Tech and growth stocks have dragged Wall Street's main indexes lower at the end of an upbeat holiday-shortened week that was driven by expectations around a traditionally strong period for markets. Yields on some US Treasury notes were higher on the day, with the ones on the benchmark 10-year note hovering near an over seven-month high they hit on Thursday. The yields on the benchmark 10-year note were last at 4.587 per cent. Rate-sensitive growth stocks dropped with Nvidia down three per cent and Tesla off by 3.8 per cent, while Microsoft shed two per cent. Ten of the 11 major S&P sectors, including information technology and consumer discretionary fell the most, down about two per cent and 1.9 per cent, after powering most of the broader market's gains in 2024. "Tech, which has had a tremendous run, is starting to pull back. It is the beginning of a healthy correction that will get focused in on over the next four to eight weeks as we switch administrations," said Jay Woods, Chief Global Strategist at Freedom Capital Markets. In early trading on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 329.50 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 42,996.30, the S&P 500 lost 70.22 points, or 1.16 per cent, to 5,967.60 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 356.63 points, or 1.77 per cent, to 19,665.01. As of Thursday's close, the S&P 500 had recovered most of last week's losses that stemmed from the US Federal Reserve projecting fewer interest rate cuts in 2025 and hurting risk appetite. All three indexes are still set for weekly gains, with the benchmark index now about 2.3 per cent below its all-time high of 6,099.97 points clinched on December 6. With three sessions left to close out the year, markets are in the stock-buying season called the "Santa Claus rally" - the last five sessions of December and the first two of January. Since 1969, the S&P 500 has climbed 1.3 per cent on average in the seven-day trading period, according to the Stock Trader's Almanac. US equities have broadly extended their gains from a stellar November, when Donald Trump won the US presidential election, as hopes of pro-business policies under the incoming administration stoked optimism. Trading volumes in this holiday-shortened week have been below the average of the last six months and are likely to remain subdued until Jan. 6. The next major focus for markets will be the December employments report due on Jan. 10. Among individual movers, Amedisys gained four per cent after the home health service provider and insurer UnitedHealth extended the deadline to close their $US3.3 billion ($A5.3 billion) merger. Declining issues outnumbered advancers by a 3.01-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 3-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted two new 52-week highs and two new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 44 new highs and 35 new lows.Taking a Leaf Out of Xanh SM’s Book: Jakarta’s Path to Green Taxis
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NoneIslanders: Patrick Roy apologizes to the fans present at the training session.
If board games are a regular part of your at-home date night routine, allow me to upgrade you to something better, hotter, and hornier: sex games for couples. Not only are sex games an easy and sexy date idea , but they also help you connect with your partner. "The best sex games help you break free from routine, experiment with new ideas, and improve intimacy," sex therapist Melissa Cook, PhD, says. Sex games do far more than just kick off date night, though. "They also serve as a way to enhance communication, trust, and the overall bond between lovers," Dr. Cook says. Plus, sex games for couples can help you communicate your needs and wants with a partner in a way that isn't intimidating: "It allows people to explore desires, fantasies, and boundaries," Dr. Cook adds. Just like when you introduce any new kink or role-play idea to your partner though, make sure everyone is on the same page before diving into a new sex game. "It's important to set clear boundaries and expectations from the start," Dr. Cook says. "Communicate your needs, desires, and wants and ensure your partner does the same." Ready to get started or invest in a sexy holiday gift idea? Keep reading as we dive into the best sex games for couples, guaranteed to leave everyone feeling like a winner. Melissa Cook , PhD, is a sex therapist. Emily May , PhD, is a relationship therapist at Private Sugar Club. ERogenous Zone Doctor Playing doctor is an already popularized sex game for couples, which means you can truly make the concept your own. Try blindfolding the "patient" and having the doctor give a full body exam with "medical instruments" like feathers, spoons, or that jade-eye roller you always forget to use. The patient then guesses what tool the doctor is using. Make sure to pay special attention to erogenous zones like the neck, armpits, lower back, and mouth, Dr. Cook suggests. "We all respond differently to these areas when stimulated, so test a few out in the bedroom and see what works well for you." Dirty Minds TDC Games "Dirty Minds: The Game of Naughty Clues" ($16, originally $20) If you want a more traditional game with rules, Dr. Cook highly suggests Dirty Minds: The Game of Naughty Clues from Amazon. The spicy sex game for couples requires you and your partner to guess clean answers from sexual clues, which is both hilarious and surprisingly hot. "This game is a great way to break the ice, explore the playful side of a relationship, and have some laughs while also uncovering