video game characters

video game characters Spain Is It Still a Safe Destination to Visit? U.S. State Department Issues Heightened Travel Warnings Amid Growing Safety Concerns and Civil UnrestThere are few organizations that have had kicking problems like the Minnesota Vikings over the years. In 2024 Kwesi Adofo-Mensah drafted Will Reichard , and he had John Parker Romo in camp. That created a frustrating competition , but the results have been nothing short of exceptional. Now the team is in a predicament thanks to an embarrassment of riches. Where will Minnesota Vikings John Parker Romo wind up? The Minnesota Vikings moved on from veteran Greg Joseph this offseason. That meant they needed to find a new answer at the kicker position. Rather than go with a selection that likely won’t make the roster, they chose Will Reichard in the sixth round out of Alabama . The highly decorated college leg established himself quickly and was nearly perfect before hitting injured reserve with a quadriceps issue . He’s now on his way back . How badly did Rich Eisen want Will Reichard to miss this kick...? pic.twitter.com/LI0fWcB7VM John Parker Romo was brought back after being jettisoned during training camp and he has cemented his placed as a professional talent. The former big-leg in XFL action had made 11-of-12 kicks in a Vikings uniform, and he’ll certainly command a job once Minnesota goes back to their starter. The Vikings have seen quite a turn of events in having two competent kickers, but that means the backup is going to garner attention elsewhere. Vet move Jake McQuaide made sure to get the ball from @Romo_HKA ’s first NFL game-winning kick for him. pic.twitter.com/NgOERhlYUV That’s great news for John Parker Romo. He was unemployed for the first handful of weeks to start the season. With turnover at the position across the league, there are multiple opportunities, but where does he wind up? It has to be a team that is winning enough to value the position, and one that has an incumbent leg struggling at converting. Baltimore Ravens How wild is it to think that the Baltimore Ravens would replace a legend like Justin Tucker? Unfortunately the 35-year-old has converted on a career-low 70.4% (19-27) of his kicks this season . It may be getting late early, and a team with Super Bowl aspirations certainly can’t afford to have their special teams sink them. "That is concerning as it gets later in the year if I'm a Ravens fan." – Tony Romo on Justin Tucker missing another field goal pic.twitter.com/ynU0hr422F Romo would provide a fresh leg that could compete down the stretch. He’d immediately join another contender, and having kicked for the Vikings, he already knows him impactful each swing is. Atlanta Falcons Minnesota gets to see Younghoe Koo this weekend. The Atlanta Falcons are a fringe playoff team and plenty of that depends on the ability of quarterback Kirk Cousins. The former Georgia Southern kicker was sent packing by the Chargers in 2017 when he made just three of his first six kicks. Things have been much better since, but in 2024 the 30-year-old has made just 21-of-29 (72.4%) kicks. Quite a moment caught by @bkfox5sports after Falcons loss — kicker Younghoe Koo taps himself on the chest as he exits field, then team owner Arthur Blank puts his arm around Koo and talks with him as they walk off the field. pic.twitter.com/wZkqTCMqGM If Atlanta thinks they can benefit from a change at the position, another poaching from Minnesota makes sense. Koo made a Pro Bowl back in 2020, and has been a consistent talent for the Falcons, but things fall apart quickly. Los Angeles Rams Much like the Minnesota Vikings, the Los Angeles Rams drafted a kicker during the 2024 NFL Draft. They took Stanford’s Joshua Karty in the same round as Will Reichard and had hopes of him being a difference maker in year one. Through 12 games Karty has made just 16-of-21 (76.2%) kicks , and he is only 2-of-4 from 40-49 yards. Matthew Stafford has battled through his weapons being unavailable, but his special teams unit has let him down. Going into Week 11, NFL kickers had missed ONE field goal all season from 27 yards or less (99/100). We just had TWO misses in a span of two minutes • Joshua Karty (Rams): 26 (Shortest missed kick this season) • Dustin Hopkins (Browns): 27 pic.twitter.com/cK0cstJXqy If Sean McVay wants to give his veteran quarterback a short to make a postseason run, it will include winning on the fringes. Cutting ties with Karty would look similar to what Minnesota did with Carlson, but maybe there is a way to simply slide him to the side for a period of time. Philadelphia Eagles It’s disappointing to think that the Vikings could help out another good team, but that’s what the Eagles have in front of them. Philadelphia has a 10-2 record despite kicker Jake Elliot. The eight-year veteran has converted just 18-of-23 (78.3%) field goals this season. He is also 0-for-4 from beyond 50 yards. Jake Elliott MISSES From 44. pic.twitter.com/lEXKElkmrU If there is an opportunity for Nick Sirianni ’s team to improve, it seems to come through special teams. Moving on from Elliot would be substantial, but Romo has been a much more reliable option since taking over for Minnesota. There is a very real possibility that these two teams could meet in the playoffs. No matter what happens with the Vikings this time around, Romo should have zero ill will. Minnesota gave him an opportunity and he showcased his abilities. He should be kicking at he highest level for a winning team the rest of the way. This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for intel chief, faces questions on Capitol Hill amid Syria fallout

CU Buffs star Travis Hunter named as finalist for Heisman TrophyThe Latest: Suspect in United Healthcare CEO's killing charged with weapons, forgery, other chargesHERENTALS, Belgium (AP) — Two-time Olympic champion Remco Evenepoel sustained multiple fractures, a dislocated collarbone and lung contusions when he crashed into a vehicle while training in Belgium on Tuesday. The 24-year-old Evenepoel broke his right shoulder blade, right hand and a rib, his Soudal Quick-Step team said. He was scheduled for surgery after further examinations revealed "contusions on both lungs and a luxation of the clavicle.” “The clavicle will be operated on this evening, which if successful, should allow Remco to leave hospital tomorrow,” the team said in an update Tuesday night. “There will then be a two-week period of immobilization required following this, after which a plan for his return to training can be made.” Evenepoel had been treated at a hospital in Anderlecht before being moved to a facility in Herentals. Belgian media reported Evenepoel was unable to avoid the door of a post office vehicle when it was swung open. He never lost consciousness, but the impact was heavy enough to break the frame of his bicycle. Photographs online showed Evenepoel sitting beside an ambulance, wrapped in a blanket and holding his arm. Evenepoel was the first cyclist to sweep the road race and time trial at an Olympic Games when he triumphed in both in Paris in August. A two-time world champion, Evenepoel also won the Spanish Vuelta in 2022 and finished third in the Tour de France this year. “He was lying on the ground for a while,” said Bart De Pelseneer, who has a butcher’s shop nearby. “It was clearly a heavy blow. The door of the postal car was also completely twisted. His bike was completely broken, they folded it up like a wheelchair. “When I went to look, he looked deathly pale. The emergency services gave him a Coke. His wife, Oumi, was here at about the same time as the emergency services.” AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling

None

Sanctuary Advisors LLC Takes $310,000 Position in The Western Union Company (NYSE:WU)$194,700 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government supports refugee economic inclusion

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl1. A pair of chunky combat boots , a perfect Dr. Martens alternative with a zipper! A definite staple bott for winter, plus they look super expensive so the price can stay our little secret. 😉 Promising review: "My young niece wanted Doc Martens for Christmas and while I was willing to pay the cost, I realized she will destroy them (kids being kids) and started looking for alternatives. These are so cute that I am going to get them to replace a pair of my own Docs next! They have a zipper so you don't have to deal with tying them , and I got them in white and black. She was THRILLED when she got them and we will be getting more!" — KB Get them from Amazon for $31.46+ (available in women's sizes 5.5–10 and four colors). 2. A popular pair of wireless Bluetooth earbuds reviewers are saying are affordable alternatives to AirPods *aaaand* they have 244,000+ 5-star ratings. Cord-free, waterproof, and top-notch quality for a suuuuper reasonable price. A single charge provides over six hours of usage, and the rechargeable case can have them fully charged in under two hours. Promising reviews: "So after buying these for my husband for Christmas he now uses them every time he mows the yard. He says they're the best Bluetooth headphones that he's ever had. Anytime I come up to him to try to talk to him when he's mowing, he can't hear so that's a good sign that they work!" — Courtney "I was looking for a replacement for my AirPods and decided to give these a go, with very low expectations because of the price. All I can say is WOW. I appreciate a great pair of expensive, high quality headphones in the right settings (Bose etc.) but these are literally the best headphones under $50 I've ever tried —phenomenal sound quality for earbuds. They are also very light and come with a variety of sizes for the part that actually goes in your ear so you will get a great, noise-blocking fit, which in turn only increases the sound quality. What a deal." — DMC Get them from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in six colors and two sizes). 3. A rechargeable wine aerator/dispenser so they can have a lovely, tasty glass of bubbly at the touch of a button. It's got a universal fit that can attach to any wine bottle, so whether they like Prosecco or Pinot, this will work! What a gift. This little wine faucet softens tannins and will enrich their wine for luxurious taste. One reviewer even says it makes cheap wine taste ~expensive~. Promising reviews: "Bought this for my parents, who are all about their wine and gadgets! They loved this thing, and have already shown it off when they had guests over. Cleaning isn't as bad as I thought it may be. Just run some water through it after you're done with the wine. It even keeps the wine fresh while it's on, so added benefit there . Plus there's a nice USB charger so you don't have to fuss with batteries ." — Troy W. "Wow. This was a gift and my husband loves it. Three guests at the party ordered it on the spot. We did a comparison using the aerator and without and it was quite clear the wine using the aerator tasted far better . The wine really opened up. Highly recommend this." — kathyo Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in seven colors/styles). 4. And an electric bottle opener that's rechargeable for easy peasy bottle popping — or, well, opening. A single charge should open up to 30 bottles and easily removes corks in seconds. All they'll need to do is press a button and their wine is open with ease. They'll also get a foil cutter! I got this for Christmas in 2018 and I swear, I charged it for the first time since receiving it last December It's super easy to use, fast, and it charged extremely quickly, to my surprise (I mean, it only hadn't been charged in five years). I love it so much, it's hands down my favorite little gadget in my home. Promising review: "I have had one for several years and it works beautifully. No broken cork residue in the wine and removing the cork from the bottle is effortless. I liked it so much that I just purchased another one for my granddaughter as a Christmas gift. She was delighted to receive it, especially when we opened a bottle of wine for Christmas dinner and she saw how it works. Really makes a perfect gift! Happy user, happy granddaughter. Sine then I have not changed my mind. Just opened up a bottle and it works beautifully. Ordered several more as Christmas gifts for 2021. Can't go wrong with this item . Besides it's beautiful!" — Dorothy C. Connors Get it from Amazon for $19.80 . 5. An Amazon Fire TV Stick they can hook up to their TV to stream their favorite shows. If they love a good movie marathon or indulging in an entire season of Grey's Anatomy , they'll absolutely love their Fire Stick. All they have to do is connect it to their TV and boom, sooo many TV and movie options at their fingertips. The Fire TV Stick 4K allows them to watch TV shows and movies on streaming networks like Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and sooooo so much more. (There are still subscription fees to watch these networks.) And they can listen to music! They can also watch live TV, news, and sports with subscriptions to Sling TV, YouTube TV, and others. This remote allows them to control TV power and volume all from the same remote. The remote is also an Alexa voice remote, so they can search and launch content with their voice. To set up, simply plug in behind the TV, turn the TV on, and connect to the internet to set up. Promising review: "I use one of these in my bedroom on my 4K television. I get clear pictures and an amazing selection to watch! I give these as gifts and everyone loves them, and have gone on to buy additional ones for their bedroom TV's. Plus, they're so easy to install !" — lala Get it from Amazon for $21.99 . 