ubet63 ph login
How to Build an On-Chain Pay-Per-View Protocol on Rootstock
By Noam N. Levey, KFF Health News Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can’t afford their medical bills or pay down their debts. “The election simply shifts our focus,” said Eva Stahl, who oversees public policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has worked closely with the Biden administration and state leaders on medical debt. “States are going to be the epicenter of policy change to mitigate the harms of medical debt.” New state initiatives may not be enough to protect Americans from medical debt if the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with plans to scale back federal aid that has helped millions gain health insurance or reduce the cost of their plans in recent years. Comprehensive health coverage that limits patients’ out-of-pocket costs remains the best defense against medical debt. But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills off people’s credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job. Several states are looking to strengthen oversight of medical credit cards and other financial products that can leave patients paying high interest rates on top of their medical debt. Some states are also exploring new ways to compel hospitals to bolster financial aid programs to help their patients avoid sinking into debt. “There’s an enormous amount that states can do,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, who leads health care initiatives at the nonprofit Community Service Society of New York. “Look at what’s happened here.” New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand financial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. “It doesn’t matter the party. No one likes medical debt,” Benjamin said. Other states that have enacted protections in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Many measures picked up bipartisan support. President Joe Biden’s administration has proved to be an ally in state efforts to control health care debt. Such debt burdens 100 million people in the United States, a KFF Health News investigation found . Led by Biden appointee Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made medical debt a priority , going after aggressive collectors and exposing problematic practices across the medical debt industry. Earlier this year, the agency proposed landmark regulations to remove medical bills from consumer credit scores. The White House also championed legislation to boost access to government-subsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt. Trump hasn’t indicated whether his administration will move ahead with the CFPB credit reporting rule, which was slated to be finalized early next year. Congressional Republicans, who will control the House and Senate next year, have blasted the proposal as regulatory overreach that will compromise the value of credit reports. And Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump has tapped to lead his initiative to shrink government, last week called for the elimination of the watchdog agency . “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on X. If the CFPB withdraws the proposed regulation, states could enact their own rules, following the lead of Colorado, New York, and other states that have passed credit reporting bans since 2023. Advocates in Massachusetts are pushing the legislature there to take up a ban when it reconvenes in January. “There are a lot of different levers that states have to take on medical debt,” said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national efforts to expand debt protections for patients. Kuehnhoff said she expects more states to crack down on medical credit card providers and other companies that lend money to patients to pay off medical bills, sometimes at double-digit interest rates. Under the Biden administration, the CFPB has been investigating patient financing companies amid warnings that many people may not understand that signing up for a medical credit card such as CareCredit or enrolling in a payment plan through a financial services company can pile on more debt. If the CFPB efforts stall under Trump, states could follow the lead of California, New York, and Illinois, which have all tightened rules governing patient lending in recent years. Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding efforts to get hospitals to provide more financial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt. Hospitals historically have not made this aid readily available, prompting states such as California, Colorado, and Washington to set stronger standards to ensure more patients get help with bills they can’t afford. This year, North Carolina also won approval from the Biden administration to withhold federal funding from hospitals in the state unless they agreed to expand financial assistance. In Georgia, where state government is entirely in Republican control, officials have been discussing new measures to get hospitals to provide more assistance to patients. “When we talk about hospitals putting profits over patients, we get lots of nodding in the legislature from Democrats and Republicans,” said Liz Coyle, executive director of Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy nonprofit. Many advocates caution, however, that state efforts to bolster patient protections will be critically undermined if the Trump administration cuts federal funding for health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the insurance marketplaces established through the Affordable Care Act. Trump and congressional Republicans have signaled their intent to roll back federal subsidies passed under Biden that make health plans purchased on ACA marketplaces more affordable. That could hike annual premiums by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many enrollees, according to estimates by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank. And during Trump’s first term, he backed efforts in Republican-led states to restrict enrollment in their Medicaid safety net programs through rules that would require people to work in order to receive benefits. GOP state leaders in Idaho, Louisiana, and other states have expressed a desire to renew such efforts. “That’s all a recipe for more medical debt,” said Stahl, of Undue Medical Debt. Jessica Altman, who heads the Covered California insurance marketplace, warned that federal cuts will imperil initiatives in her state that have limited copays and deductibles and curtailed debt for many state residents. “States like California that have invested in critical affordable programs for our residents will face tough decisions,” she said. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
