The Falcons are sticking with Kirk Cousins and may get a break thanks to a soft schedule
AP News Summary at 6:28 p.m. EST
1. A set of stick-on appliance sliders for anyone who ends up playing games of Appliance Tetris on their counters every morning — these padded, elevated sliders attach to the bottom of large gizmos, making it simple to ease them across counters (and prevent them from getting wet at the bottom if water spills nearby)! Check out a TikTok of the appliance sliders in action. Promising review : "These are a game changer! I have some heavy appliances like my espresso machine and reverse osmosis filter that I hate to pull out to fill with water. These tiny sliders have been incredible! Immediately better, and so far (about three months in) no issues at all. Still gliding!" — sara Get a set of 24 from Amazon for $9.99 (available in five sizes). 2. A snap-on pasta strainer to free your pasta from its hot juices straight from the pot, and spare you storage space to boot. (Is it just me, or are colanders always in the business of being exactly in the way of whatever it is you need?) Psst — these are also a game changer for washing your fruit, too! Kitchen Gizmos is a small business that specializes in kitchen accessories. Promising review: "I've owned this for about six months, and I couldn't imagine cooking without it. I hate strainers. They are bulky and fill up the dishwasher. I'm lazy, whatever. This strainer is a lifesaver. Clip it on your pan, strain, and voila! And it is so easy to clean. A little hot water and it's good to go for the next round. I highly recommend this gadget. It will retire your current strainer. " — Viola Evens Get it from Amazon for $16.29 (available in four colors). 3. A set of adorable pastel "unbreakable" deep plates perfect for anyone who wants to be practical, but doesn't want to sacrifice on prettiness. These chic plates are unexpectedly lightweight, but are still dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe for up to three minutes. Promising review : "These are microwaveable and light to carry. Love the colors. Wish they were available in one color only, but I can’t complain. I primarily bought these for microwave purposes. But can be used for salads, hot soup, etc. Also it’s an in-between size like a medium. Just right for me." — M. Zolnosky Get a set of four from Amazon for $8.99 (also available as bowls !). 4. An internet-beloved OXO measuring cup with transparent measurements on the side *and* angled in the middle so you can see exactly how much you're measuring from a bird's-eye view. It also comes equipped with a soft grip handle and a deeply convenient angled nozzle, and is dishwasher-safe! Promising review: "Our old liquid measuring cups were beginning to get worn and very hard to read. I had seen these angled measuring cups before and wanted to give them a try, so I bought two (2-cup versions) to replace our existing cups. I've only gotten to use them a handful of times, but I can already tell you they are better than traditional measuring cups. In my opinion, this is the only way measuring cups should be made in the future." — SK Get it from Amazon for $10.95 . 5. A stainless-steel sandwich cutter and sealer for anyone with Uncrustables tastes and a mortal human budget. Now you can make your own at home in batches and freeze them — and better yet, customize them so they're stuffed with your favorite brands of peanut butter and jelly or meats and cheeses. It's an Uncrustable, but make it cheap and bougie. You can also freeze the leftover crusts to make bread pudding, French toast sticks, bread crumbs, and stuffing! Or just go to clown town and eat them right then. 😋 Promising review: "What a game changer for saving money compared to buying the Uncrustables in the store. They are ridiculously overpriced, and with this thing, you can make them at a fraction of the cost. It's really simple to use and works really well. Also, it's very easy to clean, although I would keep it out of the dishwasher to avoid rust. This thing crimps the edges of the bread really well, so there is no spillage or leakage. It works just as well with Nutella as it does with deli meats and cheeses. There's a little learning curve as far as where to put your ingredients, but once you get the hang of it, it's super easy." — Josh Fowler Get it from Amazon for $13.99 . 6. A reviewer-beloved veggie chopper to make you feel like a golden god in your kitchen — this gadget julienne, chops, spiralizes, and slices vegetables in an instant and has a built-in storage container to hold the chopped veggies so you can pour them into a pan or dish without any mess. Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Fullstar is a small business established in 2017 that specializes in kitchen gadgets. Promising review: "Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop, and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food, and it has a generous container. " — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.97 (clip the $5 off coupon on the product page for this price). 7. And a genius 2-in-1 knife and cutting board perfect for all your quick chopping needs that don't require a whole production of cutting boards. This scissor-like contraption lets you slice against a flat surface for easier use, then slide your veggies into a bowl or on top of a dish in a flash. Ronan is a small business that specializes in multipurpose tools for home use. Promising review: "This is a kitchen must-have. We use it all the time — it's so easy to use that even our kids use it. Very durable blade that continues to perform and get value for your money." — Dawn R. Get it from Amazon for $15.99 . 8. A rectangular lazy Susan to turn you into a legitimate fridge wizard by holding *way* more than the traditional round version. This features 360-degree rotation, so when you install it in the fridge, you can easily access condiments and foods at the "back" by spinning them closer to yourself. No more accidentally dumping pickle jars on your unsuspecting feet!! Check out a TikTok of the rectangular Lazy Susan in action. Promising review : "This thing is great! It is sturdier if it has a lot of weight on it or at least if the weight is evenly distributed. Totally helps to keep from 'losing things' at the back of the fridge. I'm buying three more as gifts." — Reviewer Get it from Amazon for $24.99 . 