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1. A Comfy that'll give them the comfort of a hoodie and the warmth of a blanket — who could possibly hate the epitome of coziness? Promising review: "I bought this for my dad for Christmas. He is extremely hard to buy for. I knew this would be something he loves or never wears. He is always really cold. He works from home and so I got him this in hopes he could stay warm and still be able to do video on his calls. I hit a home run! He loves it. It’s so soft and warm and it’s surprisingly stylish. It’s the perfect warmth for him so he doesn’t have to continually turn a space heater on and off to keep the room at the right temp. It would be perfect for relaxing around the house while staying warm and not having to continually readjust a blanket." — Katie M Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in 28 styles). 2. A cult-favorite candle which radiates luxurious vibes without even being lit, thanks to the gorgeous jar and bold scent. When they *do* light this bad boy, it'll give off a captivating aroma of jasmine, oud, and sandalwood — giving their home a warm and delightful feeling. Lulu Candles is a US-based small business specializing in scented candles and perfumes. Promising review : "I’ve enjoyed these candles for almost five years. They are a delightful scent, and I will use no other. People often comment about how nice my house smells. Even when the candles aren’t lit, there is a lovely scent remaining ." — Jane Brown Get it from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in six sizes, gift box options, packs of two, and various other scents). 3. An original Kit-Cat clock that's a little expensive but will be 100% worth it when you see the smile on their face after they unwrap this lil' cutie. Promising review : "Wanted one of these since I was a child 65 years ago! Finally bought one for myself. Arrived in perfect condition which is what I expected from Museum of Modern Art. Will really enjoy having this on my wall!" — Ned C. MoMA Shipping Info: $7.95 Flat standard shipping fee on all orders. Express and Overnight delivery options are also available at an additional cost. See MoMA Design Store's full shipping policy here . Get it from MoMA Design Store for $50 or Amazon for $59.99 (available in 15 colors). 4. Emotional support plushies to comfort them when they're feeling a little down. There are so many options to choose from — like some ~berry~ adorable strawberries, cheery chickies, and (my fave) some juicy dumplings! Promising review: "I got this for a coworker who had been stressed out lately and happens to love chicken tenders/nuggets. She loves it and has kept it in her office. Everyone comments on how cute the nuggets are and can’t resist picking them up." — pantone76 Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in 14 styles). 5. Pillowy slippers that must have been made by the comfort gods themselves because over 700 reviewers say they're like walking on clouds ☁️ and as a proud owner of a pair myself, I wholeheartedly agree with that. I recently purchased a pair of these (but will not be including a pic because my feet are looking a lil' yeesh 😬 right now) and I swear it was the best purchase I've made this year — not to be dramatic or anything. I needed some summer shoes because I've been running errands in my Uggs, and in 90-degree weather...that's not very fun, to say the least. These babies are the softest things EVER; I'm not even exaggerating. Every step I take feels like I'm being cushioned by the spongiest cloud, and TBH, it's pretty freaking comforting. I wear them to run errands, during casual outings, and even on my hot girl walks! Promising review: "These are probably the most comfortable slippers I have ever worn. It's like walking on clouds. They are very soft but still give excellent support. When walking on hardwood or tile floors they are very quiet. No one will hear you coming. I purchased two pairs. One for me and one for my partner. We both love them and highly recommend them to anyone." — Robert Get them from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in women's sizes 4–16, men's sizes 3–14, and 14 colors). 6. The Book of Unusual Knowledge , a tome filled with quite entertaining and interesting facts. I mean, they don't NEED to know food name origins, but it sure would be a neat party trick for them to say, "Deviled eggs got their name because they were devilishly spicy." 🤓☝️ Promising review: "This book has more tidbits of information than you can shake a stick at. This is a large tome with information on some things you are already aware of and some that you are not. I didn't read this all at once; it's a good book to pick up for an hour just to relax the mind and get away from what is going on around you." — Gary M. Buyachek Get it from Amazon for $14.99 . 