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This May 2023 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a neglected, overgrown property on Long Island, New York. A step-by-step approach is the best strategy for reigning in such gardens. (Jessica Damiano via AP) This May 2023 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a neglected, overgrown property on Long Island, New York. A step-by-step approach is the best strategy for reigning in such gardens. (Jessica Damiano via AP) This May 2023 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a neglected, overgrown property on Long Island, New York. A step-by-step approach is the best strategy for reigning in such gardens. (Jessica Damiano via AP) This May 2023 image provided by Jessica Damiano shows a neglected, overgrown property on Long Island, New York. A step-by-step approach is the best strategy for reigning in such gardens. (Jessica Damiano via AP) Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter.fishing anime 。

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PRESS RELEASE: Equity, BpiFrance partner to boost SME trade financing in East AfricaHry asks farmers to seek clearance for Delhi marchBy JESSICA DAMIANO Some homeowners gaze out their windows and see lush and beautiful gardens . Others would like to see lush and beautiful gardens but instead are greeted by overgrown, dead or otherwise messy landscapes. Related Articles Things To Do | Boilo still has fierce traditionalists, but people enjoy variations of the drink Things To Do | Kat’s Cafe hosts Polish Holy Supper Things To Do | Join this golf club and you’ll get 7 ‘home’ courses across the US Things To Do | King Arthur Baking Company’s Stollen Recipe Things To Do | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone Whether you’ve inherited a neglected garden from a previous homeowner or have been too busy to keep on top of maintenance, don’t despair: Devising a game plan now can set you up for a much better view by next winter. As with most seemingly hopeless tasks, breaking the process down into small steps performed over time will help make the project manageable. Decide what to clear away First, grab a notepad and take a walk around the garden. Assess each section, determining which plants can be saved, which need to go and which require attention. Make a list now. Dead and invasive plants , as well as weeds , should be first on the chopping block. If the weather allows, dig them out, removing as much of their root systems as possible. Otherwise, tackle this first in spring. Next, remove and give away otherwise-healthy plants that you don’t want. Online buy-nothing groups and neighborhood pages are great places to find takers . Many will even be willing to do the digging if it means getting a free plant. If the property has been overrun with a thicket of plants, shrubs, trees and vines that have grown wild, a chainsaw, brush mower or brush grubber may be in order. Define any new beds If you’re dealing with a lot of weeds or want to create new garden beds in a lawn, you can smother the existing vegetation rather than dig it up. Determine the shape and size of the bed or border, and cover that area with cardboard or thick layers of newspaper. This can be done now, topped with 3 inches of compost and 2 inches of mulch, and left to sit over winter. It can also wait until planting time. When you’re ready to plant, you’ll be cutting root-size holes in the cardboard for your plants. Most weeds will be suppressed, but some may sneak through and require pulling or more cardboard. How and when to prune Healthy but overgrown or unproductive deciduous shrubs (the types that lose their leaves) can be rejuvenated by pruning . Do this when branches are bare in late winter. Choosing a method will require weighing aesthetics against rebound time and deciding which is right for you. The fastest (but most severe) method would be to cut the whole plant down just above ground level. It’s scary, but most shrubs can handle this and will bounce back stronger. If retaining height in the garden is important, you can opt to prune each branch or stem individually at uneven heights. Or cut back one-third of the plant’s branches each year for three years. The latter would have the least drastic effect but require the most patience. Evergreen trees and shrubs should only undergo selective pruning (the shortening of individual branches). Take care to avoid over-shearing or creating holes in needled evergreen plants and trees; with the exception of yews, they won’t fill back in . Looking to the dirt Now that you have a clean canvas, turn your attention to the soil. Test the soil’s pH to ensure it’s within range for the plants you plan to add. Test kits are available at local and online garden retailers. Your local cooperative extension service may provide testing and soil-amendment advice for a nominal fee. If indicated, incorporate lime or elemental sulfur into the soil to raise or lower its pH, following package instructions. If the soil is hard and compacted, use a core aerator or long-handled garden fork to create 2-3-inch holes through which air and water can enter. Finally, spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the area. As it decomposes, nutrients will work their way into the soil. Planting considerations After completing the above steps, it will be time to plant your new garden. If by summer you’re not yet ready to plant, apply mulch or use annuals to protect the bare soil. When you’re ready to plant new trees , shrubs and/or perennials, carefully select varieties that will not run rampant. Dig holes just as deep as their roots but twice as wide and space them appropriately to allow for their mature sizes. For the lowest maintenance going forward, consider hardy, pollinator-friendly , drought-tolerant native plants. Incorporate non-invasive groundcovers into beds to serve as a natural mulch and discourage weeds – remember, if you don’t plant something in bare spots, God will. While you wait for groundcovers to fill in, apply 2-to-3 inches of mulch between and around plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, keep soil temperatures even and protect tender roots. It might take a year or two — or longer, depending on your schedule and ability, but a step-by-step approach will avoid overwhelm and provide a steady stream of small wins as you approach your goal. Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. For her favorite tools and gear of the past year, see her 2024 gardening gift guide. For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening .

Global stocks end mostly up with DAX crossing 20,000 for 1st timeNEW YORK , Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Visa Inc. ("Visa" or the "Company") (NYSE: V ). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. The class action concerns whether Visa and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. You have until January 20, 2025 , to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Visa securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained a t www.pomerantzlaw.com . [Click here for information about joining the class action] On September 24, 2024 , the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") filed an antitrust lawsuit alleging that Visa has abused its dominant position in the debit card market to force businesses to use Visa's network instead of competitors' and to prevent new alternatives from entering the market. On news of the DOJ's lawsuit, Visa's stock price fell $15.85 per share, or 5.49%, to close at $272.78 per share on September 24, 2024 . Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York , Chicago , Los Angeles , London , Paris , and Tel Aviv , is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz , known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud , breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

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LODI, Calif., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB ) announced today that Deborah Skinner, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, will be retiring effective December 31, 2024, after 24 years with Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California. The Company previously announced her intention to retire back on September 9, 2024. Ms. Skinner will remain with the Company through year-end to assist with the transition. "On behalf of the entire team at FMCB and the Board of Directors, I want to thank Debbie for her leadership and dedication to our company,” said Kent A. Steinwert, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of FMCB. "During her time with the Company, Debbie has been vital to the development and successful execution of our business operations and strategy. I also want to personally thank Debbie for being a trusted advisor to me and true business partner to our management team. We all wish her a happy and well-deserved retirement.” The Company also announced that Troy D. Harper will join the Company as its Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer effective December 9, 2024. Mr. Harper brings over 30 years of operational expertise in financial services to FMCB, including more than 20 years in commercial and retail banking. Prior to joining FMCB, he was Executive Vice President, Chief Information & Operations Officer for HomeStreet Bank, where he led deposit, loan, and treasury management operations, IT, corporate real estate, and security. His career experience includes additional banking and operational roles at the FDIC, Pierce Commercial Bank, CGI Group, and Deloitte Consulting. He received a B.S. in finance and accounting management from Northeastern University. Mr. Harper will work closely with Ms. Skinner until her retirement at year-end to ensure a seamless transition. "As we continue to expand our organization, it's important that we add highly accomplished, talented, and experienced people to our executive leadership team. Troy brings a depth and breadth of operations and IT experience to the Company that will enrich the management team, while enabling us to execute successfully on our objectives in 2025 and beyond,” stated Mr. Steinwert. About Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, trades on the OTCQX under the symbol FMCB, and is the parent company of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, also known as F&M Bank. Founded in 1916, F&M Bank is a locally owned and operated community bank, which proudly serves California through 33 convenient locations. F&M Bank is financially strong, with $5.4 billion in assets, and is consistently recognized as one of the nation's safest banks by national bank rating firms. The Bank has maintained a 5-Star rating from BauerFinancial for 34 consecutive years, longer than any other commercial bank in the State of California. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has paid dividends for 89 consecutive years and has increased dividends for 59 consecutive years. As a result, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is a member of a select group of only 56 publicly traded companies referred to as "Dividend Kings,” and is ranked 17 th in that group based on consecutive years of dividend increases. A "Dividend King” is a stock with 50 or more consecutive years of dividend increase. In August 2024, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp was named by Bank Director's Magazine as the #2 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual "Ranking Banking” study of the top performing banks for 2023. Last year the Bank was named by Bank Director's Magazine as the #1 best performing bank in the nation across all asset categories in their annual "Ranking Banking” study of the top performing banks for 2022. In April 2024, F&M Bank was ranked 6 th on Forbes Magazine's list of "America's Best Banks" in 2023. Forbes' annual "America's Best Banks” list looks at ten metrics measuring growth, credit quality, profitability, and capital for the 2023 calendar year, as well as stock performance in the 12 months through March 18, 2024. In December 2023, F&M Bank was ranked 4 th on S&P Global Market Intelligence's "Top 50 List of Best-Performing Community Banks” in the US with assets between $3.0 billion and $10.0 billion for 2023. S&P Global Market Intelligence ranks financial institutions based on several key factors including financial returns, growth, and balance sheet risk profile. In October 2021, F&M Bank was named the "Best Community Bank in California” by Newsweek magazine. Newsweek's ranking recognizes those financial institutions that best serve their customers' needs in each state. This recognition speaks to the superior customer