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Is Team Canada the gold medal favourite?3 Reasons Why Buying Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Today Is a Wise Move

QuickBooks is known for its user-friendly interface and robust functionality, making it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes. With features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and financial reporting, QuickBooks empowers users to stay organized and make informed financial decisions. By integrating QuickBooks with the Amazon platform, sellers will be able to seamlessly manage their finances, track their sales data, and optimize their operations for greater efficiency.

Natixis Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Infosys Limited ( NYSE:INFY – Free Report ) by 63.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 266,942 shares of the technology company’s stock after acquiring an additional 103,659 shares during the period. Natixis Advisors LLC’s holdings in Infosys were worth $5,945,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in INFY. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new position in Infosys during the third quarter worth about $33,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in Infosys by 22.6% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 2,931 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $55,000 after buying an additional 541 shares in the last quarter. Hilltop National Bank grew its position in Infosys by 50.8% in the second quarter. Hilltop National Bank now owns 2,979 shares of the technology company’s stock valued at $55,000 after acquiring an additional 1,004 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its stake in Infosys by 126.7% during the second quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 3,029 shares of the technology company’s stock worth $56,000 after acquiring an additional 1,693 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ridgewood Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of Infosys during the second quarter valued at $162,000. 10.89% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Investec lowered shares of Infosys from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a report on Thursday, October 3rd. Erste Group Bank raised shares of Infosys from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, September 11th. StockNews.com downgraded Infosys from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on Infosys from $23.00 to $25.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a report on Friday, October 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $20.85. Infosys Stock Performance Shares of INFY stock opened at $22.80 on Friday. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $22.24 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $20.74. The stock has a market cap of $94.43 billion, a PE ratio of 29.23, a PEG ratio of 3.51 and a beta of 1.00. Infosys Limited has a 52-week low of $16.04 and a 52-week high of $23.48. Infosys ( NYSE:INFY – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 17th. The technology company reported $0.19 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.19. Infosys had a return on equity of 31.43% and a net margin of 17.15%. The business had revenue of $4.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $4.89 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $0.18 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Infosys Limited will post 0.75 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Infosys Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 1st were paid a dividend of $0.2126 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, October 29th. This represents a dividend yield of 1.1%. This is a boost from Infosys’s previous semi-annual dividend of $0.20. Infosys’s dividend payout ratio is currently 53.85%. Infosys Company Profile ( Free Report ) Infosys Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides consulting, technology, outsourcing, and next-generation digital services in North America, Europe, India, and internationally. It provides digital marketing and digital workplace, digital commerce, digital experience and interactions, metaverse, data analytics and AI, applied AI, generative AI, sustainability, blockchain, engineering, Internet of Things, enterprise agile DevOps, application modernization, cloud, digital process automation, digital supply chain, Microsoft business application and cloud business, service experience transformation, energy transition, cyber security, and quality engineering solutions; Oracle, SAP, and Saleforce solutions; API economy and microservices; and Topaz, an AI-first set of services, solutions, and platforms using generative AI technologies. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding INFY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Infosys Limited ( NYSE:INFY – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for Infosys Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Infosys and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Liu Yusheng, a leading expert in the field of reproductive medicine in China, has recently come under investigation for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. With a distinguished career spanning decades and numerous accolades to his name, Liu's sudden fall from grace has sent shockwaves through the medical community.

