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By Michelle Goth, Food Drink Life Are Christmas cards fading away? With social media and texting at our fingertips, many wonder if the tradition of sending handwritten holiday greetings is on its way out. However, many families still cherish the joy of sending and receiving Christmas cards, keeping this heartwarming tradition alive. Before you ditch the card aisle this year, consider the charm, nostalgia and personal touch that only a real Christmas card can deliver. So, is this the end of Christmas cards – or could this tradition be due for a holiday comeback? According to the Postal Museum , the tradition of mailing Christmas cards dates back to mid-19th-century England when the first commercial Christmas card was created by Sir Henry Cole, a civil servant involved in modernizing the British postal system. Sir Cole’s creation quickly resulted in a growing greeting card industry in England and the spread of Christmas cards to America by the 1870s. In America, holiday greetings have changed with the times. As printing technology improved, cards became more affordable, and the imagery and sentiments changed. National Army Museum mentions that families and soldiers mailed cards with patriotic themes during World Wars I and II. A Morning Call article states that in the late 1960s, cards featured psychedelic art and non-traditional colors to reflect popular culture. Today, Christmas cards are a global tradition. However, digital options and social media have introduced new ways for people to send holiday greetings, leading to a decline in the number of cards sent each year. In the early 2000s, TIME reported that Americans sent around 2.9 billion Christmas cards each year. But when social media platforms like Facebook were made available starting in 2004, holiday cards began declining, with the United States Postal Service reporting 1.1 billion Christmas cards now sent annually. Several reasons are behind this decline, ranging from social media availability and texting to environmental concerns and the rising cost of postage stamps. The increased commitments and risks of a holiday meltdown also factor in. Casey Rooney, a mother of three and the owner of Get On My Plate struggled with the decision, sharing, “Last year, several things came up around the holidays and I just could not get Christmas cards out. When I decided a card wouldn’t go out, it was a huge weight lifted.” Despite their decline in popularity over the last two decades, Christmas cards don’t need a eulogy just yet. According to the New York Post , more than half of American families still mail holiday greetings due to tradition and nostalgia, with most Americans preferring physical, customized cards regardless of their age. Ashley Wali, luxury family travel writer at Wanderlux , mails about 50 customized cards each holiday season for reasons beyond tradition, explaining, “I’ve found myself sharing less online in recent years, which makes holiday cards that much more important. They allow me to share big updates from the year and stay in touch with long-distance friends and family.” For Wali, mailing holiday cards is more than just supporting lasting connections. She explains, “Holiday cards are a chance for me to step back and reflect on the year. I write them as much for my friends and family as I do for myself.” Love connecting with family and friends during the holidays but don’t have the time or energy to send out traditional Christmas cards? You’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to keep up with the tradition of mailing cards. Fortunately, there are plenty of thoughtful, creative ways to share holiday cheer without stuffing envelopes or buying stamps. Whether through a quick email, festive social media post or small, in-person gestures, there’s a modern way for everyone to spread joy this season. The original intent of mailing holiday greetings was to nurture connections from afar. With the advent of social media, keeping social connections is easier than ever. Posting holiday greetings on social media can be a fun, creative and eco-friendly alternative to mailing traditional cards. Start by designing a festive image or using a family photo with holiday-themed graphics or frames in design apps like Canva or Adobe Express. For a distinctive touch, include a heartfelt caption or a year-in-review update to share highlights from the past year. Delivering homemade treats or festive holiday foods to nearby friends and family offers a thoughtful alternative to traditional Christmas cards. Instead of mailing a greeting, one can prepare a batch of cookies or spiced nuts packaged in decorative tins or holiday-themed wrapping. Purchased treats, like holiday chocolates, artisanal jams or charcuterie boxes also make excellent options for those who prefer not to cook. Adding a small note with a warm holiday message makes the gift. Minted explains that with the average family ordering 50 to 100 holiday cards each year, opting out can lead to substantial savings. Families might consider donating the amount saved to a charitable organization of their choice in honor of family and friends. Sending an email or e-newsletter instead of a traditional Christmas card offers a quick, eco-friendly and cost-effective way to spread holiday cheer. The email can include personalized messages, festive images or holiday videos. For families that prefer a newsletter-style greeting, an e-newsletter allows extensive sharing of family news. Some choose to send Christmas cards late or opt for alternative holidays to send greetings. Sage Scott, writer at Quote Queendom said, “After years of fighting an uphill battle I finally started sending New Year’s or Valentine’s Day cards instead. It is one less thing for me to do during the hectic holiday season, gives