service the F&M Bank team members provide to its clients. F&M Bank is the 15 th largest bank lender to agriculture in the United States. F&M Bank operates in the mid-Central Valley of California, including Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus, and Merced counties and the east region of the San Francisco Bay Area, including Napa, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. F&M Bank was inducted into the National Agriculture Science Center's "Ag Hall of Fame” at the end of 2021 for providing resources, financial advice, guidance, and support to the agribusiness communities as well as to students in the next generation of agribusiness workforce. F&M Bank is dedicated to helping California remain the premier agricultural region in the world and will continue to work with the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and processors. F&M Bank remains committed to servicing the needs of agribusiness in California as has been the case since its founding over 108 years ago. F&M Bank offers a full complement of loan, deposit, equipment leasing and treasury management products to businesses, as well as a full suite of consumer banking products. The FDIC awarded F&M Bank the highest possible rating of "Outstanding" in their last Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA”) evaluation. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations regarding the Company's financial performance. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include the words "believe,” "expect,” "intend,” "estimate” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as "will,” "would,” "should,” "could” or "may.” Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding management team changes and their anticipated impact on the Company, and the Company's expansion and its ability to execute on strategic objectives. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and which could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to the risk factors and other important factors detailed in the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs, and various other securities law filings made periodically by the Company, copies of which are available from the Company's website. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. For more information about Farmers & Merchants Bancorp and F&M Bank, visit fmbonline.com. Investor Relations Contact Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Bart R. Olson Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Phone: 209-367-2485 [email protected]Democratic senators urge Biden to act on temporary protections for migrants

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Luxury tech gifts are the ultimate way to impress. Combining innovation, practicality, and indulgence, they can also be thoughtful, if not showstopping. This year, we’ve curated an extraordinary selection of luxury tech gadgets and devices that deliver cutting-edge tech while adding a touch of luxe to everyday life. They’re not just tools — they’re experiences designed to elevate and inspire your gift recipient’s life. Whether you’re shopping for a coffee connoisseur, a fitness enthusiast, or the ultimate tech junkie, there’s a luxury tech gadget on our list for anyone you’re shopping for. Imagine gifting the sleek Terra Kaffe for barista-quality drinks at home or the Meta Quest 3S for immersive virtual adventures. For the audiophile, Focal’s high-fidelity headphones redefine sound quality, while the Hydrow Core Rower offers an immersive fitness adventure like no other. Even cat parents and homebodies can indulge in next-level convenience with the Litter-Robot 4 or Shark PowerDetect vacuum . Every luxury tech gadget on this list blends form and function, so your loved ones get served top-notch performance and thoughtful design. From practical smart vacuums and innovative gaming systems to indulgent self-heating mugs and personalized Xbox controllers , these unforgettable luxury tech gifts will make anyone feel spoiled. Terra Kaffe Super Automatic Espresso Machine – For the Sustainable Coffee Snob The Terra Kaffe TK-02 automatic espresso machine is the ultimate gift for coffee lovers this holiday season. It steams milk effortlessly, grinds your favorite coffee beans with the tap of a button, and customizes espresso drinks like lattes, flat whites, and macchiatos with precision (and based on your settings). Offering barista-quality brews without wasteful pods that taste inferior compared to your favorite coffeehouse’s beans, this sleek machine enriches with fresher, tastier coffee tailored to perfection. We promise every sip will be a luxurious experience. Oura Ring 4 – For the One with Lofty Fitness Goals The Oura Ring 4 is the ultimate gift for health and wellness enthusiasts this holiday season. Unlike traditional fitness trackers or smartwatches, the Oura Ring is worn on your finger to deliver accurate and continuous insights. Sleek, stylish, and available in six stunning finishes, it discreetly tracks 30+ biometrics like sleep, stress, activity levels, heart health, and even a woman’s menstrual cycle. With up to 8 days of battery life, this water-resistant watch can be personalized to fit your gift recipient using Oura’s sizing kit. Arcade1up Pac-Man Game – For the Nostalgic Gamer Bring the arcade home with the Arcade1UP video game machine , a 5-foot-tall cabinet packed with nostalgia and fun! Choose from iconic themes like , , or . With multiple games in one, crisp 17-inch screens, authentic joysticks, and light-up features, this retro gift will wow gamers of all ages. They can relive classic memories or create new ones with this standout present. Hydrow Core Rower – A Luxury Tech Gift for All Workout Gurus The Hydrow Core Rower is a game-changer for anyone looking to stay fit at home . This sleek, quiet, machine takes the rower on 30 scenic adventures—no membership or monthly fees needed (though you can get it to enhance the ride). With a 22-inch HD screen and Bluetooth compatibility, it tracks progress while the rower zones out to beautiful waterways. Its sturdy aluminum and steel frame is built to