6. A bottle of Versace cologne to impress them and give them a dreamy new scent. With 3.4 fluid ounces of smooth, wild, aromatic luxury goodness, they'll be convinced you paid big bucks for this baby. Promising review: " I've purchased this many times for both myself, and as gifts for others. It's def one one of my favorite designer fragrances. As a collector and connoisseur of high-end niche fragrances, this is right up there with some of the ones I really enjoy. A great value for the dollar, truly. Highly recommend. If you want to get into the scent profile and notes, look it up on Fragrantica...excellent reviews on there." — William Cobb Get the 3.4 oz bottle from Amazon for $34.99 (also available in 19 other scents, six other sizes, and in multipacks). 7. A Shea Moisture beard grooming kit they'll totally get lots of use out of. This four-piece set will soften and condition their facial hair, and nourish and moisturize their skin with shea butter, argan oil, maracuja oil, and tons of vitamins. They'll love how soft and shiny their beards are feeling. Mrs. Claus, if you're reading, buy this for my guy St. Nick. This kit includes a beard wash, beard balm, beard conditioning oil, and a full beard detangler. Promising review: " My wife gave me this beard maintenance kit as a Christmas present and I fell in love with it after the first use . The scent is awesome and my wife and kids like it as well. I’ve tried many of the expensive brands that show commercial actors looking like Vikings or lumberjacks offering beard maintenance kits for $125 (each) and higher, even. This one is a fraction of the price, smells better than the overhyped competition, and does a much better job at keeping my beard looking amazingly maintained . No alcohol in the ingredients! Over the years I’ve easily spent over $3,000 in beard maintenance products, this one takes the lead by far. Even if it were the same price as the competition, this one would be my go-to brand. If you were considering buying the more expensive and popular brands, I urge you to please consider this brand for beard maintenance. I assure you, you’re going to be grateful you did. My hair is very frizzy. This product has conditioned my facial hair better than it’s ever been, since I began wearing a beard in 2012. I hope this review helps my fellow beard-bros out! This one performs better for a fraction of the cost. Best of luck!" — Raf Get it from Amazon for $38.99 . 8. A fast-acting HyperChiller for those who are *always* running a tad bit late but still need their iced coffee fix. Best part of all? They'll get a heavenly cold cup of coffee in only 60 seconds! Easy peasy! This 12.5-ounce cup chills all beverages except carbonated ones (think tea, juice, and even wine). Fill it with water and put it in the freezer for 12 hours before using it then the next morning you're all good to go! Plus, it's dishwasher safe! Promising review: "So after hearing all the hype about this product (radio promotions and online research), we bought a few for friends for Christmas. Since then, we have heard their feedback, used it with them, and let me tell you...this thing works. Coffee or tea or anything you want hot to cold — this is it! Also, it's perfect to chill down your wine to the ideal temp and other cocktails without having to use ice and risk watering down your drink! I became a believer...ended buying two more for our house!" — DR. Q Get it from Amazon for $17.49+ (available in five colors). 9. An unlock the wine escape room game with clues and puzzles that'll lead them to unlock their beloved vino. The wine bottle is *not* included butttt 54 escape room cards with over 160 puzzles/riddles and a score sheet are. The perfect party game for the next time they're hosting. Get it from Uncommon Goods for $28 . 10. A 10-in-1 phone camera lens kit for all their photographer aspirations and needs. The photo quality is soooo crisp and this seems like it'd be hundreds of dollars, right? Wrong — under $30, honeyyyy. It comes with a 0.63X wide angle lens, a 15X macro lens, a 2X telephoto lens, a 198°fisheye lens, a kaleidoscope lens, a CPL filter, a flow filter, a radial filter, and a star filter. All lenses will clip right onto their phones. It also includes a wireless remote, and the lenses work for most smartphones. Promising reviews: "I used to carry a heavy DSLR camera, but it's not convenient, especially when I travel. Recently, I found this cellphone telephoto lens kit and was very happy with the purchase. The lenses are very easy to install — basically, you just screw the lens on the clip and attach it to the cellphone, no extra tool needed. It's very sturdy. I've tried the telephoto lens and the macro lens, and I'm pretty happy with the results. The images are clear, and the macro lens can show details. " — Alicia " Was absolutely THE gift of the evening, my 17-year-old niece never put it down . Love love love it. Great price, speedy shipping, and a wonderful experience. Will definitely buy from this vendor again. Thank you." — Chris Get it from Amazon for $25.99 . 11. A freakin' PERFECT Christmas sweatshirt they'll think you had custom made just for them with their fave Michael Scott Christmas quote. If they're a fan of The Office , they'll obsess over this gift and you'll sit back and smile knowing you give the best gifts without breaking the bank. Promising review: "I love this, it exceeded my expectations! Every time I wear it, I hear 'I love your sweatshirt!' It is definitely a great conversation piece and it truly makes me happy to put on. I got the maroon color, and I am so happy I did. This is my favorite Christmas sweater, and that is saying a lot because I get a new one each year! It will be hard to top this one next year!" — MG Thies Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes S–5XL and 42 colors/styles). 12. Cocktail drink bombs for yummy drinks and plenty of options. They kinda look like bath bombs, so be sure to let the recipient know not to bathe with them. No other ingredients — just add a little alcohol for a super simple and super yummy cocktail, orrr they can make it a mocktail if that's their thing. Each box contains six mouthwatering flavors — mimosa, margarita, mojito, piña colada, raspberry-orange, and peach bellini. Get it from Uncommon Goods for $30 (available in two styles). 