7. An instant camera so their only source of pictures aren't from their phone. It instantly prints pictures onto individual film sheets so they can hang them up on their wall right away. Plus, it comes with a selfie mode — I mean, who doesn't like a good selfie? It doesn't come with film, but you can check out options with a Toy Story border, a rainbow border, or plain ones ! Promising review: "Great picture quality and nice little updates to the body! Bought this as a gift for my 12-year-old daughter and it has been a huge time killer for quarantine. We love it and will be buying a second one for myself!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $75.92+ (available in five colors). 8. The famous nonstick ceramic Always Pan (the 2.0 version!) that's made with nontoxic ceramic materials. They'll be able to replace up to 10 pieces of their boring ol' cookware because this bad boy can do it all! The best part? The ~eye-catching~ colors they come in. It comes with a steamer basket, pouring spout, and a nesting spatula with a rest. They can even put it in the oven — talk about versatility! What makes the 2.0 version different? They've upgraded the nonstick to last 50% longer and it's oven-safe to 450°! Our Place is a POC-owned business based in Los Angeles. All of their boxes are packaged with biodegradable and recyclable materials, and the Always Pan is made in a woman-owned factory in China . Promising review: "My Always Pan is going to be my new favorite cooking ware. Super versatile and absolutely beautiful. Love the functionality that it possesses and the versatility range; someone really thought about all the best ways to cook with this! Safe, easy to clean, and beautiful to look at! Makes you want to cook more delicious meals all day long! Shipping took a while because I preordered, but I was happy to wait!" — Celyn V. Get it from Our Place for $150 (available in seven colors and also in mini and large). Shipping info: In-stock products take up to two business days for processing and typically 1–7 business days for delivery . Expedited 2–3 day shipping options are available at additional cost. Check out our Always Pan review (number four in the post) from one of my BuzzFeed colleagues to learn more! 9. A heated massager so they can relieve all their stress when they come home from work. They can use it on their back, neck, legs, and even their feet so they can knead out all those knots. Promising review: "I have horrific tension headaches and migraines. This thing melts them away so quickly. You can adjust the pressure by pulling on the handles or lying back into it. The heat is just enough to relax. I went around and around trying to decide if something like this was worth it and I finally just decided to try it. Trust me; buy the massager!" — Kelly Dyer Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in four colors). 10. A little journal that no one could be picky about, because it's a book filled with reasons why you love them. There are versions for all kinds of people in your life, from your parents to your bestie! They're filled with 50 fill-in-the-blank prompts so you can create sentimental, personalized gifts for the special people in your life! Promising review: "This makes an excellent gift for someone you care about. The more time you put into creating it the more special it is. It does take some time, so don't buy it unless you are committed to filling it out." — California Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in so many themes here , from mom to grandpa to teacher). 11. A set of affordable, highly popular wireless Bluetooth earbuds to bump to "Cruel Summer," and guess what?! These are completely waterproof. These pair easily and they'll get up to 10 hours of playtime (45 hours with the wireless charging case)! Promising review: "Best decision! These are the greatest headphones ever! I saw them on TikTok months ago and added them to my wishlist. I got a new phone that doesn't have the headphone port, so I decided it was time to finally buy them. They are amazing, and I probably won't ever take them out of my ears! 😂" — Kate Arnold Get it from Amazon $24.99+ (available in six colors). 12. And an AirFly Pro wireless transmitter so the next time they're on a plane, they don't have to pay for a pair of wired headphones if they only have AirPods or other wireless headphones. They just need Bluetooth to connect their listening device to the transmitter and insert it into any audio jack! Twelve South is a husband-and-wife-owned biz based in Charleston, South Carolina, with just 20 team members! They've been designing accessories inspired by and made for Apple products since 2009. Promising review: "Ever since I purchased my wireless Bose earbuds , I always hated having to use another set when I was on an airplane with the seat-back entertainment system. I tried many different models to connect the system to my Bluetooth headsets until I came across this one, and it is amazing! It seamlessly connects to my headset — very clear and reliable audio, and it takes the stress away from carrying multiple headsets! Thank you!!!" — Ryan Malloy Get it from Amazon for $54.99 (available in two colors and three other models). 