CHICAGO (AP) — Aidan Laughery rushed for three touchdowns and No. 22 Illinois topped Northwestern 38-28 on Saturday to reach nine victories for the first time since its 2007 Rose Bowl season. Pat Bryant dashed in to score off Luke Altmyer’s 43-yard pass early in the third quarter as Illinois (9-3, 6-3 Big Ten) struck for touchdowns just over 4 minutes apart early in the third quarter to open a 28-10 lead in what had been a tight game. Bryant's 10th receiving touchdown tied a school record. Altmyer, who threw for 170 yards, had a TD himself on a keeper from the 1-yard line early in the second quarter. David Olano added a field goal in the fourth to cap Illinois' scoring. Laughery, a sophomore running back, rushed for a career-best 172 yards and topped 100 for the first time. He entered with only one TD this season and two for his career. He had a career-long 64-yard run for a score early in the second half. Coach Bret Bielema said he wasn't surprised by Laughery's explosive performance as the Gibson City, Illinois product rounded back into form after being hampered by a hamstring injury earlier this season. “I thought today would be a day that could happen,” Bielema said. “Today some of those turned into big home run hits we've kind of been waiting on all year.” Laughery said he's been prepping for this kind of game, when he carried the ball 12 times for an average of 14.3 yards. “Finally, the opportunity was there,” said Laughery, who got the game ball. “You know you gotta' hit one and it came together today.” He credited the Illini offensive line with opening space for his breakout performance. “Those guys were covering them (Northwestern's defense) all day long,” Laughery said. “It was awesome running behind the looks we were getting” Northwestern’s Devin Turner intercepted Altmyer twice, including for a 13-yard touchdown return late in the first quarter. Thomas Gordon caught Jack Lausch's 15-yard TD pass with a minute left, then the Wildcats added a two-point conversion to complete the scoring. Northwestern (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten) didn’t pack it in as hosted its second game this season at Wrigley Field, this time on a breezy sunny day with game-time temperature of 20 degrees. It looked like the Illini might run away after Bryant’s 10th receiving touchdown 4:52 into the third. He entered tied for the Big Ten lead. But Luke Akers kicked his second field goal of the game, a 34-yarder, with 5:35 left in the third quarter to cut it to 28-13. Lausch led the Wildcats on their next possession and finished it with an 11-yard touchdown toss to A.J. Henning to narrow the Illini lead to 28-20. Then Mac Resetich intercepted Lausch’s pass 50 seconds into the fourth quarter. Laughery powered up the middle for 31 yards and his third TD about two minutes later to quell the Wildcats' momentum. Northwestern dominated in possession time — 34:32 to 25:28 —and plays — 90 to 53. The margin was even more pronounced in the first half, but the Wildcats settled for a 13-yard touchdown return on Turner’s second pick of the game with 2:14 left in the first quarter and Akers’ 21-yard field goal that opened the scoring 6:29 in. Illinois led 14-10 at the half on Laughery’s 30-yard TD run midway through the first quarter and Altmyer’s keeper 1:39 into the second. Akers missed wide to the right on a 44-yard attempt as time ran out in the half. Wide receivers down Both teams’ leading pass receivers were injured. Northwestern’s Bryce Kirtz was knocked out of the game in the first quarter with a lower-body injury after two receptions that upped his total yards to 598. Illinois’ Bryant went to the locker room with about 5 minutes left in the first half after Turner collided with him as he plucked his second interception. Bryant returned, however, for the second half. The takeaway Illinois: Is in line for a prestigious bowl game appearance and a chance to tie the school record of 10 wins, most recently set during their 2001 Sugar Bowl season. “We wanted to put ourselves in a good position on this day to get to nine wins and see where it can go,” Bielema said. “Just a fun day overall. I don't know what the future holds. It think we're a team that can play with anybody in the country.” Northwestern: Finished its second season under coach David Braun at 4-8 overall and 2-7 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats dropped their final three and five of the last six. Up next Illinois is headed to a bowl game. Northwestern opens its 2025 season at Tulane on Aug. 30. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
Top New York political leaders are urging the federal government to deploy high-tech drone hunters to crack the mystery of who is behind the numerous sightings of what are believed to be unmanned flying objects that have been buzzing over communities in New York and New Jersey, and even prompting authorities to shut down an airport over the weekend. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer said Sunday that he's asking the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special drone-detecting technology, which has been unclassified, to get to the bottom of what has been alarming and baffling residents in the region. New Jersey drone mystery: What to know and what can be done "If the technology exists for a drone to make it up into the sky, there certainly is the technology that can track the craft with precision and determine what the heck is going on," Schumer said during a news conference. "And that's what the Robin [radar system] does today." "We're asking the DHS, the Department of Homeland Security, to deploy special detection systems like the Robin, which use not a linear line of sight, but 360-degree technology that has a much better chance of detecting these drones. And we're asking DHS to bring them to the New York, New Jersey area," he said. He said the technology was initially used to detect birds and prevent them from flying into airplane engines. "Drone radar is based on the use of radio waves. The radio waves are sent out for the pulses, and that means it's detectable," Schumer said. "The question is, why haven't the federal authorities detected them yet?" Earlier Sunday, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas in an interview on ABC's "This Week" the federal government is taking action to address the spate of drone sightings that have rattled the nerves of residents in New Jersey and New York. "There's no question that people are seeing drones," Mayorkas told "This Week" anchor George Stephanopoulos. "I want to assure the American public that we in the federal government have deployed additional resources, personnel, technology to assist the New Jersey State Police in addressing the drone sightings." Mayorkas said some of the sightings are drones while others have been manned aircraft commonly mistaken for drones. "I want to assure the American public that we are on it," Mayorkas said, adding that he's calling on Congress to expand local and state authority to help address the issue. Numerous sightings of alleged dones have been reported along the East Coast since mid-November, most of them in New Jersey. Witnesses have described seeing drones the size of compact cars lighting up the night sky and hovering over homes. There have also been sightings of what appeared to be several large drones clustered together flying near military installations and President-elect Donald Trump's golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey. The Federal Aviation Administration has imposed drone flight restrictions while authorities investigate. 