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1. A remote organizer , perfect for keeping your various remotes, clickers, channel changers (whatever you call it in your house) in check so when your dad visits for the holidays and has grand plans to watch football he doesn't have to pester you to ask where it is while you're in the middle of making appetizers. You're only human if you don't know where your TV remotes are... ever. This contraption is perfect for storing remotes, house phones (if ya' have one), and even your cell phone if you want to really focus on what you're watching. Promising review: "This remote control holder is the best I’ve ever owned. Not only is it elegant and attractive, it is nice and lightweight, and has room for at least five remote controls, however depending on the thinness of the controllers, you could probably fit more in there. Since it basically just sits on a side table, I believe it’s made of quality material, and will last a very long time. It matched my decor perfectly, and looks exactly as pictured." — Nicole Cook Get it from Amazon for $24.44+ (available in three colors). 2. And a universal remote attachment in case your stash of remotes has managed to go awry (it's ridiculous that these days there are at least three you need to navigate to what you want to watch). This handy dandy attachment will help you get the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on before it begins with just your Fire TV remote. Sideclick is a small business! Promising review: "Before: three remotes, one for the screen (on/off), a separate one for the sound system (volume) and of course the fire stick remote. After: just the one convenient integrated unit. No more scrambling to find the which remote to do what I want, cause it's all right there in the one unit. I wish I'd have bought one years ago cause the multi-remote tango got old real fast." — Chapman B. Get it from Amazon for $29.99 (also available for Chromecast and Apple TV remotes) 3. Washable microfiber mop pads you can use with your Swiffer WetJet and finally stop spending so much money on disposable options — perfect for after gatherings where everyone inevitably tracks dirt throughout your home. One pad can last up to 100 washes and works on pretty much any surface, from wood to tile to stone. Turbo Mops is a small business! Promising review: "These are life-changing. I used a Rubbermaid spray mop for years that I never really loved, and when it broke, I got a Swiffer and was using the old Rubbermaid mop cloth pads with it still. They didn't fit the Swiffer great and I decided to get new ones. These scrub so much better and pick up way more dirt than my other mop pad. I have two dogs, and their dried water and drool are around the kitchen, and I used to have to scrub to get that up each time. Not with these pads! I never thought I'd swoon over a cleaning product, but...here we are :). " — JB Get a pack of two from Amazon for $18.99 . 4. A lidded charcuterie board , because what kind of host would you be without the perfect vessel for transporting an array of meats and cheeses to your guests? You can prep this one in advance, pop the cover on it, then serve it when the time is right. Promising review : "I bought these for a party and it was so easy to prep them and pop them into the fridge with the lid on. Same goes for staring leftovers afterward. It was also great to use for fresh fruit we cut up to enjoy all weekend. Looks lovely and is solid quality. " — AmJam Get it from Amazon for $35.99 . 5. A height-adjustable tray table because before you know it you'll have accumulated so many family members and friends for the holidays you'll need some overflow seating at-the-ready. Table-Mate is a small business that specializes in height-adjustable table trays. Promising review : "This table is exactly what I was looking for to be able use my mouse and keyboard for the computer while working from home. It’s plenty stable and easily moved to the side for storage or when I need to get up from the chair. I also use it as my lunch table and to hold my iPad when not on the computer." — sleuneberg Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in four colors). 6. A drink organizer and dispenser that'll help you live out your dreams of transforming your fridge into a majestic beverage haven (you know, just like the ones in convenience stores that seemingly have every drink known to man). Would it be so awful to fill the entire thing with Diet Cokes? Promising review: "This slides the drinks forward gently. It is adjustable and fits a variety of sizes. This is easy to assemble; it only took me a few moments. It keeps everything lined up nicely. I like how organized this makes my fridge look. The gears feel solid, but I'm not worried about it sitting on the glass shelf." — Jessie333 Get it from Amazon for $19.92 . 