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Terrifier 3, Conclave, Netflix’s Our Little Secret, and every movie new to streamingSHANGHAI , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Noah Holdings Limited ("Noah" or the "Company") (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686), a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024. THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS N et revenue s for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB683.7 million ( US$97.4 million ), an 8.8% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a 33.0% decrease in net revenues from mainland China , which was partially offset by a 28.9% increase in net revenues from overseas. Net revenues from mainland China for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB306.8 million ( US$43.7 million ), a 33.0% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to decreases of 89.9% in revenue from distribution of domestic insurance products and 17.3% in revenue from recurring service fees from RMB private equity products. Net revenues from overseas for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB376.9 million ( US$53.7 million ), a 28.9% increase from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to increases of 42.5% in revenue from offshore investment products and 42.4% in revenue from insurance products, which were partially offset by a 38.8% decrease in revenue from other services provided to offshore high-net-worth investors. Net Revenues by segment is as follows: Net Revenues by geography is as follows: Income from operations for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB240.8 million ( US$34.3 million ), a 3.2% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, mainly due to the 8.8% decrease in net revenues, which was partially offset by an 11.6% decrease in operating costs and expenses driven by various cost control measures. Income from operations increased by 79.7% sequentially for the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to an 11.0% increase in net revenues and an 8.1% decrease in operating costs and expenses. Income from operations by segment is as follows: Net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB134.4 million ( US$19.2 million ), a 42.4% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, mainly due to (i) a 3.2% decrease in income from operations; (ii) approximately RMB43.6 million in unrealized USD-denominated foreign exchange losses; and (iii) a one-off 30.0% increase in income tax expenses associated with a dividend withholding tax for offshore dividend payments from PRC subsidiaries. Net income attributable to Noah shareholders increased by 34.7% sequentially in the third quarter of 2024, mainly due to a 79.7% increase in income from operations. Non-GAAP [1] net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB150.5 million ( US$21.4 million ), a 35.2% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023 and a 41.9% increase from the second quarter of 2024. THIRD QUARTER 2024 OPERATIONAL UPDATES Wealth Management Business Noah offers global investment products and provides value-added services to global Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors in its wealth management business. Noah primarily distributes private equity, private secondary, mutual funds and other products denominated in RMB, USD and other currencies. Total number of registered clients as of September 30, 2024 , was 460,380, a 1.8% increase from September 30, 2023 , and a 0.3% increase from June 30, 2024 . Among registered clients as of September 30, 2024 , the number of overseas registered clients was 17,287, a 20.9% increase from September 30, 2023 , and a 3.0% increase from June 30, 2024 . Total number of active clients [2] for the third quarter of 2024 was 7,857, a decrease of 17.2% from the third quarter of 2023 and a 9.0% decrease from the second quarter of 2024. Among active clients during the third quarter of 2024, the number of overseas active clients was 3,139, a 37.4% increase from the third quarter of 2023, and a 3.2% decrease from the second quarter of 2024. A ggregate value of investment products distributed during the third quarter of 2024 was RMB14.3 billion ( US$2.0 billion ), a 36.1% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, mainly due to a 42.1% decrease in distribution of mutual fund products. The aggregate value of investment products distributed decreased by 1.1% sequentially, mainly due to a decrease in distribution of private secondary products. Among the investment products distributed during the third quarter of 2024, Noah distributed RMB7.8 billion ( US$1.1 billion ) of overseas investment products, an 11.4% increase from the corresponding period of 2023, primarily due to a 76.7% increase in distribution of overseas mutual fund products. The aggregate value of investment products distributed, categorized by product type, is as follows: The aggregate value of investment products distributed, categorized by geography, is as follows : Coverage network in mainland China included 13 cities as of September 30, 2024 , compared with 59 cities as of September 30, 2023 , and 15 cities as of June 30, 2024 , primarily due to the continued streamlining of the Company's coverage network. Aggregate number of overseas relationship managers was 146 as of September 30, 2024 , an increase of 89.6% from September 30, 2023 , and 29.2% from June 30, 2024 . Asset Management Business Noah's asset management business is conducted through Gopher Asset Management Co., Ltd. ("Gopher Asset Management"), a leading multi-asset manager in China , and Olive Asset Management Co., Ltd. ("Olive Asset Management"), the Company's recently launched overseas asset management brand focused on providing global investment solutions with offices in Hong Kong and the United States . Gopher Asset Management and Olive Asset Management develop and manage assets ranging from private equity, real estate, public securities to multi-strategy investments denominated in RMB, USD and other currencies. Total assets under management as of September 30, 2024 , were RMB150.1 billion ( US$21.4 billion ), a 2.5% decrease from June 30, 2024 , and a 3.1% decrease from September 30, 2023 , mainly due to exits in RMB private equity investment products and exchange rate fluctuations affecting the value of overseas assets under management. Mainland China assets under management as of September 30, 2024 , were RMB110.6 billion ( US$15.8 billion ), compared with RMB119.5 billion as of September 30, 2023 , and RMB114.9 billion as of June 30, 2024 . Overseas assets under management as of September 30, 2024 , were RMB39.5 billion ( US$5.6 billion ), compared with RM35.4 billion as of September 30, 2023 , and RMB39.1 billion as of June 30, 2024 . Total assets under management, categorized by investment type, are as follows: Total assets under management, categorized by geography, are as follows: Other Businesses Noah's other businesses mainly include providing clients with additional comprehensive services and investment products. Operating results for other businesses also include headquarter rental income, depreciation and amortization, as well as operating expenses. Ms. Jingbo Wang , co-founder and chairwoman of Noah, commented, "I'm pleased to report a significant sequential rebound in net revenues, operating margin, and net income as the pace of our overseas expansion gains momentum and client demand for global asset allocation strengthens. Net revenues from overseas grew by 28.9% year-over-year, bolstered by ongoing investments to expand our global footprint. Our team of relationship managers directly supporting this expansion grew to 146 professionals, an increase of 89.6% year-over-year and 29.2% sequentially. We also opened our Japan office during the quarter to attract local Mandarin-speaking clients and are actively evaluating opportunities in other key potential markets such as Canada , Australia , Southeast Asia , and Europe , to capitalize on this momentum. While sluggish domestic markets continue to pose challenges, we are encouraged by initial signs of a recovery and improving client sentiment, driven by recent policies aimed at supporting the broader economy. We remain confident in the substantial potential for wealth management services tailored to global Mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors, many of whom are currently underserved by local financial institutions. This presents us with significant opportunities to acquire new clients through our competitive global investment solutions and renowned service standards." THIRD QUARTER 2024 FINANCIAL RESULTS Net Revenues Net revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB683 .7 million ( US$97 .4 million), an 8.8% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Wealth Management Business Net revenues from one-time commissions for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB175.1 million ( US$25.0 million ), an 11.8% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in distribution of domestic insurance products. Net revenues from recurring service fees for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB251.0 million ( US$35.8 million ), a 10.3% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in recurring service fees from private secondary products and private equity products associated with the decrease in assets under management in mainland China . Net revenues from performance-based income for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB3.0 million ( US$0.4 million ), a 65.8% decrease from the corresponding period of 2023, primarily due to a decrease in performance-based income from private secondary products. Net revenues from other service fees for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB35.9 million ( US$5.1 million ), a 41.7% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the value-added services offered to high-net-worth clients. Asset Management Business Net revenues from recurring service fees for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB150.6 million ( US$21.5 million ), a 19.1% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to a decrease in recurring service fees generated from RMB private equity products. Net revenues from performance-based income for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB58.0 million ( US$8.3 million ), a substantial increase from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in performance-based income realized from offshore private equity products. Other Businesses Net revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB9.8 million ( US$1.4 million ), remaining flat compared with the corresponding period in 2023. Operating Costs and Expenses Operating costs and expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB442.9 million ( US$63.1 million ), an 