13. A mug warmer because no one enjoys lukewarm coffee or having to drink their cappuccino super fast so that it's hot the entire time. This device will keep their Cup o' Joe warm until they drink the last drop. Note that the mug is not included! Promising review : " I got this as an office Christmas gift and have used it basically daily for the past year . The warmer keeps either coffee or tea at a perfect temperature for hours. It shuts off after four hours, which is a nice safety feature, as well as flashing red when it's still hot once you turn it off. It's a nice color and the cord is a pretty good length, I keep it on the edge of my desk where I won't accidentally turn it on or off (the touch button is very sensitive). If you have a cold beverage, it won't necessarily warm it up, unless you give it a long time, but it will keep a hot beverage perfectly hot , and it has three settings. If your cup gets to less than half full, on the highest setting it can even get a touch too hot. Since it works via surface area, it definitely works best with flat bottomed mugs, which can be difficult to find. There's a huge difference between the temperature of a mug with a completely flat bottom and a mug with just a small ring that touches the heating element — for those I recommend using a small mug cover on top. It also works well to melt candles if you want to have a nice scent but avoid soot from actual flame." — BC Get it from Amazon for $16.93+ (available in seven colors/styles). 14. A super warm, Shark Tank- approved wearable blanket, The Comfy — a hoodie with a blanket on the inside and soon to be their fave gift ever. If they're always cold, they'll LOVE this. Promising review: "My mom has absolutely everything and it is impossible to get her anything she says she wants before she buys it herself. When I saw this I knew it would be absolutely perfect for her and she would love it. And she did! It came and she immediately put it out and started raving how soft, warm, and comfortable it is. She’s 5’2" so it goes to about her knees, which she likes, extra perk her toy poodle also fits in the pocket for extra snuggles! Overall I couldn’t be happier I got my mom such an amazing gift and she’s so hard to get gifts for ! I will definitely buy more for myself and others for Christmas." — MsCake Get it from Amazon for $37.99+ (available in 28 colors). 15. A color-changing, remote-control moon lamp for anyone who's ever totally understood why Gru would wanna steal the moon. If someone gave him this as a gift, he maaaay have been satisfied. It's rechargeable and sure to be a fave gift of the day. It also comes with a stand! BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord says, "UMMMM I bought this because it was on one of Amazon's top selling products pages for so long that I was like 'Why are people so obsessed with this moon!!' And now, my friends, I know. First of all, it really does look hyper realistically like a small moon and adds a chill vibe wherever you plant it. But it's also just so soothing to watch and have in the periphery . You can control dozens of different colors for it and either keep it on those colors or have them alternate, fade quickly, or fade gradually. It's super easy to charge and controlled by a remote, so you can move it off its stand and have it light up wherever you want. These days I tend to turn it on for my designed ~me time~ night every week, in which I will light a candle, pour a glass of red wine, read a romance novel, and, of course, light my lil' moon. Definitely one of my favorite 'the internet made me do it' purchases." Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in six sizes). 16. A 10-piece bartender kit because being the host with the most is the title they love to claim. They'll be able to impress their guests with some ~fancy shmancy~ cocktails and look like a pro while mixing up some yummy concoctions. The kit includes a spoon, jigger, muddler, corkscrew, strainer, shaker, ice tongs, two liquid pourers, and a mahogany display. Promising review: "Christmas gift for my wife. She loves it. I think I have created a monster. Talking about buying a different house with a basement for a bar. She is exploring the mixology universe and making all types of cocktails . It's attractive, ORGANIZED, has high quality components, and is very useable. Customer service is fast and helpful." — Steven L DeBell Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in four colors). 17. A titanium flat iron that'll give them silky, shiny, straight hair with only one pass. They'll look fab and be so happy you bought them their new favorite hair tool. Promising review: "I am very impressed with this flat iron. I have been a Paul Mitchell fan for years and really don't like trying new things. I must say, I am very happy I purchased this straightener. Love the titanium plates and my hair didn't snag while being straightened. Vanessa Flat is my new favorite flat iron. Very pleased." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $31.99 . 18. A pair of fuzzy slippers for those chilly mornings where the hardwood floors are frrrreezing. Perfectly cozy to keep their little piggies nice and warm. Promising review: " I got these for my mom as part of a 'home spa set' I gifted her for Christmas and I’m about to order a pair for myself. I was worried that they were going to be flat after shipping but they’re still SUPER DUPER FLUFFY. Instructions said you could blow dry them to fluff them up a little but there was no need. They’re perfect for the winter — soft, fuzzy, and warm. My mom wears them every day and she absolutely LOVES them. Not to mention the fact that they’re super cute and such a beautiful color. Great product for the price." — GiraffePie Get them from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–10 and 16 colors). 19. A Givenchy bracelet because o-m-FREAKIN-g — stunning! They'll never believe that you *didn't* pay HUNDREDS for this beauty. Promising review: "I returned a rather bulky rose gold bracelet at Macy's, and the salesperson recommended this bracelet. As soon as I saw it, I fell in love. It's delicate and yet makes a statement , well-made and fits very well. It can be dressed up or down, worn plain, or with a rose gold watch. I have received numerous compliments and wear it every day. Very happy with this purchase." — NYShopper99 Get it from Macy's for $36 (originally $48, available in three finishes). 20. A bartender-beloved book — Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions that'll help them make drinks at home and improvise with what ingredients they already have. This gift will get all the "oohs" and "aahs" — everyone's gonna want one. Check out a TikTok of the cocktail book in action. The book breaks down six iconic "root" cocktails — the old-fashioned, martini, daiquiri, sidecar, whisky highball, and flip. Promising review: "This book has easily become one of my favorites. Great base knowledge and would recommend to anyone seeking to further educate themselves on spirits and cocktails. Even the first few pages is full of useful information. Purchase this for yourself or even as a gift. I cannot say enough good things about this book." — Adriana Get it from Amazon for $19.12 . 