Cruise into this holiday season with a non-traditional vacationBy Jennifer Allen Between cooking, cleaning and hosting, the familiar hustle of the holiday season can sometimes feel more hectic than heartwarming. But what if there were a way to embrace the season while leaving the chaos behind? Holiday cruises make all of this possible, offering the perfect getaway that can be tailored to any vibe – blending festive traditions with the excitement of travel. Imagine sipping hot chocolate in the background of the Northern Lights, exploring sun-drenched islands or maybe enjoying a festive dinner on the sea. Whether looking for family-friendly fun, romance for two or peaceful solo travel, holiday cruises deliver a unique celebration unlike any other. Do you want to skip the stress of the season but don’t want to miss out on the holiday cheer? Rest assured, among the most well-known cruise lines, most of them host elaborate holiday festivities that transform their ships into winter wonderlands complete with decorations, entertainment and activities fit for Santa Claus himself. Instead of buying gifts, stressing over what to cook or bake and cleaning over the holidays, Michelle Price of Honest and Truly prefers a holiday cruise for her family. “The ship takes care of everything, from making the beds in the morning to prepping our meals throughout the day. And they have various fun activities to keep us busy,” she says. From towering Christmas trees in the atrium to twinkling lights on every railing, cruises at this time of year are very creative with their festive splendor. Cruises will also complement their aesthetics to match entertainment, including tree-lighting ceremonies, live caroling and holiday movie nights under the stars. Depending on the cruise, you can expect a robust calendar of events with activities like ugly sweater parties, holiday trivia, Santa appearances and even onboard Christmas markets. The holiday wouldn’t feel complete without the food to match, and cruise lines deliver. You can enjoy lavish holiday dinners complete with everything, from the traditional turkey to international Christmas dishes. Some cruises even offer themed buffets with everything, from a turkey carving station to hot and creamy chowders , holiday cocktails, gingerbread-making workshops and seasonal dessert tastings to add fun to the feasts. Cruises cater to various travelers and take the guesswork out of planning a holiday. Unlike a traditional vacation where you are responsible for your own itinerary, cruises do the hard work for you by planning destinations, offering a wide variety of on-board activities and providing varied experiences that appeal to all. A 2024 survey by Expedia Cruises concluded that 82% of travelers who have cruised before say they would do it again. Traveling with the whole family can often feel like an exercise in logistics that leaves you more stressed than you were before your holiday. Holiday cruises simplify this, offering multigenerational activities, family-friendly dining options and flexible accommodations. The Disney Cruise Line, which includes the Very Merrytime Cruises for the holiday season, is popular for offering exciting kid-centric activities like themed crafts, holiday scavenger hunts and character meet-and-greets. These endless options paired with the kids’ or teens’ clubs keep younger travelers entertained while giving their parents peace of mind. When traveling with older family members, consider reaching out to the cruise ahead of time to find out what accessible options they offer. Cruise lines can sometimes accommodate requests that might be better suited for older folks like avoiding stairs or long walks to reach their room. Couples can rediscover their magic on holiday cruises that offer intimate moments and tailored experiences. The Romantic Cruises by Princess Cruises stand out because of their private balcony dining and couples’ activities like wine tastings or cooking classes to make hors d’oeuvres . However, many holiday cruises offer specialty experiences like date-night-worthy restaurants, sunset strolls on the deck and shared excursions that are sure to create lasting memories. For couples looking to rest and relax, holiday cruises can provide serene spaces, spa suites and infinity verandas that are perfect for unwinding together. Cruises provide the perfect atmosphere for singles to mingle and enjoy the holiday season with company. Social events like trivia nights, dance parties and holiday mixers encourage connection and camaraderie. Certain cruises, like the Norwegian Cruise Line and the Virgin Voyages’ Holiday Cruises, cater specifically to solo travelers. These cruises include adult-only entertainment, curated activities and a vibrant nightlife. Rest assured, these cruises provide plenty of holiday entertainment and seasonal activities that ensure you enjoy yourself while staying close to your holiday traditions. With over 323 cruise ships currently in operation serving 36 million passengers this year alone, according to photoAiD , how do you choose if you’re a first-time cruiser ? Start by confirming that the cruise is appropriate for the needs of your traveling group. Often, experiences that are tailored for a specific group, whether kids or couples, will be described in the cruise line’s name – take for instance, the Disney Cruise Line. You can also check out the on-board activities available to make sure that there are plenty of options for your company. Next, consider your budget. Holiday cruises make luxury accessible without breaking the bank, with options as low as $300 for shorter voyages. Cruises will often provide all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodations, dining, entertainment and travel into a single cost-effective experience. The Carnival Cruise line remains a favorite for budget-conscious travelers because of its fun festivities and great dining options. However, even high-end experiences, like the MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, which includes amenities like private pools, lounges and butler services come at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury resorts. Lastly, ask yourself what holiday vibe you’re going for. Are you dreaming of a sunny tropical Christmas or perhaps frosty landscapes? Either way, with thousands of options in December alone, as cataloged by CruiseBooking.com , there’s a cruise waiting for you. The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Caribbean Cruises stop at destinations like the Great Stirrup Cay, while Hurtigruten’s Arctic Expeditions sail through breathtaking fjords and snowy landscapes. Holiday cruises offer a unique way to celebrate the season that’s a guaranteed hit without breaking the bank. Consider leaving behind the stress of hosting and planning; step aboard a ship where every detail has been curated to bring enjoyment and relaxation. With the holidays calling, will you answer with a ticket to set sail? Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her writing appears in dozens of publications, and she has two cookbooks, “Keto Soup Cookbook” and “Keto Diabetic Cookbook and Meal Plan.” These days, she’s busy in the kitchen, developing recipes for various publications and traveling, and you can find all her best recipes at Cook What You Love .