11.6% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Operating costs and expenses primarily consisted of (i) compensation and benefits of RMB310.0 million ( US$44.2 million ); (ii) selling expenses of RMB65.9 million ( US$9.4 million ); (iii) general and administrative expenses of RMB72.3 million ( US$10.3 million ); (iv) provision for of credit losses of RMB5.4 million ( US$0.8 million ); and (v) other operating expenses of RMB12.9 million ( US$1.8 million ). Operating costs and expenses for the wealth management business for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB326.1 million ( US$46.5 million ), a 17.3% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to decreases of 23.5% in compensation and benefits and 48.6% in selling expenses. Operating costs and expenses for the asset management business for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB86.4 million ( US$12.3 million ), a 1.8% increase from the corresponding period in 2023. Operating costs and expenses for other businesses for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB30.4 million ( US$4.3 million ), compared with RMB21.9 million from the corresponding period in 2023. Operating Margin Operating margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 35.2%, compared with 33.2% for the corresponding period in 2023. Operating margin for the wealth management business for the third quarter of 2024 was 29.9%, compared with 28.2% for the corresponding period in 2023. Operating margin for the asset management business for the third quarter of 2024 was 58.6%, compared with 55.6% for the corresponding period in 2023. Loss from operation for other businesses for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB20.6 million ( US$2.9 million ), compared with an operating loss of RMB12.1 million for the corresponding period in 2023. Interest Income Interest income for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB28.4 million ( US$4.0 million ), a 34.6% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Investment Income Investment income for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB16.3 million ( US$2.3 million ), compared with RMB9.6 million for the corresponding period in 2023. Income Tax Expenses Income tax expense s for the third quarter of 2024 were RMB89.0 million ( US$12.7 million ), a 30.0% increase from the corresponding period in 2023, primarily due to an increase in income tax expenses associated with a dividend withholding tax for offshore dividend payments from PRC subsidiaries. Net Income Net Income Net income for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB137.8 million ( US$19.6 million ), a 40.6% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Net margin for the third quarter of 2024 was 20.2%, compared with 30.9% for the corresponding period in 2023. Net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB134.4 million ( US$19.2 million ), a 42.4% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Net margin attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was 19.7%, compared with 31.1% for the corresponding period in 2023. Net income attributable to Noah shareholders per basic and diluted ADS for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB1.91 (US$0.27) and RMB1.91 (US$0.27) , respectively, compared with RMB3.36 and RMB3.36 respectively, for the corresponding period in 2023. Non-GAAP Net Income Attributable to Noah Shareholders Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB150.5 million ( US$21.4 million ), a 35.2% decrease from the corresponding period in 2023. Non-GAAP net margin attributable to Noah shareholders for the third quarter of 2024 was 22.0%, compared with 31.0% for the corresponding period in 2023. Non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders per diluted ADS for the third quarter of 2024 was RMB2.14 (US$0.30) , down from RMB3.35 for the corresponding period in 2023. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had RMB3,435.8 million ( US$489.6 million ) in cash and cash equivalents, compared with RMB4,604 .9 million as of June 30 , 2024 and RMB4,959.6 million as of September 30, 2023 . The sequential decrease in cash and cash equivalents was primarily due to the payment of dividends in the amount of RMB1,007.9 million ( US$143.6 million ) to shareholders and a reclassification of a short-term time deposit in the amount of RMB252.7 million ( US$36.0 million ) from cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments. Net cash inflow from the Company's operating activities during the third quarter of 2024 was RMB237.2 million ( US$33.8 million ), mainly due to cash inflow generated from net income from operations. Net cash outflow from the Company's investing activities during the third quarter of 2024 was RMB53.7 million ( US$7.7 million ), mainly due to cash used for long-term investments. Net cash outflow from the Company's financing activities was RMB1,010.8 million ( US$144.0 million ) in the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to payment of the final dividend to the Company's shareholders. CONFERENCE CALL The Company's senior management will host an earnings conference call to discuss its Q3 Results and recent business activities. Details of the conference call are as follows: A telephone replay will be available starting approximately one hour after the end of the conference until December 3, 2024 at 1-877-344-7529 (US Toll Free) and 1-412-317-0088 (International Toll) with the access code 6914431. A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at the Company's investor relations website under the "News & Events" section at http://ir.noahgroup.com . DISCUSSION OF NON-GAAP MEASURES In addition to disclosing financial results prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company's earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures excluding the effects of all forms of share-based compensation and net of tax impact, if any. See "Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Results" at the end of this press release. The non-GAAP financial measures disclosed by the Company should not be considered a substitute for financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The financial results reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP and reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results should be carefully evaluated. The non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company may be prepared differently from and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. When evaluating the Company's operating performance in the periods presented, management reviewed the foregoing non-GAAP net income attributable to Noah shareholders and per diluted ADS and non-GAAP net margin attributable to Noah shareholders to supplement U.S. GAAP financial data. As such, the Company's management believes that the presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures provides important supplemental information to investors regarding financial and business trends relating to its results of operations in a manner consistent with that used by management. ABOUT NOAH HOLDINGS LIMITED Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE: NOAH and HKEX: 6686) is a leading and pioneer wealth management service provider offering comprehensive one-stop advisory services on global investment and asset allocation primarily for mandarin-speaking high-net-worth investors. Noah's American depositary shares, or ADSs, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NOAH", and its shares are listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code "6686." One ADS represents five ordinary shares, par value $0.00005 per share. In the first nine months of 2024, Noah distributed RMB47.6 billion ( US$6.8 billion ) of investment products. Through Gopher Asset Management and Olive Asset Management, Noah had assets under management of RMB150.1 billion ( US$21.4 billion ) as of September 30, 2024 . Noah's wealth management business primarily distributes private equity, public securities and insurance products denominated in RMB and other currencies. Noah's network covers major cities in mainland China , as well as Hong Kong ( China ), New York , Silicon Valley, Singapore , and Los Angeles . The Company's wealth management business had 460,380 registered clients as of September 30, 2024 . Through Gopher Asset Management and Olive Asset Management, Noah manages private equity, public securities, real estate, multi-strategy and other investments denominated in RMB and other currencies. The Company also operates other services. For more information, please visit Noah at ir.noahgroup.com . FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION In this announcement, the unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2024 ended September 30, 2024 are stated in RMB. This announcement contains currency conversions of certain RMB amounts into US$ at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to US$ are made at a rate of RMB7.0176 to US$1.00 , the effective noon buying rate for September 30, 2024 as set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Noah may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in announcements, circulars or other publications made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange"), in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about Noah's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements include, but are not limited to, estimates regarding the sufficiency of Noah's cash and cash equivalents and liquidity risk. A number of factors could cause Noah's actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: its goals and strategies; its future business development, financial condition and results of operations; the expected growth of the wealth management and asset management market in China and internationally; its expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of the products it distributes; investment risks associated with investment products distributed to Noah's investors, including the risk of default by counterparties or loss of value due to market or business conditions or misconduct by counterparties; its expectations regarding keeping and strengthening its relationships with key clients; relevant government policies and regulations relating to its industries; its ability to attract and retain qualified employees; its ability to stay abreast of market trends and technological advances; its plans to invest in research and development to enhance its product choices and service offerings; competition in its industries in China and internationally; general economic and business conditions in China ; and its ability to effectively protect its intellectual property rights and not to infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in Noah's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of this press release, and Noah does not undertake any obligation to update any such information, including forward-looking statements, as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under the applicable law. -- FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL TABLES FOLLOW – SOURCE Noah Holdings Limited