13. A Christmas gift basket that's filled with the most scrumptious treats to fulfill anyone's sweet or savory tooth. The basket includes: a few pears, dark chocolate Moose Munch, raspberry-filled shortbread cookies, yogurt-covered pretzels, Gouda, tree-shaped crackers, milk chocolate-covered almonds, dark chocolate peppermint bark, and all kinds of chocolate truffles!! Did I just drool a little? Yes. Promising review: "My brother and his family really enjoyed the variety of items in the basket. He said there was something for everyone to enjoy!" — Sandra S. Shipping info: Products take up to 4–7 business days for delivery . Expedited 2–3 day shipping options are available at additional cost. Order by 12/19 to get orders by Christmas with standard shipping. Get it from Henry & David for $89.99 , and check out all their other baskets here ! 14. An Owala FreeSip tumbler offering all the benefits of a Stanley without the spills. What sets this bb apart from all the other bottles out there is its spout — they can either drink through a straw or tilt it back to chug. Plus, they'll never have to painfully sip on a lukewarm bev again because it keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours with its triple-layer insulation. I've been wanting to get an Owala for the longest time because one, I'm a sucker for colorful things and two, I'm obsessed with water bottles. With that being said, I didn't need another bottle, and my friends kept telling me it was a waste of money to get one. Obviously, I didn't listen to them and caved and I'm not even kidding you, this is the one water bottle I bring with me EVERYWHERE. I've tried the Hydro Flask bottle and tumbler , HydroJug , and Stanley — I love them all, but I hate to say, the Owala just reigns supreme. My fave feature has to be the straw because not only does sipping require less effort, but it's so much easier to drink while walking or in the car (aka no more dribbles!). It's basically like having a tumbler with a lid. Seriously, whoever invented the Owala is an absolute genius. I recently went to the Bahamas and brought it everywhere with me and let me tell you, my water stayed cold the entiiiiire day. It's also so easy to carry around thanks to the loop and when you want to put it in your bag, just push the loop down and it'll lock the lid in place, GENIUS! Promising review: "Without a doubt everyone has heard the uproar over huge insulated cup brands using lead to make their cups. If that is a concern for you, then there is no need to worry about this one. This cup is made lead-free and works phenomenally! I always put ice in my Owala with my water and notice that all the ice is still there over a span of 48 hours and still freezing cold ." — DietDrKelp069 Get a 24-ounce tumbler from Amazon for $27.99 (available in three sizes and 22 colors ). 15. Or an insulated tumbler that comes in so many gorgeous designs, you'll no doubt find the perfect one for them. Aside from it looking absolutely ~fab~, it'll keep their drinks cold for up to 20 hours *AND* it's leakproof! Stanley Cup, who? It'll also keep drinks hot for up to five hours and comes with a straw lid with two straws as well as a flip lid! Promising review: "Love the spillproof lid so I can toss it in my bag after it's empty without leaking. Keeps things warm for a long time, and the lid is easy to open and drink from. Bought a few as gifts because I love mine so much. The B&W one is nice looking and has a matte finish. The teal/navy and pink/purple colors are beautiful." — AndieR Get it from Amazon for $19.94+ (available in 16 designs and three sizes). 16. A Birthdate candle because zodiacs are the talk of the town right now. They'll get a personalized label and scent based on what day of the year they were born! The label includes their star sign, ruling number, ruling planet, personality description, 2024 horoscope, tarot card, and their strengths and weaknesses based on the zodiac. Birthdate Co. is a small business hand-pouring candles in the Northeastern US. Promising review: "I ordered two of these and they were great hits with my friends. I’ve just ordered four more! They really make perfect personalized gifts!" — Pamela M. Shipping info: Since every candle is personalized to the day, it can take up to 1 week after ordering for them to ship . Expedited 1–2 day shipping is available for an additional cost. Get it from Birthdate Co. for $44.99 (originally $54.99). 17. A sophisticated glass that's etched with their home town to let them know home is always where the *drink* is. Promising review: "Great gift. Recipient was super excited and instantly started identifying places on the map!" — ks2019 Shipping info: Usually ships within 24 hours and shipping is free with Uncommon Perks membership. Expedited shipping also available for an additional cost. Get it from Uncommon Goods for $20 (available in a ton of major cities). 