'Multiple' drones entered airspace at New Jersey naval station: Official Officials from several agencies on Saturday emphasized that the federal government's investigation into the drone sightings is ongoing. During a call with reporters, an FBI official said that of the nearly 5,000 tips the agency has received, less than 100 have generated credible leads for further investigation. A DHS official said they're "confident that many of the reported drone sightings are, in fact, manned aircraft being misidentified as drones." The FBI official also talked about how investigators overlayed the locations of the reported drone sightings and found that "the density of reported sightings matches the approach pattern" of the New York area's busy airports including Newark Liberty International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. An FAA official said there have "without a doubt" been drones flying over New Jersey, pointing to the fact that there are nearly 1 million drones registered in the United States. MORE: Drones pose 'considerable danger,' will push for new legislation: NJ official Officials at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, New York, about 60 miles north of New York City, said they were forced to close their runways for an hour on Friday night after the FAA alerted them of a drone spotted in the area. The Boston Police Department said Sunday that two men were arrested Saturday night after they allegedly flew a drone "dangerously close to Logan International Airport." A third suspect fled the scene in a boat and is being sought by police. MORE: Pentagon shoots down Iran 'mothership' claim amid New Jersey drone mystery The incident, according to police, began earlier Saturday afternoon when a Boston police officer specializing in real-time crime surveillance detected the drone operating near Logan International Airport. Using monitoring technology, the officer was able to locate the drone's altitude, flight history and the operator's position on Long Island in Boston Harbor, where police found the suspects in a decommissioned health campus, authorities said. The suspects ran, but police managed to chase down two of them and continued to search for the third suspect on Sunday. The suspects, identified by the Boston Police Department as 42-year-old Robert Duffy and 32-year-old Jeremy Folcik, both of Massachusetts, were arrested on trespassing charges. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Sunday that the federal government has agreed to deploy state-of-the-art drone detection systems to New York, but it was not immediately clear if she and Schumer were speaking about the same technology. "In response to my calls for additional resources, our federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York state," Hochul said. "This system will support state and federal law enforcement in their investigations. We are grateful to the Biden administration for their support, but ultimately we need further assistance from Congress." Hochul said she is pressing Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, which will give "New York and our peers the authority and resources required to respond to circumstances like we face today." During a House Homeland Security joint subcommittee hearing on Tuesday, officials from the Department of Justice, the FBI and Customs and Border Protection told lawmakers that the current legal authorities are insufficient to deal with drones. Schumer said he would co-sponsor federal legislation to give the FAA and local agencies more oversight of drones and expand their methods of detection. Last week, Schumer, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and New Jersey Sens. Cory Booker and Andy Kim sent a letter to the heads of the FBI, FAA and DHS requesting a briefing on the drone sightings. "We write with urgent concern regarding the unmanned aerial system (UAS) activity that has affected communities across New York and New Jersey in recent days," the letter stated. ABC News' Michelle Stoddart contributed to this report.No. 24 UCLA, Arizona have first reunion since Pac-12 days
1. A lil' flat cat heating pad you can cook up in the microwave for some much needed relief from cramps or just the chill in the air. Promising review : "This was so much better than I anticipated. The quality is really nice and there is a removable cover that you can remove and was h. It is soft and comfortable and comes in the cutest little box. So cute and functional. Heat is a humid heat but not too intense right out of the microwave." — brittany Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available three sizes and four other styles). 2. A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes. Promising review : "Love these . These are soft and very comfortable, and they seriously black out every bit of ligh t. I love them. I would highly recommend. I’ll probably never sleep without them again." — AJ Get a pack of two from Amazon for $16.99 (available in seven sets). 3. A moon lamp candle warmer so you can get all the celestial vibes *and* the coziness of a soothing candle wafting through your space (without worrying about an open flame!). Promising review: "I received this as a gift for my birthday and it looks absolutely beautiful. The heat level, timer, everything about it is amazing!!!!" — Kristen Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (also available as a regular candle warmer). 4. A set of delightfully ~~tingly~~ self-heating soothing foot masks made with Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint perfect for anyone whose recent step count is "too many." Nothing like a lil' self-care on those aching feet to lift your spirits! Check out a TikTok of the foot masks in action. I'm a long-ish distance runner, and these were certainly an interesting experience for my feet! You slide them on and, after a few minutes, feel a tingling, mildly burning (in a good way) sensation. It doesn't quite numb your feet, but it relaxes them. I kept them on for 30 minutes and then toweled my feet off, and the tingling sensation slowly faded over the next 30 minutes. After that, my feet felt very refreshed and relaxed at a time of day when they're usually aching from all the miles I put in. The whole thing was a mess-free, easy process, and I will definitely keep them on hand for longer run days! Promising review: "Very soothing. My husband and l used these on our European vacation, and they definitely felt good on our feet!" — KS2018 Get a set of three pairs from Amazon for $11.97 . 5. A brand new satin-lined Carhartt beanie , a hairstyle-friendly version of the iconic originial Carhartt knit beanie so beloved that it's amassed over 88,800 5-star ratings on Amazon. This version is designed for all hair types to help prevent hair breakage, frizzing, and general "hat head" issues that come with wearing a beanie. Promising review: "Fits great and looks good. Made of good quality materials and keeps you warm on those 20 degree days." — Edward Kephart Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in six colors). 