Replica enables Fortune 100 financial, business and healthcare institutions and Federal agencies such as the US Army and Defense Innovation Unit to securely engage in high risk cyber activities without compromising productivity. FALLS CHURCH, Va. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Grey Market Labs (dba Replica Cyber ), a pioneering leader in cybersecurity solutions, proudly announces it has secured $8M in Series A funding led by Capri Ventures, with participation from Blu Ventures and AFG to accelerate adoption of its groundbreaking platform - Replica. This strategic investment will enable the company to advance its mission of delivering Secure Environments-as-a-Service, bringing unparalleled privacy and security in an increasingly vulnerable digital landscape. With this round, Andy Brown , CEO of SandHill East , former CTO of UBS, and current board member of ZScaler and PureStorage, will be joining the Board of Directors as will Dennis Shaya , Partner at Capri Ventures. In addition, Don Duet , Former Head of Technology at Goldman Sachs, and Tim Estes , founder of Angel Kids AI and former CEO at Digital Reasoning, will be joining the advisory board, complementing an already strong team including: Christopher Caine (CEO – Mercator XXI), Gary Cubbage (fmr. EVP – Booz Allen Hamilton ), Nick Donofrio (fmr. EVP Innovation – IBM), Todd Helfrich (VP Federal – Censys). The Replica platform offers Secure Environments-as-a-Service, revolutionizing how organizations protect and enable high risk activities. This includes targeting Russian misinformation campaigns in Ukraine , safe testing of new tech with proprietary data, disrupting financial scams and fraud aimed at seniors, and identifying and mitigating insider threats within organizations, among other scenarios. By integrating patented technology, intelligence tradecraft, and Zero Trust architecture, Replica quickly creates realistic IT environments that encompass hardware, operating systems, applications, networks, and data layers. This innovative solution not only protects user and organizational privacy but also delivers the data, tools and workflows needed for users to be productive in their most sensitive work. Kristopher Schroeder , CEO of Grey Market Labs, emphasized the significance of this funding round: "Replica is the culmination of over 20 years of experience in embedded tradecraft, intelligence operations, and cutting edge software. Our engineering team, with extensive backgrounds in offensive and defensive cyber warfare, has developed a product that is comprehensive with the protection and efficiency needed for today's enterprises and their users." Schroeder goes on to say, "This funding will allow Grey Marketing Labs to accelerate our vision to deliver even more impactful solutions for our customers." Capri Ventures, the lead investor in this funding round, expressed their excitement about partnering with Replica. "We are thrilled to support Grey Market Labs in their mission to redefine cybersecurity with the Replica platform," said Dennis Shaya , Partner with Capri Ventures. "Their innovative approach and deep expertise position them as a frontrunner in the industry, especially financial services, and we believe this partnership will drive significant advancements in digital privacy and security." Available as both a SaaS product and a hosted service, Replica enables secure work even in a global ecosystem, while reducing burden on the IT organization. The platform's flexible architecture supports rapid deployments (noted as some of the fastest in Financial Services), continuous updates, and seamless integration with existing enterprise services, including single-sign-on, proxies, and data governance. Additionally, Replica offers rich audit and reporting functionalities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and provide the critical observability needed for leadership. Replica has solved critical problems for major Banks, Health Systems, Global Consulting, and Governments with use cases like: Protected Research (deep/dark web, social, automated collects, OSINT), Isolating Acquired (M&A) tech and activities, Advanced Sandboxing for Malware/ Unknown Files , Complex Training Environments, Enabling Fraud /Cyber Investigations, Secure DevOps with Data Controls, Intellectual Property Sharing and Protection, and more. With this new round of funding, Replica is poised to expand its value to customers, enhance its offerings, and further solidify its position as a leader redefining how to protect and enable high-risk activities. For more information about Replica, please visit ReplicaCyber.com . About Grey Market Labs Founded as Grey Market Labs® (dba Replica Cyber ), a Certified B-Corp with the mission to protect life online. Our work protecting the United States from foreign intelligence evolved to the creation of ReplicaTM, the world's first Secure Environments-as-a-Service platform. This patented SaaS platform simplifies creation of comprehensive hybrid-computing systems, delivering privacy and security while giving control to business users and reducing the burden on IT by 99.73%. We have solved critical problems for major Banks, Health Systems, Global Consulting, and Governments with use cases like: Protected Research (deep/dark web, social, automated collects, OSINT), Isolating Acquired (M&A) tech and activities, Advanced Sandboxing for Malware/ Unknown Files , Complex Training Environments, Enabling Fraud /Cyber Investigations, Secure DevOps with Data Controls, and more. For anyone that has tried to build complex, secure systems and platforms - Replica replaces this expensive work with the automation of secure environments. About Capri Ventures Capri Ventures is an early stage venture capital firm focused on Enterprise Technology. The team is composed of former software executives and leaders from Fortune 500 enterprises, bringing significant resources early in a company's lifecycle to help drive commercialization and market adoption. About AFG Partners AFG Partners < https://www.afgvc.com/ > is an Asian-based VC fund investing in B2B fintech and enabling tech startups addressing the critical needs of financial institutions and corporates globally, particularly in Asia . A core part of the strategy is to invest and help companies in Europe and the US who are interested in expanding across Asia via our network of LPs and ecosystem partners. Previous investments of the principals include N26, Unit, Blockdaemon, Airbnb, Transferwise, Gocardless and Wefox amongst others. About Blu Ventures Blu Ventures, a venture capital firmed based in Washington, DC , provides strategic funding and expert guidance in Seed to Series A companies in cybersecurity, healthtech, and B2B software startups. Blu leverages the deep domain expertise of its partners—all former operators with extensive industry experience—to empower visionary entrepreneurs. Learn more at www.bluventureinvestors.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/grey-market-labs-announces-8m-series-a-funding-led-by-capri-ventures-to-accelerate-growth-of-its-replica-platform---first-of-its-kind-secure-environment-as-a-service-302313584.html SOURCE Grey Market LabsDean McCullough's tears have been sneered at by some celebrities who insisted he "wasn't scared" when he was asked to role-play a mummified body and get buried up to the thigh in sand while having meal-worms thrown into his make-shift "sarcophagus". There's been even worse to come for the tearful I'm A Celebrity contestant, who couldn't stand being submerged in sand, as he seemed to receive a very icy rebuttal from Ant McPartlin on tonight's episode. The BBC Radio 1 star, who was nominated for a further trial, exactly as fans had predicted, attempted to crack a joke to relieve the tension. Turning to Ant and Dec, he exclaimed: "Well, well, well. We need to stop meeting like this. I've told you I didn't want another date!" While Declan Donnelly gamely laughed along, Ant gave a blank stare in his direction instead. Fans took to social media to address the apparent snub, with one writing: "Ant hates Dean so much omg his face says it all." A second agreed: "Ant can’t stand Dean. you can tell." A third viewer chimed in: "Ant literally looks like he hates Dean." Meanwhile, poor Dean's attentions might be more focused on the horrors of the trial ahead, after being nominated for the terrifying Jack and the Screamstalk trial. Tulisa made an unsuccessful attempt to reassure him, insisting that the trial wouldn't necessarily be "critter-related". Fortunately for her, she's exempt for "medical reasons" - and the public voted Dean to take on the responsibility. The BBC star has already attracted negative attention for being too theatrical during previous trials, as some refuse to believe that he's scared. He screamed, cried and almost hyperventilated his way through the infamous sarcophagus trial, prompting Strictly pro Ola Jordan and fellow dance champ husband James Jordan to debate on Twitter whether he was "acting". Ola claimed: "I don’t believe one bit that he was scared of that #ImACeleb." James then shot back: "I’m sure he’s a lovely guy but needs to work on his acting skills massively otherwise he will come across a bit fake as he’s definitely trying to play the game." Dean, who recently opened up about his battle with "hidden homelessness" , opted out of the trial after just two stars, yelling the code-word, "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!" as he begged to be released. The decision made him less than popular with his hungry campmates, who'd been struggling alongside him in the jungle - and now fans are certain that Ant is acting frosty too.Family of Lyle and Erik Menendez told a judge Monday they want the men freed from the life sentences they are serving for the shotgun murders of their parents, as their court case suffered a delay. The pair have been in prison since a blockbuster trial in the 1990s that became almost compulsory viewing for millions of Americans. Television audiences were riveted by the gruesome details of the slayings of Jose and Kitty Menendez at the family's luxury Beverly Hills mansion. The two men, who have spent more than three decades behind bars, had been due to appear by videolink at a hearing in Los Angeles, their first court appearance in 28 years as a campaign to set them free gathers pace. But technical difficulties scuppered the appearance and the hearing was pushed back to the end of January. Nevertheless, Judge Michael Jesic called the two men's elderly aunts to the stand to hear them plead for the brothers to be freed. "I would like to be able to hug them