last, making it worth the splurge. It also provides the perfect mix of relaxation and a killer workout for your love done who wants to stay fit. Buy at Hydrow Positive Grid Spark MINI Vai – For the Music Lover The ultimate splurge for the guitar enthusiast in your life, the Positive Grid Spark MINI Vai should be at the top of your list Designed by legendary guitarist Steve Vai, this 10-watt portable amp offers incredible sound quality with two custom speakers and 33 amp models. It comes with Vai’s signature presets, a stunning burgundy design, and a premium custom cable. Perfect for jam sessions, home recording, or on-the-go music creation, this wonderfully adorable amp fuses innovation and artistry in one compact, stylish package. Buy at Positive Grid Brane Portable Speaker – Best Luxury Tech Gift for Audiophiles Give the Brane X Portable Speaker to your loved one who craves premium sound in a portable package. It features the world’s first internal subwoofer in a compact speaker while delivering studio-quality audio. The listener will appreciate the deep, rich bass it serves in a compact design. With 12-hour battery life, customizable sound settings, streaming via Bluetooth or Wifi, and waterproof durability, it’s perfect for any adventure. Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) – For the Homeowner There’s nothing more intelligent than a smart learning thermostat that learns your living habits and adjusts the temperature in your home to match. Meet the Google Nest, the ideal gift for tech and design enthusiasts. Adorned in a polished gold finish, it looks as exquisite as it functions. It adapts to preferred temperatures and schedules, even as a family’s routine evolves. It also factors in outdoor conditions like weather and temperatures to optimize energy efficiency. It looks best in sleek, modern spaces. Design Your Xbox Controller – For the Gamer Who Has Everything Did you know the Xbox Design Lab lets you create a personalized Xbox Wireless Controller? Make the gamer in your life an unforgettable gift by customizing every detail—from colors and finishes on the body, D-pad, and thumbsticks to triggers and buttons. You can also add laser engraving for a truly unique touch, like a name or special message. This thoughtful gift not only elevates gaming sessions with a one-of-a-kind controller but also becomes a meaningful keepsake they’ll cherish. And if you want your loved one to design their own, you can gift them a digital code to craft their dream controller themselves. Ooni Koda Max Pizza Oven – Best Gift for the Pizza Lover One might say not everyone needs a pizza oven, but if you have a pizza-obsessed family member, the Ooni Koda 2 Max Gas Powered Pizza Oven will change their life. This splurge-worthy gift will create an infinite number of superior pizzas with its spacious 24-inch cooking area and dual-zone heat control. Your gift recipient can cook multiple pizzas or entire meals simultaneously with this oven that can reach 950°F in minutes. In other words, it can deliver restaurant-quality pizzas in 60 seconds thanks to its advanced Ooni G2 Ga s Technology. Its Digital Temperature Hub can also provide precise heat monitoring in case they’re a culinary-pizza novice. Tested by Our Team and Highly Recommended: The Digital Trends team tested the Ooni Koda Pizza Oven and recommends it for gifting this holiday season. Our tester said they, “felt like I was making pizza like the pros do in a restaurant-like setting!” Our tester also noted that this product is a bit heavy and is made for a family with a big backyard. You’ll also need a propane tank plus a table to set it up on. They would not recommend it for a single person who lives alone without a backyard. reMarkable Starter Bundle – For the Efficient Student or Staffer The reMarkable Starter Bundle is the perfect gift for anyone looking to ditch the clutter and focus on their best work. This tablet—when paired with the Marker Plus pen and sleek Book Folio—delivers a paper-like writing experience for the notetaker in your life. It writes smoothly, saves notes, creates PDFs, and syncs seamlessly to the cloud and apps. It also comes with a handwriting-to-text conversion feature that his workflow is longing for. It lasts up to two weeks of battery life on a single charge and will prove to be a game-changer for writers, students, and busy professionals. Sony 85′′ Class BRAVIA XR X90L LED 4K UHD Smart Google TV – Best Gift for the Self-Proclaimed Couch Potato The Sony 85′′ Class BRAVIA XR X90L 4K UHD Smart Google TV is a dream gift for someone you love who you wouldn’t mind splurging on. This premium TV serves Sony’s Cognitive Processor XR for lifelike picture quality and Full Array LED for stunning contrast. With immersive sound, Dolby Vision, Google TV, and PlayStation 5 optimization, it’s perfect for movies, gaming, and streaming—consider it a must for the entertainment-obsessed. Skylight Calendar — Best Luxury Gift for Parents The Skylight Calendar is the ultimate tool to streamline family life. This 15-inch smart touchscreen integrates with Google, iCloud, and Outlook calendars to sync schedules for the parents, kids, and family helpers of every family unit effortlessly. Assign colors and chores to family members, plan dinners, and manage tasks with ease. Its sleek HD display can be wall-mounted or table-mounted, blending function with style. The interactive chore chart fosters independence with your younger ones, too, while the companion app keeps everyone connected, organized, and, hopefully, stress-free. The Carol Bike – For the Exercise Fiend With a Busy Schedule Gift the Carol Bike to the super-busy fitness enthusiast who deserves a convenient way to stay fit. This gift delivers results through its revolutionary Reduced Exertion HIIT (REHIT) workouts that deliver the results of a 45-minute run in just five minutes. Featuring AI-personalized rides, an 11.5-inch touchscreen, and seamless integration with fitness and entertainment apps like Zwift and Netflix, this sleek, science-backed bike sets itself apart from the Peloton because of its focus on maximizing fitness in minimal