21. Or a charcuterie board book for your friend who loves nothing more than to bring a dish that shows everyone else up. Like, everyone else just grabbed a box of Popeyes for Friendsgiving but they made some elaborately gorgeous dessert. We all have that friend...I am that friend. This'll help them create the most stunning boards anyone ever did see. Promising reviews: "This book describes what size board to use and how to create decorative food boards. The illustrations take you step-by-step through how to build a board. It includes cute seasonal boards too. I purchased this as a Christmas gift, I wish I had purchased one for myself. Worth every penny. — Carolyn "I gave this book to my niece for Christmas and she was thrilled. She's 27 and enjoys making charcuterie boards for her friends and family. She loved the different board themes and can't wait to try them . She even told me that she had given the book as a gift to a friend herself and secretly wanted her own copy!" — Ithaca buyer Get it from Amazon for $13.31 . 22. And a fancy shmancy charcuterie board with knives, bowls, and servers *in some versions*. For the person in your life who loves to host, this baby is the perfect board equipped with everything they'll need to get their charcoocoo on. Promising review: "This product was a Christmas gift for my son's girlfriend. When it arrived, I considered keeping it for myself because it was so beautifully done. I was proud to give it as a gift and felt I got a great deal because the quality was outstanding and the price was more than reasonable . It arrived very quickly and was packaged very nicely. The recipient of the gift loved it and has told me she has used it several times since receiving it . I highly recommend this product and seller." — Lloyd Keller Get it from Amazon for $16.12+ (available in seven versions). 23. A Govee neon rope light that's bendable so they can shape it into whatever funky shape they'd like! It has an app that'll let them program it to different color combos and lighting effects. And of course, it'll add some seriously aesthetically pleasing decor to their plain walls. How freakin' cool is this? Oh! Plus, they can sync it to music — like, seriously, it just keeps getting better. Reviewers are comparing these to the popular Hue LightStrips and say these are even better, especially for such a great price! Check 'em out on TikTok — the reviewer shows how easy they are to put on the walls. This baby includes 10 clips and 10 screws so they'll have everything they need to hang it up! Promising review : "These lights are literally amazing!! Not only are they super vibrant and bright, but there are also so many ways to customize them. The app has a ton of settings and colors to choose from, and they work great with my Google Nest. They come with metal bracket-type things that adhere well to the wall without needing screws or nails, although they are provided if you need extra support. Installation and setup were so easy. I definitely recommend these and can't say enough good things about them!!" — Stephi Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two lengths). 24. An expandable wooden bath caddy that'll hold their phone, tablet, book, beverages, candles, snacks, whatever they need to make their bath time an at-home spa time. They'll say "ooh la la" as soon as they set this baby up in their bathroom. Promising review: " I bought this for my mom for Christmas and she says it's one of her favorite gifts EVER!!! It is very sturdy and made well. I love that it has a stand for your phone or tablet, room for candles, and a drink holder. Great for a nice, relaxing bath after a stressful day." — Calley Everett Get it from Amazon for $27.88+ (available in five colors). 25. A Rare Beauty liquid blush by our girl, our fave wizard, Selena Gomez, available in both a matte and dewy finish, whatever they prefer! A little goes a long way and this blush is beautifully pigmented. Like seriously, I think she made this on Waverly Place with her brothers cuz it's actually magic. This is actually my fave blush. I became obsessed with blush a few years back and I love for my blush to be *BAM* in your face and this blush is perfect for that. It's soooo pigmented (so be careful, a few dabs will do the trick) and the colors are just beautiful on the skin. The shade Joy is just *chef's kiss*, a gorg orange color that I use for an everyday chill, bronzy look and my personal favorite shade. Easy to blend and build up and a straight-up beauty. Promising review: "I hope this never gets discontinued because it will take me forever to go through the bottle, but I love it. So pigmented. Honestly really fun to use. It seems overwhelming and like a lot of pigment, but it blends so well. TikTok made me buy it, and I definitely don’t regret it and will probably end up buying other colors." — AlexaX Get it from Sephora for $14+ (available in nine radiant shades, four matte shades, and two mini shades). 26. A boho-inspired macrame hanging plant holder to give their greenery a unique way to be displayed. Give the plant-obsessed person in your life exactly what they want — more things for their succulents and such. Promising review: "I bought this product as a gift and I am so happy with the quality. The plant hanger is well made and looks sturdy. It holds even smaller pots securely . I will be buying more for myself and for other gifts. Can't say enough good things about this product!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $7.64+ (available in four colors and in multipacks). 27. A portable Bluetooth speaker they'll love to use to blast their fave songs. Though it be but little, it is fiercely loud — seriously, it packs a real punch. The quality is so great no one would believe it's under $30. It's also waterproof, making it great for outdoor use as well. Promising review: "I bought one of these for myself and several more for gifts. I'm really amazed at the sound quality. It is easy to use. Easy to pair with my phone's Bluetooth. Attractive design. The tiny speaker fills my bedroom with bell-clear stereo from my phone. My family members will be delighted this Christmas." — Quarropas Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in three colors). 28. A Revlon One-Stop Hair Dryer & Volumizer that'll cut their drying time in half and give them a blowout so good they'll probably be able to convince everyone they're a hairstylist. A blow-drying brush sounds like a winning gift to me. The brushes design smooths the hair, and the round edges create volume — leaving them with bomb hair without having to go to the salon. It also has two heat and speed settings, plus a cooling option. Oh! Revlon also has a One-Step Styler SPECIFICALLY FOR CURLY HAIR for $27.45 ! 47,000+ curly babes with hair from 2a– 4c are looooving this blow-dryer enough to give it 5-star ratings . Promising review: "I had heard raving reviews about this Revlon hair brush blow-dryer and I was skeptical to say the least. I have very very thick hair and never blow dry it because it takes entirely too long and I end up needing another shower after I'm finally done. I used it for the first time on Christmas Eve right before family was coming over and I was done in maybe 15 minutes! My hair was not frizzy at all , which is normally what I deal with after blow-drying. I couldn't believe how great my hair looked on my first attempt, it was full and bouncy . Love it so far!" — JlB Get it from Amazon for $31.75+ (available in three styles and four colors). 