and see them," Jose Menendez's older sister Terry Baralt, 85, said. "I would like them to come home." Kitty's sister, Joan Vander Molen, echoed that. "No child should go through what Erik and Lyle went through," she said. "They never knew if tonight will be the night when they would be raped." Prosecutors painted the crime as a cold-hearted bid by the then-young men -- Lyle was 21 and Erik was 18 -- to get their hands on their parents' $14 million fortune. But their attorneys described the 1989 killings as an act of desperate self-defense by young men subjected to years of sexual abuse and psychological violence at the hands of an abusive father and a complicit mother. The case saw a huge surge of renewed interest this year with the release of the Netflix hit "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story." The hearing comes after a campaign to secure their release, supported by Kim Kardashian and other celebrities. "Set them free before the Holidays!" wrote Tammi Menendez, Erik's wife, on social media last week. Public interest was such that the court held a lottery for the 16 seats in the public gallery. Nick Bonanno, a former high school classmate of Erik's, was the first to arrive at the court, taking his place at the head of the line at 4:30 am (1230 GMT). "I wanted to show support to... Eric and Lyle," he told AFP ahead of the hearing. "It's all about supporting and healing, not just for the families, but for us as a culture." Elena Gordon, 43, said she wanted "to witness a part of our local history." The hearing was intended as a starting point for lawyers working on three routes to free Erik Menendez, 53, and Lyle Menendez, 56. Attorney Mark Geragos has filed a writ of habeas corpus, an attempt to effectively vacate the brothers' first-degree murder conviction, which could free the brothers immediately. Another route is an effort to get the men re-sentenced on the same conviction, which would open the way for them to request parole. Finally, Geragos has submitted a clemency request to California Governor Gavin Newsom. Journalist Robert Rand, who wrote a book about the case, and who is in regular touch with the brothers, said the family was optimistic. But, he said, no one was expecting any quick fixes. "They're hopeful," he said. "They don't know what's going to happen. "I believe this could take much longer than was originally anticipated. It could be six months, could be eight months, could be a year, but eventually they will get out." With excitement over the case near fever pitch, tourists are regularly making pilgrimages to the Beverly Hills home where the killings took place. Australian Christian Hannah, who was born almost two decades after the double murders, made sure the home was a stop on his tour of celebrity hotspots, because of his fascination with the Netflix show. "It's really awesome seeing it in person," he told AFP last week. "It's just because you see it on TV and you see it in person, just feels really cool." pr-hg/amz/jgcBiden announces ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah and takes credit for ending the fighting

Workday Earnings Beat. Updated Fiscal 2025 Revenue Outlook Light.None

No. 5 UCLA snaps No. 1 South Carolina's 43-game win streak

ASUU Immortalises Ex-BOUESTI Governing Council Member, AkinrotohunMike McDaniel stepped in to keep Dolphins from trading veteran DT Calais Campbell to Ravens

Standout Edmonton Oilers Prospect Takes a Surprising Turn in the AHL, Now May Not Make the NHLNo. 5 UCLA stuns No. South Carolina, ends 43-game streak

1. The Book of Unusual Knowledge — a perfect gift option for your love who is forever rattling off random facts without rhyme or reason. Add some fuel to their fire with this 750-page (!!!) book that's packed to the brim with facts and trivia. Promising review: "My best friend is always telling me new facts about the most random things so when I saw this, I knew it had to be added to his bookshelf. And let me tell you the list of random facts keeps on coming. Yeah, yeah, I know... the internet... but sometimes it’s nice to disconnect from technology and read a real book. Couldn’t be happier with this purchase." — Gregory Get it from Amazon for $9.99 and if they already have it there are other versions to check out, such as: The Book of Extraordinary Facts , The Book of Incredible Information , The Book of Useless Information , The Book of Answers , The Book of Weird and Unusual Trivia and The Book of 10,000 Incredible Facts . 2. A slouchy faux-suede bag you might not be able to resist adding one into your cart for yourself as well (it is nearly the holidays, after all) — I'd apologize, but I'm truly not sorry because this bag is fab-u-lous, JW Pei is an Asian- and family-owned small biz with minimalist accessory designs made with sustainable and vegan materials. TikTok is LOVING this bag — check it out here ! BuzzFeed shopping editor Kayla Boyd is a huge fan and has written about her JW Pei collection so check it out! Get it from Amazon for $79.20 (available in four colors). 3. A jar of Momofuku's chili crunch they can use to jazz up everything from eggs to ice cream. It's made with three types of Mexican chilis, crunchy garlic, and shallots to add heat and texture to every bite — their tastebuds won't know what hit 'em. BuzzFeed editor Bek O'Connell really adores this jar of goodness: "I put this stuff on everything! It just makes food taste better. I highly recommend to any fellow spicy lovers looking for the perfect topping. This chili oil comes with seasoned salts, Mexican chilis, dried garlic, and shallots." Get it from Amazon for $10.39 (available in four flavors and as a multipack). 4. Rainbow drip taper candles that'll transform before their very eyes into a magical masterpiece as they burn — they can go ahead and put those boring old birthday candles aside. Promising review: " These have to be the coolest thing I have ever purchased. I have them in an empty wine bottle. I will be buying many more to cover the entire bottle in wax." — Bre Get them from Amazon for $6.99 . 5. COSRX Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence that’ll have them wondering if Gary the Snail has been the reason SpongeBob has been looking GOOOOOD for all of these years — it soothes damaged skin while also repairing dark spots and improving skin vitality. Promising review: "Um...WOW! I have used so many products to help with my dry, red, and inflamed skin. During the winter it is so hard to keep my skin moisturized through out the day. Within two days I saw such a huge difference. So calming and gives you a nice, moisturized glow. I feel so much better knowing my skin is healing. I will use this in my routine for the rest of my life!" — Christina A. Get it from Amazon for $19.50 . 6. A dimmable sad duck night-light guaranteed to bring a smile to their face each time they glance down at it. He'll not-so-happily become their daily desk companion. (We all need one, honestly.) Promising review : "I ordered this lamp because of its appearance. I didn't NEED a depressed duck lamp ... but it has totally filled a void in my life I didn't know existed. Everyone who sees it pokes it. The lamp is actually very functional. It's got a really nice set of brightness options and the glow is yellowish, which is much nicer than white in a dim/dark room. One thing that isn't mentioned in the description is that its legs are utterly floppy. It's terrific." — Literated Get it from Amazon for $15.99 . 7. Claw clips made to work with *all* hair types — yes, even if they've broken their hairbrush while trying to comb through your bedhead, they can rock one of these beauties! Promising review: "I have a LOT of hair and it’s pretty wavy and thick. I have a very hard time finding clips that can hold all of it. What’s nice about these particular clips is that the material is a little bit flexible . Usually the big clips are hard plastic and they’re constantly breaking. These won’t do that as they have some give to them and they clasp well. They have several colors that can coordinate with wardrobe. Glad I got them!!" — LeighAnn Get a pack of four from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available as a pack of eight and in three styles). 8. A set of the *new* lightweight wireless "floating" open-air earbuds designed to settle just over your ear instead of inside it. It might just be the perfect gift to your brother who's infamous for losing his headphones — and gets too in the zone when actually wearing said headphones. These keep you ~aware~ of what's going on around you. Reviewers who run or sweat a lot during workouts especially swear by these, because the flexible ear loops lock them in place! Check out a TikTok of the open air ear buds in action. Promising review: "Amazing sound quality! I have owned many headphones and none have been as good as these. There's always the problem with the in-ear ones that they tend to fall off, and the over-ear-ones are just too bulky or hurt to wear for long periods of time. And most importantly being able to wear them not only for audio but for calls too and have a good microphone. These headphones cover all of the above and more . They are lightweight, they don't bother my ears in any way, they don't fall off, they have a good mic, and no sound leaking at all!!!! Best purchase I've done! Now I'm tempted to try other headphones from Tozo ." — Cliente de Kindle Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (clip the $10 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in four colors). 9. A mug warmer because when it's cold outside there is nothing better than being able to wrap your hands around a hot bev — this lil' gadget won't take up much room at all and will ensure that their drink remains the perfect temperature. Promising review: "It's so nice to work on the computer and reach for the coffee ☕️ and it's still hot or warm your choice. Great buy." — Chip Wood Get it from Amazon for $19.98 . 10. And a Gilmore Girls mug if their life's goal is to drink as much coffee as Lorelai and Rory (good luck). Enter the Kirk TikTok sound : "I love your daughter" "What do you have to offer her?" "Nothing. Only this." This , being the mug, of course. Additionally, Silver Buffalo is a small business! Promising review: "It's a cup of happiness. LOL i believe there is a science in the mug you choose every morning for your coffee. Product wise, it is very good quality, colorful, dishwasher safe. Worth the purchase," — Dana Get it from Amazon for $25.99 . 11. An updated version of the Taylor Swift Little Golden Book fans will take one look and say I'm "enchanted to meet you." The new *~style~* comes with 22 (ooOoOh ooOoOh) bonus pages including stickers and fill-in-the-blank activities. You might find see a lil' Travis cameo within. 