7. A set of clip-on dip bowls that'll transform any plate into a snack party — fill 'em with salsa alongside chips, ketchup with chicken fingers, ranch dressing paired with veggies... you catch my drift. Promising review: "These dip cups are easy to attach to your plates, filled with your favorite dipping sauces. No worries about them slipping off as they're sturdy. They're also dishwasher safe." — LJ Williams Get it from Amazon for $5.59 . 8. And a set of wineglass charcuterie toppers to make snacking on cheese and crackers a rather *~fabulous~* experience. Promising review : "These are so cute! I hosted a wine tasting at my house and the coasters fit into many different wine glasses. I had about three to four fairly decent size chocolates on top. These were a hit and everyone thought they were in a nice restaurant with the setup!!" — Melanie M. Get a set of four from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in a set of eight). 9. Espresso Martini Instant Cocktail Tea Bags that'll make tini time a lot easier to acheive instead of trying to whip up individual ones for each guest. All you'll need to do is steep the bag in cold water and a spirit of their choice (vodka or tequila is recommended, but it can also be made as mocktails) until the majority of the bag dissolves. Cheers to that! SAYSO is a small business! Promising review: "Initially thought these would need to steep in hot water, but they work in cold water. I like to let them steep around 10 minutes. Quick and delicious cocktails! I’ve tried all flavors but Old Fashioned, and that’s next. These are fantastic for cocktail lovers that camp. No heavy mixers to carry." — AnneF Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in six other cocktails and in a variety pack). 10. A bag of FryAway cooking oil solidifier — a seemingly magical substance you can sprinkle on top of your oily pan and watch as it turns to a solid. No more waiting ages for it to cool, having to grossly scrape it out of your pan with a paper towel, or accidentally clogging your pipes. Whip up your famed homemade cannoli shells, fill 'em, apply the FryAway, and clean your pan when you're done. FryAway is a US-based small business specializing in planet-friendly cooking waste solutions. Promising review: "I will always keep this stocked in my house! My husband sent me a TikTok, I know I know, and I thought it couldn't hurt to try it out. I loved after the first night! I could easily remove the hardened oil and throw it out." — Roberta Get it from Amazon for $9.97 . 11. Extra long oven mitts , so when you reach into your oven to remove the incredible-smelling turkey you've been cooking for hours, you won't risk burning your arms in the process. Promising review: "I absolutely love these oven mitts! It's one of those kitchen items that are a MUST, but always put off purchasing. I had a criteria of what I wanted in mitts and found them. The mitts do everything they say they do, and that's keeping my hands and arms safe. I highly recommend them." — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $21.99 (available in six colors). 12. A cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter with a flexible neck to light every candle in your house to create the *perfect* ambiance without concern you'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). 13. Pastel "unbreakable" deep plates you can use to serve up your festive feast without fear. No worries if your *very* enthusiastic cousin jumps out of their seat during the Lions/Cowboys Thanksgiving game and forgets they had a plate in their lap. They're also 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 $8.95 (also available as bowls !). 14. And a set of matching "unbreakable" rainbow glasses so everyone can sip on their fave holiday bev and you won't have to worry for a second about the moment someone inevitably drops their cup. It'll be way easier to clean up a spilled drink than a pile of glass, that's for sure. Promising review: "OK, so my favorite color is 'rainbow,' and I loved these little glasses the minute I saw them. They hold eight ounces easily without spilling a drop . I've washed them in the dishwasher many times, and they are still bright and shiny. My husband even likes them. I'm sure kids would find them just the right size and easy to use as well. Very durable." — Kameme Get a set of four from Amazon for $14.39 . 15. An instant-read digital thermometer , so you'll never have to guess "is my turkey cooked?" again. You can whip up a delicious meal without worrying about accidentally poisoning your guests. Promising review: "Ordered this about seven months ago. It works great for an instant read of a food's internal temperature. We use it all the time to check mostly meats, roast chicken, chicken breast, steak, pork roast, pork chops, salmon, etc. We want to make sure our food is cooked thoroughly to a safe minimum internal temperature so that nobody gets sick. With this, you don't have to overcook the food to be sure it's done. You can take it off the heat or out of the oven as soon as it gets to temp. This can be switched into Celsius or Fahrenheit." — Kathleen Get it from Amazon for $8.79 (clip the coupon on the product page to save 15%). 