3. Determining Your Ideal Sleep DurationBy Amanda Rosa Miami Herald / Tribune News Service There are many ways to go viral on social media, but one Broward resident had a sure fire idea: a tattoo of Luigi Mangione, the man accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Not a temporary tattoo or a fake one to trick people online. Levi Jones, a 33-year-old business owner, pulled up to Sacred Eye Tattoos in Hollywood last week and sat for eight hours getting a photorealistic black-and-white portrait of Mangione on his leg. The tattoo, complete with the words “Deny. Defend. Depose.” written on Mangione’s face, is one of many tattoos, artworks, songs, T-shirts and memes inspired by Mangione to pop up online since he was named NYPD’s prime suspect in the shooting. Just a few days after posting the video, Jones’ tattoo has gotten over 1 million views on Instagram. TikTok removed it from its platform as it was gaining traction, said Anthony Medina, the 27-year-old tattoo artist behind the piece. “I definitely think it’s gonna get a little bit more viral, probably like five to 10 million views, hopefully,” Jones told the Herald. “But that was the plan.” It’s all part of fiery online discourse over the shooting and the wave of public support for Mangione as many people expressed frustration over the healthcare insurance industry and its practice of denying legitimate claims . Prosecutors accused Mangione of shooting Thompson in Manhattan on Dec. 4 and fleeing to Pennsylvania, where he was arrested at a McDonald’s days later. To some, Mangione has become a folk hero , while law enforcement and elected officials—from NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch to President-elect Donald Trump —have condemned those who valorize the alleged killer. Ironically, neither Medina nor Jones have a particularly strong opinion on Mangione or Thompson’s death. “Well, I don’t support murder, that’s for sure. I understand the frustration. I love the kind of vigilante aspect behind it. I’m in no means supportive of assassinating CEOs because you disagree with them or whatever immoral compass they have,” Jones said. “But, I’m kind of neutral on it. I don’t really know enough about it to even say if I’m with or against him.” Medina had a similar response: “I don’t have an opinion on what happened. I haven’t done research into it to even form an opinion whether it was justified or not. Killing someone in general is never justified, but I’m sure he had his reasons behind it.” So how did the permanent portrait come to be? “He’s a very impulsive person,” Medina said. Jones and Medina were already in talks about getting a different tattoo. Out of the blue, Medina said Jones texted him that he wanted to get a portrait of Mangione. Medina wasn’t buying it. “I said, ‘No shot you’re actually serious about this,’” Medina said. “Two days later, it actually happened.” In the past, Medina said, the two tried their hand at creating a viral moment with a fake Instagram video of Jones getting a suggestive face tattoo. “He was trying to go viral with that, but it didn’t go as well as this one apparently,” the tattoo artist said. “I was expecting us to have a lot more views by now just because it’s so controversial, but that was the intent behind it,” Jones said. “I wanted something that was going to be kind of intense and extreme. People would see it, shake their head like, ‘What the hell are these guys doing?’” In person, Jones said he’s only gotten positive reactions from people. While shopping at Total Wine on Friday, Jones said the cashier noticed the tattoo and gushed about how she had seen it online. On Instagram though, the comment section is more heated. Some like the tattoo, many do not. Comments range from “this is nuts but awesome work my boy like always” to “WHY” to “Celebrating a death that resulted in no change what so ever.” One Instagram user joked: “Imagine you got an infection from that tattoo and you went to the doctor and then your claim got denied.” Medina gets a kick out of people