😉 I have this book (as pictured above) and by that I mean the second I saw it available for pre-order I added it to my cart faster than you could say "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together." As the parent of a 2-year-old and a 6-month-old, I have many Little Golden Books in my home. However, this one is just STUNNING. I'm a big fan of Taylor (obviously) but was really enamored by how beautiful the pages in the first version was — so, naturally, I had to get the updated version! It's a short book, looks cute on my daughter's shelf, and is a hit for bedtime story time with my son who has, ahem, been mildly encouraged to *also* love Taylor Swift. What more could you want??? Get it from Amazon for $8.78 . Note: If they're a diehard Taylor fan here are some other book options they might enjoy: The Story of Taylor Swift: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers You Are Fearless: A Book for the Littlest Taylor Swift Fans Let's Meet Taylor: Story of the Superstar Taylor Swift Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras 12. A set of LED lightsaber chopsticks that'll make their weekly sushi lunches just a bit more fun. Promising review: "I purchased these for a friend's birthday present (he is a sushi waiter) and these are flippin' AMAZING. I ordered two sets by mistake, but I am totally keeping the second pair for another gift (or for myself!). These are sure to be great conversation pieces and attention-getters. Way to go!" — T. Redwood Get two pairs from Amazon for $12.97 . 13. A sleek time-marked water bottle they'll love for its aesthetic — must-have for anyone who has been very meticulous about what they display on their desk. Arcana is a small business that sells stylish, practical water bottles. Promising review: "Saw it on TikTok and thought it would be a great bottle for work. It is very sleek and lightweight enough to carry when you have other items in your hand. I love the modern look and cleans very easily! The time increments really do motivate, definitely ordering again for myself and gifts. Fast delivery and very nice packaging." — Rosa Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in three colors and two sizes). 14. An "Awakened Artifacts" puzzle from the TikTok-famous Magic Puzzle Company for the hardcore puzzler in your life *or* someone who just needs to zone out and lock into something fun. And this is even better than a regular puzzle because once it's assembled, you can use the easter eggs to solve the puzzle 's puzzle. Promising review: "Bought this as soon as I got the email that it dropped on Amazon! Love this series and will continue to purchase them. Was it the most challenging puzzle? No, but that didn't take away from the fun of putting it together. Great artwork, wacky pieces, two posters, you just can't go wrong with a magic puzzle!" — Jennifer Lawton Get it from Amazon for $22.99 . This is one of 14 puzzles from the Magic Puzzle Company , so there's lots of other ~puzzling~ possibilities once this one's finished! 15. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza — a card game they can play with their squad (turn it into a drinking game?!) on cold winter nights. You deal all the cards out to your two to four players, and everyone keeps their mini-deck face down. Everyone takes a turn putting a card down in the middle of the table, saying one of the words "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza," in that order. If the picture on your card matches the word that's said, everyone slaps their hand on the card in a pile as quickly as possible. The last person on the pile has to take the stack and add 'em to their cards, and whoever runs out of cards first wins! Get it from Amazon for $9.95 . 16. A cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter with a flexible neck to light every candle in their house to create the *perfect* ambiance without concern they'll run out of lighter fluid. Promising review: "I cook outside, and lighting a fire during wet and windy weather was a real pain. This lighter was a game changer! As long as the material is dry, this lighter will light regularly, consistently, and easily. Plus, it’s rechargeable! Love it!" — Sandra Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in seven colors and as a two-pack). 17. And a zodiac-inspired candle you can count on to make their home smell divine while also adding a pretty piece of decor to the room. Each one is adorned with three healing crystals and a crackling wood wick. Dancing Bear is a small business! Promising review: "I bought as a gift. Looks pretty, smells good and the crystals are lovely! Nice size and a great gift idea for someone hard to buy for. I will definitely be getting myself one!" — Lisa Menor Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in 24 styles). 18. A Birthdate pendant featuring gemstones and crystals based on their astrology and day of birth (obvs) because who doesn't love something customized JUST for them? Birthdate Co. is an Asian-owned small business! I have one of these necklaces and it really is gorgeous. I love layering it with other pieces of jewelry that I already own. I love that it comes with a complete explainer of each stone that is included in the necklace and why it was chosen. For example, my specific birth date features a sapphire (for presence of mind), a pearl (for purity), a white topaz (for focus and vision), and an emerald (my birth stone).Such a fun and special necklace anyone would be delighted to get as a gift! Get it from Birthdate Candles for $149 (available in gold or silver). 19. A " Grievance Journal ," aka a "burn book for the discerning misanthrope" that your friend with the darkest humor will find especially cathartic thanks to 52 prompts to express irritations over what's bothering them the most. Promising review : "Bought this intending to gift it to a friend but ended up getting really into the prompts and decided to keep it for myself. WOW, what an awesome way to vent and articulate the negativity you're feeling by actually forcing yourself to form coherent thoughts around your emotions. Cheaper and more effective than therapy, buying several more for friends and fam. " — Alex Get it from Amazon for $27.99 . If your recipient wants something a little less grim, check out this Burn After Writing book with a similar but lighter sentiment. 20. A handheld lamp they will surely find themselves *mooning* over each night. It'll bring a magical ambience to their room, just you wait. Check out a TikTok of the moon lamp in action. BuzzFeed writer Emma Lord is obsessed with this gadget: "UMMMM I bought this because it was on one of Amazon's top selling products pages for so long that I was like 'Why are people so obsessed with this moon!!' And now, my friends, I know. First of all, it really does look hyper realistically like a small moon and adds a chill vibe wherever you plant it. But it's also just so soothing to watch and have in the periphery . You can control dozens of different colors for it and either keep it on those colors or have them alternate, fade uickly, or fade gradually. It's super easy to charge and controlled by a remote, so you can move it off its stand and have it light up wherever you want. These days I tend to turn it on for my designed ~me time~ night every week, in which I will light a candle, pour a glass of red wine, read a romance novel, and, of course, light my lil' moon. Definitely one of my favorite 'the internet made me do it' purchases." Get it from Amazon for $19.98+ (available in six sizes). 21. A One Line a Day journal to provide anyone with a place to jot down a quick daily memory they can look back on for years to come — it'll last them five years! I was given one of these five years ago and it's become a cherished part of my nightly routine. The best part is when you get to the second year and can look back at what you did a year ago from that day. Promising review: "I am loving these journals! I got two — one for each of my boys (a baby and a toddler), and each day, I am writing down a short memory with each of them. I feel like it's the perfect solution for a tired mama who doesn't have time to journal pages and pages, but wants to hold onto sweet memories from when the kids are little . Can't wait to see how they grow over the five years contained in the journals!" — Kathy W. Kuegler Get it from Amazon for $15.26 . 22. A selfie-worthy carbonated clay mask that exfoliates blackheads along with other skin impurities while it bubbles up and looks downright hilarious. Promising review: "Wow! I purchased this on a whim after seeing one of my favorite YouTubers try it out. I didn't expect a lot from it. I tried it out and was shocked!!! The mask was simple (and fun) to use. I wasn't sure I felt a lot happening while it was on, but it was pretty cool how the bubbles started to grow off of my face. Upon inspection after using this mask I was completely amazed. My face felt cleaner than it has in a very long time AND my pores looked amazing! I don't remember a time when I felt like my pores looked great before using this mask. I would highly recommend this mask to anyone. It's also so much cheaper than the GlamGlow ones I have been using (and didn't see near these results from)." — Phil Textor Get it from Amazon for $8.65+ (available in multipacks). 23. Laneige glowy lip balm in a variety of delectable scents — regardless of whether you commit to "Gummy Bear" or "Grapefruit" you'll be rewarded with hydrated and soft lips all day long. Promising review: "I’ve been searching for the holy grail of lip balms, and THIS IS IT. Seriously. I’ve been on the hunt for years, using everything from fancy French balms to plain organic nut butter, and have always needed to reapply hourly. This stuff is magic. Just the tiniest dot is needed to keep my lips super soft and hydrated for hours, even through drinking and eating. The grapefruit smells great but isn’t overwhelming. I’ll never go back to anything else." — Spectacle Get it from Amazon for $19 (available in nine formulas). 24. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" — aka an absolute essential for achieving peak comfort goals in your pal's living room. It features a spot to hold their remote, two mugs, and two additional beverages. They honestly may never want to leave their couch again. Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action. Promising review: "This thing is great! I’m home on maternity leave with my new baby and spend most of my time on the couch under a sleeping baby. This product makes it easy for me to keep my drinks, remote, etc close by even with dogs running around . It’s a little more expensive than I would have liked but it works and I love it so money well spent!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in eight styles). 