16. A pet hair remover with a unique patented brush design that'll let you invite guests to sit down without fear of them being covered head-to-toe in your dog's hair. ChomChom is a small business! You can also snag a mini version for on-the-go hair removal emergencies. BuzzFeed editor Jenae Sitzes adores this product: "I've been using the ChomChom for quite a while now, but I took the photos above literally just now to show just how quick, easy, and effective this roller is. It took 10 seconds to rid my velvet couch ottoman (yes, velvet...a terrible cat owner choice, I know) of the hair my two gray kitties are constantly leaving everywhere. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of using this roller — at first, I thought you only brushed down in one direction, and was confused why it wasn't picking up hair. It's important to do a push-and-pull brushing in *both* directions so it actually pulls the hair inside , which does require you to apply a bit of pressure. Afterward, you'll just dump out the hair that's been trapped inside. The ChomChom is best for large flat surfaces like couches and beds. Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in two colors). 17. And a pet stain and odor remover , so when your dog nephew gets a little too excited to be on vacation at your house for the holidays and decides to pee all over your rug, it's sort of OK. Promising review: "This is one product that really delivers. It was put to the test when our pup had several bouts of diarrhea on the cream/gray woven wool rug in our bedroom. The stains had several hours to soak in before we discovered them. I’ve posted both before and after photos. Although I had to spray and blot with a towel several times, the stains are virtually gone. The scent of Rocco & Roxie is pleasant and all traces of the nasty smell are gone. If you have an indoor pet, you NEED to buy this stuff. It cleans better than anything I’ve used before." — msgrafix Get it from Amazon for $19.48 . 18. A Bissell multipurpose portable cleaner you'll pat yourself on the back for buying when you see just how much dirt and gunk it pulls out of all the surfaces in your life — use it before *and* after having your guests over for Christmas. Promising review: "This vacuum is amazing. I first heard of it on TikTok, where people were using it to clean their stairs, mattresses, car seats, etc., and from the videos, it already looked amazing. But considering how dirty my dining chair cushions were, I was a little bit apprehensive and skeptical. I purchased the item and used it on my chairs for the first time and the results were SO AMAZING. Best vacuum I've ever used. I even bought a second one!" — Davina Get it from Amazon for $81.49 . 19. A Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker that'll have your mom's favorite drink ready in minutes — if she's happily caffeinated maybe she won't want to nag you about your menu for the evening. It heats up in 15 seconds and has a 40-ounce water tank so you don't have to fill it every morning. Promising review: "I like iced coffee with high caffeine. This fits the bill perfectly and is a joy to use and drink. My Starbucks monthly bill has come down considerably after buying this unit, and I'm ready to hit the ground running that much sooner in the morning. I especially enjoy the self cleaning feature and the ability to run it for smaller or larger cup sizes. Truly a premium product." — David T. Get it from Amazon for $164.50+ (available in three colors, plus in bundle options with the Aeroccino milk frother). 20. Plus some unique espresso cups if you're really looking to impress your guests when you serve coffee with dessert. Folk Ceramics is a small business. Promising review: "These cups are so great! The outer edges of the cup warm up after brewing coffee, but the temperature is comfortable for the hands. These cups have a unique design and I really enjoy every usage." — Great espresso cups Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.96+ (available in five colors). 21. A microwave bacon cooker that'll help you make up to 1 lb of bacon evenly and quickly, so when your extended family is over for Christmas morning brunch, you'll be able to focus on perfecting your eggs and mimosas instead. It's also dishwasher safe! SCS Direct is a small business! Promising review: "Such a simple concept and works amazingly well! I will never cook bacon any other way again. Made crispy, delicious bacon quickly with little to no zero mess in the microwave. You can fit a whole pound on it at once, but it does take longer to cook. I preferred to cook half a pound at a time for 8 minutes. Easy. Fast. Delicious.No mess. Love this product. " — Allysha Austin Get it from Amazon for $11.99 . 22. Wintry percale bed sheets in a *berry* cute print that'll make your guests feel right at home even if they're staying in your guest room during the holidays. This set from Rifle Paper Co. x The Company Store comes with a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two pillowcase shams. I've tried out these sheets in a different print and they've easily become my favorites. They always feel crisp and refreshing but still somehow are soft and cozy. If you're looking for something a little more whimsical they also have a Nutcracker print . Get it from The Company Store for $119+ (available in twin, full, and queen sizing). 