9. A ring can opener , because holy SMOKES can those be annoying to open. Reviewers swear by this for getting a quick and easy grip without wrecking their nails or cutting themselves on the edges of the lid. It's also a super handy tool for people with arthritis and joint pain. Promising review : "It does the job it's supposed to do. I was cutting my hand trying to open cans. This allows me to get a better grip on the little loopy thing, and gives me leverage to open the can." — P. Alscher Get it from Amazon for $6.98 . 10. A delightfully efficient wooden bread bow knife to get you easy, perfectly sliced cuts of thick breads like sourdough loaves and baguettes every time. Your fancy sandwich game is about to get out of control. Check out a TikTok of the bread bow knife in action. Promising review: "I recently purchased a bread knife, and it has become an essential tool in my kitchen. The serrated blade effortlessly slices through various types of bread, providing clean and even cuts. The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, making it easy to maneuver. It’s a reliable and efficient addition to my kitchen arsenal , highly recommended for anyone who loves fresh, perfectly sliced bread ." — Mykayla Stump Get it from Amazon for $19.99 . 11. A revolving spice rack complete with 20 matching jars already labeled and filled with spices — truly an item so functional that you'd bring a small tear to Ina Garten's eye. Extreme bonus: this product comes with a code to get free refills on the spices for FIVE CALENDAR YEARS. This includes whole allspice, mustard seed, marjoram, black pepper, basil, garlic salt, coriander, caraway seed, dill weed, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, thyme, rosemary, savory, oregano, parsley, bay leaves, crushed mint, celery salt, and pizza seasonings. That's a whole lot of spiced deliciousness for one price. Promising review: "Do I feel like a chef!?! I have never owned a spice rack before. I totally forgot that this one came with the spices included, as well as, a code for refills (you just pay shipping). I love this sleek chrome design. It looks great on my counter." — Heather Get it from Wayfair for $40.72 (originally $60). 12. A handy brownie dividing pan so you can flex during the next cozy movie night by presenting your friends with perfectly crisp-on-the-outside, gooey-on-the-inside brownies all in uniform sizes and shapes. Those chumps with ordinary pans could NEVER. Um, I'm obsessed with this pan. I make those gooey three-layer brownies that are cookie dough on the bottom, Oreos in the middle, and either brownie or Nutella on top , and I famously underbake them because salmonella doesn't apply to me. Which is to say, usually when I make these it's a big gooey mess and my friends have to dig in with a spoon and it's less inviting for guests to take one. With this tray it was SO easy to put the batter in, stick the divider on top, and bake individual small bars. it was completely nonstick, and it was easy to pull the divider out once everything was cooked. The uniform brownies were a huge hit at a party! Get it from Amazon for $24.99 . 13. A set of "wine wands" to remove sulfates and histamines from your beloved cheap Pinots in as little as three minutes, basically making "not getting a hangover" your new superpower. Read more about sulfite allergies and wine at Cleveland Clinic . PureWine is a small business that specializes in wine accessories. Promising review: "What a difference these have made in my life. With my allergies, it was impossible to enjoy a glass or two of wine without nasty side effects: stuffy nose, red face, and headaches. Now, I can have a glass of wine and not have to dart to a package of antihistamine! Makes a great gift. Even thinking of splitting a box into stocking stuffers. Each wand is individually wrapped. Have purchased these several times and will continue to do so." — KellyH Get a set of three from Amazon for $11.99 . 14. A set of fast-acting Keurig cleaner pods you can simply put through a cycle on the machine to get rid of all the crusted-on grinds and residue that are *definitely* affecting the taste of your coffee, even if you haven't noticed over time. Quick & Clean is a small business that specializes in coffee machine cleaning products. Promising review: "I had no idea that cleaning a Keurig was a thing. I bought these because I saw them on TikTok, believe it or not. I wanted to give it a go because my Keurig isn’t that old and I didn’t think it would do anything. IT WORKS SO WELL! My Keurig wasn’t as nasty as some I’ve seen, lucky. I would highly recommend, keeps everything running correctly and clean ." — Lauren Get a set of six from Amazon for $9.95 . 15. And a set of universal reusable K-cup pods so not only will you cut down on environmental waste, but you can get reeeeal picky about exactly what blends you're brewing into your beloved cuppa every morning. We are all officially getting too old not to have Annoyingly Specific Coffee Preferences, and this is here to help us on that journey. Promising review: "Works great for my Keurig. I feel better not throwing away all those pods! Love the pod measuring scoop! The pods work great and are easy to use and clean. I just open the pod top and tap the bottom of the pod over the garbage to empty. Great value for money." — Kindle Customer Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.95 (also available with a scoop). 16. A slim organizer tray for your cutlery to save you so much drawer space that you'll feel like you just opened an extra pocket in the time-space-fork continuum. No more jamming the messy drawer shut and praying it stays that way, y'all! Here's what BuzzFeeder Chelsea Stuart has to say about it: " I'm a little embarrassed about how often I think about it. For the first week we owned it, my boyfriend and I both commented daily on what a smart design it is, how much room it freed up in our drawer, and how we wished we knew about it sooner. If you — like me — are at that stage in your late 20s where practical, problem-solving products put a ridiculously wide smile on your face, I'm sure you'll love it." Promising review : "New way to organize your silverware that has a sleek design. TikTok made me buy this! It’s a perfect design to not have as much clutter in your drawer. Great for ADHD people to see exactly what silverware is in which slot with the tiny pictures indicating a knife a spoon a fork!" — Haley Lutz Get it from Amazon for $9.69 . 