25. A chunky knit chenille blanket to bury themselves under because it's simply that time of year – it comes in so many colors you'll absolutely be able to snag one that matches their room's vibe. It's also hypoallergenic *and* machine washable! It's big enough that the two of you can snuggle under it. Samiah Luxe is a small business! Promising review: "Love this look. Makes the room look and feel cozy. But then the blanket ACTUALLY is cozy! Super soft. Heavy. Warm. Worth the money." — Tracy W. Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors). 26. A foot heater for anyone with perpetually cold tootsies — fire this bad boy up, turn on The Great British Baking Show , and enjoy the warmth you’re guaranteed to feel from head-to-toe (literally). Promising review: "I love this product. It's well built, nice neutral colors to blend into my carpet so it's not an eyesore wherever I have it sitting. The fuzziness lends a cozy feel to it, as well. It offers a heat or no-heat setting and two directions for the shiatsu style massagers to work on your heels. The inside is roomy enough that you can even turn your feet on their side to get extra massage there as well. It's a gentle yet deep massage, so it's great for days where you've been standing for hours or walking on your feet a lot. I would recommend to anyone looking for a nice foot massager." — Gardener Get it from Amazon for $45.99 (available in two colors). 27. A self-stirring mug they can count on to flawlessly blend their sugar and creamer into their freshly brewed coffee. Check out a TikTok of the self-stirring mug in action. Promising review : "I'm a huge fan of coffee and I need it in daily life. Absolutely loving this new cup! Easy and quick to mix your coffee and milk, pretty handy! Cleaning the cup couldn't be easier with the self stirring function , just put a little dab of soap, fill the mug half way with water, turn it on and let it do its own thing." — Lina Get it from Amazon for $26.99 (available in five colors). 28. A sunrise alarm clock to wake them up so pleasantly they'll forget that they're supposed to be cranky about heading off to work. This lovely lil' gadget has seven different light settings, calming "wake up" noises, and can be set to gradually get brighter at 30, 20, or 10 minutes. Promising review: "I got this recommendation from TikTok and it really has helped especially with Oregon winters where the sun is not out by the time the alarm rings. It has several peaceful alarm settings and even has night music to put you to sleep. The sunrise with the alarm piano is what I play to wake me up every morning and it is a way better way than to wake up to an annoying phone alarm." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $39.98 . 29. A Kindle for any lit lover whose main goal at all times is to plow through a *ton* of books on their TBR list — this will ensure they can have *tons* of books at their fingertips at all times. I have a Kindle and surprisingly have become a big fan of it — especially when traveling. While I absolutely prefer a hardcover book, it's nearly impossible to put more than two (which is a stretch in itself) in my suitcase along with my clothes, shoes, toiletries, etc. I read most of my books these days through the Libby app (all you need is a library card for access) which can be used via your phone or Kindle. No need to spend tons of money on novels when I simply am not someone who rereads them! This latest version sports a 7-inch glare-free screen and a battery that'll last WEEKS! Get it from Amazon for $159 (available in three colors and with/without lock screen ads). 30. A subscription to Book of the Month because there are few things as soothing to a bibliophile as cracking open a hardcover book while kicking back in the sunshine. They also offer audiobooks if that's more their speed! I was gifted a BOTM subscription many years ago and I've stayed loyal since! It's the only subscription service I've kept up with and gifted to different people. Each month your gift recipient will be permitted to choose from a selection of books (and more recently, audiobooks!), all of which are different genres. Then the book they select will be delivered to their door. Half of my beautifully color coordinated bookcase is filled with books from BOTM and I couldn't be happier! Get three months from Book of the Month for $59.99 . 31. A Renpho percussion massager — a must-have if they're forever complaining about the knots in their back and wishing they could take a daily trip to the spa. Check out a TikTok of the massager in action. Promising review: " I have tried EVERYTHING for my feet, nothing works and I am always in pain. It came, I tried it out, and I thought wow, that feels AWESOME. But the true test is how do you feel the next day right? You cannot always walk around with a massage gun in your hand. The next day, I felt AMAZING. AMAZING. I used it on my hubby's back too, and he said he felt so much better today as well! In addition, this one is way QUIETER than my original massage gun. It's just really a quality piece. You won't be disappointed in this one. It really is what it says. I know it is hard to choose from all the models on the internet, but this one is the real deal. It's worth the money if you have pain." — L Johnson Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in three colors). 32. A reviewer-beloved ~croc~ veggie chopper they can use to dice onions in a flash — save the uncontrollable crying for the next Hallmark holiday movie. It can also spiralize, slice, and chop! Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for my husband, who loves cooking AND crocodiles! He loves it! Best of all, it works great too. We’ve used it so many times, and the blades are still sharp. It’s easy to use and clean. Love it!" — Niki Mitchell Get it from Amazon for $34.99 . 33. Crayola Globbles , a fun lil' toy they can use to burn off some steam in between meetings or when they just need a quick mental break. Don't worry, they won't leave residue on their walls. Check them out on TikTok ! Promising review : " My daughter is 4 and plays with these DAILY! YES they do attract dirt and hair HOWEVER they are so easy to rinse off, it's not a big deal! We took these to a family gathering and ended up giving two away because they were SO loved! The two we gave away went to a 12-year-old and my 19-year-old brother. They discovered throwing them at the ceiling fan and watching them shoot across the room which was pretty entertaining! None of these have busted or ripped and they are definitely NOT gentle with them! I will definitely be buying more! " — Kindle Customer Get a pack of six from Amazon for $9.53+ (also available in a pack of 16). 34. A Baby Nessie Loose Leaf Tea Infuser they'll want to show off to everyone and anyone, but especially their roommate who doesn't "believe in silly fairytales." Promising review: "So stinking cute and works great. I had no loose tea in my cup at all. Easy to clean." — Adriane R. Get it from Amazon for $14.95 . 35. AirPod cases designed to look like a classic roll of Hubba Bubba Bubble Tape and a mini can of Arizona Green Tea — aka what they likely spent all of their allowance on in the '90s. Promising review: "I love these so freaking much!! They look exactly like the pictures. They fit and work great. They are protective and I love the fact that there’s already a clip on them. Great quality, the details and text are clear." — Raven Get them from Amazon for $8.99 . 36. Lightning earrings with flat backing so they can lay down on the couch for a snooze without being poked with every turn of their head. I have a number of piercings in my ears (including these!) and wear my Maison Miru earrings daily. They don't tarnish or feel too heavy — it's not even an issue to sleep or workout in them! They're one of my go-to brands for delicate jewelry. Get them from Maison Miru for $85+ (available in 18-karat gold or silver). 37. A ceramic mug and saucer set that'll help them get their head out of the clouds and come back down to earth with every sip of coffee they take. Caffeine is queen, baby. The mug and saucer are dishwasher and microwave safe. Promising review: "Perfect. I am literally obsessed!! I saw this in a TikTok video and the reality is even better." — Sev Luke Get it from Amazon for $23.98+ (available in 17 styles). 38. Butterfly bandages , because they're an adult and know a kiss won't actually make their scrape better, but a bandage that looks a hug from a butterfly just might. Hug-a-BooBoo is a small business — check their other fun themed bandages here! Promising review: "The cutest and strongest bandaids I ever bought! My niece loves butterflies so I figured these are the perfect ones for her. It comes in a variety of colors and are super easy and comfortable to put on. They are excellent for young kids and adults who love butterflies. 🦋❤️" — Michelle Get a box of 24 from Amazon for $7.99 . 39. A "Gracula" garlic crusher they might accidentally mistake for a children's toy — but it's so much more! With a few twists they can use it to mince garlic, ginger, nuts, chilis, and herbs. See, no need to be afraid of this mythical creature. Promising review: "I love this little guy. I found him on a BuzzFeed list and had to have it as soon as I saw it! I’ve minced as many as five cloves in it in seconds. It’s a little tricky getting all of the garlic out once minced (I use a silicone basting brush to get most of it but I always use more than the recipe calls for anyway so it’s not a deal breaker). Cleanup is a breeze because he goes right in the dishwasher! " — Barbie Get it from Amazon for $18.95 . 40. A Bluetooth speaker with an adorable '90s feel to it they can program with fun pixelated messages, a clock, and animations galore! This lil' gadget has RGB-backlit buttons and, of course, has the ability to play music and podcasts. Check out an unboxing TikTok from @thatkawaiigrl ! BuzzFeed editor Jenae Sitzes loves hers! You can read more on why it's one of her favorite pieces of desk decor here . Promising reviews : "I actually impulsively purchased this because I saw it on TikTok. I have had it for a little over a month now, and it is actually the best item I have purchased in a while. I admit, there is a slight learning curve when setting it up because there is not a clear-cut instructions guide for all of the features, but once you figure it out, it’s so worth it. It is really multifunctional and you can customize it to your liking. I really love the mini games feature on here, like Tetris and Snake , because they all bring back childhood memories for me. My favorite part is the fact that it works as a speaker and when I play music, I can have little videos sync to the music. Who knew a tiny little speaker could bring me so much joy. It is a bit pricy though, but it is just so cute. If you’re looking for a sign to buy this, here’s your sign." — Khuyen Nguyen Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in five colors). 