desires, wants, and needs," Dr. Cook explains. Guess the Body Part In a long-distance relationship? Don't worry, you can still enjoy a sex game for couples. If you're both comfortable with sexting , Dr. Cook suggests a flirty round of Guess the Body Part. "This is a really easy game that can be played anywhere and enhances arousal when apart, as long as you both consent and set boundaries," she explains. "Send pictures to each other of different body parts and try to guess what the picture is of. You can take additional pictures to keep them guessing, and don't forget to add some sexy clues to enhance the atmosphere." Foreplay in a Row LoversSanctuary Foreplay in a Row ($43) If you're one of those people who gets turned on by friendly competition, you'll want a sex game for couples that actually involves, well, a game. Foreplay in a Row from Amazon is a sexy take on the classic Connect Four game but with an erotic twist. Each chip represents a foreplay activity . The way to win is by arranging four of your color chips in a row before your partner can do the same. The catch, however, is that the "loser" has to perform the actions written on the chips that won the game, with all activities previously agreed upon to ensure mutual comfort and enthusiasm. Naughty Scavenger Hunt This is one of the best sex games to mix up your ordinary routine, Dr. Cook says. Simply make a list of naughty things you have to do, see, or buy, then complete them all as a couple. For example, you could add "Makeout in an unexpected place" or "Role-play as strangers at a bar" to your scavenger hunt. Sexting Scavenger Hunt Scavenger Hunts aren't just for couples together in real life. "Setting up a sexy scavenger hunt for your partner to complete over text can be just as erotic," Dr. Cook suggests. Add things like "Take a sexy selfie in your significant other's shirt" or "Share a favorite memory using only emojis" to the scavenger hunt list. Just make sure you discuss digital safety, consent, and privacy before pressing send. Host an Erotic Film Fest Watching porn with a partner might feel intimidating at first, but hosting your own erotic film fest could make for a great sex game for couples. Relationship therapist Emily May, PhD, suggests creating your own movie night with adult films. Instead of just watching the sexy Netflix movies or NC-17-rated movies , talk about which scenes turn you on and what you'd like to try. How to Avoid Bestie Vibes on a WLW Date Truth or Drink Truth or Drink: Extra Dirty Edition by Cut ($35) Dr. Cook says if you're planning to have a few cocktails during your date night, playing dirty Truth or Drink is one of the best sex games to get flirty with your partner. Simply take turns asking your partner questions and deciding to either answer them or drink. You can pull together your own list of sexy questions or order a premade deck of cards to take some of the guesswork out of the game, like the Truth or Drink: Extra Dirty Edition from Amazon. Naughty Truth or Dare Naughty Truth or Dare Kit ($11) Trust me, the classic sleepover game is actually way better as a sex games for couples. With your partner, go back and forth asking each other dirty Truth or Dare questions , but make it extra naughty. For example, a "Truth" could be "What's one of your kinks that I don't already know about?" and a "Dare" could be "Give me an erotic, five-minute massage." For more suggestions, snag the Naughty Truth or Dare Kit from Babeland to keep the game moving. Body Paint Lovers Edible Body Paints ($22) Dr. Cook says body painting can be turned into a playful sex game that allows you to explore each other's bodies. Paint sensual designs on your partner, then have your partner guess what you drew — the dirtier, the better. Either buy some Lovers Edible Body Paints from Amazon or DIY it with some chocolate sauce and whipped cream, Dr. Cook says. Kinky Dice Gvhntk Naughty Dice Set ($7) This sex game for couples is simple but great for exploring your desires, Dr. Cook says. Invest in this Naughty Dice Set ($7) from Amazon and simply roll the dice with your partner. One has different body parts labeled on it, and the other has different actions. However your dice land, act out whatever you rolled. Sexy Storytime If you're into erotic short stories or steamy romance novels , Dr. May suggests coming up with your own sexy story together. "Take the scene in turns, collaborating to come up with your own erotic story," she suggests. Once you've finished drafting, light some candles and read it out loud. Whether you act out your joint fantasy or just use it to get in the mood, this sex game for couples not only "allows you to be creative, but it fosters open communication, which does wonders for sexual intimacy," Dr. May says. Erotic Memory Game You know those memory games where you have to flip up a card in order to find its match? Dr. May says her favorite Erotic Memory Game ($5, originally $15) from Amazon is just like that, only sexier. "Erotic images and scenes are featured on the cards, which couples then must match and explore together," she explains. "Not only can you test your memory skills, but this sex game for couples ignites arousal and passion in a fun and creative way." The Sexual Fantasy Box TheFantasyBox Painted Desires ($149) Subscription boxes are a great way to explore your desires without having to source supplies yourself. Dr. Cook suggests buying any fantasy Box, which, depending on the box you order, is a subscription-box service that provides a curated kit of romantic and sexual activities delivered discreetly to your door each month. Each box includes