me time over the holidays to get updated photos of our family, and stands out in our friends and family members’ mailboxes since they receive it at an alternative time of the year.” Delaying the sending of holiday cards allows for a more relaxed and less rushed approach to sharing good wishes. While Christmas cards have experienced a decline due to digital alternatives and time constraints, they are far from disappearing. The tradition still holds value for many, offering a way to show thoughtfulness that technology can’t replicate. For those seeking alternatives, there are plenty of creative ways to spread holiday cheer without the mailbox, from sharing social media greetings to donating in honor of loved ones. Whether it’s through sharing your favorite homemade Christmas cracker candy or sending a festive e-newsletter, these options keep the spirit of the season alive, proving that Christmas cheer doesn’t have to come from a card alone. Michelle Goth is a professionally trained cook and cookbook author dedicated to celebrating Midwestern cooking traditions. She shares easy recipes for family dinners and holidays at Blackberry Babe .PUNE: Life behind bars across Maharashtra’s prisons is governed by a unique set of unwritten rules, traditions and social codes, and one aspect of this prison subculture is conveyed by nicknames that prisoners use to identify and communicate with each other. The names are tied to their roles, behaviour and social status within the prison ecosystem. The recently released ‘Parivartan: A Coffee Table Book’ by the Maharashtra Prison Department sheds light on 14 such nicknames that have become integral to prison vocabulary. The most well-known among them are: Taxi, Machandi, Vakil, Handi, Khabari, Godown and Jababdar. Each name offers an insight into the daily grind, networks and power dynamics of prison life. Swati Sathe, deputy inspector general (prison), said, “These nicknames are a tradition passed down through generations. They are derived from the nature and activities of prisoners, reflecting what they do inside the jail.” Prisoners involved in smuggling contraband into the prison are called Taxi. Much like a taxi transports passengers, these individuals are known for bringing banned goods—such as drugs, mobile phones, or weapons—into the facility through ingenious and often illegal means. Their activities sustain underground networks, making Taxi one of the most notorious monikers in the system. Machandi, or rebels, are known to actively challenge the prison’s authority; they incite unrest or create chaos within the jail. The name Vakil is given to unofficial legal advisers, some of who may have genuine expertise. But whether or not they possess formal legal training, these prisoners are known to draft applications, petitions and other documents on behalf of their peers. Their guidance, accurate or not, earns them a place of respect or tolerance within the prison community. Prisoners known for culinary innovation are called ‘Handi’. They engage in unauthorised cooking and create meals in hidden corners of the jail, offering respite to fellow inmates from regular prison fare. ‘Khabris’ are informers known to provide intelligence to jail authorities about escape plans, smuggling activities, or internal conflicts; this leads to them being ostracized by their peers. Prisoners nicknamed ‘Godown’ are known for smuggling and storing banned goods, often within their bodies to distribute later. Depending on the scale of their activities, they are called ‘Bada Godown’ or ‘Chota Godown’. While ‘Jababdars’ are entrusted with maintaining discipline among inmates by acting as mediators, ‘Kalatopi’ are habitual offenders who frequently return to prison due to their inability to break free and ‘Lalpatti’ are those who make audacious attempts to break free. Even if they fail, they are admired for their resourcefulness and boldness. For prison authorities, these nicknames serve a practical purpose. Sunil Dhamal, superintendent of Yerawada Central Prison, Pune, said, “It is impossible to remember the names of thousands of inmates. These nicknames make it easier for staff to identify prisoners and understand their roles.” Anil Khamkar, superintendent of Yerawada Open Prison, added, “Nicknames like Taxi, Handi, or Machandi are helpful in maintaining discipline. For example, if I’m informed that Handi is active, I immediately know someone is cooking illegally and can act accordingly.” On the other hand, prison guards also have nicknames – the most common being ‘Baba’. Khamkar noted, the name was sourced by Bollywood – in ‘Sanju’ actor Sanjay Dutt had referred to the on-screen guards with this name in a scene.Biden eyes preemptive pardons as Trump plots revenge: reports

By Michelle Goth, Food Drink Life Are Christmas cards fading away? With social media and texting at our fingertips, many wonder if the tradition of sending handwritten holiday greetings is on its way out. However, many families still cherish the joy of sending and receiving Christmas cards, keeping this heartwarming tradition alive. Before you ditch the card aisle this year, consider the charm, nostalgia and personal touch that only a real Christmas card can deliver. So, is this the end of Christmas cards – or could this tradition be due for a holiday comeback? According to the Postal Museum , the tradition of mailing Christmas cards dates back to mid-19th-century England when the first commercial Christmas card was created by Sir Henry Cole, a civil servant involved in modernizing the British postal system. Sir Cole’s creation quickly resulted in a growing greeting card industry in England and the spread of Christmas cards to America by the 1870s. In America, holiday greetings have changed with the times. As printing technology improved, cards became more affordable, and the