k load

k load "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.Donald Trump ’s attorneys are calling on the judge overseeing his hush money trial to toss the case altogether, pointing to President Joe Biden ’s pardon of his son Hunter , and raising the idea that presidential “immunity” should apply to the president-elect . The “disruptions to the institution of the Presidency violate the Presidential immunity doctrine because they threaten the functioning of the federal government,” the criminally convicted former president’s attorneys wrote in a 72-page filing made public on Tuesday. Trump’s lead criminal defense attorneys Todd Blanche and Emil Bove — both of whom were nominated by Trump for top roles at the Department of Justice — quoted from President Biden’s own statement claiming that his son was “selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted” and “treated differently.” “President Biden argued that ‘raw politics has infected this process and it led to a miscarriage of justice.’ These comments amounted to an extraordinary condemnation of President Biden’s own DOJ,” they wrote. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg — whose office landed a 34-felony count conviction against the former president earlier this year — has “engaged in ‘precisely the type of political theater’ that President Biden has condemned,” according to Trump’s attorneys. Prosecutors have until December 9 to respond. New York Justice Juan Merchan has agreed to postpone the case indefinitely as he hears Trump’s latest arguments on whether to vacate the conviction and dismiss the case. Last month, prosecutors urged Merchan to reject Trump’s arguments but did not oppose a delay in the proceedings, floating the prospect of moving a potential sentencing hearing to 2029, “after the end of Defendant’s upcoming presidential term,” in an effort to preserve their case and the jury’s unanimous verdict. Moving forward with the case after Trump’s election would be “uniquely destabilizing” and could “hamstring the operation of the whole government apparatus,” his attorneys wrote on November 19. Merchan had already delayed a decision on Trump’s separate “immunity” claims that evidence used against him at trial falls under the scope of a Supreme Court decision that shields the presidency from some criminal prosecution. Trump — whose campaign relied on a narrative of political persecution and retribution against a justice system he accuses of conspiring against him — continues to insist he has done nothing wrong. On May 30 , a jury found Trump guilty of falsifying business records in connection with a scheme to silence adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose story about having sex with Trump threatened his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump’s reimbursements to his then-attorney Michael Cohen, who paid off Daniels, were falsely recorded in accounting records as “legal expenses.” Further delays in his sentencing, and the potential for the case to be frozen for four years or tossed altogether, mean that Trump will enter office having avoided any consequences for the allegations and convictions against him. Special counsel Jack Smith has effectively closed the federal criminal cases against the former president , for now, and an appeals court in Georgia has postponed arguments related to his election interference case in Fulton County.

Man United star “absolutely devastated” as Ruben Amorim receives fresh blowRachel Zegler slammed by fans over ‘woke’ Snow White trailer