23. A set of reusable Gripstic bag sealers , you'll cherish every time you re-open a bag of tortilla chips — no stale surprises here! These sticks clamp over open snack bags and ensure they're resealed super tightly — so if you decide to have a little snacky-snack on Christmas Eve before hosting the next day, you can still put them out for guests without them going stale overnight. 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 $17.95 (available in five sets). 24. A cord-concealing box to help you at long last banish the hot mess of cables lingering next to your TV setup. If your relatives bring little kids or pets over for the holidays it'll keep them out of harm's way as well. Promising review: "I bought it because I saw a woman on TikTok showcase something similar like this on her page (on how to keep a home tidy), and I was like, I HAD to buy! It’s wonderful! I have ALWAYS hated seeing all the clutter of cords stick out from cord extenders and having this makes my small place look cleaner and organized! I would recommend this for anyone!" — Chidi Get it from Amazon for $24.64+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 25. A robotic vacuum , because you and I both know you don't want to spend an evening trying to clean all the dirt and debris from your floors after you've just catered to guests all afternoon. Kick your feet up, watch the 24-hour replay of A Christmas Story, and let this lil' gadget do its thing. This robotic vacuum can easily move between hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets/rugs and can pick up all the accumulated dust, dirt, and hair while you go about your day. It has an infrared sensor to avoid knocking into obstacles (like furniture and walls) and drop-sensing tech so it won't fall down stairs and off ledges. And if it starts to run low on battery, it'll just return to its base for a recharge! Reviewers do recommend keeping stray items like socks and cords off the floor before running this. Promising review: "This robot vacuum is incredible! I have three dogs and a cat; this vacuum is a time saver. I run it each day, and it has done an incredible job of keeping pet hair, dirt, and debris picked up in my home. Works well on carpet, hardwood, and tile floors. Wish I had purchased it sooner!" — t. hampton Get it from Amazon for $129.99+ (also available in three other models). 26. A Clorox ToiletWand that you can use and then toss away — say SEE YA' to that gross toilet brush hiding in the corner of your bathroom. If you don't immediately get the urge to clean your toilet the second guests leave I'm not sure we can be friends. I own and cherish this product. It's a dream knowing the "brush" is fresh and hasn't been intimate with the inside of my toilet prior to my picking it up again. This set comes with the wand and 16 refills. Promising review: "The primary reason I decided to purchase the Clorox Toilet Wand was so I could clean under my toilet rims, which I noticed was definitely getting neglected via using the standard toilet brushes to clean. Initially, I was looking for a toilet brush that had the shape needed to actually GET under the rim, and that's how I found out about it. Now that I've used it... I can say without a doubt that I'll never go back to a regular brush. I like the cleanliness of the disposable brushes as opposed to a regular toilet brush. And I especially like that I don't have to purchase a second brush with a shape capable of cleaning under the rim, which not only takes up more space, but also would take more time given I'd have to switch back and forth and apply product. With this, I can just clean the entire pot in less than five minutes with the same tool." — Brittney Nelson Get it from Amazon for $18.99 . 27. A red wine stain remover , so you'll forever be prepared when you inevitably spill vino all over your favorite white shirt, couch, and carpet (typically all in one fell swoop) during the chaos of hosting for the holidays. Wine Away is a small business! Promising review: "I'm sure if I knew more about science and chemistry, I'd understand how this stuff works — but since I don't, I'll just assume that it is MAGIC. If you care at all about your carpet, you need to have a bottle of this on standby. Over the years, we've used it to make numerous wine and red juice stains vanish before our eyes. The effect reminds me of the novelty shop disappearing-ink gag from when I was a kid. Seriously, if you've never seen Wine Away in action, it's worth spilling a little Cabernet on your carpet just so you can see it vanish after a few spritzes. I honestly wouldn't believe how quickly this stuff works had I not seen it countless times with my own eyes." — DarthClem Get it from Amazon for $12.49 . 