17. A handy dandy condiment fork with a holder you can wrap right around a jar of olives or pickles so it'll always be at your disposal when you suddenly *need* a pickle but don't want to put your hands in the jar. This is also great for late-night snacking shenanigans, since you won't wake up half the house looking for a clean fork. Check out a TikTok of the condiment fork in action. Promising review : "Great kitchen item. Forks are great to get pickles out of the jar, but if you have kids/lazy people (lol) you know that dirty hands are going into that jar. 😉 This has really prevented that from happening . It comes with two different rings to fit whatever size jar, a stabber holder, and a stabbing stick." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $6.99 . 18. " Ever Toast ," a wildly clever plate for toast and grilled sandwiches that keeps your meal elevated so it doesn't get all soggy on the bottom. Now you can take your time eating your toasted grub get that oh-so-satisfying CROOONNNCHHH in every bite. Ever Toast is a small business that specializes in unique dinner plates. Promising review : "GENIUSSSSS. Thiss product is NECESSARY if you hate soggy sandwiches, pizzas, waffles! Works great, keeps everything crispy and toast, we love it here! And for two plates it's a great price!" — Paolo Rivas Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.99 . 19. A collapsible Magic Mushroom funnel so you can feel like an enchanted forest nymph while you funnel your coffee, wine, baking ingredients, or mystical potions. Check out a TikTok of the magic mushroom funnel in action. Promising review: "I am obsessed with this funnel!!! I juice a lot of citrus and juices for cocktails, and this little guy is the perfect size for bottling. It’s beyond cute and really great quality . I’m always hesitant about buying silicone items, as I don’t want them to be too thin. This is perfect! Sturdy and cute! Can’t get better than that! The perfect addition to any cottagecore kitchen! " — Abbey Klem Get it from Amazon for $13.95+ (available in two sizes). 20. A Mason jar-inspired cold brew coffee maker to save you (*crunches numbers*) one bajillion dollars at coffee shops, and a whole lot of time to boot. All you have to do is put your favorite coffee grounds in this pitcher and let them steep overnight. Be the cool, aloof barista with amazing cold brew on tap you want to see in the world! Promising review : "Smooth coffee. This is the best way to have coffee without the acid and still have the caffeine. Easy to use and so much cheaper than buying cold brew coffee. I have bought several over the years for friends. I’ve owned mine now for four years and still love it." — Terry Get it from Amazon for $19.49+ (available in 16 colors, two sizes, and three styles). 21. A leaf-shaped herb and kale stripper you can use for easy meal prepping when "all things delicious and green" are on the menu. It even features a curved edge for easy herb chopping. Promising review: "This is one of those random kitchen gadgets that you would never even think about existing, but it's brilliant! We grew kale in our garden, and I was spending way too much time cutting the leaves off the stems, then I stumbled across this tool being suggested on a blog. I immediately ordered one and was very impressed! It saves me so much time stripping those leaves. I also use it for rosemary, oregano, and other herbs ." — Elaine S. Get it from Amazon for $5.95 . 22. A cleverly designed 3-in-1 gap cleaning brush that anyone with an emotional support water bottle (or 10) needs immediately. This gets all the trapped gunk in your water bottle's lid and other crevices out super fast and effectively, so you can sip your bevvies without a side of "ick." Promising review : "I have a number of Yeti and other lidded mugs, cups, and glasses I use at the office and clean out in the communal break room sink . I could see a buildup that I just couldn’t get to in the lids, and it was grossing me out! This little tool does the trick! It gets in between the rubber ridges in the rings, all around the lip of the cups and lids, and cleans everything from milk residue to lipstick smudges. I have been using it five days a week for several weeks now, and no signs of wear on the tool. Cleans up great, dries well, does the job." — Alfie Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in six colors and multipacks). 23. A foaming garbage disposal cleaner you can plop into your sink, run a little water on, and let its blue magic fizz its way up to the top while clearing out all the gunk from your culinary adventures in one go. Promising review: "Saw on TikTok (don’t judge) and automatically added to cart. So easy to use, takes probably a minute to fully bubble up and clean, and you’re left with a clean sink! I use with other drain cleaning products, but would 100% recommend for weekly maintenance." — Jessica Hamilton Get a four-pack from Amazon for $3.78 . 24. A magnetic microwave cover perfect for anyone whose Panera soup obsession is a little *too* well documented over every surface inside of their microwave. This conveniently sticks to the top of your microwave so you can pop it right off whenever you're looking to tear up some broccoli cheddar on a wild Tuesday night. Hover Cover is a small business that specializes in microwave covers for home kitchen use. Check out a TikTok of the microwave cover in action. Promising review: "If you live in a small space like I do, this will seriously change your life. No longer do I have to struggle to find somewhere to put my cover if I'm heating up a cup of coffee. Just attach it to the roof of your microwave. Hopefully, you have a flat surface; check before you buy. There is a slight learning curve as to where to put it or the force or lack thereof needed, but after a couple of times, it's second nature. Love, love, love this product. I'm probably going to get some for Christmas presents next year, it's one of those items that you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself, but it will change your life ." — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $22.94 (also available in two-packs). 25. A set of dishwasher-cleaning tablets you can pop into a cycle with your dirty dishes to wipe out all the extra grime and that funky smell you can never seem to get rid of no matter how hard you try. You don't even need to scrub — these do all the work for you! Promising review: "Saved me from buying a new dishwasher! I have to admit that I was skeptical that this product was actually going to do anything. I’ve noticed my dishwasher wasn’t cleaning dishes very well lately, and I did everything I could to get it working properly again, but was ready to finally give up and buy a new dishwasher . I bought these tablets thinking they were designed to eliminate odors, but I was willing to give them a shot before buying a whole new dishwasher. I put one in the bottom of the dishwasher last night per the instructions and woke up to completely clean dishes for the first time in weeks. They look perfect. I don’t know why these tablets work but they absolutely did and I am a happy customer!" — B. Turner Get a six-pack from Amazon for $8.98 . 