Celebrity-inspired Thanksgiving recipes, plus last-minute holiday meal ideas

Thailand has long been celebrated for its vibrant traditions and unique cultural identity. Yet, in Tomorrow And I, Netflix's ambitious new anthology series debuting today, viewers are invited to imagine a radically transformed Thailand -- one where advanced technologies disrupt deeply entrenched values, sparking tension, reflection and debate. Directed by the acclaimed Paween Purijitpanya, the four-episode series marries science fiction with Thai cultural identity, creating a blend that's as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning. The series explores groundbreaking yet plausible scientific concepts -- cloning, AI and genetic modification -- juxtaposed against the moral and ethical frameworks of Thai society. Each 70 minute episode tells a self-contained story, from resurrecting loved ones via cloning to a world plagued by a tentacle-inducing pandemic. These narratives intertwine futuristic speculation with deeply personal struggles, reflecting the director's vision for a unique Thai take on the sci-fi genre. "We don't see sci-fi very often in Thailand," explained director Paween. "I think it's worth exploring what Thailand will look like in the future. What would it be like when technology is more advanced yet Thai people's ideas and beliefs remain the same?" This tension between technological advancement and cultural constancy forms the series' core, offering a distinctive lens on how modernity reshapes identity and morality. The anthology opens with Black Sheep, a poignant tale of grief and scientific ambition. After his astronaut wife Noon (Waruntorn Paonil) dies in a shuttle explosion, Nont (Pakorn Chatborrirak) turns to cloning in a desperate bid to bring her back. Collaborating with Noon's friend and fellow scientist Vee (Treechada Hongsyok), Nont explores cloning technology typically reserved for pets, with emotionally charged results. From left, Ray Macdonald, Aelm Thavornsiri and Pongsatorn Jongwilas in Tomorrow And I. Courtesy of Netflix "Nont's pain mirrors a universal human longing -- to rewrite loss," said Paween. "But what happens when that desire clashes with nature's laws?" This dilemma is compounded by societal resistance to cloning, highlighting the broader tension between scientific progress and cultural conservatism. Next comes Paradistopia, set in a futuristic Gamalore transformed into a hub of robotic adult entertainment. Violette Wautier's Jessica spearheads this controversial innovation, developing hyper-realistic sex robots based on data from human counterparts. In Jessica's world, technology offers new possibilities but also raises profound questions about the commodification of intimacy. Her hypersexual boyfriend Witt (Timethai), serves as the project's guinea pig, further complicating her personal ethics. "Jessica's story is provocative because it forces us to question what happens when morality collides with progress," said Paween. "It's not just about technology -- it's about the people using it." The episode's gritty exploration of moral compromise invites viewers to confront their own biases about technological innovation and its societal implications. In Buddha Data, a monk (Ray Macdonald) confronts an AI revolutionising religion with algorithmically updated teachings. The AI, called Ultra, promises immediate karmic rewards, challenging traditional Buddhist concepts of patience and faith. Ultra is the brainchild of Neo (Aelm Thavornsiri), a charismatic tech entrepreneur whose vision of a more immediate and accessible faith gains widespread appeal. The episode depicts a society struggling to reconcile timeless spiritual practices with the promise of modern technology. Courtesy of Netflix "This episode explores something I deeply care about -- how religion is adapting in a world dominated by technology," shared the filmmaker. Monk Anek's journey, assisted by his former colleague Atom (Pongsatorn Jongwilas), reflects a broader struggle to preserve cultural identity in the face of rapid change. The series culminates in Octopus Girl, set in a waterlogged 2051. Amid perpetual rainfall and a vaccine side effect, a young girl named Kalapangha (Wanichaya Pornpanarittichai) navigates survival and acceptance in her struggling community. Kalapangha, a gifted singer, lives in the Neo Klong Toey slum, where the vaccine AquaVac -- a last-ditch response to a global pandemic -- has unforeseen and grotesque effects. "It's the most visually