online who assume the artist and client are politically liberal, like one commenter that wrote, “I can tell by the shape of the leg this person is a lib” with laughing emojis. “I think it’s hilarious because we’re both Republicans, and he’s a full Trump supporter,” Medina said. Both Jones and Medina said they understand why some may find the tattoo offensive, but Medina noted that people have been getting tattoos of violent and controversial figures for years. Clients have asked Medina, who specializes in realistic, black-and-white portraits, for tattoos of mobsters, drug cartel leaders and Miami’s infamous “Cocaine Cowboys.” “Idolizing people that do bad things is not new,” Medina said. “I think because [the situation] is so recent, the tattoo is a little out there, but it’s definitely not the first time that something like this has gone around. I think I was just the best to do it.” Regardless of how people feel about it—or whether Mangione is found to be innocent or guilty—Jones said the tattoo makes for a great story and he doesn’t regret getting it. As someone who used to work in the medical field, Jones added that there is one positive thing to come out of social media’s Mangione mania: people are seriously talking about the healthcare insurance industry. “I know firsthand how corrupt it is, how people care more about money than patients. At the end of the day, people are paychecks,” Jones said. “I do like the fact that people are kind of waking up and seeing this because before this, no one would have cared.”Freelance photographer arrested on Capitol riot charges

Moreover, a pay-to-join approach can also create barriers to entry for deserving professionals who may not have the financial resources to afford membership fees. This can result in a lack of diversity and inclusivity within the society, limiting the opportunities for talented individuals from underprivileged backgrounds to network, learn, and grow within their chosen field.In just three days since its release, "Marvel Conquest" has taken the gaming world by storm, surpassing 10 million players worldwide. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the immense popularity and anticipation surrounding the game. Developed through a collaboration between NetEase and Marvel, the success of "Marvel Conquest" highlights the spectacular results that can be achieved when two giants in entertainment industry join forces.CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in a Major League Baseball game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt — the AL Manager of the Year. With Cleveland, the 34-year-old Nakken will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Her exact duties are still being determined. “We thank Alyssa Nakken for her incredible contributions to the San Francisco Giants and for trailblazing a path for women in sports,” the Giants said in a statement on Friday. “Her leadership, dedication, and passion for the game have inspired countless individuals, and her impact has been truly transformative for the Giants organization and the baseball community. “As she embarks on this exciting new chapter in her career, we have no doubt that she’ll continue to inspire and achieve great things. We wish her and her family nothing but the best.” Nakken is the second on-field female coach hired by the Guardians. In 2023, the club brought in Amanda Kamekona as their hitting development coach for their year-round training academy in Goodyear, Arizona. Last season, she was an assistant hitting coach at Double-A Akron. Kamekona was twice a third-team All-American at UCLA after transferring from Cal State Fullerton. ___ AP MLB: Tom Withers, The Associated Press"Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but we cannot let them derail our season," Bootragno said. "We must have a deep squad with quality players ready to step up when needed. Building team depth and adapting our tactics to compensate for absences are essential strategies to navigate through a challenging fixture schedule."