26. A flowerpot-shaped lemon juicer designed to flex on all your other kitchen tools — it's not only really good at its job, but it looks gosh darn adorable doing it. Promising review: "Cute, quirky, and fun to use! Lemonade is quickly made. It looks so good I leave it on the counter." — Stephaniep Get it from Amazon for $14.90 . 27. A wineglass-washing dishwasher attachment that keeps your glassware nice and secure so you can continue to have your "pretending I'm Olivia Pope while holding a glass of wine and yelling at the president" Friday nights with your favorite glasses safe and squeaky clean. Wine Wash Co. is a woman-owned small business that specializes in dishwasher attachments. Promising review: "I had a hard time finding wine glass holders for my dishwasher . My previous dishwasher had built-in holders, but my current dishwasher does not . I got tired of having wine glasses break during dishwashing cycles. These holders are sturdy and fit the bill for standard glasses. They can fold up when not in use. I would not use them for expensive Waterford crystal wine glasses, but they are perfect for everyday glasses. A must-have for wine drinkers! " — Alicia Get a set of four from Amazon for $15 . 28. A GarlicZoom garlic chopper perfect for anyone out here who doesn't measure garlic with a recipe, but with their heart (and all their other organs, probably). This teensy gadget easily minces and dispenses garlic without the hullabaloo of a cutting board and knife, saving you prep time *and* cleanup time. Promising review: "I never thought I'd find a garlic chopper that would change my life, but the Chef'n GarlicZoom did just that! The compact size makes it easy to store, and the best part? No more smelly hands! The odor-free hands feature is a game changer. All in all, if you're looking for a kitchen tool that will make your life easier, the GarlicZoom XL is the way to go!" — Cheryl S. Get it from Amazon for $18 (available in three sizes). 29. An "Angry Mama" microwave cleaner that uses vinegar and water to blow hot steam into your microwave oven and loosen up all the old food and stains in a mere seven minutes (approximately two Lizzo songs, if anyone's keeping track). Check out a Tiktok of the "Angry Mama" microwave cleaner in action. Promising review: "This product is so amazing, I'm going to get one for all of my children. I am a teacher, and I let my students use my microwave. Usually it takes me half an hour of scrubbing after 31 students have made popcorn, and heated up lunches. This time I used the product, and I literally spent less than one minute just wiping down the microwave!!! I will now keep one in my classroom, and one at my home. A miracle product that actually does what it says, remarkable!!!" — Desiree Barlow Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in four styles). 30. An under-cabinet lid opener for anyone who doesn't feel like playing another rousing game of "knock on the neighbor's door to see if someone can open this damn Nutella jar" (don't look at me!!). This is also an excellent space saver compared to other manual lid openers, and causes way less wrist strain! Check out BuzzFeed's overview of the EZ Off Jar Opener . Promising review: "I saw this item on TikTok. Yeap. I am so glad I got it! I have trouble opening jars and bottles and this has been awesome. It works great. I followed the suggestion from other reviewers and installed it under the cabinet with the bottom of the ‘V’ facing away from the wall. You will have to twist the bottle counterclockwise. This method works well. I haven’t had to use the little screws. I definitely recommend this item! It is wayyyyy better than the silicone grips. " — Mariposista Queen Get it from Amazon for $15.99 . 31. A six-piece utensil set carousel to add a touch of ~whimsy~ to your meal prep when you stash and grab all your tools like they're on a handy merry-go-round. This is also a great space-saving hack for people with limited drawer space! Check out a TikTok of the carousel in action. Each set includes a solid spoon, slotted spoon, ladle, slotted turner, flexible turner, tongs, and a carousel storage stand. Promising review: "Another great buy from Joseph Joseph . I have had this for a year, and still love it as much as I did the first day I put it out. It has all of the utensils I need and looks very neat and tidy on the countertop. The utensils hold up really well, too. If you’re thinking about it, just get it." — Aly Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in 10 styles). 32. A microwave cooling caddy that doesn't get hot so you can pop your grub out of the microwave without waiting for it to cool down or grabbing oven mitts. Especially important when several humans need the microwave and you can't be lingering there waiting for your soup bowl to be grab-able. Handy Gourmet is a small business that specializes in home and kitchen products. Promising review: "Who would have guessed how much easier this product makes getting hot items out of the microwave? This makes the retrieval much safer for me. I have hand problems and gripping this tool makes the removal steadier and safer without getting burns. I recommend!" — Envy's Opinion Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three colors). 33. A set of reusable Gripstic bag sealers , which are sticks that clamp over open snack bags to make sure they're genuinely sealed and airtight. (We cannot risk letting our beloved Cheez-Its get stale!!) These also save a lot of space compared to regular chip clips, and are safer considering there isn't a spring that could either wear out or break on you in the middle of sealing something. 😬 Gripstic is a small business that specializes in reusable chip clips. Promising review: "I'm a stickler about stale chips and have always used those little snapping clips. I thought they worked pretty well, but they really don't compare to Gripsticks. The snack that proved this the most was Pirate's Booty. If these are exposed to air for more than three minutes, they turn into styrofoam peanuts . I promise they're just as fresh as when you first open them with Gripsticks. They're going to be my go-to chip clips moving forward. " — Rachel Campbell Get a set of 24 from Amazon for $23.95 (available in five sets). 