goodies that align with different vibes ranging from sensual to playful. "It's a great way to explore new things, ignite the passion, and keep the spark alive," she says. 17 Matching Tattoo Ideas to Share With Your Person, Stat Bedroom Jenga Adult Vibe Toys Intimate Bedroom Blocks Game ($10, originally $17) Your game night just got a lot more action-packed with this dirty version of Jenga. Similar to the classic game, players take turns pulling wooden blocks out from a stack without knocking the whole tower down. The catch, however, is that these blocks have different role-play activities written on them. The person who makes the tower fall has to perform the act that lost them the game. This Intimate Bedroom Blocks Game from AdultVibeToys.com can be played with any number of people, making it perfect for couples and polyamorous groups. Bedroom Olympics If you're looking for another sex game for couples, Dr. May says Bedroom Olympics is the perfect blend of flirty competitiveness and foreplay. Create a series of sultry challenges for you and your partner to complete, like timed sensual massages, blindfolded strip teases, and erogenous zone exploration, she suggests. Don your uniforms, pick your hype songs, and complete your "games" to see who the victor is. Dr. May says you can also consider awarding prizes for creativity and completion. Body Alphabet If you're looking for a simple, effective, and discrete sex game for couples, Dr. May loves the Body Alphabet Game. "Use your fingers to trace letters, numbers, and even words on your partner's body. Spell out sensual words and activities you want to do, then try them out when your partner guesses them right," she says. This game is perfect for when you want to tease your partner in public, hinting at exactly what you want to do when you get home. Try One of These 55 Best Sex Positions Tonight Rachel Varina is a full-time freelance writer covering everything from the best vibrators (the OG Magic Wand) to the best TV shows ("The Vampire Diaries"). She has more than a decade of editorial experience with bylines at Cosmopolitan, Elite Daily, Betches, and more.
The suspect in the high-profile killing of a health insurance CEO that has gripped the United States graduated from an Ivy League university, reportedly hails from a wealthy family, and wrote social media posts brimming with cerebral musings. Luigi Mangione, 26, was thrust into the spotlight Monday after police revealed he is their person of interest in the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a father of two, last week in broad daylight in Manhattan in a case that laid bare deep frustration and anger with America's privatized medical system. News of his capture in Pennsylvania -- following a tip from a McDonald's worker --triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. While some lauded him as a hero and lamented his arrest, others analyzed his intellectual takes in search of ideological clues. A photo on one of his social media accounts includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. No explicit political affiliation has emerged. Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." character Luigi, sometimes depicted in AI-altered images wielding a gun or holding a Big Mac. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. "I want to donate to your defense fund," added another. According to Mangione's LinkedIn profile, he is employed as a data engineer at TrueCar, a California-based online auto marketplace. A company spokesperson told AFP Mangione "has not been an employee of our company since 2023." Although he had been living in Hawaii ahead of the killing, he originally hails from Towson, Maryland, near Baltimore. He comes from a prominent and wealthy Italian-American family, according to the Baltimore Banner. The family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, its website says. A standout student, Mangione graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. In an interview with his local paper at the time, he praised his teachers for fostering a passion for learning beyond grades and encouraging intellectual curiosity. A former student who knew Mangione at the Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," this person said, asking that their name not be used. "Seemed to just be smiling, and kind of seemed like he was a smart kid. Ended up being valedictorian, which confirmed that," the former student said. Mangione went on to attend the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage, archived on the Wayback Machine. On Instagram, where his following has skyrocketed from hundreds to tens of thousands, Mangione shared snapshots of his travels in Mexico, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. He also posted shirtless photos flaunting a six-pack and appeared in celebratory posts with fellow members of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. However, it is on X (formerly Twitter) that users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo -- an X-ray of a spine with bolts -- remains cryptic, with no public explanation. Finding a coherent political ideology has also proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on the online site goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out a string of bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione called Kaczynski "rightfully imprisoned," while also saying "'violence never solved anything' is a statement uttered by cowards and predators." According to CNN, handwritten documents recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline. In April, he wrote, "Horror vacui (nature abhors a vacuum)." The following month, he posted an essay he wrote in high school titled "How Christianity Prospered by Appealing to the Lower Classes of Ancient Rome." In another post from April, he speculated that Japan's low birthrate stems from societal disconnection, adding that "fleshlights" and other vaginal-replica sex toys should be banned. ia/nro/dw