6. "You Need To Calm Down: A Coloring Book," which is the new ideal way for Swifities to de-stress. This features 45 pages of illustrations and quotes designed to loosely follow the Eras tour in order, so you can color your way back to the magic whenever you please. Psst — you can pick up a cult-fave colored pencil set on Amazon for $11.99! Promising review : "I never thought I would enjoy adult coloring as much as I do with this book. It provides many opportunities to be creative, mix colors, be whimsical, and enjoy the lyrics." — Sherry Get it from Amazon for $9.99 . 7. A container of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnadust so absurdly delicious that all food will just become a mere canvas for putting Cinnadust on. Reviewers use this on everything from coffee to toast to yogurt to fries to popcorn to sweet potatoes to ice cream to — you know what, I'll let you decide on your cinnajourney for yourself. Check out a TikTok of the Cinnadust in action. Promising review: "I would order again, 10 out of 10. Try it on yogurt, ice cream, toast, carrots, and amazingly I saw a TikTok challenge with it on hard boiled eggs. It is stupendous!!!" — ThatGuy Get it from Amazon for $3.49 . 8. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" to keep everything steady on your bed or couch when you are one silly little beverage away from accidentally turning your life into a LaCroix swamp. This will not only keep all your accessories upright and on hand, but it also has expandable cup holes to fit mugs, water bottles, and snacks, with an insulating foam that keeps drinks hot or cold for longer periods. Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action. Promising review: "This thing is great! I’m home on maternity leave with my new baby and spend most of my time on the couch under a sleeping baby. This product makes it easy for me to keep my drinks, remote, etc close by even with dogs running around . It’s a little more expensive than I would have liked but it works and I love it so money well spent!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in three styles and eight patterns). 9. A ridiculously high quality oversized cropped puffer jacket reviewers are not only obsessed with, but compare to the Aritzia version for a fraction of the price. This insulated, cozy, trendy puffer is perfect for anyone whose winter motto is "Go go go!!! ... As cutely as possible, of course." It even features an adjustable drawstring at the bottom for a personalized fit! Promising review: "I had no idea I would love this as much as I do. First of all, the cut is superb. Cropped yet oversized. It’s super warm and cozy. I literally grab this five out of six times. Today I ordered it in red! You need this. You want this. You shall have it!" — Cassidy Barbeau Get it from Amazon for $62.99 (clip the $10 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in women's sizes XS–L and 16 colors). 10. A pair of chic wireless headband sleep headphones so you can keep your ears comfortable listening to music, white noise, or calming affirmations as you drift off. Promising review : "I purchased this product to be able to listen to affirmations as I fall asleep. It has been great for that, and has also been very beneficial on long airplane flights when my ears hurt from the AirPods being in for so long. Also a great option when you are sleeping in a room with someone who snores! My kids keep stealing this from me so I purchased two more to get them for Christmas!" — Dawn Cooperider Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in 27 colors). 11. A "holy grail" Coop Home Goods pillow designed for side, back, *and* stomach sleepers to get the best shut-eye of their lives. This medium-firm pillow has an entirely adjustable memory foam fill, so you can mold it to the exact firmness, size, and shape you need. In other words: this is the One Pillow that will serve you well for a long, long time. Coop Sleep Goods is a small business specializing in pillows, pillowcases, and sleep products. Promising review: "I hardly ever write reviews but I have to for this. I saw this pillow on TikTok and it got me curious so I immediately came to Amazon. OMG, it’s such a game changer. I’m a side sleeper and this pillow is heaven . It’s some of the most comfortable sleep I have had in ages. I love it so much I bought a second one and have my eye on the body pillow. Obsessed! You need this in your bedroom." — MT Get it from Amazon for $60+ (available in two sizes and three shapes). 12. And a set of satin pillowcases that not only have a cooling effect, but are soft on your skin and create less friction for your hair so it won't get as tangled while you sleep. Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn’t frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning." — Aaron Key Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 37 colors and five sizes). 13. An ultimate "girl dinner" plate — okay, technically a cheeseboard, but HEAR ME OUT. This labeled board is the *gremlin's kiss* perfect size for a human who wants to curl up with a Netflix rom-com alone and eat sharp cheddar cheese, Ritz crackers, and stuffed olives on a Friday night. Bonus: it's blank on the other side if you want to flip it over and use it for entertaining! Promising review : "Perfect. The charcuterie board looks exactly like the picture. I am very happy with it." — Joetta Adgate Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 14. A set of 2-in-1 magnetic rechargeable hand warmers that are a genuine must-have for cold weather climates — you can keep these in your pockets to keep your hands the kind of roasty toasty warm that radiates through your whole body, and makes it a heck of a lot easier to endure the elements. Bonus: both hand warmers double as device chargers, so they'll come in handy in warm weather, too! Promising review: "These are amazing! I use them when I volunteer at the outdoor food bank and they keep my hands nice and toasty. I keep them in my coat pocket and they warm me right up! They are easy to charge and easy to use!" — Karen Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (clip the 40% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in eight colors). 15. An oversize, lightweight knit button-up cardigan with a vibe reviewers compare to the beloved Jenni Kayne "Cocoon" cardigan. This is just *begging* to be layered with all your coziest looks, and it this price point, it might be an investment to grab a few colors to have on hand 👀 . Promising review: "The sweater is extremely comfortable and high quality, and the color selections were awesome. I chose the cognac color which is kind of a taupe-ish brownish color. Bought it to match some khaki boots, and the match was terrific. The pockets are nice. The sweater is roomy. The sleeves are a good length. The thickness is perfect for warmth without being overly bulky. I really like this sweater and will order more colors." — Alana Mohacsi Get it from Amazon for $35.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and 29 styles). 