption of material (now particularly online content) considered to be trivial or unchallenging. Also: something characterised as likely to lead to such deterioration". The university found that the first recorded use of "brain rot" was in 1854 in Henry David Thoreau's book Walden , in which the author discusses his experience of a stripped-back life among nature. "While England endeavours to cure the potato rot, will not any endeavour to cure the brain-rot – which prevails so much more widely and fatally?" Walden wrote. READ MORE: In the biggest UN court case ever, the stakes 'could not be higher' Henry David Thoreau is believed to have coined the term. (Getty) The term in the digital age has come to widely signify the impact of consuming huge quantities of online content, particularly on social media. Oxford University found the use of the term increased 230 per cent between 2023 and 2024. "Looking back at the Oxford Word of the Year over the past two decades, you can see society's growing preoccupation with how our virtual lives are evolving, the way internet culture is permeating so much of who we are and what we talk about," president of Oxford languages Casper Grathwohl said. "Last year's winning word, 'rizz', was an interesting example of how language is increasingly formed, shaped, and shared within online communities." READ MORE: Joe Biden pardons his son Hunter How this seven-year-old boy earned $34 million for one year View Gallery The increased usage of "brain rot" also began online, particularly among Generation Z and Generation Alpha users on social media such as TikTok. "'Brain rot' speaks to one of the perceived dangers of virtual life, and how we are using our free time," Grathwohl said. "It feels like a rightful next chapter in the cultural conversation about humanity and technology. "It's not surprising that so many voters embraced the term, endorsing it as our choice this year." Grathwohl also said he was "fascinated" the term had been adopted by younger internet users, given their online communities are the main creators of the content to which "brain rot" refers. "It demonstrates a somewhat cheeky self-awareness in the younger generations about the harmful impact of social media that they've inherited," he said. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .Romanian constitutional court validates first round of presidential race after vote recount
Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach is Astonished With 4x Champion Still Able to Play at a High Level With His Age: 'I Played Against LeBron in High School'Locally, Leading Tech Solution Bridging Online and Offline Retail, Announces First Omni-Seller Marketplace In Partnership with Trek BicycleCLEVELAND (AP) — Chase Robinson had 16 points in Cleveland State's 78-64 victory over Wright State on Sunday night. Robinson shot 6 of 9 from the field, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 2 for 4 from the line for the Vikings (9-6, 3-1 Horizon League). Dylan Arnett added 14 points while shooting 6 of 9 from the field and also had seven rebounds. Tevin Smith had 12 points and shot 4 for 10 (2 for 6 from 3-point range) and 2 of 4 from the free-throw line. Brandon Noel finished with 20 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks for the Raiders (7-8, 1-3). Jack Doumbia added 19 points and three blocks for Wright State. Michael Imariagbe had nine points and seven rebounds. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Damascus: As Syrian dictator and President Assad Al Bashar suddenly fled the war-torn country, people stormed into the presidential palace in Damascus. The mob looted his belongings. Several videos of the mob entering the palace and looting Bashar's belongings surfaced online. Assad left the country as rebels entered Damascus, the head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said. The rebels hailed the purported fall of the Syrian government as a “moment of freedom after decades of pain and suffering”. They said that the end of al-Assad’s rule marks a new chapter in Syria’s history. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies, while thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Videos Of People Storming Presidential Palace In Damascus: After ruling the country for almost 24 years, Asad along with his family left the country on an aircraft to an undisclosed location. The fighters, who have reached the capital for the first time since 2018, are led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, along with an umbrella group of Turkish-backed Syrian militias called the Syrian National Army. Both have been entrenched in the northwest. They launched the shock offensive on November 27 with gunmen capturing Aleppo, Syria's largest city, and the central city of Hama, the fourth largest. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Middle East, World and around the world.Broncos can wipe away back-to-back heartbreakers and make playoffs by beating Kansas City