time. Buy at Carol Bike TheraFace LED Mask – Best Luxury Tech Gift for the Beauty Maven The TheraFace LED Light Therapy Skin Care Face Mask revolutionizes skincare with red, blue, and infrared LED light therapy. This cordless mask will tackle your gift recipient’s fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and sagging skin—though you won’t tell them you noticed. Its built-in vibrating massager can also boost circulation and relaxation. Your loved one will appreciate this luxury skincare tool’s ergonomic, hands-free design and protective eye shields too. LEVOIT Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Smart Humidifier – For the One Who Loves Home Tech While you may not think of gifting a humidifier, hear us out. This LEVOIT Superior 6000S Smart Evaporative Humidifier is a powerhouse for home comfort. Designed to cover up to 3,000 sq. ft., its 6-gallon tank offers 72 hours of consistent humidity with whisper-quiet sleep mode. This humidifier’s evaporative technology is complemented by voice control, auto modes, and app integration. With wheels for mobility and foldable storage, it’s practical, efficient, and perfect for any one on your list to create a healthy home environment. Choose from various modes, like: Auto, Home, Away, Dry, and Sleep to optimize humidity. Lucyd Lyte Smart Glasses – For the Fashionable Friend Combine your earbuds with glasses, and you get the Lucyd Lyte Smart Glasses. These Bluetooth-enabled glasses offer UV400 polarized lenses to protect your eyes while reducing glare. They also act as a combo of open-ear speakers and a microphone, providing hands-free communication and music streaming. No need to carry extra devices. Use them to enjoy music while jogging, multitasking, and more. And if the technology is not enough to wow you, they are also quite chic, boasting an elegant crystal design. Each pair comes with a slipcase, cleaning cloth, and quick-start guide for effortless setup. Ninja SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink Maker – For the Frosé Fan Who on your list do you love the most? Give them the Ninja SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink Maker, which transforms everyday liquids into icy perfection with its innovative RapidChill Technology—no ice required! This magical appliance features five preset settings for slush, milkshakes, and more. Your giftee can customize their drink thickness to suit your taste. The ergonomic handle and no-drip spout make serving a breeze, too. Also, the easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup less intimidating than other kitchen gadgets. Tested by Our Team and Highly Recommended: The Digital Trends team tested the Ninja SLUSHi and recommends it for gifting this holiday season. Our testers said the drinks they made were delicious; plus, the process was fun. One also called out how much quieter it is than other blenders they’ve used. “I’m excited to try out the recipes that were provided! I own several SharkNinja products, and this is another one that went above and beyond to hit the mark.” OHOM Ui 3 Self-Heating Mug Set – For the One Who’s Always Sipping Optimal temperature for coffee or tea? Who wouldn’t want that? Enter the OHOM Ui 3 Self-Heating Mug Set, which will elevate your warm beverage with its ceramic mug. This gadget can maintain every sip using electromagnetic energy. The OHOM Pad not only keeps your drink cozy but can also double as a wireless charger for phones and earbuds. Epson Smart Laser Projector – Best Luxury Tech Gift for the Screen Maker The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF22 is the ultimate splurge-worthy gift for the movie lover in your life . This sleek, portable projector delivers an incredible home theater experience with Full HD 1080p resolution, HDR, and 1,000 lumens of brightness, making every scene pop—day or night. The 360-degree swivel stand makes it easy to set up anywhere, and built-in Dolby stereo speakers bring the sound to life. With Google TV and HDMI connectivity, it’s perfect for streaming, gaming, or epic backyard movie nights. Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series 3-in-1 Machine – For the Budding Barista The Ninja Luxe Café Premier Series 3-in-1 Machine is the ultimate coffee maker for anyone who craves quality coffee at home. Crafting espresso, coffee, and cold brew, this Ninja appliance’s Barista Assist Technology guarantees precision with grind size, weight-based dosing, and hands-free frothing. Your gift recipient will appreciate its built-in grinder with 25 settings and the ability to customize their creations. Sony Alpha 7R V Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera – For the Shutterbug Photographers and filmmakers rejoice. This Sony Alpha 7R V will capture incredible detail in every shot. Your gift recipient can make use of its super-fast BIONZ XR processor, which makes everything run smoothly. Whether they’re filming in jaw-dropping 8K or 4K at 60fps, the dynamic range and quality are next-level, and the pro knows it. Plus, the flexible 4-axis LCD screen and built-in 5-axis stabilization make it perfect for creators on the move. Litter Robot 4 – Best Gift for Cat Parents Any cat parent will love this litter box splurge, and you can be its purveyor. The Litter-Robot 4 Core Bundle by Whisker is the ultimate solution for effortless cat care. This self-cleaning litter box eliminates scooping with its automatic sifting technology, keeping their home fresh with OdorTrap refills. Real-time monitoring via the Whisker app will also track waste levels and the cat’s activity. Do they have multiples? This box can also be used by up to four cats. This practical, time-saving upgrade will be welcomed by any cat lover you know. EMPORIA Electric Car Charger – For the Energy-Efficient Driver The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger offers an efficient, smart, and environmentally conscious way to charge any electric vehicle. It delivers up to 9 times faster charging than the standard and is ENERGY STAR-certified. With its smart app, users can also track energy use and schedule sessions to save on utility costs. Gift it to the EV owner in your life who is as practical as they are sustainable. Nintendo Switch Neon Mario Kart 8 Bundle – For the Beginner Gamer The new gamer in your life will love the Nintendo Switch Neon Mario Kart 8 Bundle if they don’t already have one. This console, which can appeal to gamers of all ages, transitions seamlessly between home and handheld play. Packed with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Mario Bros. Wonder, plus accessories like screen protectors, Joy-Con cases, and a charging dock, this gift is perfect for family game nights or solo adventures. Whether racing friends or exploring new worlds, this bundle delivers endless excitement for years to come. Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Bluetooth Headphones – Best Gift for All Listeners The Focal Bathys High-Fidelity Bluetooth Headphones redefine luxury audio, so the music snob in your life will be impressed. With premium materials like magnesium and real leather, these headphones also ensure comfort. Featuring Bluetooth and USB-DAC wired modes, this gift promises to deliver Hi-Fi sound, so they’re perfect for even the most discerning listener. The Mimi Hearing Test available customizes audio to individual hearing profiles, while advanced noise cancellation offers immersive experiences. Uneekor EYE MINI LITE Indoor Golf Simulator – For the Avid Golfer Improve their golf game with this Uneekor EYE MINI LITE, a high-tech indoor golf simulator that transforms any space into a year-round practice hub. Compact and easy to set up, it’s perfect for the home of a beginner or pro, offering immersive play on virtual courses. With Dimple Optix technology and patented EYE Engine, it captures 18 data points for precise performance insights on your swing, helping golfers refine their game. Tineco PURE ONE Station 5 Smart Vacuum – For the Neat Freak Step aside, Dyson. The cordless smart vacuum, Tineco PURE ONE Station 5, comes with power, convenience, and innovation. It features 175W suction and can effortlessly handle dirt, debris, and pet hair on both carpets and hard floors. Its iLoop Smart Sensor can also detect dust while adjusting suction automatically for the most efficient cleaning. After each use, this cleaning device also self-cleans its brush, tube, and filter. Perfect for pet owners, busy households, or the neat freak in your life who might also be a tad lazy. (No shade!) Arf Pets Smart Automatic Pet Feeder with Wi-Fi & Video Camera – For the One Who Loves Their Fur Baby For cat or dog parents who need some help when they’re out, the Arf Pets Smart Automatic Pet Feeder with Wi-Fi and Video Camera is the ultimate gift for them and their fur baby. It schedules precise feeding times and portions based on their settings. 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Moravec’s paradox, which explains that Artificial Intelligence (AI) excels at complex tasks beyond human capability but struggles with tasks requiring direct interaction with the environment, offers scope for cross-linking human intelligence with AI for mutual improvement. This paradox could pave the way for developing Hybrid Agricultural Intelligence (HAI) by combining farmers’ knowledge with AI, creating sustainable solutions that are tailored to the dynamic challenges confronting India’s agricultural sector. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. As in the Economic Survey’s provisional estimate for 2023-24, the contribution of agriculture to the Indian GDP is pegged at 18.2 % at current prices while providing a livelihood to 42.3% of the 1.4 billion citizens. India’s agriculture, done in 219.16 million hectares during 2021-22 (Land Use Statistics at a Glance-2018-19 to 2021-22, Government of India), has been shaped by the unique knowledge and adaptive strategies of farmers accumulated over thousands of years of ecological understanding. Indian farmers have developed deep knowledge to deal with diverse seed and planting material requirements, crop rotation and management, soil types, weather patterns and consumer preference. This traditional “farmers’ intelligence” or the Indigenous Technology Knowledge (ITK) forms a vital foundation for smallholders (who constitute over 80% of the agricultural community), to sustain yields on small land holdings despite minimal resources and unpredictable monsoons. Complementing this, scientific research led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has further enriched farmers’ knowledge and capabilities, playing a key role in empowering them and contributing to India’s rise as a leading agricultural nation. The advent of technology In recent years, AI, machine learning, drone applications, cutting-edge sensors and remote sensing technologies well-suited to the large farming areas have helped agriculture rapidly advance in developed countries. Now, increasingly, these innovations have begun making an entry in Indian agriculture, with an aim to enhance productivity and efficiency and also sustain the environment. However, small landholdings create unique challenges for Indian farmers to adopt AI technologies since they are designed for large farms. Hence, many still rely on traditional farming knowledge which has allowed Indian farmers to manage microclimates and optimise yields through century-long accrued insights through a combination of practical tactile observations, visual cues and oral folklore passed down through generations. Their ITK was refined over hundreds of years, including the Green Revolution period as well, allowing them to develop adaptive strategies in local agriculture that could align with natural resources constraints, ecological changes and enhanced resilience against different stresses. Innovative farmers have developed new crop varieties through long-term breeding. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPVFRA) was established in 2001 to protect their contributions. Additionally, many farmers conserve wild cereal, millet varieties and horticultural crops with valuable traits, recognised through the PPVFRA’s Genome Saviour Awards. Farmers and village artisans have also created tools and equipment that are suited to Indian agriculture, such as the popular coconut climbing device by M.J. Joseph of Kerala, known as the ‘Chemperi Joseph’ device. Rural Indian women constitute 48% of self-employed farmers and 33% of agricultural labourers, making them integral to sustainable farming practices. They handle critical tasks such as seed selection and planting, polycropping, soil health, water management and pest control involving low-input, organic methods, and post-harvest processing suitable for local conditions. Their expertise in agriculture plays a vital role in enhancing the resilience of smallholder farms against environmental changes. On indigenous knowledge To capture the indigenous agriculture technologies developed by the farmers, the ICAR, in the year 2000, under the National Agricultural Technology Programme, had initiated a Mission Mode Project on Collection, Documentation and Validation of the ITK. The information had been published as the Inventory of ITK in Agriculture as two part documents (Das et al., 2002). These remain an important repository of Indian farmers’ knowledge which could be put to wider use. Despite the robustness of Indian farmers’ indigenous knowledge, which evolved alongside Green Revolution technologies to adapt to local conditions, the increasing pressures of soil degradation, climate change, market volatility, limited resources including labour now demand enhanced support systems. This is where the potential of AI and modern technology becomes particularly relevant. The Global AI market is growing at a CAGR of 23.1% from 2023 to 2028, with a rise in investments from $1.47 billion to $4.7 billion during this period. It is estimated that the adoption of AI could reduce cost of cultivation by 22% as in an Ark-Investment report. Already, under the AI4AI programme (AI for Agriculture Innovation) started by the Indian government, an initiative called ‘Saagu Baagu’ in Khammam district of Telangana State had shown that from 2020 to 2023, the adoption of AI-enhanced chilli yield by 21% per acre, reduced pesticide application by 9%, a 5% decrease in fertilizer usage, and an 8% improvement in unit prices due to quality enhancements. Consequently, chilli farmers earned more than ₹66,000 per acre per crop cycle, enhancing their income substantially. This clearly indicates the scope of AI in transforming Indian agriculture. To effectively develop hybrid agricultural intelligence (HAI), farmers need to recognise the value of their own agricultural knowledge as well as the potential of modern AI technologies. Training programmes should be implemented to educate them on using AI tools in conjunction with their farming practices. Need for collaborative platforms Collaborative platforms should be developed where farmers can share their farming knowledge with AI developers while integrating agricultural technologies generated by research organisations. This will not only refine AI tools for agriculture but also provide farmers with advanced insights and innovative solutions to enhance their practices. This ongoing data integration will create a symbiosis of farmers’ wisdom and modern technology, resulting in continuous adaptive solutions modified to changing farming needs. AI platforms such as ‘Kisan-e-mitra’, ‘Bhashini’ and ‘Sarvam’ can facilitate this exchange through multilingual support. Pilot projects must be launched across regions to test this hybrid approach, evaluating its impact on efficiency, yields, income, and overall sustainability and refined further. Partnerships among the government, ICAR, tech companies, and farmers’ cooperatives are crucial for developing HAI. However, such partnerships should be equitable, ethical, inclusive and ensure safeguarding national data, the interests of the farming community, and farm labour and the food security of the nation. Guaranteeing affordable and accessible AI tools for smallholder farmers is of paramount importance too. Despite challenges such as data integration, privacy concerns, financial constraints, and social resistance, if successfully implemented, HAI has the potential to transform Indian agriculture. By combining farmers’ knowledge with AI, HAI can make farming more resilient, sustainable, and adaptable to future challenges, leading to a more prosperous and resource-efficient agricultural sector in India. Murali Gopal is Principal Scientist, Agricultural Microbiology and Head of the Division of Physiology, Biochemistry and Post-Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala. Alka Gupta is Principal Scientist, Agricultural Microbiology, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Kasaragod, Kerala. The views expressed are personal Published - December 04, 2024 04:00 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit India / farms / Artificial Intelligence / agriculture / agricultural research and technology / economy (general) / Economic Survey / government / Monsoon / weather science / Kerala / laws / labour / water / pesticides / environmental issues / climate change / Telangana / online / finance (general) / Sustainability / award and prize / genderMichael Croley | (TNS) Bloomberg News In the old days of 2016, when golfers visited the Dormie Club in West End, North Carolina — 15 minutes from the hotbed of American golf, Pinehurst — they were greeted by a small, single-wide trailer and a rugged pine straw parking lot. Related Articles Travel | Travel: These cruise ships will make their maiden voyages in 2025 Travel | It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel Travel | Yes, you can take your cookies through a TSA checkpoint — if they meet these requirements Travel | For airports, background music no longer is an afterthought Travel | Review: ‘‘Auana,’ Cirque du Soleil’s first resident show in Hawaii, stays true to its roots That trailer is now long gone. A gate has been installed at the club’s entrance and a long driveway leads to a grand turnaround that sweeps you past a new modern clubhouse that’s all right angles, with floor-to-ceiling glass. Seconds after you exit your car, valets are zipping up in golf carts, taking