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Key Takeaways Email is a goldmine for businesses: people who make purchases via email tend to spend up to 138% more than those who don't. During key shopping days, like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, email campaigns can significantly boost your last-quarter revenue. But sending a few random emails to your list isn't enough to make a difference. To see results, you need to be strategic in how you reach out to your prospects. Here are nine hacks to improve your holiday email marketing strategy and drive more sales. 1. Get your holiday marketing emails ready now "It's later than you think." It's one of my favorite quotes from the show "Mad Men." Although the character of Roger Sterling was referring to "the finite nature of life" and urging us to enjoy every day more, I often think about this quote as it relates to my business. It also applies so well to holiday email marketing. Many business owners underestimate the effort it takes to create effective email campaigns. Nearly 46% of consumers start their holiday shopping before November due to delivery concerns, so you don't want to launch your emails too late. Give yourself enough time to decide on your offers, audiences and email sending cadence. Related: Want to Boost Sales This Holiday Season? Here Are 5 Tips to Make Your Holiday Email Campaign a Success 2. Slowly increase your email volume Your sending rhythm has a dramatic impact on your email deliverability . Depending on how often you've been sending emails in the past few months, start increasing your cadence slowly. Any sudden spike may trigger spam filters, so pace your volume to avoid having your emails go to spam. It's natural to send more emails during the holidays, but in the meantime, reach out to your list regularly to build trust with email service providers. 3. Offer exclusive holiday deals People love feeling special, especially during the holidays. So, think about how you can reward your email subscribers for being part of your club. For 40% of consumers , email is a discount treasure trove — they check their inboxes looking specifically for brand deals. During the holidays, your prospects may be even more inclined to shop via email, so show up with relevant offers to boost engagement and sales. 4. Give your email list a scrub The junk folder is the last place you want your holiday emails to land, but a messy email list can cause that. High bounce rates and spam complaints may make you look like a spammer, so your campaigns will fail to reach the inbox. Use an email verification service to weed out obsolete contacts and ensure your email list is healthy. With Google deleting dormant accounts and Yahoo also tightening sending rules , your data must be fresh for your campaigns to be effective. 5. Make the most of automation Automation doesn't just save you time; it can also increase your holiday email conversion rates. Nearly 40% of people who click on an automated email go on to make a purchase, so if your resources allow it, set up the right emails to go out at the right time. Welcome messages, back-in-stock and cart abandonment emails see the most engagement. Automating them now means you won't leave any money on the table. 6. Ensure a smooth experience across devices Your emails can look great on desktop, but do they render properly on phones and tablets? The 2024 holiday shopping season will be "the most mobile of all time," Adobe predicts, with a record $128.1 billion spent through mobile devices. A broken image or poorly formatted text can turn your customers off, so remember to test every email before you send it. You don't want a small mishap to prevent someone from making a purchase. Plus, it leaves a poor impression of your brand, and it may cause your future emails to fall flat or get deleted. Related: 3 Tips and Tricks You Can Use to Drive Email Deliverability During The Holidays 7. Create a sense of urgency with your subject lines During the holidays, inboxes are so packed that your subscribers may just scan subject lines, so you have to make each one worth clicking. It's smart to avoid overused, spam-trigger words like "free," "buy" or "urgent," and find other ways to convey the value you offer and instill a sense of urgency. Calls to action like "last chance" or "don't miss out" perform well for my business. Feel free to experiment with less common approaches. 8. Consider a countdown timer Countdown timers add even more urgency to your campaign, so test them this holiday season and measure their performance. Add them to your website and marketing emails to give people a quick visual representation of your offers and build anticipation. 9. Monitor metrics and adjust quickly Finally, don't just set your holiday email campaigns and forget about them. Instead, monitor your performance metrics in real-time. Track open rates, click rates and conversions, and be ready to adjust if results are weak. You can always tweak your offers, improve your copy and test different send times to make your campaigns resonate more.Georgia Republicans recommend further law to restrict transgender women's participation in sports
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