34. A penguin-shaped egg cooker and holder that makes it ridiculously easy to make easy-, medium-, and hard-boiled eggs on the stove, *plus* keep them safe afterward. No more sticking your eggs back in the fridge and confusing them for the raw ones anymore — you can just pop the little penguins in there for storage. Promising review : "Bought this for a serotonin boost because it’s ridiculously cute . Little did I know how utterly functional it is . No more cracking eggs while dropping them into the pot, no more fishing them out, no more putting them back into the damp cardboard carton where they inevitably are forgotten right next to the equally neglected bag of spring mix. Just in the pot, out the pot, into the fridge where they cutely greet me every time I open the door. Gives me five seconds of joy every time. Highly recommend." — Kitty M. Get it from Amazon for $19.90 (also available in a bear version ). 35. A set of chic brushed finish stick-on kitchen towel hooks so you don't have to settle for hanging them from a cabinet or the handle of a dishwasher or oven, where they'll inevitably fall on the yucky floor. Promising review: "I don't like hanging my towel on the cabinet doors, as they are too low to ground for me. I needed something small to fit in the area by kitchen sink and this worked perfectly. It's easy to slide a towel in and it sticks really well. It's cute and small, so it's not really noticeable. Perfect." — VMS Get a set of four from Amazon for $14.99 . 36. A set of convenient suctioning "Food Cubby" dividers to portion out plates so food, sauces, and dressings don't co-mingle — perfect for picky eaters young *and* old who would rather pretend that we don't live in a world where broccoli and mac 'n' cheese are occasionally allowed to touch. Check out a TikTok of the food cubby in action. Food Cubby is a small business specializing in family-friendly kitchen accessories. Promising review: "I love these! Even as an adult, I hate my food touching. Thought they might keep things apart but not juices or things, but they really stick to the plate, and the meat juice doesn't run into the salad. It saves me from having different plates for each food. I wish I had these a long time ago." — Superbeckee Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99. 37. A Crack'em egg cracker and spoon rest reviewers swear by for getting perfectly cracked, shell-free eggs every time. A lot of parents in particular mention how great it is for kids to use when they're baking and cooking as a fam! Crack'em is a veteran-owned small business established in 2013 that specializes in family-friendly kitchen accessories. Check out a TikTok of the egg cracker in action. Promising review: "I absolutely cannot believe I'm doing this. I got this because I am ALWAYS having to pick out the shell when I crack an egg, whether for breakfast or my baking. Since buying this, I have cracked dozens of eggs without ANY shells in it. To say I am happy is an understatement. If you don't have one you should rush to get one. We are going to get them for wedding gifts when we know that the couple loves to do their own cooking. Kudos to whoever thought of this. It works perfectly, every time. " — Edwin Myers Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in six colors and three-packs). 38. A "Magic Tap" automatic drink dispenser as the ultimate parent hack — this battery-operated, spillproof system easily slides into jugs of water, milk, and juice in your fridge to make it easy for kids to serve themselves. Essentially it means a whole lot more independence for the kiddos, and a WHOLE lot more convenience for you. Check out a TikTok of the drink dispenser in action. Promising review: "Super happy with this purchase. Our two little ones (5- and 3-years-old) can now easily fill their own drinks. We also purchased a dual cereal dispenser from Amazon, so now the kids can get their own breakfast cereal with milk!" — April M. Ramos Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors and in multipacks). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67 on Sunday. Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the Tigers (8-1), and Josh Gray grabbed a team-leading 10 rebounds. Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The Jayhawks (7-2) have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night. Missouri opened a 57-33 lead with 14:15 remaining on a jump shot from Tony Perkins. But the Jayhawks outscored the Tigers 30-8 over the next 11:55. Bates scored 18 to help Missouri to a 39-25 lead at the break. The Tigers then opened the second half with a 16-6 run. NO. 2 AUBURN 98, RICHMOND 54 AUBURN, Ala. (AP) — Miles Kelly and Tahaad Pettiford each scored 15 points as No. 2 Auburn beats Richmond. Bouncing back nicely after a loss at Duke , Auburn (8-1) had six players score in double figures. Chad Baker-Mazara had 13 points, six rebounds and five assists. Denver Jones made three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points. Johni Broome had 11 points, six assists and two blocks for the Tigers. Jahki Howard scored a career-high 13 points. Richmond (4-5) was led by Mikkel Tyne’s 16 points. Dusan Neskovic scored 12, and DeLonnie Hunt added 10 points. NO. 8 PURDUE 83, MARYLAND 78 WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Braden Smith had 24 points and 10 assists, and No. 8 Purdue held off Maryland for a win. Trey Kaufman-Renn scored 21 points for the Boilermakers (8-2, 1-1 Big Ten), who bounced back after a loss to Penn State on Thursday. Camden Heide added 15 points and Fletcher Loyer finished with 12. Derik Queen led the Terrapins (8-2, 1-1) with 26 points on 11-of-18 shooting and grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds. Ja’Kobi Gillespie scored 18 points and Selton Miguel and Rodney Rice each had 13. Julian Reese fouled out with five points and seven rebounds. Purdue used an 8-0 run to take a 77-67 lead with 2:00 left. Smith sparked the run with a 3-pointer. Heide made three late foul shots to help close it out. The Terrapins led 36-31 at halftime. Both teams made 13 of 35 shots in the first half, but the Terrapins had three more 3-pointers NO. 14 CINCINNATI 84, HOWARD 67 CINCINNATI (AP) — Simas Lukosius scored 18 points, Aziz Bandaogo