16. A weighted Bearaby napper that answers the question of, "What would it look like if a blanket had magic sleep-inducing powers?" This breathable chunky knit blanket is designed with a comforting weight to help soothe anxiety and promote calm, making it easier not just to fall asleep, but *stay* asleep. Read more about how to choose a weight and what these blankets help with and how from Cleveland Clinic . I've been using this weighted blanket for about three years now and what I find really remarkable about it is that I *never* feel overheated in it . It's also just so, SO soft, and looks absolutely beautiful at the foot of my bed where I leave it every night. It definitely helps me activate "sleep mode" at night — I find the weight very comforting and not at all stifling, because it spreads so evenly. Promising review: "I’m in love with my this blanket! It is absolutely gorgeous and has made a remarkable difference in my sleeping habits. If you are even thinking about a weighted blanket, this is a MUST! Just do it! You will only wish you’d done it sooner!" — Sandy Get it from Bearaby for $179+ (originally $199; available in four weights and six colors). 17. And a mini weighted blanket perfect for people who want a quick dose of calm and relaxation, but don't want to overheat or commit to the whole heavy shebang of a full-size weighted blanket. This one's the perfect size to easily drape over yourself on the couch. Read more about how to choose a weight and what these blankets help with and how from Cleveland Clinic . Promising review: "I love weighted blankets, but I always get way too hot with them. This is perfect because I can cover up the half of my body that I want the weighted feeling on while the rest do my body gets to stay cool. It is perfect for me." — Patricia Newt Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three weights and five colors). 18. A portable mug warmer with three different temperature settings so you can take your sweet, sweeeeet time enjoying your morning cuppa without worrying about having to reheat it in the microwave or chugging lukewarm coffee. Bonus: it also operates as a candle warmer! Promising review: "LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Love the look. Love the temperature settings, although I don't believe I will use the lower ones since the 170 seems to be just right for me. Very simple to operate. Perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for my daughter-in-law." — rkd Get it from Amazon for $20.79 (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price). 19. A dual-zone comforter to quite possibly save y'all's relationship, particularly if you can never agree on where the thermostat should be. One side of this comforter runs cool, and the other one runs hot, so you can sleep under whichever side you prefer without waking up when one of you hogs or throws off the covers in the middle of the night. Promising review: "This comforter is what we’ve always needed . My husband and I are always tangled in blankets because I need more but yet they always end up on his side. This comforter provides an all-in-one solution that keeps me warm and him cool and our bedroom looking calm and zen. " — Hannah Get it from Amazon for $134.99+ (available in four colors and two sizes). 20. And a set of review-beloved moisture-wicking double-brushed microfiber sheets with a softness so luxurious that you'll be like, "Cotton whomst?? " Reviewers especially love that the "cooling" effect of these is no joke, particularly for people in hot climates or people experiencing night sweats and hot flashes. P romising review : “LOVE THESE!! I was searching for a sheet set that would help me sleep more comfortably at night and found these. I have terrible hot flashes with night sweats and get up in the morning, just miserable. Of course, these do not eliminate my hot flashes as no sheets will, but they definitely make my nights much more comfortable by eliminating wet bedding, and I definitely appreciate that! Aside from their moisture-wicking abilities, they are very soft, easy to look at, and launder extremely well. I would highly recommend these for anyone shopping for sheet sets and especially for anyone experiencing night sweats!! ” — Shannon Warfel Get it from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in sizes Twin—California King, with deep pockets, and in 37 styles). 21. A pair of ~dreamlux~ leggings made with an oh-so-buttery soft material reviewers compare to Lululemon's Align ... but WAY cheaper. If you're looking for a reliably squatproof, comfy, compressive legging, look no further than these. I bought these on Prime Day, which is the only day I will buy leggings because I hate wearing leggings with a burning passion. My "I'm not like other girls" bit is that for some reason I am always comfier in jeans than leggings. BUT NOT THESE!!! They slide on. The fabric is so lightweight and breathable that it feels like a whisper. The band is so deceptively comfortable that sometimes I'm like, "Am I still wearing them??" I use them to run outdoors because that is the only circumstance I'll wear a legging, and I'm happy to report after several washes, they are durable and compressive enough to withstand workouts. They would be excellent for lounging if I weren't wired in this odd anti-legging way. I have already bought two more pairs and made my friends buy them, too. Promising review: "Super comfy. I usually don’t write reviews, I tried this first before buying Lulu, and these are the most comfortable leggings for every day and even for workouts. Highly recommended!" — Criselle Johnson Get them from Amazon for $26 (clip the $3 off coupon on the product page for this price; available in women's sizes XXS–XXL, two inseams, and 21 styles). 22. A lightweight, expandable bamboo bathtub caddy to turn your boring bathroom into a veritable spa. Pinot? Poured. Candle? Lit. Netflix? Queued. Now, all you have to do is calmly explain to their loved ones that you live in a tub now. Bambusi is a small business that specializes in quality made home products. Promising review: "Surprisingly sturdy and well made. Assembly and construction is excellent, and the accessories are quite clever. On balance, the tray is impressive and well worth its cost . A thoughtful gift, especially for anyone who likes to relax in the tub, but not without their accessories and a glass of wine." — Barry Get it from Amazon for $32.99 (available in four colors). 23. And a bath overflow drain cover so you can finally get the luxurious, full-to-the-brim bath soak you deserve without listening to that disappointing wurgity-gurgle as the tub sucks down all that lovely hot water back down the drain. SlipX Solutions is a small business that specializes in safety-oriented shower and bath accessories. Promising review: "I have a high-stress job, and I've started taking baths as a way to unwind. However, it never seemed like I could keep enough water in the tub to really enjoy it. This little thing makes a HUGE difference!! I get at least an extra 3 inches of water and it is great. " — Hyacinthe Snyder Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in nine colors). 