29. A collection of Spider-Man comics by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. This book has 12 key stories from the first two years of Spider-Man's comics. If they love Marvel or even just comics, they'll flip over these OG Spidey stories. And check out the X-Men and Avengers versions, too! Promising review: "Huge Spider-Man fan and also love the old school comics. This is a great gift or collection item to pick up . The book is put together well and feels great to hold. Love the gold leafing, adds a a touch of quality to the overall book. Highly recommend getting it if you’re into comics, Marvel, or Spider-Man ." — Nox Get it from Amazon for $16.59+ (available in paperback or hardcover). 30. Or a box of 20 Marvel and DC comics to give to anyone who's always reminiscing about how they used to go to the comic book store as a kid. It's also the perfect gift for anyone who's just getting into superheroes — they will be ~super~ impressed seeing all these old comics. Promising reviews: "These are amazing! They were well packaged individually and were separated into two groups. My son wanted comics for Christmas and these were the first I found, and they are more than worth it. No doubles and I even knew many of the characters, only a few that I didn't." — kayla-ann "A really good Christmas present. I loved the variety, and my dad was really excited about it. He said that it was awesome, and he loved it." — Geena Get 25 comic books from Amazon for $20.99 . 31. A 27-piece sushi-making kit for beginners so they can make their spicy salmon roll whenever they want. If they're sushi obsessed, this'll be their new favorite gadget, and it'll be lots of fun to DIY some yummy rolls. I'm sensing a sushi party! They'll get a sushi bazooka roller, two bamboo sushi mats, a temaki roller, a gunkan sushi mold, a nigiri maker, a triangle mold, a musubi maker, a sushi ball maker, a sushi knife, five pairs of chopsticks, a rice paddle, a rice spreader, two sauce dishes, a sushi cutting mold, an avocado knife, four chopstick holders, an oil brush, and an instruction book. Promising review: "I bought this for my son at Christmas because he loves sushi and cooking. I was surprised that it came in such a giftable box, which was easy to wrap; it was truly beautiful. The products inside were great quality and exactly what he’s been wanting! This set makes sushi making a breeze! The pieces are easy to wash and store, and make professional-looking sushi for the whole family! The pieces are so easy to use! My son is able to make sushi for all of us, and he enjoys using this set so much! Thank you!!!" — Britt W.S. Get it from Amazon for $19.59 . 32. A TikTok-famous super hold setting spray that'll give them that matte look without their makeup fading away by midnight, like the magic that made Cinderella's dress and carriage. Coming home, looking in the mirror, and seeing that their face hasn't budged sounds like the gift that keeps on giving. Alrighty, friends, so I was an Urban Decay All Nighter girly through and through, but this stuff was ALWAYS on my FYP on TikTok. So I thought, what the heck, let me give it a try. Y'ALLLLLLLL!! This stuff — *THIS STUFF* it's witchcraft and I'm speechless. I have the most oily skin and not many products I've tried ~actually~ do what they say they do. I put it to the test on a very busy day — I went axe throwing, to a boat party, took a nap, and my makeup looked like it did when I first applied it 12 hours later . But the biggest test that wasn't even supposed to be a test was when I went to a funeral, literally sobbed all day, then looked in the mirror at the end of the day and saw that MY MAKEUP HAD NOT MOVED. Not even an inch! No tear streaks, nothing! I'm officially obsessed. This is now, for sure, my favorite setting spray and it deserves every bit of hype it gets because it lives up to it, honey. We love to see it. Plus, it's way less money, which is perfect cuz now that it's basically holiday season, this baddie is on a budget. Get it from Ulta for $10.50 or Amazon for $7.88 . 33. A stunning cast-iron teapot to make their cutie little afternoon teas ~that~ much cuter. It's got a removable infuser for loose tea and it's suuuper sturdy with a stable lid that won't fall off when pouring. Plus, it'll match their aesthetic, so likeeee, win win. Promising review: "My daughter and I are both BIG tea lovers; we sit down and drink a cup of tea every night and talk about our day. We absolutely adore this cast-iron tea kettle. The infusion basket inside makes it so easy to make our tea without the hassle of individual infusers for our loose leaf teas. The kettle heats up so quickly and the handle stays cool enough to maneuver the kettle without having to use a hot pad! Definitely a great gift idea for the tea lover in your life and it adds a beautiful aesthetic to my kitchen!" — Shauna Branstiter Get it from Amazon for $26.39+ (available in six colors and three sizes). 34. A scratch-off travel bucket list if they're always planning their next trip. This may contribute to them planning even more trips once they see all the awesome places they should explore. Choose from US adventures or world adventures for the one whose love language is seeing new sights. Kristin Douglas Art is a woman-owned small biz on Etsy that's located in Utah. They specialize in super cool handmade scratch off bucket lists, personalized maps, and journals, all tracking travel. Promising reviews: "I love this so much!! Can’t wait to give it to my husband for his birthday. It is such a great gift and I’m sure it will produce so many fun memories !" — Lexi W. "Wanted to gift my husband something that wouldn’t collect dust for his birthday and this was the perfect gift ! Acts as a sentimental item, wall art, bucket list and conversation piece !" — Emilie N. Shipping info: Orders typically take about 4–8 business days to arrive. Get it from Kristin Douglas Art on Etsy for $27+ (originally $36; available in three location bucket lists, with or without a frame, and in two color options). 35. Or a scratch-off poster so they can take their tastebuds on a world tour. It's got 100 dishes from different countries so they'll have plenty of fun surprise foods to try out in 2025. Their tongues will tingle with delight upon opening this so cool gift. This brand has a bunch of different scratch-off posters to choose from. Check out Mappiners' main page to find the perfect poster for every person on your holiday gift list! Promising review: "I purchased this as a fun gift for my husband on our anniversary and we were able to scratch one off while we were still at dinner. The poster is thick and nice quality. The scratch film comes away easily and cleanly. It will be fun to make our way through this list." — Vicki Theurer Crider Get it from Amazon for $18.99 . 