imagery and sentiments changed. National Army Museum mentions that families and soldiers mailed cards with patriotic themes during World Wars I and II. A Morning Call article states that in the late 1960s, cards featured psychedelic art and non-traditional colors to reflect popular culture. Today, Christmas cards are a global tradition. However, digital options and social media have introduced new ways for people to send holiday greetings, leading to a decline in the number of cards sent each year. In the early 2000s, TIME reported that Americans sent around 2.9 billion Christmas cards each year. But when social media platforms like Facebook were made available starting in 2004, holiday cards began declining, with the United States Postal Service reporting 1.1 billion Christmas cards now sent annually. Several reasons are behind this decline, ranging from social media availability and texting to environmental concerns and the rising cost of postage stamps. The increased commitments and risks of a holiday meltdown also factor in. Casey Rooney, a mother of three and the owner of Get On My Plate struggled with the decision, sharing, “Last year, several things came up around the holidays and I just could not get Christmas cards out. When I decided a card wouldn’t go out, it was a huge weight lifted.” Despite their decline in popularity over the last two decades, Christmas cards don’t need a eulogy just yet. According to the New York Post , more than half of American families still mail holiday greetings due to tradition and nostalgia, with most Americans preferring physical, customized cards regardless of their age. Ashley Wali, luxury family travel writer at Wanderlux , mails about 50 customized cards each holiday season for reasons beyond tradition, explaining, “I’ve found myself sharing less online in recent years, which makes holiday cards that much more important. They allow me to share big updates from the year and stay in touch with long-distance friends and family.” For Wali, mailing holiday cards is more than just supporting lasting connections. She explains, “Holiday cards are a chance for me to step back and reflect on the year. I write them as much for my friends and family as I do for myself.” Love connecting with family and friends during the holidays but don’t have the time or energy to send out traditional Christmas cards? You’re not alone. Many people find it difficult to keep up with the tradition of mailing cards. Fortunately, there are plenty of thoughtful, creative ways to share holiday cheer without stuffing envelopes or buying stamps. Whether through a quick email, festive social media post or small, in-person gestures, there’s a modern way for everyone to spread joy this season. The original intent of mailing holiday greetings was to nurture connections from afar. With the advent of social media, keeping social connections is easier than ever. Posting holiday greetings on social media can be a fun, creative and eco-friendly alternative to mailing traditional cards. Start by designing a festive image or using a family photo with holiday-themed graphics or frames in design apps like Canva or Adobe Express. For a distinctive touch, include a heartfelt caption or a year-in-review update to share highlights from the past year. Delivering homemade treats or festive holiday foods to nearby friends and family offers a thoughtful alternative to traditional Christmas cards. Instead of mailing a greeting, one can prepare a batch of cookies or spiced nuts packaged in decorative tins or holiday-themed wrapping. Purchased treats, like holiday chocolates, artisanal jams or charcuterie boxes also make excellent options for those who prefer not to cook. Adding a small note with a warm holiday message makes the gift. Minted explains that with the average family ordering 50 to 100 holiday cards each year, opting out can lead to substantial savings. Families might consider donating the amount saved to a charitable organization of their choice in honor of family and friends. Sending an email or e-newsletter instead of a traditional Christmas card offers a quick, eco-friendly and cost-effective way to spread holiday cheer. The email can include personalized messages, festive images or holiday videos. For families that prefer a newsletter-style greeting, an e-newsletter allows extensive sharing of family news. Some choose to send Christmas cards late or opt for alternative holidays to send greetings. Sage Scott, writer at Quote Queendom said, “After years of fighting an uphill battle I finally started sending New Year’s or Valentine’s Day cards instead. It is one less thing for me to do during the hectic holiday season, gives me time over the holidays to get updated photos of our family, and stands out in our friends and family members’ mailboxes since they receive it at an alternative time of the year.” Delaying the sending of holiday cards allows for a more relaxed and less rushed approach to sharing good wishes. While Christmas cards have experienced a decline due to digital alternatives and time constraints, they are far from disappearing. The tradition still holds value for many, offering a way to show thoughtfulness that technology can’t replicate. For those seeking alternatives, there are plenty of creative ways to spread holiday cheer without the mailbox, from sharing social media greetings to donating in honor of loved ones. Whether it’s through sharing your favorite homemade Christmas cracker candy or sending a festive e-newsletter, these options keep the spirit of the season alive, proving that Christmas cheer doesn’t have to come from a card alone. Michelle Goth is a professionally trained cook and cookbook author dedicated to celebrating Midwestern cooking traditions. She shares easy recipes for family dinners and holidays at Blackberry Babe .