41. A darling glass water jug adorned in daisies that are s'cute they'll make them long for springtime all the time. Promising review: "Bought this to encourage my girlfriend to drink more water and it worked lol. And she's always telling me how she gets compliments from the 'girlies' in college lol. A great purchase." — Azi Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six styles). 42. A set of moisturizing animal-themed sheet masks they won't be able to resist belly laughing over when they apply them — they can team up with their friends for a very strange spa night and get those giggles out! Promising review : "I bought these to do a spa day with my niece. We had so much fun, and my face was soft for days afterward. I enjoyed them so much that I bought them again and gave them out for Christmas. Then I bought another set for myself and even shared with co-workers. I don't think it is just the facemask that makes my face look brighter, but also the joy and fun of the prints when you wear them with family and friends. " — Nina M Munoz-Najera Get a set of six from Amazon for $13.75 (available in six packs). 43. A jewelry box designed to look like a frosted cake you'd imagine a toddler diving into hands-first on their birthday. It's likely what you would find in the dictionary next to "pretty in pink" and simply deserves a spot in their home. 2FACEDCAKES is a small business that sells nostalgic, handmade jewelry boxes. Promising review: "It’s even better than I could have hoped!!! I am obsessed with it" — kateeherald Get it from 2FACEDCAKES on Etsy for $46+ (available with or without glitter and with customization of the piping color/wording). 44. A pair of Apple AirPods Pro with noise cancellation to ensure their next flight is, in fact, a peaceful one. Thanks to these bad boys they can blast Taylor Swift for hours, watch endless episodes of Real Housewives and block out the sound of their annoying neighbor's snoring. They come with three sizes of silicone tips to comfortably fit your ears and a charging case that provides more than 24 hours of listening time. I absolutely could not live without these — the noise canceling is absolutely essential for working from home (with kids). I swear by these babies. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord loves these: "I have a pair of these, and they're not playing around. Once they're securely in your ear, you can toggle the headphones between noise-cancelling and regular sound, depending on your situation. I've been working from home, and the noise canceling is so effective that I can work next to a window where my neighbor is doing heavy construction and I don't hear anything louder than a faint buzzing. It's quieter than if I'd just plugged my ears with my own fingers. I'm also a runner, and these don't budge when you're sweating, which is nice. It's also handy that these toggle out of noise-cancellation mode, because I feel better being able to hear traffic and other people around me when I'm out and about. The TL;DR is: I love these so much I have zero interest in owning another pair of headphones for as long as I live. " For more, read her full AirPod Pros review ! Get them from Amazon for $245 . 45. Or a pair of Beats Studio Pro wireless headphones you might want to say "screw it" and buy for yourself while you’re already filling your cart with gifts for everyone else. *Extremely Martin Short voice* "I like your Beats." Promising review: "Sounds quality is so good, sometimes it made my head hurt and ears bc of the fit, but it’s kinda comfortable, it’s very loud, and the bass is good. Noise-canceling is so good, I be thinking the earth is quiet, but it’s just the headphones that make it sound like that." — Lolo Get them from Amazon for $249.99 (available in eight colors) 46. A Nintendo Switch OLED with a 7-inch screen, a wide adjustable stand, enhanced audio, and an overall pleasant gaming experience they'll be thrilled to play. They can kickstart their "cozy gamer" lifestyle by purchasing soothing games like Disney Dreamlight Valley or take a more ambitious approach with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom . I have the Nintendo Switch OLED and am a big fan! My husband has the original Switch and I have the Switch Lite, but this newest version has definitely made a good impression on me. I wasn't always enthused with the original version (my hands are small!) but, despite this one being similar in size, the OLED feels a lot lighter and easy to hold. The colors are the screen are beautiful and *so* clear. It connects very easily to the TV, so you can play multiplayer games at any time! Promising review: "Starting off The OLED switch takes things to the next level. I used to play a lot of Mario games many years before, and I didn’t think I’d ever go back to playing Mario again. Nintendo has made it easy to play a lot of my favorite Mario games from back in the day through the online store. Amazon helped ensure that I had confidence with the delivery of my package, they sent me an OTP password through email to help ensure my package was delivered to the right person. I am very grateful to Amazon for helping provide me with a wonderful experience." — Jose A. Hernandez Get it from Amazon for $349 (available in two styles). 47. An iconic espresso martini phone case so they can look the part when they send out the weekly group text to rally the troops for tinis. Promising review: "Absolutely love this case! Looks even cuter in person that it does already online and I know my phone is well protected with it. A win win!" — Mary G. Get it from Velvet Caviar for $28 (available for iPhone and Galaxy devices and in four other designs). 48. A Ninja Creami they can use to pretend they're Cinderella's Fairy Godmother and turn a handful of ingredients into a delectable frozen treat. My apologies to Ben and Jerry, because they'll be whipping up their own dessert from here on out. Yuuuum! Check out a TikTok of the Ninja Creami in action. All you have to do put your fave foods into the containers and freeze them. After 24 hours in the freezer, hook up your machine, select the appropriate preset, and you'll have a yummy treat. Oh! And the containers, lids, and paddle are top-rack dishwasher safe. Check out what BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Jessica Hall thinks of it: "As a wannabe fitness girly, I have started paying a bit more attention to the foods I eat, specifically in terms of how much protein I eat. I find it to be somewhat difficult to consume my full day's worth of protein, and I am not a huge fan of protein bars or protein shakes. I decided to give this thing a try after seeing it literally all over TikTok and how people were making lower calorie protein ice cream in it. The TikTok influencers are *not* lying, you should absolutely get this thing. It comes with little pints, you mix up all your ingredients, pop it in the freezer for 24 hours and then put it in the machine. It legit makes a delicious treat with such a ~creamy~ texture. I have found my best recipe so far is a vanilla protein shake, a little bit of sugar free pudding mix (the fats in it help the texture...at least that's what the Internet told me, so obvi I believe it), and a dash of vanilla extract. Once that's all mixed, I'll throw in some Oreos or M&Ms to have myself a high-protein version of a McFlurry. You can also make delicious smoothie bowls, sorbets, milkshakes, and more. I definitely imagine I'll be using it even more often in the summer when it's hot and I want something cold and refreshing." Promising review: "Everyone needs a Ninja Creami. We love ours! I have made cherry, banana, raspberry, and blueberry sorbets plus churro and chocolate ice cream. The recipe book is full of easy-to-make recipes. Easy to clean and simple to use . Just push a button and then a minute later you have ice cream!" — julie krueger Get it from Amazon for $179.99 . 49. And a delicate initial necklace for anyone who prefers simple jewelry they can wear every day. Get your own initial, your partner's, your little one's, or allllll of the above! ...or so you can scream-sing the Taylor Swift lyrics "I want to wear his initial on a chain 'round my neck not because he owns me but 'cause he really knows me." Either way! Fab item. Promising review: "The best necklace I’ve ever had!!! It’s the perfect size and length, so dainty! I was worried about the gold fading (because it’s so wonderfully affordable) but it hasn’t — not even a little bit!!! I’ve worn it every single day for about a month now, even accidentally wore it in a pool for a little bit but nothing happened and it’s never been damaged! Has become such a staple for me and my everyday outfit, don’t feel complete without it anymore. Would highly recommend and will be buying another if this one ever breaks!!" — Brittany Burrahm Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 26 letters and 2 styles). Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Late kickoff return TDs by Turpin and Thomas spark the Cowboys as they end their 5-game skid

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, November 25th, 2024, Chainwire Web3 game studio Qooverse has secured pre-seed funding in a round led by VC firm Paper Ventures, followed by Animoca Brands, Merit Circle, and notable angels in the industry. Founded by a creative team whose professional background includes time at Tencent and Goldman Sachs, Qooverse is developing an ecosystem of mid-core and casual social games that are distributed on Telegram and more social platforms to come. The portfolio of games revolves around the IP Qoomon, cute yet formidable creatures in an Oriental style. The games are fast-paced with an average game lasting less than 5 minutes. They are also highly social with an emphasis on PvP (Player vs Player). The flagship game Qoomon Fuse has successfully attracted a few hundred thousand players organically within a month. "Many existing Telegram... Chainwire