24. A gaming/reading/laptop pillow to prop your hands up while you're playing video games, typing, or reading on your Kindle or iPad from bed. This supports your arms for a more ~ergonomically-friendly~ experience, and even features a lil' side pocket for things like remote controls, glasses, and — of course — emergency snacky snacks. Promising review: "I work from home a few days a week, and every once in a while, my work extends into the evening hours. I have a home office, but sitting at my desk all day is sometimes very tiring. I purchased this big memory foam desk pillow so that I can relax on my couch and still put my laptop up and have a comfortable working area. This pillow is big but very comfortable. It has armrests that wrap around your sides, and they also have little pockets for random things like your cell phone or the remote. It’s so nice to just lean back into my comfortable couch and have this big soft desk in front of me." — Jenn Butterfield Get it from Amazon for $53.09 (clip the 10% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in three styles). 25. And a stable, fully adjustable tablet floor stand reviewers LOVE for holding Kindles, iPads, and even phones upright, making it super easy to read, stream content, or even FaceTime with friends and family hands-free. This little gizmo is about to become your Emotional Support Reading Buddy. Promising review : "It works great! It is worth a lot more to me than I paid. It leans forward in many ways and you can turn your device to the direction you are sitting. It has a small footprint next to my chair and next to my couch. I read my Kindle Scribe, use my IPad Pro, and occasionally I will put my phone in it . It is just right and the build is solid. I thought it would be lighter and easy to tip over, but the base keeps it standing up wherever I want to use it. Excellent job!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $69.99+ (available in two styles). 26. A pillow-top mattress pad so you can pretend you're sleeping on Mount Olympus. (What up, Zeus??) Not only is this down alternative fill fluffy and soft as heck, but it's wick-away and ventilated to help keep you cool while you snooze. Promising review : "Whoaaa this thing is amazing. I have a very expensive, firm mattress that I bought when I was younger. I got this, put this over the foam mat, and it’s like a new mattress. I slept like a rock last night. Haven’t slept that well in a long time. I also like that it’s attached to the mattress pad, so it’s not sliding all over. It slept very cool, I’m assuming that’s because is cotton. Highly recommend if you’re looking to fix a mattress and not have to spend money on a new one ." — Julie Get it from Amazon for $59.92+ (clip the 20% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in sizes Twin–California king). 27. A lightweight but insulating puffer vest that not only does its darn job, but does it CUTELY and for a delightfully affordable price compared to its name brand competitors. The fluctuating autumn weather will be no match for you and your layering game with this piece in your arsenal. Promising review : "I own a lot of vests, and this one is my absolute favorite. 😍 The fit is so comfortable, not bulky, but also not thin. Keeps me warm, and the pockets are deep, my favorite! I need every single color. True to size, but I sized up for a slightly oversized look." — Kiersten Rowland Get it from Amazon for $28.69 (clip the 30% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in women's sizes S–XL and 11 colors). 28. A TikTok and Kindle remote control ring so you can scroll through videos or turn pages without wrangling with your phone or tablet. This is the ideal accessory for anyone who likes to be cozy in bed or anyone who likes to use exercise equipment with a screen distracting them! This lets you scroll up and down, swipe right and left, pause and start, and adjust volume. Promising review: "Chiiiiiile let me tell you I got this hooked up to my iPad annnnnd my iPhone and life is so much better. This little ring is AWESOME. It works my Pandora, iHeart Radio, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, I mean everything I use, IT REALLY WORKS ! You can even like the posts on all the sites. I be under my covers just scrolling, y’all this thing even adjusts the volume. The booklet tells you everything. This is a must-have. I am extremely happy with this purchase, and I’ve been using it every day, even at work ." — Deb! Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six colors). 29. A pair of fur-lined Crocs as a ridiculously cozy update to the ~~naked~~ version , so you don't have to give up your comfiest shoe when the temperatures drop. Your very insulated toes will thank you! Promising review: "I work from home and was looking for the perfect comfortable shoe. These crocs were perfect because they are lined for extra coziness but also if I need to go out to the store or get the mail they are durable for outside. Love them!" — Brooklyn Whitesides Get them from Amazon for $41.50+ (available in women's sizes 4–17 and in 33 colors). 30. And a pair of aesthetic fuzzy slippers to keep you cozy throughout all your "hibernation months," because if there is one trend that's never going out of style, it's keeping your toes as cute and comfy as possible. Promising review: "Love them. My cousin had them so I had to have them. Super cozy and super cute." — lauren Get it from Amazon for $17.98 (available in women's sizes 5.5–10 and six styles). 31. A TikTok-famous 3-in-1 convertible "reading chair" that reviewers love putting in their home office and living room spaces because it truly fulfills *so* many essential cozy needs at once. Not only does this include USB ports for your phone or Kindle, a cup holder, and a side pocket for books, but it can be pulled out easily into a sleeper chair or a full flat sleeper in an instant. Bonus? There's ~secret storage~ at the bottom for extra sheets and pillows. Check out a TikTok of the reading chair in action. Promising review: "Amazing reading chair/lounger . If you're one of those people who needs to change positions often while reading, this chair is the bomb. I leave a charging cord in the arm for my phone and headphones, slide out the foot, and grab whatever book I chucked under there. I can lay down, recline, sit straight, etc. with ease. The foot stool part, being collapsible and held up with thin bars, did kind of sink a little after awhile but nothing that makes the chair feel broken or look lopsided. It's a solid little guy and I plan on picking another one up eventually for another room I like to read in. " — Calvin Andrews Get it from Amazon for $239.99+ (available in four colors). 32. A forever classic Hanes crewneck sweatshirt for a chic, easy, inexpensive layering option that will keep you cozy. Reviewers especially love it for unexpected style combos (and recommend getting it oversized to pair with leggings for *maximum* coziness). Promising review : "I, a 16-year-old girl, got a medium to have an oversized fit. For the people who came here from TikTok: IT'S AWESOME. The material is so soft, and it’s a great price to put together that mini pleated skirt and collar outfit. I ordered the navy blue to see how it would fit first, and I’ll 100% be ordering other colors." — abby Get it from Amazon for $11.16+ (available in men's sizes S–5XL and 28 colors). 