28. A veggie chopper you can use to dice onions in a flash — save your uncontrollable crying for the next time you watch It's a Wonderful Life. It can also spiralize, slice, and chop! Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Also! Fullstar is a small business! Promising reviews: "I use this almost every day. It cuts all kinds of veggies and cleans up easily. It's sharp enough to do baby carrots without much effort. For the price, it is worth it." — Carol Habas Get it from Amazon for $24.86 (available in four colors). 29. A mini 2-quart Crock-Pot that'll be the perfect size for tasty dips (queso, anyone?!) that you can easily keep table side. Snacking without missing a single moment of the holiday fun? Yes, please. The lid and stoneware are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup! Promising review: "Use this little pot for my cheese dip during football games, and it’s a game changer! Leave it plugged in on low during the game, and it keeps my cheese melted and warm for the entire game! Heats evenly, and I feel comfortable leaving it on while I’m away, not for too long though! Couldn’t recommend more!" — Trina Get it from Amazon for $12.99 . 30. Designated bath towels just for guests that'll ensure they're nice and fluffy that'll make anyone who is lucky enough to shower in your bathroom feel ho ho home for the holidays. Promising review: "Bought these for my guests to use. Lots of positive feedback and they hold up well to frequent washes." — twdj Get a set of four from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in 13 colors). 31. And a bar of festive soap with tiny trees inside as well as a green Adventurine stone that'll bring good vibes to your guest's shower and your bathroom's aesthetic. Crystal Bar Soap is a woman-owned small business that sells vegan and cruelty-free soaps, bath bombs, bath oils, and bath salts. I've personally used their crystal-infused soaps for years and absolutely adore them! This one smells like gardenia and peach, but if you're looking for other scents/festive options you can check out their entire holiday collection . Get it from Crystal Bar soap for $16 . 32. Poo-Pourri toilet spray , so in the event someone is about to get *very* intimate with your bathroom they can spritz this directly into the toilet beforehand and avoid 1. embarrassment and 2. stinking up the your entire home. Not to get *too* detailed about my bathroom situation, but I can assure you this stuff really works. I used to work in the room directly next to the main bathroom in our home, which was not the most fun (as you can imagine). However, when I introduced Poo-Pourri into our home it made a huge difference. You only need one or two sprays directly into your toilet before you *do your business* for it to cover up any unpleasant smells. My husband even walked into the bathroom once and said "it smells so good in here" and I promptly said "AHA! IT'S THE POO-POURRI!" He said "ew" and walked away — but it is proof it really works! Get it from Amazon for $8.49 (available in three seasonal scents). 33. Grandma's Secret , a spot remover that'll ensure you don't have to give serving snacks on your couch a second thought. It'll make blood (!!!) pet stains, oil, paint, and other pesky substances vanish into thin air. Promising review: "This stuff is so amazing. I'm a witness. My 2-year-old baby wrote all over my white leather couch. I tried many different things and nothing worked but Grandma's Secret Spot Remover. I love this stuff." — L. Nix Get it from Amazon for $6.09 . 34. A quilted chenille floor pillow for some cozy extra seating — perfect for when your brother brings their new fling to Christmas Eve without giving you a heads up. 🫠 Plus *how lovely* do they look when stacked like in the review photo above!? Gorgeous! Promising review: "This comes just as pictured and described. It is comfortable and looks luxurious. It's great for floor seating." — AKhan Get it from Amazon for $37.54+ (available in six colors). 35. A Dyson WashG1 wet cleaner — one of their latest innovations that'll be an investment worth making. It magically glides across hard floors and thoroughly removes debris, stains, hair (!!!) and other liquids with just water (though you can add detergent if you'd like). You'll be amazed to see how dirty the water becomes in the tank while you clean! I have this bad boy and lemme tell you — it is worth every single penny. Yes, it's pricey, but my home is primarily tile and wood floors and I have two little kids (who basically love on said floors). It uses microfiber rollers to clean and does so so well you'd think there was some sort of magic involved in the making of it. You don't need to do repeated passes to see results — the water in the bottom tank turned so dark my husband and I were horrified (as we mop and vacuum regularly!). After his first try my husband said, "Goodbye, mop!" It's lightweight, which is a huge perk, and the LCD screen lets you select various hydration levels and tells you how much battery time is left. Personally, my favorite highlight is that even though it is a functioning mop of sorts that uses water to clean my floors don't stay wet for very long at all. You can literally walk over the spots you cleaned moments later! It also cleans itself which is fantastic. Definitely worth the splurge. "We have had this for a few weeks, and it’s really changed our floor game! Just using water, it gets our floors amazingly clean! Easy to use- easy to clean. We have a full house of hard flooring so mopping was always a huge ordeal- that’s why we decided to take a chance on this purchase. We have always been a Dyson house though, so it wasn’t a huge gamble and worth the money!" — SamM Get it from Amazon or Dyson for $699.99. 