added 17 and Dillon Mitchell 14 to lead No. 14 Cincinnati to a victory over Howard. Cincinnati (7-1) led by four points after one half and came out firing in the second, hitting three straight baskets to extend its lead to 10 points. The Bearcats outscored Howard Bison (3-6) 48-35 in the second half to seal the win and rebound from Tuesday’s eight-point loss to Villanova. Blake Harper had 23 points and 10 rebounds and Marcus Dockery added 14 points for Howard. NO. 22 TEXAS A&M 72, TEXAS TECH 67 FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Wade Taylor IV scored 19 points, Zhuric Phelps hit a go-ahead 3-pointer during an 11-0 run and finished with 12 points, and 22nd-ranked Texas A&M beat Texas Tech in the first meeting of the former conference rivals since 2012. Phelps’ 3 with 7 1/2 minutes left made it 54-52 and put the Aggies (8-2) ahead to stay. His step-back jumper after hard contact with Tech’s Kevin Overton capped the game-turning spurt. Jace Carter scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half as Texas A&M won its fourth straight game. Chance McMillian had 23 points with five 3s for Tech (7-2). Overton scored 14 of his 17 points before halftime, when he hit four 3s.The broadcaster’s former technology correspondent, 66, was formally made an OBE by the Princess Royal for his services to journalism on Wednesday. Cellan-Jones announced in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and he has since contributed to a podcast, Movers And Shakers, discussing life with the disease. Discussing the success of the podcast, which also features Jeremy Paxman, Cellan-Jones told the PA news agency: “It’s been an absolute scream. “We’ve had the most extraordinary reaction from the Parkinson’s community. “There is a community which felt absolutely left out in the cold and this award was for services to journalism, but I can’t help but think that maybe that played some part too.” Cellan-Jones said he talked to Anne about fundraising for Parkinson’s and how technology could possibly be used to monitor the disease. The journalist added: “She showed real interest in it. “Mike Tindall, whose father’s got it, is very active in fundraising – so we talked about that.” Cellan-Jones said the OBE was “very unexpected when it came”, adding that he felt “very privileged”. He said his rescue dog from Romania, named Sophie, was “making slow progress” after becoming a social media sensation with thousands of people following her recovery online. Speaking at Buckingham Palace, Cellan-Jones said several courtiers had asked after Sophie, adding: “She’s still incredibly nervous. She’s waiting at home, she wouldn’t have liked it here – a bit too busy. “She’s making slow progress, but she’s wonderful, and she’s been very important to us.” Earlier on Wednesday, broadcaster Alan Yentob, 77, was formally made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) by the King for services to the arts and media. The retired television executive, who was born in Stepney, London, joined the BBC as a trainee in 1968. He devised the flagship arts programme Imagine..., which he presented on, and was creative director of the broadcaster from 2004 until 2015. Yentob stepped down from the role in the wake of the collapse of the charity Kids Company, where he was chairman. The broadcaster said Charles had been “incredibly supportive” of him. Discussing Charles, Yentob told the PA news agency: “He’s been incredibly supportive, as I said to him, on many fronts, including the fact that I was the chairman of Kids Company, and he was incredibly supportive of that in the most difficult times. “And I think the way he’s come out about his illness, and the way the Princess of Wales has too, has been admirable.” Yentob said it would be “reckless” to not support the BBC, adding “it’s a place which embraces everyone”. The broadcaster added: “If you look at the figures, it’s still doing well, even though a very substantial part of its income has been removed.” Roxy Music lead guitarist Phil Manzanera, 73, was formally made an OBE by the Princess Royal for his services to music. His most well-known band, featuring singer Bryan Ferry, is famed for hits such as Love Is The Drug and More Than This – topping the singles charts once with a cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy. Discussing the honour, Manzanera told the PA news agency: “It’s very moving and humbling to be amongst all these people who do absolutely incredible things. “But, obviously, I am very happy to get it for services to music and music production, because I think music helps us all in our lives in terms of improving the fabric of our lives, and it’s a great support for so many people.” The musician said he discussed his upbringing in South America and central America with Anne, having grown up in Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba. Manzanera said Anne told him that her father, Prince Philip, “once flew a Viscount plane to Caracas airport”. He said his upbringing was central to his musicianship, adding: “It’s in my DNA, the rhythms of South America. “And the musicians that we’ve all come to know through the Buena Vista Social Club were the kind of music that I started playing guitar with. “It wasn’t Bert Weedon’s Play in a Day for me, it was the music of Cuba.” Actress Shobna Gulati, 58, was formally made an MBE for services to the cultural industries, Scottish professional golfer Stephen Gallacher, 50, was made an MBE and former Arup deputy chairwoman Dervilla Mitchell, 66, received a damehood for services to engineering.