33. A gorgeous tufted duvet cover that somehow accomplishes the near impossible feat of being deliciously comfortable *and* sophisticated at the same time. Good luck getting out of this snuggly loveliness in the morning, is all I've got to say. Promising review: "I just received my order of my duvet. I am so in love at how soft and fresh the opposite side feels. It’s so beautiful and comfortable . I definitely recommend if anyone is looking for a good duvet. It’s pretty thick on the material as well. I love how it has the ties in the middle, not just the corners. It makes it easy to attach your comforter to it that goes on the inside. Yes, it’s a little pricy, but well worth the investment. I will definitely be purchasing more products from this brand!" — Elizabeth Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 12 colors and five sizes). 34. A heated eye massager with so many bells and whistles, it's worth the investment and *then* some — not only does it come with five different massage modes and a 15-minute timer, but it has Bluetooth music so you can vibe with your eyes *and* your ears. Reviewers swear by this to help combat eye strain, headaches, puffy under-eye circles, and dry eyes, and insomnia. Promising review : "I saw this product on one of Amazon’s must-have TikTok videos, and I knew I had to get it. It was so worth it — even though the price may seem higher compared to other sellers, this is for sure a good investment piece. The quality is top-notch, the strap that goes around your head is comfortable, and most importantly, the duration of each mode is long enough that it doesn’t interrupt your rest. I work a 12-hour night shift as a nurse, and this technology has helped me get through the night easily.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $55.99 (available in three colors). 35. A soft plush iPhone 15 case you can get in a ton of cool aesthetics — just imagine how cozy this will feel the next time you're having an Anxious Day For No Reason (Thanks, Brain!!) and want something snuggly in your immediate vicinity. You can grab these for iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 13 , too! Promising review : "I love this case! The texture is so unusual, the design is great, and it’s easy to clean! I just wash it with soap in the sink and let it air dry. Super affordable and good quality." — K A Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in 23 styles). 36. A PopLite personal popcorn maker with a built-in serving bowl that will give you eight cups of movie theater-quality popcorn in two mere mortal minutes. Reviewers especially love that the popcorn doesn't burn, and the machine doesn't leave unpopped kernels like the usual microwave brands. Check out a TikTok of the popcorn maker in action. Promising review: " This little popcorn popper is perfect ! No fuss, no mess, no chasing popcorn kernels!! Fabulous! Easy to use — the popcorn maker part fits into the bowl part for easy storage. This is one perfect unit!" — Chrystal Get it from Amazon for $34.99 . 37. A Vesta Loop travel pillow that's basically like a personalized pool noodle for your neck — this firm pillow twists (and stays PUT) to support you as evenly as possible, whether you're upright on a flight, conking out on the road, or need extra support when the hotel pillows aren't up to snuff. Promising review : "I’ve had the S-shaped flight pillow for a week now and have tried it in various situations. I've loved it! The S shape of this travel pillow distinguishes it from all other flight pillows. It can be easily adjusted to fit my needs so I can rest my head comfortably. Because of its S shape, the pillow is compact and can be easily folded to a smaller size and fits into my backpack. The material is very soft and of great quality. I’m excited to use it on my long-distance flight!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $59.40 (also available in three other styles). 38. A gorgeously designed Hatch Restore 2 — this sunrise alarm and sound machine works overtime as a touch-controlled smart light, bedtime reading light, and even a wind-down light that helps you get into a healthier sleep routine at night, which is especially important to maintain when it's dark out for so long. Other bedside lamps could truly never. Hatch Restore lets you personalize a "bedtime routine" for each night to train your brain to recognize sleep cues and get a better night's rest. Options include changing the light settings to more amber tones to help produce melatonin for sleep, soothing noise options, and sleep meditations and sleep stories you can get in the Hatch app. Promising review: "The Hatch Restore 2 is truly a game changer for those looking to improve their night’s sleep and wake-up routine. It’s been the best bedside companion and has improved my overall health and well-being. The combination of sounds, lights, buttons, and aesthetics really all come to play to make this feel like a truly premium device. There are touch adjustments to adjust the volume and brightness of the clock, which work really well. My favorite feature is the physical buttons which you can press to start or stop the routines; it feels very intentional when I get ready for bed and really gets me in the right mindset to begin my bedtime routine ." — Natasha Advani Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (available in three styles). 39. A set of breathable bamboo socks for an understated, sophisticated vibe that still keeps your feet as comfy as can be. 'Tis the season to give your sock drawer the chic makeover it deserves. Promising review : "Absolute game-changer in the sock department! These socks are incredibly soft, thanks to their bamboo fabric, which feels luxurious against the skin. The mini crew length is perfect for wearing with sneakers or low-cut shoes, providing just the right amount of coverage without being too bulky. I love how breathable and moisture-wicking they are, keeping my feet cool and dry throughout the day. Plus, the reinforced heel and toe add durability, ensuring these socks hold up wash after wash." — Len Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in sets of two and five). 40. An adorable mushroom cup/tea infuser complete with a coaster so you can sip your morning tea like the certified woodland fairy creature you are. Check out a TikTok of the mushroom cup in action. Promising review : "It's so cute. It gives me so much serotonin drinking from it and having it on my desk. I'm always craving any sort of liquid so I do drink it pretty fast, but I just keep a refill close. The cup makes it worth the trip to refill." — Po1sonPod Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (clip the 10% off coupon on the product page for this price; available in five colors). 