36. A nesting table with seats that can be pulled out conveniently for guests and pushed back in when you're back to your regularly scheduled programming. The "Hugg" nesting table makes me want to do just that — give this genius table a big ol' squeeze. It comes in three different sizes to fit your needs and, honestly, is such a smart product to have on-hand if you're often hosting guests. Get it from Castlery for $449+ (available in three size configurations, two fabrics, and three woods). 37. And a splurge-worthy Lovesac Sactional couch that'll likely be the last couch you ever purchase — it can be completely configured to your exact preference, comes in so many colors and fabrics, and is oh-so comfy. Most importantly, each cushion can be stripped and cleaned in the washing machine with ease. I upgraded from the couch I had lugged from my apartment to my house to a Lovesac Sactional and all I can say is "wow!" Mine is pictured above (left) before we opened our ottoman piece (which is why a back piece is seemingly missing, as each seat comes with a back piece). Anyways, my husband and I are lucky enough to live near a Lovesac store, so before ordering online we went in and tested out all of our options. The Sactionals are so customizable it's nearly overwhelming trying to make a decision! Like many couches, they come in many types of fabrics and colors, but Lovesac does things differently by offering so many configuration options, tons of storage, various arm styles, different seating depths, and the ability to build speakers directly into the couch (just to name a few things!). We opted for a full sectional style and had storage put in every single seat, which we've been using to store throw blankets and my toddler's extensive stuffed animal collection. I love that if we ever want to redecorate our home we can just re-outfit the couch in a different fabric. And it's SO easy to clean — each piece of fabric can be tossed into the washing machine. To date my sister has two Sactionals (and standard Lovesacs) and my cousin just ordered one as well! Get it from Lovesac for $2,280+ (available in many configurations and styles). Me, prepping to host my family for the holidays: Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.The Wanted star Max George has said he will be spending Christmas in hospital after doctors discovered “some issues” with his heart. The singer, 36, provided the health update in an Instagram post alongside a photo of him giving a thumbs up while lying in a hospital bed. He revealed he is awaiting more tests to determine the extent of the issues and what surgery he may need, but said he is expecting it to be a “difficult few weeks/months”. He wrote: “Hey everyone, yesterday I felt really unwell and was taken in to hospital. Unfortunately after some tests they’ve found that I have some issues with my heart. “I have a lot more tests to determine the extent of the problems and what surgery I will need to get me back on my feet. “It’s gonna be a difficult few weeks/months... and Christmas in a hospital bed wasn’t exactly what I had planned.” The singer said he is “surrounded with love and support” from his “wonderful” partner, actress Maisie Smith, as well as his family and friends. He added: “Although this is a huge shock and no doubt a set back, it’s something I’ll take on with all I’ve got. “I count myself very lucky that this was caught when it was.” Friends and famous faces were among those to offer their support including his bandmate Siva Kaneswaran who said: “Here for you brother. Rest up and get well soon.” JLS stars JB Gill and Marvin Humes also commented. Gill wrote: “God bless you bro, wishing you better soon. Sending lots of love”, while Humes added: “Sorry to hear you’re not well geezer, you’re strong and will fight through. Big love mate.” George rose to fame in the 2010s with The Wanted, who had a number of hit songs including All Time Low and Heart Vacancy. His bandmate Tom Parker died in 2022 at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. George, who helped carry Parker’s coffin at his funeral alongside fellow bandmates Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes, previously said on This Morning that he continued to message his late bandmate following his death as it brought him “a bit of comfort”. He also appeared in the US musical series Glee as Clint and in his band’s reality series The Wanted Life. Over the years, he has competed in a number of competition series including Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, Bear Grylls: Mission Survive and Richard Osman’s House of Games. Earlier this year he made his stage debut in the theatrical adaption of a BBC TV show about a lottery syndicate by Kay Mellor titled The Syndicate. George and soap actress Smith first met when they both competed on Strictly Come Dancing, but have previously said that romantic sparks only began to fly in 2022.From a 10-year-old to a Muppet to a president-elect, NYSE bell-ringers range from famous to obscure