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Darrell V. McGraw Jr., a former longtime West Virginia attorney general and state Supreme Court justice who fought back against the state's drug overdose crisis, died Saturday. He was 88. Jared Hunt, a spokesman for the state Supreme Court, said in an email that McGraw died of a heart attack. The West Virginia Democratic Party called McGraw “a tireless advocate for justice, fairness, and the people of our great state.” “His legacy of service and commitment to our state will never be forgotten,” it said in a statement. “Darrell’s work made a lasting impact on our state, and his spirit of public service will continue to inspire generations to come.” A Democrat, McGraw won a 12-year term on the Supreme Court in 1976. He was elected attorney general in 1992 and re-elected four times before losing to Republican Patrick Morrisey in 2012. McGraw lost a bid to return to the Supreme Court in 2016. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . “My prayers and sympathies go out to the family and friends of Darrell McGraw for their loss,” Morrisey said in a statement on the social platform X. In 2001, McGraw accused Purdue Pharma in a lawsuit of dishonestly marketing the painkiller OxyContin in West Virginia. The company agreed to a $10 million settlement in 2004. McGraw later filed a lawsuit over excessive amounts of prescription painkillers that were flooding southern West Virginia pharmacies. After McGraw left office, the state announced settlements of $20 million with distributor Cardinal Health Inc. and $16 million with AmerisourceBergen Drug Co. In addition, a Georgia company that McGraw accused of supplying ingredients used to make drugs known as bath salts and synthetic marijuana agreed not to sell or advertise in the state. The drug overdose epidemic has killed more than 1 million people in the United States since 1999. West Virginia for years has had by far the nation’s highest overdose death rate. McGraw also focused on consumer protection and antitrust laws, suing direct mail marketers, credit card companies, alternative lenders and other businesses. In 1998 his office was part of a national settlement against major U.S. cigarette manufacturers. West Virginia currently has the highest rate of adult smokers. Born Nov. 8, 1936, in Wyoming County, McGraw enlisted in the Army as a teenager. Attending West Virginia University, he was elected student body president and earned bachelor’s and law degrees. He later became counsel to the state legislature and to Gov. Hulett Smith before being elected to the Supreme Court. McGraw’s wife, Jorea Marple, is a former state schools superintendent. His brother, former state Supreme Court Justice Warren McGraw, died last year. McGraw is survived by his wife and four children, Hunt said.