41. A waffle weave "shacket" with similar energy to the American Eagle version. This cozy number is lightweight and easy to pack, and will be a chic little lifesaver when a chilly breeze sneaks up on you during all that in-between ??? weather. Promising reviews : "Perfect closet staple! Looks great buttoned or unbuttoned and layered. Comfortable and cute! Long enough for leggings! Oversized fit." — stephanie canter "Love this! Exactly like the American eagle one." — Anuhea Get it from Amazon for $29.88+ (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 16 colors). 42. A memory foam cushion designed to relieve pressure on your back, butt, and tailbone so you don't have to suffer through long work days and commutes. Now you'll just have to convince yourself to actually get *off* of this cushion to get on with your day. Comfilife is a small business that specializes in comfort-based personal care products. Promising review: "Life-changing on a long trip! My partner wanted us to drive from Colorado to California. I wanted to fly because I had a fall, and half of my body was in pain. He talked me into it, so I purchased this pillow for the car ride. What a game-changer! It helped so much with the pain, and I would recommend it for anyone in the car !" — Nadia Get it from Amazon for $37.45+ (available in three colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
An ad put out this month by Apple for its AirPods headphones is sparking a wave of shocked praise because it shows an American family acting normal and leading a normal, loving, and healthy life instead of one kowtowing to the woke agenda. The ad for Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, entitled “Heartstrings,” features an iPhone app that, when paired with the AirPods, allows them to be used in the same manner as a set of hearing aids. The ad starts with a father watching his little girl open presents on Christmas and the heartwarming sight causes him to begin remembering the child growing up. But all the sound is a bit muffled. Soon, the man’s wife reminds him that he can use his AirPods and iPhone to better hear what is going on and the experience is enhanced for the father as his reverie about his daughter growing up intensifies and the sounds come in loud and clear. It ends with the loving father tearing up as he recalls his love for his daughter. WATCH: The ad quickly garnered a lot of discussion and praise online because it depicted a normal family acting in a normal way. Instead of being drowned in woke nonsense, we have a loving father who is not portrayed as a dunce or fool, a loving wife helping her husband without ridiculing him as she does it, a father then watching his daughter open Christmas presents while he remembers how much he loves her, and a flashback sequence showing the daughter growing up and doing normal, non-woke activities. This ad stands in stark contrast to the travesty luxury carmaker Jaguar recently disgorged on the world with a strange ad that delivered a cacophony of weirdos and transgenders in effeminate garb and which — oddly for a car company — didn’t even feature a car in it! Jaguar’s absurd ad was so badly flamed on social media that the CEO of the woke car company lashed out and accused the ad’s detractors of perpetrating a “blaze of intolerance” against the LGBTQ community. Apple’s ad got the opposite reception. In fact, the idea that famously woke Apple would put out an ad featuring a normal American family surprised social media users, many of whom expressed their amazement at how “pro-family” Apple’s ad was. Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHuston
A top US official sought to quell growing concern Sunday over reported drone sightings in the country's northeast, reiterating there was no known security threat as authorities monitor the situation. President Joe Biden's administration has faced mounting criticism for not clearly identifying origins of the objects seen hovering over parts of New York and New Jersey. The criticism has come even from Biden's own party, with top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer calling Sunday for action to make it easier for federal, state and local authorities to work together to detect and if need be "bring down" any drone seen to pose a threat. Video footage of mysterious airborne phenomena recently has clogged social media, with spottings also reported in Maryland and Virginia. "Some of those drone sightings are, in fact, drones. Some are manned aircraft that are commonly mistaken for drones," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" program. "But there's no question that drones are being sighted," he said, noting there are more than one million registered across the United States. "I want to assure the American public that we are on it," he said. "If we identify any foreign involvement or criminal activity, we will communicate with the American public accordingly. Right now, we are not aware of any." Even as Mayorkas sought to reassure the public, Boston police announced Sunday that two Massachusetts men had been arrested the previous night for allegedly conducting a "hazardous drone operation" near the city's Logan International Airport. State police were conducting a search for a third suspect, who authorities said fled the scene. Schumer, in a letter to Mayorkas Sunday, urged the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy special drone-detection technology across New York and New Jersey, since traditional radar struggles to detect such small objects. He also called for passage of legislation to explicitly authorize state and local law enforcement to work with federal agencies to detect and "bring down drones that threaten critical facilities or mass gatherings." Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, meanwhile expressed frustration at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) over its communications around the issue. "The answer 'we don't know' is not a good enough answer," he told "Fox News Sunday." "When people are anxious... people will fill a vacuum with, you know, their fears and anxieties and conspiracy theories," he said, calling for the FAA to hold public briefings. White House national security spokesman John Kirby had previously said the aircraft could be lawfully operated planes or helicopters mistaken for drones. "While there is no known malicious activity occurring, the reported sightings there do, however, highlight a gap in authorities," he said Thursday, calling for Congress to pass new legislation to "extend and expand existing counter-drone authorities." New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Sunday that authorities had agreed to send a drone detection system to her state. "I am grateful for the support, but we need more. Congress must pass a law that will give us the power to deal directly with the drones," she said on X. On Friday, President-elect Donald Trump urged federal authorities to clearly identify the drones' origins. "Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!" he posted on social media. As the price of drones has fallen -- small quadcopter models with Wi-Fi camera capability can be purchased for as little as $40 -- their numbers and popularity have soared, making their presence in American skies a greater concern. acb/des/bbk/mlm
- Previous:
- Next: ubet63 registration philippines