Vikings right guard Dalton Risner says he’ll continue to get better at new position

Title: Chris Evans to Return as Captain America in "Avengers 5": Excitement and Speculation AboundFreelance photographer arrested on Capitol riot charges

WORCESTER - Boston College women’s basketball soared past Holy Cross with a convincing 81-55 win against Holy Cross on Saturday afternoon at the Hart Center. The Eagles earn their first road win, improving to 6-1, while the Crusaders drop to 3-3.One of the key trends observed in this year's 'Double 12' promotions is the emphasis on omnichannel shopping experiences. E-commerce platforms are integrating online and offline retail channels to provide customers with a seamless shopping experience. This includes leveraging technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create immersive shopping environments that blur the lines between online and offline shopping. By offering a combination of in-store experiences and online discounts, e-commerce platforms are catering to the evolving preferences of modern consumers who seek convenience and personalized shopping experiences.Minera Don Nicolas Enters Option Agreement with AngloGold Ashanti Argentinian Subsidiary, Cerro Vanguardia SA, for the Sale of its Michelle Exploration Properties for Total Consideration of US$14 Million

Dave Portnoy shares staggering story of how his podcast saved a fan's life READ MORE: Brianna LaPaglia responds to Dave Portnoy romance rumors By MAX WINTERS Published: 18:12 EST, 26 December 2024 | Updated: 18:13 EST, 26 December 2024 e-mail View comments Dave Portnoy has shared a remarkable story from a listener of his podcast, who revealed the show saved his life. Portnoy, the brains behind Barstool Sports, hosted the 'BFFs' podcast alongside Brianna 'Chickenfry' LaPaglia and Josh Richards but made his final appearance earlier this month. However, Portnoy's final episode on December 18 turned out to be lifesaving for one listener. He posted a screenshot of a message from a fan on social media, which detailed a harrowing story of how listening to the episode prevented him from possibly dying. It read: 'Hi you saved my life this past weekend. I got caught up listening to BFFs and watching TikTok 's of you which delayed me going to the store. 'I went into cardiac arrest literally 1 minute after watching your video and I have a defibrillator implanted which saved my life, but if I wasn't watching you I would've left the house and this would've all happened while I was driving. Dave Portnoy pictured during his final appearance on the 'BFFs' podcast earlier this month On Thursday, Portnoy shared a message from a fan who revealed the podcast saved his life Read More Dave Portnoy gives brutal verdict on Beyonce's halftime show during Texans-Ravens Christmas game 'So in all, you're a life saver and BFFs pod saved my life too.' Portnoy's final appearance on the 'BFFs' podcast went out on December 18 after he announced earlier this year that he was going to step back from the show at the end of 2024 . But the final show received more scrutiny when Portnoy addressed a feud between LaPaglia and another Barstool presenter, Grace O'Malley, that saw her leave the company. As part of his post on social media, Portnoy hit out at favoritism toward LaPaglia and now, she herself mocked the claims as she addressed his final show via Instagram. 'I know everyone thinks me and Dave are secret lovers but on a serious note, the past four years of bffs with has been a highlight of my time at Barstool,' she wrote. 'Sad to see him leave but very excited for what Josh and I have in store for bffs.' Last week, the 47-year-old Portnoy slammed claims he had a crush on LaPaglia, 25, as he addressed O'Malley leaving Barstool. 'Emergency walk and talk — everybody knows Grace quit,' the 47-year-old said in a video posted on the BFFs X account. 'I’m still getting DMs from people being like "Dave, you f***ing fired her. You’re a scumbag for picking sides." Co-host Brianna LaPaglia recently mocked claims she is in a secret relationship with Portnoy LaPaglia paid tribute to Portnoy as he stepped away from their Barstool podcast 'BFFs' 'People are f***ing nuts. People posting pictures of my ex f***ing wife [Renee Portnoy] online, being like, ‘Oh she looks like Bri, so Dave’s in love with her.’ It’s f***ing crazy.' Portnoy, who has been supporting LaPaglia through her breakup with country singer Bryan, said in November that he would stepping away from the show, saying: 'The subjects don’t interest me at all. 'They show me the topics when I go in there, I haven’t done any research, and I’m just ripping apart 18-year-olds, who I don’t even know. I don’t love necessarily doing that. 'It certainly accomplished what I wanted to accomplish when we started it. Josh and Bri will continue it. It’s super successful, but yeah, it’s time for me to try the next thing. I had run my course with it.' He added in a November BFFs show: 'Just because I’m getting older, like nearing 50 - talking about teenage drama, a little out of my wheelhouse.' Share or comment on this article: Dave Portnoy shares staggering story of how his podcast saved a fan's life e-mail Add commentCalifornia voters approve measure aimed at restricting AIDS Healthcare Foundation spendingNew cataract clinic a sight for sore eyes to some P.E.I. patients