surreal episode," the director said. "Yet, it reflects the very real consequences of global warming and how marginalised communities bear the brunt of these crises." This visually arresting story blends dystopian sci-fi with an intimate tale of friendship and resilience, painting a haunting picture of a world pushed to its limits. The scientific rigour behind Tomorrow And I elevates its narratives from speculative fiction to chilling plausibility. Treechada Hongsyok and Pakorn Chatborrirak. Courtesy of Netflix "Every scientific hypothesis in the story is something that we have already researched," Paween said. Collaborating with experts like Dr Bank Ngamarunchot, a science and technology policy researcher, and Prof Dr Thara Suwanitchayaporn, a Thai doctor studying in California, the team ensured that each scenario was anchored in credible possibilities. These real-world foundations lend an air of inevitability to the series, making its futuristic visions feel eerily close to home. "For example," Paween noted, "the cloning technology in Black Sheep or the AI in Buddha Data are based on current advancements, but we've taken them a few steps further". This commitment to authenticity amplifies the emotional resonance of each story. By rooting its speculative elements in real science, the series challenges viewers to consider not only what is possible but also what is likely in our own lifetimes. Making Tomorrow And I was a feat of both creative ambition and logistical complexity. "It's like making four movies at the same time," Paween explained. With each episode having its own cast, tone, and visual style, the project required immense coordination over its two-year production timeline. Developing the script alone took a full year, followed by another year of filming -- a testament to the meticulous care invested in every detail. Pakorn Chatborrirak as Nont. Courtesy of Netflix Though gruelling, the process allowed Paween to realise his vision on an unprecedented scale. "It is possible to develop imagination into real images," he said. "It is a place where we can challenge the viewer and challenge the creator at the same time." Netflix's support was instrumental, providing the resources to push boundaries and bring a uniquely Thai sci-fi series to global audiences. Despite the ambitious scope of its narratives, Tomorrow And I is deeply personal for its creator. "Each story came from within myself, my inner pain," Paween revealed. "The pain from looking at a society that I can't do anything about." Whether confronting corruption in religious institutions, global warming's devastating impact, or society's resistance to progress, the episodes reflect the director's frustrations with modern issues that feel overwhelming and insurmountable. This personal connection imbues the series with a raw emotional power. "We feel pain from the misbehaving monkhood. We feel pain from prostitution. We feel pain from global warming. We feel pain from not accepting differences," Paween pointed out. By channelling these societal critiques into compelling stories, Tomorrow And I transcends its sci-fi trappings to offer a deeply human perspective on pressing global challenges. For Paween, these stories are as much about sparking dialogue as they are about entertaining audiences. Ray Macdonald as Monk Anek in Tomorrow And I. Courtesy of Netflix "I want people to enjoy the story we present, but I also hope it sparks discussion -- on Facebook, Twitter or any platform," he said. By blending thrilling narratives with ethical quandaries, the series invites viewers to reflect on the rapidly evolving relationship between humanity, technology and tradition. As Tomorrow And I prepares for its Netflix debut, it promises to be a turning point in Thai television. Its provocative premise coupled with a commitment to authentic storytelling sets it apart as a bold experiment in global sci-fi storytelling. By addressing universal themes of loss, morality, faith and survival through a uniquely Thai lens, the anthology captures the imagination while prompting reflection on the future we are collectively building. With its blend of cultural specificity and universal resonance, Tomorrow And I offers a glimpse into a future both tantalising and terrifying. More than just a series, it's a call to engage with the ethical dilemmas of our time before tomorrow becomes today. For director Paween, the hope is simple: "That people will watch, discuss and think about what kind of world we want to live in."None