The Albanese government has faced mounting opposition to its proposed social media ban for children under 16 as a growing number of politicians have spoken out against it. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe and independent MP Andrew Wilkie both revealed on Wednesday their intention to oppose the bill. Ms Thorpe said, “I won’t be supporting Labor’s social media ban. Young people use social media to participate in politics and activism”. Mr Wilkie backflipped on his prior approval and said, “I got it wrong and I’ve changed my mind”. He told ABC Radio National, “I realise the whole thing’s nonsense and frankly I’m doubtful it will ever be realised”. This comes after Liberal MP Alex Antic and Nationals Senator Matt Canavan defied broad party support for the ban and said they would cross the floor. Nationals MP Keith Pitt and Senator Bridget Archer have both criticised the bill but have not confirmed a final position. Education Minister Jason Clare called on Opposition Leader Peter Dutton to ensure the bill received Coalition endorsement at a press conference on Wednesday. “The opposition has said they want to pass the legislation this week as well. And I hope that that support sticks,” he told reporters. “I hope that the opposition leader can bring his party behind this.” Given Labor and broad Coalition support, the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 has still been expected to pass through the parliament. The backlash has extended to the crossbench as the Greens and One Nation have accused Labor of being “rushed and reckless” with the bill. Many of the Teal Independents have not confirmed their final position, although David Pocock, Kylea Tink and Zoe Daniel have criticised the government’s approach. The government provided only 24 hours for the public to make submissions in response to the legislation and about 15,000 submissions were made. Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth denied the government was hurrying the bill and called on the opposition to pass the ban on Tuesday. “I thought there was bipartisan support... Just a couple of weeks ago, Peter Dutton said he would facilitate this important piece of legislation,” she told the Today show. The majority of submissions published in the 24 hour period – including from UNICEF, Amnesty International and Shooters Fishers & Farmers Tasmania – opposed the bill. While most agree that social media can harm young people, there has also been widespread criticism of the government's blanket ban. The Australian Human Rights Commission argued social media offered young people “opportunities for inclusion and participation”. The Free Speech Union of Australia also condemned the bill as “draconian” and “authoritarian”, warning it could infringe upon fundamental online privacy rights. Digital Rights Watch similarly expressed concern the legislation “inadequately safeguards privacy and data protection”. The Digital Industry Group (DIGI), which represents tech giants like Meta, TikTok, Google, and X, also recently told Sky News the harms of a ban were as real as online harms. “A 21st-century response to these challenges means keeping young people safe when they’re on the internet,” Ms Bose said. “A 20th-century response aims to keep them off it.” The attempt to ban social media access for minors has included Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. YouTube, WhatsApp and Messenger Kids have been flagged as exemptions . The legislation will make it illegal for children under 16 to access banned platforms unless they meet specific age verification criteria. Social media companies will be threatened with $50 million fines for systematic failure to enforce the ban. Platforms will bear the onus of responsibility, and no penalties will be enforced against underage users who bypass the restrictions. The ban will come into effect 12 months after legislation passes parliament and will not be grandfathered in, meaning children already on social media will also be banned. This will impact millions of children and teenagers as some 97 per cent of youth use social media across an average of four platforms, surveys show.The latest development came hours after thousands of his supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing night-time operation. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Mr Ali said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for the Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Mr Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed.