By Jennifer Allen Between cooking, cleaning and hosting, the familiar hustle of the holiday season can sometimes feel more hectic than heartwarming. But what if there were a way to embrace the season while leaving the chaos behind? Holiday cruises make all of this possible, offering the perfect getaway that can be tailored to any vibe – blending festive traditions with the excitement of travel. Imagine sipping hot chocolate in the background of the Northern Lights, exploring sun-drenched islands or maybe enjoying a festive dinner on the sea. Whether looking for family-friendly fun, romance for two or peaceful solo travel, holiday cruises deliver a unique celebration unlike any other. Do you want to skip the stress of the season but don’t want to miss out on the holiday cheer? Rest assured, among the most well-known cruise lines, most of them host elaborate holiday festivities that transform their ships into winter wonderlands complete with decorations, entertainment and activities fit for Santa Claus himself. Instead of buying gifts, stressing over what to cook or bake and cleaning over the holidays, Michelle Price of Honest and Truly prefers a holiday cruise for her family. “The ship takes care of everything, from making the beds in the morning to prepping our meals throughout the day. And they have various fun activities to keep us busy,” she says. From towering Christmas trees in the atrium to twinkling lights on every railing, cruises at this time of year are very creative with their festive splendor. Cruises will also complement their aesthetics to match entertainment, including tree-lighting ceremonies, live caroling and holiday movie nights under the stars. Depending on the cruise, you can expect a robust calendar of events with activities like ugly sweater parties, holiday trivia, Santa appearances and even onboard Christmas markets. The holiday wouldn’t feel complete without the food to match, and cruise lines deliver. You can enjoy lavish holiday dinners complete with everything, from the traditional turkey to international Christmas dishes. Some cruises even offer themed buffets with everything, from a turkey carving station to hot and creamy chowders , holiday cocktails, gingerbread-making workshops and seasonal dessert tastings to add fun to the feasts. Cruises cater to various travelers and take the guesswork out of planning a holiday. Unlike a traditional vacation where you are responsible for your own itinerary, cruises do the hard work for you by planning destinations, offering a wide variety of on-board activities and providing varied experiences that appeal to all. A 2024 survey by Expedia Cruises concluded that 82% of travelers who have cruised before say they would do it again. Traveling with the whole family can often feel like an exercise in logistics that leaves you more stressed than you were before your holiday. Holiday cruises simplify this, offering multigenerational activities, family-friendly dining options and flexible accommodations. The Disney Cruise Line, which includes the Very Merrytime Cruises for the holiday season, is popular for offering exciting kid-centric activities like themed crafts, holiday scavenger hunts and character meet-and-greets. These endless options paired with the kids’ or teens’ clubs keep younger travelers entertained while giving their parents peace of mind. When traveling with older family members, consider reaching out to the cruise ahead of time to find out what accessible options they offer. Cruise lines can sometimes accommodate requests that might be better suited for older folks like avoiding stairs or long walks to reach their room. Couples can rediscover their magic on holiday cruises that offer intimate moments and tailored experiences. The Romantic Cruises by Princess Cruises stand out because of their private balcony dining and couples’ activities like wine tastings or cooking classes to make hors d’oeuvres . However, many holiday cruises offer specialty experiences like date-night-worthy restaurants, sunset strolls on the deck and shared excursions that are sure to create lasting memories. For couples looking to rest and relax, holiday cruises can provide serene spaces, spa suites and infinity verandas that are perfect for unwinding together. Cruises provide the perfect atmosphere for singles to mingle and enjoy the holiday season with company. Social events like trivia nights, dance parties and holiday mixers encourage connection and camaraderie. Certain cruises, like the Norwegian Cruise Line and the Virgin Voyages’ Holiday Cruises, cater specifically to solo travelers. These cruises include adult-only entertainment, curated activities and a vibrant nightlife. Rest assured, these cruises provide plenty of holiday entertainment and seasonal activities that ensure you enjoy yourself while staying close to your holiday traditions. With over 323 cruise ships currently in operation serving 36 million passengers this year alone, according to photoAiD , how do you choose if you’re a first-time cruiser ? Start by confirming that the cruise is appropriate for the needs of your traveling group. Often, experiences that are tailored for a specific group, whether kids or couples, will be described in the cruise line’s name – take for instance, the Disney Cruise Line. You can also check out the on-board activities available to make sure that there are plenty of options for your company. Next, consider your budget. Holiday