36. A glamorous faux-pearl headband to instantly take their hair to the next level of chic and help them serve up some major looks this winter. Promising review : "Exactly as pictured, lightweight but still has some substance to it, and actually rounded so it will fit to the top of your head instead of pinching from the sides. Honestly looks so much more expensive than expected ." — Buyer Get it from Amazon for $7.19+ (available in five styles). 37. A doggone adorable nonstick mini griddle because who doesn't love a little breakfast? They can also use it to make cookies, eggs, grilled cheese, and more. Oh, and best of all? Nonstick surfaces for an even cook, consistent results, and easy cleanup. Yummmm. It comes with a book of recipes plus access to an online database with even more! Promising review: "My mom bought me my first little griddle and it has been used many times. I purchased one for her and she said to be sure to leave a good review. I originally bought her a different brand for Christmas but she said, 'it isn't like yours' (I have the Dash brand griddle); so I bought her this one. She loves how quickly it cooks on both sides without needing to be turned . I use mine regularly for eggs. It is the perfect size for an egg sandwich. I have used it to cook pancakes, burgers, and grilled sandwiches. When mine gives out I WILL DEFINITELY BE BUYING A NEW ONE!!! " — Carolyn Get it from Amazon for $11.95+ (available in six colors). 38. A set of Barbie-themed wineglasses that'll have them saying "come on Barbie, let's drink marg-ys" every time they take a sip. Dragon Glassware is a Sacramento, California–based small biz that specializes in modern drinkware and decor. Promising review: "These are such fun glasses, perfect for the Barbie lover in your life. 💗 I purchased these as an apartment warming gift for my daughter and ended up keeping one glass and giving her the other so we could have matching glasses. 😊 Dragon Glassware is such a fun company offering very cool glassware for everyday use , purchasing more!!" — Monica Tice Get a set of two from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in three colors). 39. A top-rated box of moisturizing bath bombs in 12 different scents they'll get to choose from to make their bath time like spa time. You could also use them as stocking stuffers and give a few to more than just one person! They've got over 39,000 5-star ratings, and reviewers say they're great for sensitive skin! Promising review: " I got these for a Christmas gift, and then REPURCHASED them for myself BEFORE my first box was finished because they are THAT GOOD! I love a nice hot bath, these bath bombs make it 100x better. Each bath bomb is individually wrapped with the sticker to indicate the scent. They ALL smell AMAZING! They don't just smell amazing in the box, and in your bath, but actually on your skin after your bath is over. The scent lingers on the skin in a very pleasant way. They are also very moisturizing! My skin is so soft and moisturized after my bath. You will notice the oil that is used in the bath bomb, in your bath, so if you're not into that I wouldn't purchase. There are a few bath bombs that have actual flower petals in them, so if you're not into that either, you can scrape them off the top of the bath bomb without doing much damage to the bath bomb itself. My only complaint is that there are only 12 in a box, and I have to take my hot bath every other day, instead of every day, to make my bath bombs last. But I'd rather just repurchase and enjoy my ME TIME with these awesome bath bombs!" — DominiqueSP Get a box of 12 from Amazon for $20.80+ (available in two styles). 40. A turtleneck sweater dress that looks just as cozy as it is gorgeous. It has pockets too! We love a dress with pockets!! BTW, these are popularly worn with over-the-knee boots. Check out this post for plenty of boot options! Promising reviews: "This sweater dress fits great! I wanted a dress that would be trendy but comfortable at the same time. I purchased this to wear on Thanksgiving Day, and I am very happy with the way the dress fits and feels. It’s loose and comfortable but has style at the same time. It’s warm, but the material is not too thick to where it’s too hot . The material is soft and not scratchy, and the dress is true to size! I love it." — Amadaia "I bought three, two burgundy and one white. I gave the two burgundy ones as a Christmas gift and they were a hit . We got so many compliments and they especially loved the pockets . I ordered three more!" — R. Will Get it from Amazon for $31.98+ (available in women's sizes S–3XL and 38 colors). 41. A bagel guillotine so they can feel like they've got Panera at home everyday. Perfectly cut bagels, muffins, buns, or rolls whenever they'd like and no more *embarrassingly* jacked-up breakfast pastries since they can't cut straight to save their life. Promising review: "My boyfriend can’t cut bagels. He literally butchers these poor baby bagels all up. I saw this on a TikTok and I was like oh we need that. So I bought it. And it was a good investment. Now we can enjoy nicely sliced bagels that fit in a toaster and aren’t jagged across. Yay bagel slicer!" — Ci DiPalma Get it from Amazon for $22.27+ (available in three colors). You when they open their new Givenchy bracelet and say "Wow, this must have cost you a fortune": Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

President Prabowo should make Indonesia a global champion of democracyAs the world embraces the era of energy transition, Pakistan stands at a critical juncture where adopting a Just Energy Transition mechanism is not just a choice but an imperative to safeguard the environment. Among the technologies driving this change, photovoltaic (PV) solar energy has emerged as a disruptive force, offering the promise of greener and more affordable energy. However, this rapid shift is not without challenges, as it has triggered what some experts term the “utility death spiral.” Contrary to popular belief, the grid remains indispensable, even in an age dominated by renewable energy sources. While solar energy is transformative, the grid plays a crucial role in interconnecting diverse generation technologies; such as hydropower, nuclear, wind, solar, and thermal—to complement each other for grid stability while serving an entire eco-system of consumers while the distributed energy resources (DER) serve only a handful. The notion that we can fully replace the grid is premature; rather, its evolution is essential to sustain the energy transition. While PV solar energy is a game-changer it is not without limitations. It struggles to support base load demand and lacks the attributes of a dispatchable