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Nendah Tarke scores 24 to help Towson defeat Morgan State 64-60Taking place just a month after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) went into crisis mode in 2023. Controversy erupted last year after pro-Palestinian activists burst onto the stage at the opening ceremony with a slogan — “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free” — banned in some countries and also used by Hamas in its own messaging against Israel. The festival was forced to apologize for the disruption of what is meant to be a safe space for civic debate. This year, its 37th edition self-reflected and recalibrated with a campaign and geopolitically curated programming that dealt in Israel-Palestine relations but also in protest and Western obliviousness. The documentary festival gave films like vérité-style Oscar documentary contender “No Other Land,” a portrait of West Bank destruction of a Palestinian settlement by the Israeli military, a fall season European platform after it won the Berlinale Documentary Award in February. But IDFA programmed many other nonfiction titles, putting a spotlight on the conflict in the Middle East, including Frontlight entry “The 1957 Transcripts,” about a massacre of Palestinian villagers in the Israeli town of Kfar Qasim that year. Meanwhile, IDFA commissioned its festival trailer from Netherlands-born Raul Balai and exiled Iranian artist Ehsan Fardjadniya, two artists who were critical of IDFA and other cultural institutions last fall. IndieWire spoke to IDFA artistic director Orwa Nyrabia — who is stepping down this year after running the fest’s programming since 2018 — about the intent before the trailer, which played before each of the films. The spot incorporates stock footage and artificial intelligence to directly comment on how such campaigns and institutional messaging deploy superficial signifiers of progress and diversity (think land acknowledgments that feel more tacked-on than actually conducive of change). Here, we see a picnicking Middle Eastern emigre couple ignorant (and therefore “complicit,” in the trailer’s words) to destruction booming around them. Per the festival , “Explosions in the distance shatter the calm as a voice-over introduces a harsh truth: many artists and other people with migrant backgrounds arrive in the West with a constructed image of a democratic, just, and open society. Instead, they face a more sobering reality.” “While trying to examine our way of work after the turmoil of IDFA last year, we reached out and collaborated and discussed and had long meetings internally with our staff but also many of the artists and filmmakers who protested IDFA last year,” Nyrabia said. “We decided to lower our fences and that our response to those who were critical to us was to invite them for a chat, and have serious discussions.” Through this process, he said, came Balai and Farjadniya. “They were really angry at us last year for the way we dealt with the protest of the opening night,” he said. “They got to the bottom of the discussion last year that was really about Gaza and what’s happening in Israel and Palestine, but behind that was another discussion,” which Nyrabia said was about how what “many cultural organizations and film festivals do as inclusion is pretty hypocritical, and whenever things go bad, we all show it is hypocritical, just a facade to earn some points. [The artists] presented this critique in the form of this video that they call ‘Dear IDFA,’ so they did present it as a letter to us that clearly as you see says, ‘We come to the West promised many things, and we end up feeling that we are only forced to be complicit.’ That’s why [in a cut-down version played before screenings] it is only saying, ‘I cannot not be complicit. Can you?’ Because it also is self-critical.” As IDFA is an ever-evolving cultural institution celebrated as the most important documentary film festival in Europe, Nyrabia said that’s also why he’s stepping down in a decision unrelated to last year’s turmoil. “Last year was quite a challenge because of the political climate, but we also went through the pandemic like everybody else,” he said. “We had big changes in the organization. We changed a lot of the structure, so that it’s now a year-round institute,” adding more cinemas and multifunctional spaces to broaden IDFA’s footprint in Amsterdam. “We’re doing a beautiful edition of the festival, so that’s a perfect time for me to change, to move on. And in a way, it’s safe for the organization, and it’s good for me. And I truly believe in change. I think it’s a big problem for cultural organizations when someone doing a job like mine stays too long. Maybe some shuffle is good for everyone,” Nyrabia said during an interview at the festival, where this year the team programmed more than 250 titles. See the 2024 IDFA award winners here . The top prize winner in the competition was “Trains,” a Polish archival documentary that doubles as an emotional history of 20th-century Europe, taking place entirely within trains and locomotive cars. Nyrabia called director Maciej J. Drygas “one of the greatest filmmakers who work exclusively with archives, and his new film is looking at the history of the world, mostly Europe ... through researching and knitting this history with images from trains.” A number of films that played IDFA, including holdovers from other European festivals, take a more poetic and experiential approach to the talking-heads documentaries that dominate American theaters and television. There was “Gunda,” director Victor Kossakovsky’s globe-trotting journey through the uses of concrete; “Architecton” from A24; or Olha Zhurba’s audiovisual album of the war in Ukraine, “Songs of Slow Burning Earth,” or Sergei Loznitsa’s own portrait of Russia’s war on Ukraine, “The Invasion” — all three deprive viewers of the context normally overwhelming two-hour documentary films. “It makes me happy because I think, to be honest, context has always been a very oppressive tool or request from bigger markets toward smaller market filmmakers,” he said. “In a way, nobody ever asked me if I knew what’s the difference between the ‘costumes’ of a Protestant or Catholic priest. I never had this context growing up. I learned it after watching a couple hundred of American or European films. Then I learned, I now know. I did not feel entitled to ask American filmmakers to give me context about the history of the U.S. in every film. I accepted that they invite me to fall into a moment in their history through this film, or in their lives. I accepted to go into it with an open heart.” He added of the distinctions in context between American and European documentaries overall, “I don’t know everything. It’s mostly American and Western European buyers and distributors and executives who look at the rest of the world demanding explanations — ‘we don’t know you, so we don’t understand, why don’t you explain your entire history to us in every film?’ That’s very problematic. We need to watch more films, and that’s how to start to context.” Starting today, a selection of IDFA films are available to watch online through December 31.India says it wants the 2036 Olympics in what is seen as an attempt by Narendra Modi to cement his legacy but the country faces numerous challenges to host the biggest show on earth. The prime minister says staging the Games in a nation where cricket is the only sport that really matters is the "dream and aspiration" of 1.4 billion people. Experts say it is more about Modi's personal ambitions and leaving his mark on the world stage, while also sending a message about India's political and economic rise. Modi, who is also pushing for a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, will be 86 in 2036. "Hosting the Olympics will, in a way, burnish India's credentials as a global power," said academic Ronojoy Sen, author of "Nation at Play", a history of sport in India. "The current government wants to showcase India's rise and its place on the global high table, and hosting the Olympic Games is one way to do it." Already the most populous nation, India is on track to become the world's third-biggest economy long before the planned Olympics. India submitted a formal letter of intent to the International Olympic Committee in October, but has not said where it wants to hold the Games. Local media are tipping Ahmedabad in Modi's home state of Gujarat, a semi-arid region where temperatures surge above 50 degrees Celsius (122F) in summer. Gujarat state has already floated a company, the Gujarat Olympic Planning and Infrastructure Corporation, with a $710 million budget. Ahmedabad has about six million people, its heart boasting a UNESCO-listed 15th-century wall which sprawls out into a rapidly growing metropolis. The city is home to a 130,000-seater arena, the world's biggest cricket stadium, named after Modi. It staged the 2023 Cricket World Cup final. The city is also the headquarters of the Adani Group conglomerate, headed by billionaire tycoon and Modi's close friend Gautam Adani. Adani was the principal sponsor for the Indian team at this summer's Paris Olympics, where the country's athletes won one silver and five bronze medals. Adani and his associates were Wednesday charged in the United States with paying more than $250 million in bribes to Indian officials for lucrative solar energy supply contracts. The Adani Group called the allegations "baseless". Despite its vast population India's record at the Olympics is poor for a country of its size, winning only 10 gold medals in its history. Sports lawyer Nandan Kamath said hosting an Olympics was an "unprecedented window of opportunity" to strengthen Indian sport. "I'd like to see the Olympics as a two-week-long wedding event," he said. "A wedding is a gateway to a marriage. The work you do before the event, and all that follows, solidifies the relationship." Outside cricket, which will be played at the Los Angeles Games in 2028, Indian strengths traditionally include hockey and wrestling. New Delhi is reported to be pushing for the inclusion at the Olympics of Indian sports including kabaddi and kho kho -- tag team sports -- and yoga. Retired tennis pro Manisha Malhotra, a former Olympian and now talent scout, agreed that global sporting events can boost grassroots sports but worries India might deploy a "top-down" approach. "Big money will come in for the elite athletes, the 2036 medal hopefuls, but it will probably end at that," said Malhotra, president of the privately funded training centre, the Inspire Institute of Sport. Veteran sports journalist Sharda Ugra said India's underwhelming sports record -- apart from cricket -- was "because of its governance structure, sporting administrations and paucity of events". "So then, is it viable for us to be building large stadiums just because we are going to be holding the Olympics? The answer is definitely no." The Indian Olympic Association is split between two rival factions, with its president P.T. Usha admitting to "internal challenges" to any bid. After Los Angeles, Brisbane will stage the 2032 Games. The United States and Australia both have deep experience of hosting major sporting events, including previous Olympics. India has staged World Cups for cricket and the Asian Games twice, the last time in 1982, but it has never had an event the size of an Olympics. Many are skeptical it can successfully pull it off. The 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi were marked by construction delays, substandard infrastructure and accusations of corruption. Many venues today are in a poor state. "India will need serious repairing of its poor reputation on punctuality and cleanliness," The Indian Express daily wrote in an editorial. "While stadium aesthetics look pretty in PowerPoint presentations and 3D printing, leaking roofs or sub-par sustainability goals in construction won't help in India making the cut."