cruises make luxury accessible without breaking the bank, with options as low as $300 for shorter voyages. Cruises will often provide all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodations, dining, entertainment and travel into a single cost-effective experience. The Carnival Cruise line remains a favorite for budget-conscious travelers because of its fun festivities and great dining options. However, even high-end experiences, like the MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, which includes amenities like private pools, lounges and butler services come at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury resorts. Lastly, ask yourself what holiday vibe you’re going for. Are you dreaming of a sunny tropical Christmas or perhaps frosty landscapes? Either way, with thousands of options in December alone, as cataloged by CruiseBooking.com , there’s a cruise waiting for you. The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Caribbean Cruises stop at destinations like the Great Stirrup Cay, while Hurtigruten’s Arctic Expeditions sail through breathtaking fjords and snowy landscapes. Holiday cruises offer a unique way to celebrate the season that’s a guaranteed hit without breaking the bank. Consider leaving behind the stress of hosting and planning; step aboard a ship where every detail has been curated to bring enjoyment and relaxation. With the holidays calling, will you answer with a ticket to set sail? Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her writing appears in dozens of publications, and she has two cookbooks, “Keto Soup Cookbook” and “Keto Diabetic Cookbook and Meal Plan.” These days, she’s busy in the kitchen, developing recipes for various publications and traveling, and you can find all her best recipes at Cook What You Love .Mid-cap stocks are excellent additions to your portfolio. They offer higher growth prospects than large-cap stocks while being less risky than small-cap stocks. Against this backdrop, let’s look at the following three top Canadian mid-cap stocks that are ideal additions to your portfolios now. goeasy Since beginning its consumer lending business in 2006, ( ) took around 13 years to reach $1 billion in consumer loan portfolio. However, the company has more than quadrupled its loan portfolio to $4.39 billion since then. Amid the expanding loan portfolio, its and diluted EPS (earnings per share) have grown at an annualized rate of 28.7% and 20.1% over the last five years. Despite the solid growth, goeasy has acquired a small percentage of the Canadian subprime market, thus offering a substantial scope for expansion. The company also raised around $700 million by issuing senior unsecured notes, thus strengthening its total funding capacity. Also, its comprehensive product range, multiple distribution channels, and geographical expansion could continue to expand its loan portfolio. It has adopted next-gen credit models and tightened underwriting requirements, which could lower delinquencies and improve profitability. Moreover, goeasy has rewarded its shareholders by raising its dividends at 30% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) for the last 10 years, while its forward yield currently stands at 2.75%. Considering all these factors, I believe goeasy would be an excellent buy. Docebo Another midcap stock I am bullish on is ( ), which offers an end-to-end learning platform to organizations worldwide. Last month, it reported an impressive third-quarter performance, with its top line growing by 19% to $55.4 million. The net addition of 266 customers over the last four quarters and a 9.8% increase in its average contract value drove its sales. Supported by top-line growth, the company grew its adjusted net income by 66% to $8.3 million. Meanwhile, analysts project the LMS (learning management systems) market to grow in double-digits for the rest of this decade. Given its highly customizable platform and introduction of artificial intelligence-powered tools, the company could continue to expand its market share in the coming quarters. So, I expect the uptrend in Docebo’s financials and stock price to continue. Lightspeed Commerce My final pick is ( ), which has been under pressure this week, losing 9.5% of its stock value. On Monday, the company announced it would slash 200 jobs amid its reorganization initiative to optimize its operations. It also added that it would incur most of the restructuring charges in the third quarter of fiscal 2025. So, investors are worried that the reorganization charges could hurt its profitability, thus leading to a correction. Meanwhile, the selloff has created an excellent buying opportunity for long-term customers in Lightspeed due to its solid growth prospects. The secular shift towards an omnichannel selling model has created a multi-year growth potential for the company. The company continues to launch innovative products, focusing on North American retail and EMEA (Europe, the Middle East, and Africa) hospitality sectors. Besides, its unified POS (point-of-sales) and Payments offering has expanded the adoption of its Payments platform, thus driving its GPV (gross payment volume) and financials. Along with these growth initiatives, Lightspeed has adopted several cost-cutting initiatives, which could boost its profitability. Despite these growth prospects, the company trades 2.2 times , making it an excellent buy.