resource, which are critical for ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Technologies that provide frequency and voltage regulation, as well as the capacity to absorb the starting current of heavy equipment, are vital to complement solar energy’s intermittent nature. Grid-forming technologies, such as grid forming inverters and battery energy storage systems (BESS), hold significant promise for enhancing grid stability. However, in Pakistan, the absence of a comprehensive BESS policy keeps this solution out of reach for the foreseeable future. Until these policies are implemented, the full potential of renewable energy integration will remain untapped. Research highlights a pressing concern: the rapid pace of solar penetration during daylight hours, driven by falling solar prices, is accelerating Pakistan’s central grid toward the Duck Curve phenomenon. This phenomenon refers to the mismatch between peak solar generation during the day and peak electricity demand in the evening, creating a “duck-shaped” graph of energy demand versus supply. The resulting surplus energy during the day and steep ramp-up in evening demand strain the grid, jeopardizing its stability. The challenges become particularly pronounced during Pakistan’s foggy and smog-filled winters, when flexibility in the grid is crucial to maintain stability. Without adaptive measures these seasonal challenges could intensify. In this context, Pakistan must act swiftly to develop policies and technologies that ensure a balanced and resilient energy ecosystem. Only by embracing a multi-faceted approach that includes renewable energy, grid enhancements, and innovative storage solutions can the nation navigate the complexities of energy transition effectively. Globally, many countries have encountered the challenges posed by the Duck Curve and have adjusted their energy policies to address this phenomenon. The Duck Curve, characterized by a surplus of solar generation during the day and a sharp ramp-up in demand as the sun sets, has driven policy innovations worldwide. However, the realities of energy demand remain persistent; no country has enough rooftop solar or battery storage to completely eliminate grid dependency, particularly for nighttime energy needs. Our research highlights a significant shift in Pakistan’s grid dynamics. Two years ago, the peak demand occurred between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM, but it has now shifted near midnight, coinciding with the end of peak hours at 11:00 PM or later. This shift necessitates re-evaluation of Time-of-Use (TOU) policies and rate designs. Pakistan must implement policies that address these changes both technically and economically, such as leveraging Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for grid stability, peak shaving, and integrating them with slow-ramping central power plants during nighttime demand surges. To navigate these challenges, Pakistan urgently needs robust rules and regulations for DERs. This includes revisiting Distribution Code to ensure all DERs—particularly behind-the-meter solar installations—are controllable and do not compromise grid stability. Issues such as reactive power support and higher voltage levels must be managed to avoid potential grid collapse. Properly regulating DERs will ensure they complement rather than disrupt the grid. The need for energy equity The rapid adoption of PV solar as a disruptive technology has raised critical questions about energy equity. While rooftop solar and net-metering systems provide substantial benefits, such as lower electricity bills and energy independence, they also create disparities. Customers without rooftop solar, particularly those in underserved or rural areas, continue to rely solely on grid power and may face higher costs due to the shifting burden of grid maintenance onto non-net-metered consumers. Moreover, higher buyback rates for solar energy have compounded these inequities. For instance, as more consumers adopt distributed solar systems, grid-fixed costs are increasingly borne by fewer, often less-privileged, consumers. This dynamic raises serious concerns about fairness and accessibility, particularly in regions that already endure poor power quality and extended load shedding. Energy equity is a multidimensional challenge, requiring a balance between innovation and inclusivity. It is structured around four foundational pillars: Distributional equity: Ensuring the fair allocation of benefits and costs across all demographics; Procedural equity: Involving all stakeholders in decision-making processes; Recognitional equity: Acknowledging and addressing the unique needs of marginalized groups; Restorative equity: Rectifying past injustices in energy access and resource allocation. For Pakistan, achieving comprehensive energy equity demands systemic reforms that address these pillars. Policies must ensure the benefits of cleaner and more resilient energy systems reach all communities, including rural and underserved populations. Without proactive measures, the energy transition risks exacerbating existing social inequities. As Pakistan continues to transition its energy systems, it is essential to prioritize both technical innovation and inclusivity, ensuring that all citizens benefit from a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. A Distributional Equity Assessment (DEA) is a critical tool for advancing fairness in the energy transition, with a primary focus on distributional equity, ensuring that the benefits and burdens of the energy system are shared equitably among various customer groups. While DEA emphasizes distributional aspects, it often intersects with other equity dimensions to provide a holistic perspective. The DEA framework evaluates how costs and benefits are distributed across customers with differing characteristics, offering insights that complement benefit-cost analyses for utility investments in DERs. It addresses pivotal questions, such as: should a new DER programme be initiated or funded? Is an existing programme viable, or does it need adjustments? How should investments be prioritized across multiple DER initiatives to maximize equity and impact? By providing a structured approach, DEA helps utilities and policymakers design programmes that balance customer needs with systemic equity considerations, ensuring that investments in DERs do not exacerbate existing disparities but instead foster inclusive growth and access to sustainable energy. As Pakistan navigates its energy transition, embracing frameworks like DEA and implementing robust policies for DERs and grid stability are essential to achieving both sustainability and equity. By prioritizing inclusivity and proactive planning, Pakistan can ensure that the journey towards a greener future benefits every segment of society, leaving no one behind. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024