18. A splurge-worthy towel warmer to give your dear ones an at-home, 5-star spa experience because no one can turn down the feeling of a warm, snuggly towel. Who's winning gift-giving this year? You. It fits two large bath towels at a time and they can program the heat in 15-minute intervals up to an hour. Promising review: "Absolutely love this warmer. I got this as a Christmas present for myself and use it every time I shower. It is definitely worth the price. I usually put clothing inside first, unravel a towel, and place it in next, then turn the warmer on before I shower. In 15–20 minutes, the towel is HOT. If you’re contemplating purchasing this warmer, do yourself a favor and submit your payment ASAP!" — Brittvny Thomvs Get it from Amazon for $139.99 (available in gray and white). 19. A classic Kate Spade bangle that is inscribed with the cutest message that says "heart of gold," because that's what they have. Plus, it's such a simple piece of jewelry, it'll go with anything and everything. Promising review: "The perfect gift. If you are looking for a simple quality gift for the wife this is it. She loved this. I was impressed by the quality of the finish at this low price. I could not be happier about this purchase and highly recommend to anyone looking to make a big splash for a lower price point." — Andrew B Get it from Amazon for $32 (available in three finishes). 20. A cloud squiggle tray to keep their bits and bobbles safe on their bedside table so they don't have to search high and low for their jewelry when they're getting ready to go to work the next morning. Promising review: "Love this! I wanted a cute dish to sit keys and bracelets on. This works perfectly! The color and quality is perfect! Heavy enough not to slide off when my cat jumps next to it, too! Would make a cute gift too!" — Arizona Williams Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in eight colors/shapes). 21. Or an initial trinket dish because everything is better when it's personalized. Plus, the gold trim and letter are so gosh darn darling — eek, I'm obsessed! Promising review: "I recently purchased this jewelry tray for my girlfriend, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The personalized touch was a hit, adding a sentimental value that made the gift extra special. The color scheme is tasteful and adds a touch of elegance to her dresser. In terms of functionality, this tray is a winner. Despite its compact size, it holds all her favorite jewelry pieces without crowding the space. Plus, the quality is top-notch. It feels sturdy and well-made , reassuring me that it'll last a long time. Honestly, I couldn't find any downsides to this tray. I t's stylish, practical, and well-crafted — all at a reasonable price. If you're looking for a thoughtful gift or just want to organize your jewelry in style, I highly recommend. You won't be disappointed." — Steve J. Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in 26 letters). 22. A pom-pom throw that is EXTREMELY soft and fluffy, perfect for cozying up on the couch — that is, if they can steal it back from their dog, who's going to fall in love with it. Promising review: "I love this blanket! It’s incredibly soft, not overly heavy, and fits my tall husband. I bought this blanket to accent our bedding, and my husband has now claimed it as his. I also like that it hasn’t lost its softness even after washing, probably close to 10x now. Would definitely recommend and buy again!" — Hannah Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and 20 colors). 23. A handheld milk frother to give them a deluxe cafe experience from the comfort of their own home. With just a push of a button, they'll be able to whisk up foamy goodness in seconds and save countless trips to Starbucks. They'll be thanking you a *latte*! Promising review: " Best frother that I've ever used...very comfortable to use and powerful, too. Got this to replace another branded one that zonked out on me after only a couple of months. Love love this frother. I use it to 'blend' my morning coffee with coconut oil . This frother is more powerful than my last. The stand is a nice little bonus to keep the frother off the table and from rolling off the counter. The handle is very comfortable to hold. The back (if the label is facing you), has an index finger rest. I highly recommend this frother." — N Duong Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 25 colors). 