Even with access to blockbuster obesity drugs, some people don't lose weight

Swiss National Bank Sells 2,300 Shares of Globus Medical, Inc. (NYSE:GMED)Swiss National Bank Raises Stake in Lantheus Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:LNTH)

Luke Humphries defeats Luke Littler to retain Players Championship Finals title

Streaming giant Netflix will offer its strongest programming lineup in 2025 since it began producing original content, said co-CEO Theodore A. Sarandos, calling the coming year "an embarrassment of riches" for the world’s largest streaming platform, which boasts 283 million paid subscribers. Speaking at the UBS Global TMT Conference on December 10, Sarandos shared insights into Netflix’s ambitious plans for the remainder of 2024 and for 2025. He highlighted the return of Squid Game for its second season as a great way to end 2024. The groundbreaking series, which became a global phenomenon, will be released strategically after NFL football on Christmas Day, marking Netflix’s first-ever foray into airing football content. "In 2025, we will have an embarrassment of riches. I mean, it's probably the strongest slate of programming we've had since we started doing original programming," he said, adding that, unlike prior years impacted by COVID and the Hollywood writers' strikes, 2025 will be free of such interruptions, allowing Netflix to showcase its most robust offerings. Netflix's content lineup includes Squid Game (with another season in 2025 following the 2024 release), Stranger Things, with its fifth season set to build on the success of its predecessor, which even ranked as a top-five show in Japan; Wednesday, a global sensation; as well as returning seasons of shows like Ginny & Georgia, Emily in Paris, and 2023’s breakout hit, The Night Agent. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership Business Storytelling Masterclass By - Ameen Haque, Founder of Storywallahs View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Science MySQL for Beginners: Learn Data Science and Analytics Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Maximizing Developer Productivity: The Pomodoro Technique in Practice By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Finance: Finance Beginner Course By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Finance Tally Prime & GST Accounting: Complete Guide By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Soft Skills Cross-Cultural Communication Mastery: Connect with Confidence By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program The streamer’s 2025 slate also boasts an array of film projects, including Wake Up Dead Man, a new installment in the Knives Out universe; Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein; Back in Action; and The Electric State, a sci-fi epic from the Russo Brothers. Additionally, Netflix will stream Raw, WWE's flagship weekly program, in January 2025. The $5 billion WWE rights acquisition marked its first major venture into live sports streaming. Sarandos noted that when Netflix started, much of the world's television consumption consisted of US content that was dubbed or subtitled for international audiences. However, Netflix, when it started producing original programming, focused on creating content tailored to local markets. The emphasis is on "local authenticity," with stories deeply rooted in the cultural and social context of the regions they target. He cited Squid Game as an example of how a local Korean show achieved global success. "Don’t try to make global content from anywhere. There’s no such thing really as global. Storytelling in a way that sometimes it's so good, it’s mostly because it’s so authentic and real. And so, if you try to manufacture a global story, you really aren’t serving the local audience or the global audience. So you’re really making something for nobody," he noted. Beyond scripted series, Netflix is increasing its investment in local-language unscripted programming. Based on the success of localised unscripted content, Netflix plans to launch spin-offs and adapted formats in various markets, further leveraging the popularity of these shows. Sarandos emphasised that Netflix approaches investments and growth by addressing the specific challenges in underpenetrated markets. The company evaluates whether barriers to growth are financial, content-related, technological, or a combination of these. The focus is on creating programming that resonates deeply with local audiences, offering a product that aligns with their economic realities, and satisfying their demand for entertainment. He stated that even in Netflix’s most mature markets, the platform captures less than 10% of total television time, signalling significant room for growth in viewership, membership, and profitability. Outlining Netflix's approach to sports properties, Sarandos said that the platform's interest is in unique, global, and youth-orientated sports opportunities. He noted that sports leagues also want their audiences to be more global and younger for long-term success, especially given the competition from other entertainment forms like gaming, movies, and TV. Netflix's focus is not on acquiring specific sports leagues but on bespoke and event-driven sports content that resonates globally and captures broader audiences, he noted, highlighting the importance of making sports programming into global events. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 15, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

Japan – Scientists develop new tech to turn sunlight, water into hydrogen fuel - Hydrogen Central