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How Trump's policies could lead to a resurgence of industrial stocks: Top picks for 2025CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami probably was one win away from getting into the College Football Playoff. Iowa State definitely was one win away. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami probably was one win away from getting into the College Football Playoff. Iowa State definitely was one win away. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami probably was one win away from getting into the College Football Playoff. Iowa State definitely was one win away. Their consolation prize of sorts: playing one another. The Hurricanes and Cyclones — a meteorological matchup — have accepted bids to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, to be played Dec. 28 in Orlando, Florida. Iowa State (10-3) is looking for its first 11-win season in the program’s 133-year history, and Miami (10-2) is seeking its first 11-win season since 2003. Miami’s loss at Syracuse to close the regular season wound up being the game the Hurricanes could point to as the reason they missed out on the CFP. Iowa State could have played its way in and lost the Big 12 title game to CFP-bound Arizona State on Saturday. “I think everyone that doesn’t get in feels disappointment,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “We feel the onus of just doing better. Just do better, go forward, have an opportunity to get better.” It’s essentially the same task for both teams: regrouping after seeing the playoff slip away. “I think that’s what’s made Iowa State football really special is our ability to have great resiliency,” Cyclones coach Matt Campbell said. “And I know our kids are super-excited about the opportunity to finish off. Obviously (Saturday) was disappointing. But this group and this football team has the opportunity to just continue to fight.” A big question for Miami: whether quarterback Cam Ward will play. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The likely Heisman Trophy finalist has thrown for 155 touchdown passes in his career at Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami. That’s tied for the most by anyone in Division I (FBS and FCS) history; Case Keenum threw 155 in his career at Houston. Many draft-bound players not in the playoff will be opting out of bowl games over the coming weeks. There’s been no indication from Miami yet that Ward or any other draft-bound player has made a decision. “I think it’s important that our guys, anyone playing and closing out the season, understands the importance of that next step for a program like ours,” Cristobal said. “And I think our guys do.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Advertisement Advertisement
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A larger number of new businesses entered the Australian market in 2023-24 and Liberty has flexible business loans to help them grow. MELBOURNE CITY CENTRE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / December 9, 2024 / Despite a challenging economy, recent ABS data shows an increase of more than 70,000 Australian businesses in 2023-24. The three industries with the largest percentage increase were transport, postal and warehousing; healthcare and social assistance; and financial and insurance services. Having supported business owners for more than two decades, leading lender Liberty understands that the establishment phase of a business can be critical to its future growth and market competitiveness. According to Manager - Group Communications Kate Jenkinson, businesses often seek funding through business loans to ensure they're ready to go from day one - regardless of industry. "While it can be challenging for new entrants to establish themselves and get their business rolling, a business loan could provide cash flow support to help them reach their goals sooner," Ms Jenkinson said. Access to business funding can help to set business owners up for success by covering initial expenses associated with starting a new business, such as equipment, staffing and supplies. Liberty says a business loan could also help already established businesses scale up and make the most of any opportunities that arise. "A loan could help grow a business by expanding its operations, upgrading equipment, or taking advantage of investments to take it to the next level," Ms Jenkinson said. As a free-thinking and agile lender, Liberty takes a personalised approach to helping businesses of all shapes and sizes find solutions based on their individual needs. Ms Jenkinson says Liberty business loans could benefit both SMEs and larger businesses in any industry. "Small businesses or self-employed borrowers could access alternative income verification with our low doc loan. Or our flexible business loan might help a growing business to access funds without mortgage security," said Ms Jenkinson. Liberty looks holistically at each borrower to find tailored solutions and has supported Australians on their lending journeys for nearly 30 years. About Liberty As one of Australia's leading non-bank lenders, Liberty offers innovative solutions to support customers with greater choice. Over more than 27 years, this free-thinking approach to loan solutions has seen more than 850,000 customers across a wide range of home, car, business and personal loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance. Liberty remains the only non-bank lender with an investment-grade credit rating offering custom and prime solutions to help more people get financial. Approved applicants only. Lending criteria apply. Fees and charges are payable. Liberty Financial Pty Ltd ACN 077 248 983 and Secure Funding Pty Ltd ABN 25 081 982 87 2 Australian Credit Licence 388133, together trading as Liberty Financial. CONTACT Kate Jenkinson Manager - Group Communications P: +61 3 8635 8888 E: mediaenquiries@liberty.com.au SOURCE: Liberty View the original on accesswire.comAn online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalition
KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Shelia Poole | (TNS) The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA — Holidays are a time for families and friends to gather, but for older people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, it can cause so much stress and confusion that they could be in danger of what experts calls wandering. Related Articles Health | Millions will see rise in health insurance premiums if federal subsidies expire Health | Health officials say Louisiana patient is first severe bird flu case in US Health | What’s behind rising autism rates: A broader definition of autism and better screening Health | Most US teens are abstaining from drinking, smoking and marijuana, survey says Health | An Alabama woman is doing well after the latest experimental pig kidney transplant “I would say around the holiday time is the biggest challenge for people with dementia,” said Kim Franklin, senior manager of programs and services at the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. “Schedules are changing, people are traveling, families are coming together and friends are coming over. There’s a lot of chaos going on and that can cause a person to wander. They want to get away. It’s hard for them to process what’s happening.” The Alzheimer’s Association reports 72% of dementia patients who wander are found alive by the next day. Alerting 911 as soon as the person goes missing is critical. The odds of survival decrease as more time passes. Angel Alonso, president of Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery based in Gwinnett County, said the vast majority — between 60% and 70% — of the 30 to 40 calls the nonprofit received last year involved people with the disease. The GESAR is a volunteer-driven organization that works with law enforcement to find people who have gone missing, including children, people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, and people lost during major disasters. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Vice President John Clark, who is also volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. For caregivers and loved ones, a relative who goes missing is devastating. Two of Clark’s grandparents had dementia, so he gravitated to search and rescue to help other families and caregivers keep their loved ones safe. He’s consulted with police departments across metro Atlanta on the best ways to find people with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can cause people to lose their ability to recognize people and places that are familiar. According to the Alzheimer’s Association there are often warning signs that a person might wander. Six in 10 people with dementia will wander during the course of the disease. That includes people returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. Or they may talk about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work or talk about going home even when they’re at home. Sometimes they become restless and pace or make repetitive movements. Clark recounted one call for help when a family reported a missing relative, but they insisted she couldn’t have gone far because of a bad knee that limited her to walking no further than the mailbox. Searchers found the missing woman 7 miles from home. Even those who have never shown an interest in wandering might start without warning. Dan Goerke is fortunate. His late wife, Diane, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2012, once went missing from the car of a caregiver. The caregiver had stopped for an errand. Diane had waited alone in cars as people ran errands before. But this time, when the caregiver returned, Diane was gone but her seat belt was still fastened. “It was like she disappeared into thin air,” said Goerke, who said he doesn’t blame the caregiver. Fortunately, she was found uninjured and nearby a short time later that same day. Goerke said it’s hard for caregivers to always be on guard for wandering. “We have so many things to juggle that’s not necessarily at the top of our minds. We have to manage medications, take them to doctor’s appointments, cook meals and taking care of things day to day,” he said. Clark said when searching for someone with dementia, one of the keys is to know what the person was like before their diagnosis. Often their long-term memories are still strong. They once found a woman who walked out of her home and went to where she used to shop and to her old job, although it had closed. Recently, GESAR unveiled a new tool to search for missing people: Maverick. An 8-month-old chocolate Labrador retriever, Maverick is in training to be part of the GESAR search and research team that will track missing people, including wandering dementia patients in metro Atlanta. In cases involving children and people with dementia, a dog’s personality can also be an asset. Labs like Maverick are friendly and affectionate, not imposing or threatening like some other breeds — and less likely to scare the person who is lost. Canines can be used in searches in both rural and urban areas. “He’s an asset,” said Maverick’s handler, Carmen Alonso. “His nose can pick up odors and track where a person has been that we might not think to go that direction.” At the Cobb County Police Department, Public Information Officer Sgt. Eric Smith said if dogs are needed to search for a wanderer they call the sheriff’s department, which has bloodhounds. “They’re not apprehension dogs so there’s little or no likelihood of a bite,” he said. Technology can also help, Smith said. Searchers can use drones and families can install technology on a person’s car to help locate it or use other kinds of trackable devices including on their phone. “We get so many Alzheimer’s calls,” said Clark, who is also a volunteer instructor with the Georgia Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most cases they’ve worked on have had favorable results, according to the Georgia Emergency Search and Recovery organization. No two searches are the same, said Sgt. Jeremy Blake of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. “When responding to calls for a missing person, the response is different than that of a fleeing suspect,” he wrote in an email. “The K-9s that are used to track missing persons are not trained in the apprehension of suspects. ... Often times, if the K-9 cannot locate the missing person, they can provide officers with a more accurate direction of travel than they may previously had.” Nearly 7 million U.S. residents age 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s according to the most recent Facts & Figures report . Of those, more than 188,000 Georgians ages 65 and older also have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter. There is a better chance of being found in urban environments because of a higher probability of a “good Samaritan” stepping in. Wanderers may give no forewarning. Often those with memory issues wander away during activities they’ve done safely in the past, such as shopping or sitting on a front porch. Some people who still drive can become disoriented and drive for miles away from home. According to the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, on average, half the calls for missing persons involve the elderly or someone with disabilities. Call 911 as soon as possible. Have a photograph available for first responders and an article of clothing to provide a scent for search dogs. Sharing what the missing person liked to do in prior years can be a key: Did they have a job they went to every day? Did they like to fish or go to a certain spot? Searchers will need to know the last time the person was seen to help determine how far a person might have wandered. (Source: Alzheimer’s Association and Cobb County Police Department.) ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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