The hunt for a franchise quarterback is on for the New York Giants . The G-Men released former six-year starting quarterback Daniel Jones mid-season, marking the end of an era and paving the way for a new franchise signal-caller to take over in 2025. The Giants are projected to pick near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft. Mock drafts typically have them landing one of the current consensus top-two quarterback prospects, Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. However, a third quarterback prospect for the Giants to consider could be flying up the boards after an electric performance in the Big Ten Championship. Could the Giants target Drew Allar in the 2025 NFL Draft? Penn State quarterback Drew Allar is seldom brought up in the conversation for the 2025 NFL Draft class’s top quarterback prospects. However, his stock has been rising in recent weeks and spiked significantly on Saturday following his strong outing against Oregon in the Big Ten Championship. While Penn State ultimately lost the game to the nation’s No. 1 ranked university, Allar stood out in the game and caught the eyes of scouts and analysts. He went 20-of-39 passing for 226 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions, plus five carries for 54 yards and one rushing touchdown. Allar’s stat line was a bit of a mixed bag, as is he as a prospect. His 2023 season was filled with highs and lows as Allar flashed elite potential and upside but demonstrated how raw and underdeveloped he is as a prospect. Allar is moving up draft boards Allar is receiving a lot of buzz following his performance against Oregon. Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team gave a glowing review of Allar in his recent scouting report: “Allar has perhaps the best tools of any quarterback eligible for the 2025 Draft,” Crabbs wrote ( via The 33rd Team on X ). “...Teams looking for a plug-and-play starter should tread carefully, but those with a consistent system and coaching structure should not wait too long in their bids to get their hands on him. He has all of the position’s uncoachable elements and, in the right environment, could grow and develop into an impact starter.” Crabbs compared Allar to who Buffalo Bills superstar QB Josh Allen was as a prospect coming out of Wyoming in 2018. Like Allar, Allen had question marks about his experience, accuracy, and refinement coming out of college. But proper coaching unlocked Allen’s potential and he is now a perennial MVP candidate. Similarly to Allen coming out of Wyoming, Allar has unlimited upside. If he is drafted into the right situation and receives proper coaching, the sky is the limit for the Penn State product. The Giants could be the team that falls in love with Allar, especially if they keep head coach Brian Daboll, who was the man behind Allen’s development in Buffalo. Allar might check the franchise boxes and give the Giants superstar potential under center. This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO’s elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answersRESTON, Va., Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) today declared a regular quarterly dividend of $1.42 per share on the company's common stock, payable February 7, 2025, to shareholders of record on January 17, 2025. The board also provided management with the authority to repurchase an additional 10 million shares of the company's issued and outstanding common stock on the open market. General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people across 65 countries worldwide and generated $42.3 billion in revenue in 2023. More information about General Dynamics is available at www.gd.com . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/general-dynamics-board-declares-dividend-authorizes-additional-share-repurchases-302322940.html SOURCE General Dynamics

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Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? Health | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Lumina Gold Announces Exploitation Contract Terms with the Government of Ecuador

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