Trump says 'hell to pay' if Israeli hostages aren't released by JanuaryFlexmerce.com Launches Cutting-Edge Solution to Automate Back Market and Refurbed Invoicing 11-22-2024 07:44 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: ABNewswire Automate Back Market and Refurbed Invoicing Flexmerce is proud to announce the launch of its revolutionary invoicing automation service tailored specifically for sellers on Back Market and Refurbed. This innovative solution is set to transform how marketplace sellers manage their transactions, reduce marketplace fees, and maximize profits. With the rapid growth of marketplaces like Back Market and Refurbed, sellers face the challenge of managing invoicing efficiently while ensuring compliance with platform-specific requirements. Flexmerce.com addresses this issue head-on by offering a seamless tool to automate Back Market invoicing and automate Refurbed invoicing, saving sellers valuable time and reducing human errors. "Our goal is to empower sellers with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive marketplace landscape," said Shoaib Hussain, CEO of Flexmerce.com. "By automating invoicing, we're enabling sellers to focus on scaling their businesses while we handle the administrative complexities." Key Benefits of Flexmerce.com's Solution: * Streamlined Invoicing: Automates invoicing processes on Back Market and Refurbed, eliminating manual data entry. * Maximized Backbox Returns: Sellers can get more Backbox on Back Market by ensuring accurate invoicing, preventing revenue loss. * Reduced Marketplace Fees: By optimizing transaction management, sellers can minimize unnecessary costs tied to invoicing errors. * Compliance Made Easy: Adheres to marketplace-specific invoicing rules, ensuring smooth operations and avoiding penalties. The service is already receiving praise from beta users, who report significant reductions in administrative workload and improved financial accuracy. One seller shared, "Flexmerce.com has been a game-changer for our business on Back Market. The automation not only saved us hours of work but also helped us avoid costly mistakes. " Automating invoicing with Flexmerce boosts your brand reputation and improves marketplace insight scores. This strengthens your standing, increasing your chances of receiving higher BuyBox or BackBox rates as marketplaces recognize your top-notch reputation. To explore the full range of services, visit the Flexmerce services page [ https://flexmerce.com/services ]. Sellers can also use the Savings Calculator [ https://flexmerce.com/calculateSavings ] to see how much they can save by automating invoicing with Flexmerce. For more information about its mission to support marketplace sellers, visit Flexmerce.com [ https://flexmerce.com/ ]. Flexmerce.com's solution is designed to be user-friendly and integrates seamlessly with Back Market and Refurbed platforms. By adopting this technology, sellers can unlock new levels of efficiency and profitability in their marketplace operations. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Flexmerce.com as it continues its mission to support marketplace sellers with innovative, cost-saving tools. Media Contact Company Name: Flexmerce Contact Person: Shoaib Hussain Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=flexmercecom-launches-cuttingedge-solution-to-automate-back-market-and-refurbed-invoicing ] Phone: +44 333 789 0702 City: London Country: United Kingdom Website: https://flexmerce.com/ This release was published on openPR.Mitchell Santner ekes out New Zealand's first-innings total to 347

FILE - Advent calendars. (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) Advent calendars have origins that date back to 19th century Germany. Advent calendars have evolved from being a fun treat for kids into luxury indulgent gifts for all ages. Some advent calendars can fetch prices of over $1,000. You’ve seen them more and more over the past few years, and especially during the holidays. Those tiny little doors with sweet treats inside or possibly skincare or even makeup? Yes, it’s those wonderfully mysterious advent calendars. What was once used to gift sweets to children during Christmastime, has now exploded into a creative holiday gifting experience for people of all ages. Advent calendars have origins that date back to 19th century Germany, according to Sky News’ History is Alive website. Families would mark the days that lead up to Christmas by drawing lines on doors or lighting candles. This soon evolved into a literal calendar that hid elaborate illustrations behind tiny doors for each day in December. The oldest advent calendar in recorded history was called "St. Nicholas the Santa Claus" which was followed by the "Christmas Clock for Children" advent calendar in 1902, according to the German Christmas Museum website. Gerhard Lang, who would later be known as the "inventor of advent calendars," would continue to regularly create new and playful versions of advent calendars for children each Christmas. Lang is also credited with creating the first-ever advent calendar to feature chocolate treats, pulling inspiration from his mother who would attach 24 cookies to a square of cardboard to mark the days leading up to Christmas, according to Sky News. Though you will still see the traditional advent calendar in your local grocery stores that feature the cute little illustrated doors and chocolate treats behind each one, retail giants such as Sephora, William Sonoma and luxury brands such as Baobab Collection Decor have capitalized on this idea and are pumping out advent calendars that people of all ages can enjoy. Some of these "grown-up" advent calendars can fetch a price of over $1,000. For those who prefer a more budget-friendly and personalized advent calendar, the do-it-yourself option has grown in popularity in recent years, as well. And it’s not just exclusive to Christmas. Videos shared on social media show people gifting girlfriends, boyfriends, and everyone in between a DIY advent calendar leading up to their birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Advent calendars for kids have evolved, too. Yes, chocolate treats and fun pictures are a joy during the holidays, but now, kids can get advent calendars that feature collectible toys and even showcase surprises for niche interests such as a National Geographic rock and gemstone advent calendar. From childhood treats to adult indulgences, the advent calendar is the gift that keeps on giving. Information for this article was gathered from Sky News and the German Christmas Museum. This story was reported from Los Angeles.