your name, then your bags, handing you keys to your own golf cart, and then zipping off to drop your luggage in the four-bedroom cottage where you’ll stay. A short walk past an expansive putting green you’ll find the pro shop — and then you’ll see the club’s most elegant feature: its golf course. The changes have all come about because Dormie Club was acquired in 2017 by the Dormie Network, a national group that owns seven private golf facilities from Nebraska to New Jersey. (“Dormie” is a word for being ahead in golf — the names were coincidences.) A key to the network’s success has been its ability to find clubs ripe for acquisition, with outstanding golf courses and existing on-site lodging or the room to build it, says Zach Peed, president of the company and its driving force. After investing in Arbor Links Golf Club in Nebraska City, Nebraska, in late 2015, Peed believed he saw an opening in the golf market: a new model of hospitality for traveling professionals who wanted a pure golf experience that eschewed the pools and pickleball courts of their home clubs. His clubs would become dream golf-only getaways for avid players and their pals. “Dormie Network’s concept was sparked by having played competitive golf in college, combined with an element of experiencing and understanding hospitality,” says Peed. “It made sense to blend the two to create golf trips that had more value than just playing golf. We want genuine hospitality to help create unforgettable memories and new friendships.” Part of that formula has been in the lodging strategy; in North Carolina, 15 four-bedroom cottages now are a short golf cart ride from the main clubhouse. In each, golfers all have their own king-size bed and en suite bathroom. A large common room is dominated by a flatscreen television along with a well-stocked bar and snacks. That ability to be both social, or tucked away in your room, extends to the expansive new clubhouse, where a high-ceilinged bar area with blond wood creates an inviting space for dining and drinking, and several hideaway rooms allow for more private diners with just your group. So far, their commitment to hospitality has been helping them expand in both membership and club usage in the increasingly competitive market for traveling golfers. Major players such as Bandon Dunes, Pinehurst Resort, and the Cabot Collection have created — or renovated — a new paradigm where golfers get dining and lodging that’s as showcase-worthy as the courses they play. Comfortable sheets and options beyond pub food aren’t luxuries anymore, but staples for many group trips. Dormie has answered that call by focusing on both the big details and the small ones, like having the dew wiped off each golf cart at dawn outside guest cottages before the day begins or having a tray of cocktails delivered to golfers as their final putt falls on the 18th green. These touches may seem over-the-top, but they stand out in a world where golf travel is increasingly popular — and expensive — after the pandemic lockdowns. Since 2020 there has been an explosion in participation in the sport, with new golfers picking up the game and avid golfers playing more: According to the National Golf Foundation, a record 531 million rounds were played in 2023, surpassing the high of 529 million set in 2021. Supreme Golf, a public golf booking website, reports in its latest analysis that the average cost of a tee time has increased to $49 in 2024 from $38 in 2019, a 30% increase. Those cost increases are also on par (pun intended) with the costs of private clubs and initiation fees during that same period, where membership rosters that were dwindling pre-COVID now have waitlists 50 to 60 people deep, according to Jason Becker, co-founder and chief executive officer of Golf Life Navigators, which matches homebuyers with golf course communities. “There’s been an absolute run on private golf. If we use southwest Florida as an example, where there are 158 golf communities, this time last November, only five had memberships available,” he said. That inability to find a club close to home has pushed avid golfers to look farther afield, choosing national memberships at clubs that require traveling, usually via plane, to play. Dormie has capitalized on this growing segment, offering two types of memberships: First, a national membership, where members pay an initiation fee and monthly dues just as they would at a local club, but instead of one club they have access to seven. The second option is a signature membership for companies, “which allows businesses to use our properties for entertainment needs and requires a multiyear commitment,” Peed says. The network also offers a limited number of regional memberships for those living within a certain distance of one of its clubs. Dormie Network declined to provide the cost of memberships or monthly dues and wouldn’t give membership numbers, but the clubs are structured to lodge roughly 60 golfers, max, on-site at any given property at any time. The total number of beds across the network’s portfolio of properties has increased from 84 in 2019 to 432 today. It saw a jump from 10,000 room nights in 2019 to 48,000 in 2023. This September, Dormie opened GrayBull in Maxwell, in Nebraska’s, Sandhills region. Dormie Network tabbed David McLay Kidd to build the course, who also built the original course at Oregon’s famed Bandon Dunes. Kidd says of the property GrayBull sits on, “It’s like the Goldilocks thing: not too flat, not too steep. It’s kind of in a bowl that looks inwards, and there are no bad views.” That kind of remote destination, where the long-range views are only Mother Nature or other golf holes, is what drives many traveling golfers these days. Peed says his team leaned on years of knowledge from Dormie’s acquisitions as they built GrayBull, which started construction in 2022. “We had an understanding of how our members and guests use the clubs that allowed us to take a blank canvas in the Sandhills of Nebraska and combine all of the greatest aspects of each Dormie property into one.” ©2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.