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(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491

Postal Service EV Order Is in Jeopardy, Report Says. This Stock Is Down.(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Any technological innovation comes with security risks, and open banking is no exception. Open banking relies on APIs to connect banks (and their essential services) to their customers. While it is exceptionally convenient and provides several valuable services for consumers, open banking relies on APIs to function. APIs are a critical component of your customers’ web experience and your open banking operations. However, they bring with them a wide attack surface and unique vulnerabilities that you must address to be compliant with security standards and laws. To maximize API security , consider implementing multi-factor authentication, authorization protocols, and other tools. Regulatory Compliance in Open Banking APIs Many banks are adopting open banking APIs, which are designed to provide a variety of features to customers. Generally, these third-party APIs help customers easily access basic financial services, like their checking and savings accounts. For banks to work with the developers of these APIs , all involved providers should observe guidelines like the revised Payment Services Directive (PSD2) and Strong Customer Authentication (SCA). Although these requirements currently apply to companies doing business in Europe, they are useful tools for securing all banks’ products and services. PSD2 requirements include SCA. SCA requires organizations to use multi-factor authentication to control access to banking and financial information. The requirements are: Knowledge-based credentials . SCA requires customers to use three different types of authentication to utilize digital wallets and payment platforms. The customer must be able to authenticate with things like passwords, passphrases, or PINs. Ownership-based verification. A customer should be able to verify his identity using something he owns. This could be a device, like a phone or smartwatch. Alternatively, some consumers prefer to use tokens or smart cards. Biometric verification . Your organization can collect and store data like fingerprints, voice recordings, and facial features, any of which can be used with recognition programs to verify identity. Customers should be using at least two out of three authentication methods for transactions, though there are exceptions for things like in-person POS transactions. When third-party APIs are between the customer and sensitive information, security must be prioritized. This is especially critical when dealing with banking and financial data, as any breach could expose customers to significant financial risks. Data protection measures are essential, and privacy considerations that line up with PSD2 and SCA provide the right guidance to keep your customer data locked down. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Implementing Strong Authentication and Authorization With sensitive data, especially financial information, it’s essential to implement effective security. Open banking is the path forward, but it comes with security risks that have to be mitigated. When users try to log in, your organization must prioritize accurate authentication and authorization to make sure that improper access is not given. Many attackers will try to gain access to individual user accounts by social engineering attacks and compromised credentials. To minimize this risk, multi-factor authentication is one of the easiest and most effective tools you can implement. Multiple verification methods prevent an attacker from accessing a user’s account by compromising a PIN or password. Two other protocols should be used to secure APIs designed for open banking: OAuth 2.0. This adds a layer of authentication to the API to prevent unauthorized users from illicitly accessing consumer data. An access token is used by the client to access server resources, typically in a limited capacity. OpenID Connect integration . This is a single sign-on protocol that provides one set of login credentials that identify users across multiple platforms. A common example of this is using your Google account to sign in to multiple other accounts. While neither of these protocols is a perfect solution, implementing them can help verify legitimate user identities and limit unauthorized access. Fine-grained access control for third-party providers is also an important component of securing data. Your organization should implement a zero-trust environment to limit unauthorized access. This means limiting the amount of data an employee can access and monitoring activity within your environment. Zero trust also requires that all devices and APIs connecting to your network be authenticated. Monitoring and Threat Detection for Open Banking APIs While authentication and authorization tools are essential, they are only part of effective security for open banking. It’s also important to limit unauthorized users from reaching access points in the first place. Many potential attacks can be detected by monitoring for unusual activity at the edge of the network or at API access points. As a rule, detecting issues immediately leads to faster response times, and faster response times mean there is less likely to be significant damage to your infrastructure or severe data compromise. To accomplish this, consider implementing real-time anomaly detection tools. Automated monitoring can keep an eye on your entire network and alert you to anomalies, saving you time and improving detection rates. Some of these tools also enforce access control policies, which can limit an attacker’s access to your network even if an attack is successful. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Additionally, your organization should implement fraud prevention mechanisms using AI and machine learning . Modern, lightweight Web Application and API Protection (WAAP) solutions can help with this. WAAP solutions act as a first line of protection around APIs by detecting and blocking unusual activity patterns. WAAPs that leverage machine learning and AI are more effective than traditional solutions. These advanced technologies enable them to respond to the much more subtle attacks currently favoured. Additionally, a historical weakness of WAAP is unknown attacks. Zero-day attacks do not have known patterns and thus could sometimes evade detection. With machine learning, the WAAP can use context clues more effectively. This and the other available tools improve the accuracy of detection and protect your open banking API from threats and unauthorized access. RELATED TOPICS How to use AI in cybersecurity? Wireless Network Security Best Practices What is Stakeholder-Specific Vulnerability Categorization? How Automated API Testing Differs from Manual API Testing API Security: Best Practices for a Secure Digital Infrastructure