24. An *ingenious* fruit-infuser water bottle that adds a little ~twist~ on plain ol' water. It'll add a hint of fruity flavor to their agua and comes with a time marker so they can keep track of their hydration! It comes with an insulation sleeve, cleaning brush, and recipe booklet! Here's what BuzzFeed Shopping writer Brittany Ross has to say about it: "I am one of those people who has, until recently, gone through life thinking, 'Why would I drink water when there are other beverages that actually taste good to be had?' Well, I received this gizmo as a birthday gift from my water-loving husband as a not-so-subtle hint to change my ways, and lo and behold, it's been a revelation. I often have lemon remnants left over from cooking and baking, and they're the perfect things to throw into the infuser section of the bottle to liven things up. It's amazing what a little fruitiness can do — I can guzzle a whole bottle easily! Plus, it's much easier to clean than you'd think (each section comes apart and there's an included brush!), and there's a grippy section on the side so it doesn't slip out of your hand. Oh, and did I mention it has not ever leaked?! 10/10, no notes, buy it NOW!!!" Promising review: "This water bottle is my new best friend! Really, I don’t leave the house without it. It’s helping me drink more water and I love that I can use all the parts of a fruit to flavor my water, no waste! The bottle is easy to clean and the handle is perfect for when you have your hands full. Very happy with my purchase!" — Laura L. Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six colors). 25. A heating pad for their sore neck, back, and honestly entire body that has been working too hard. It heats up in just 20 seconds and will help relieve any tension that's been living within them. Promising review: "This is the best heating pad I have ever bought. It is the perfect size and so soft. The 12 levels of temperature control are perfect. In the past I have had heating pads that are either surface of the sun hot or you can't tell they are even on. I would absolutely recommend this one!" — Kim Deal Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in three styles). 26. A lustrous wine-chilling bucket that looks even better than the one at the Ritz (maybe). It'll keep their vino cold for up to two hours — that should be plenty of time, right? It can fit practically any 750-milliliter bottle of wine. Promising review: "Top marks! This wine/bottle cooler is both an elegant AND practical addition for any occasion where you want cooled wine, champagne, or other beverages close at hand. I used it at Thanksgiving for the first time and my company remarked how nice it looked. I like its 'clean' elegant design and it’s more effective than what I’ve used in the past. I also think it would make a lovely hostess or holiday gift!" — Bev Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in stainless steel or a copper finish). 27. An artisan-crafted wooden tortilla press because the only thing better than street tacos are 100% homemade tacos, with ZERO rolling required. This is perfect if they're especially picky about their food (I'm looking at you, hard shell tacos). Central Coast Woodworks is a small biz based in Orcutt, California, that makes tortilla presses you'll want to keep out on your counter at all times just so you can admire them. Keep in mind that the tortilla press is meant for making corn tortillas, not flour ones. Promising review: "I’ve been watching the Mexican cooking class on MasterClass and after the lesson on tortillas, I knew I wanted to try to make my own. I’d read you can use two cutting boards, so I tried that first, and while it worked, it definitely wasn’t quick and easy. So I looked online to see what I could find. In the class, she uses a wooden press, so I knew what I wanted, but I did look at the cast iron ones as well. The reviews on the cast iron presses would have comments about the handle breaking off or other issues with the press, so I decided to look for something I’d enjoy using and that would look nice on my countertop. I knew I wanted this one as soon as I saw it, and the reviews just confirmed it. I could hardly wait during the week it took to receive my order, but it definitely was worth the wait. We’ve used this every day since receiving it and absolutely love the results. The tortillas come out perfect every time ." — T. Bramhall Get it from Central Coast Woodworks on Amazon Handmade for $79.99 . 28. A sleek diffuser and humidifier to make their home smell so amazing with essential oils . IDK what'll be more mesmerizing, the smell or how it'll look. According to Johns Hopkins , you may want to avoid diffusing oils around larger groups and young children because of the side effects of different oils. You may also want to avoid using an oil diffuser around pets with breathing problems, according to the ASPCA . It has seven different color settings! Promising reviews : "This is a really good little humidifier for a small office space. It's sleek and looks pretty sitting on my desk. Sometimes I just use it for the light because it's so pretty. I normally add a few drops of oil to it, and it diffuses the perfect amount." — Lacey C. Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in five styles). 29. A pack of hidden pocket scrunchies because watching them struggle to carry their necessities when they don't have pockets pains you. The hidden zipper in these will allow them to tuck their keys and cash inside! Who would want to carry a purse when they could bring this nifty thing with them? They're less likely to lose this than a coin purse, since they can wear it in their hair or on their wrist. Promising review: "I love this idea! These scrunchies are very convenient when I go to the gym since I hate carrying around my keys and chapstick. The colors are fun and the band that is used is great for thick hair! The scrunchies stretch very well and hold my hair without falling off. I am very satisfied with the product and I would recommend!" — Ossiris Acevedo Get a three-pack from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six color assortments). 30. A stainless-steel rainfall showerhead for a luxurious at-home pamper for a *fraction* of the price of going to the spa. They can pretend they're standing in the Amazon Rainforest but with more warmth and less bugs. Promising review: "This is a beautiful showerhead, very thin, but feels quite sturdy and heavy. Installation took no more than five minutes. The showerhead has a very smooth, highly polished, mirror-like chrome finish. It gives a satisfying showering experience without wasting too much water. Absolutely no leaks whatsoever. Everybody in our family said they liked it. What else is there to say about a showerhead?" — Sadda Reddy Get it from Amazon for $21.74+ (available in four sizes and four finishes). 31. A three-pack of color drip candles that may look plain ol' boring at first, but when they're lit, they'll slowly melt to reveal more and more hues, creating a stunning masterpiece! Here are some holders that you can gift as a set! Promising review: "Love these candles! Don't be deterred by the candles out the box, though they are mostly white on the outside there are lots of primary color pockets on the inside. They do take a while to burn (three to four hours, by my count) but the results are by far worth being patient for. As the flame works through the candle, the primary color pockets blend with the white as well as with each other to create a wide range of colors...I've seen yellows, oranges, reds, pinks, greens, and blues on my finished bottles." — 5ammosh Get six candles from Amazon for $14.99 . Reviews in this post have been edited for length and clarity.

The western third of the college football world, so often excluded from the four-team College Football Playoff, will have three representatives in the inaugural 12-team version after Boise State and Arizona State secured automatic bids Friday night and Saturday morning, respectively. The Broncos (12-1) locked up their spot with a victory over UNLV in the Mountain West championship, and the Sun Devils (11-2) did the same with a dominating performance against Iowa State in the Big 12 championship. The region’s third CFP participant, top-ranked Oregon (12-0), will make the field regardless of the outcome of the Big Ten title showdown with Penn State later today. Across the entirety of the four-team playoff era (2014-23), only three western teams participated: Oregon in 2014 and Washington in 2016 and 2023. Had the four-team event remained in place this season, the Sun Devils would have been on the outside looking in the day they lost for a second time (Oct. 19). Boise State likely would have been excluded as a one-loss team from the Group of Five. “In creating the format for the 12-team event,” former CFP executive director Bill Hancock told the Hotline on Saturday (via text message), “it was important to make sure college football thrived in every part of the country. “It is working!” Exactly where the Broncos and Sun Devils fit within the 12-team bracket, which will be revealed Sunday at 9 a.m. (Pacific) on ESPN, is unclear. Both teams want one of the opening-round byes assigned to the four highest-ranked conference champions. The fifth conference champion isn’t as fortunate and must open the CFP on the road. (The opponent is expected to be the runner up from the Big Ten or SEC, or Notre Dame.) Boise State was No. 10 in the rankings released Tuesday, five spots ahead of ASU. Was the Sun Devils’ blowout victory over No. 16 Iowa State enough to catapult them over the Broncos, who beat No. 20 UNLV by two touchdowns? “In no way should a Group of Five champion be ranked above our champion,” Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said earlier this week. Or could both Boise State and Arizona State receive byes — at the expense of the ACC champion? That seems unlikely if eighth-ranked SMU handles its business later today but entirely plausible if No. 17 Clemson topples the Mustangs. Arizona State’s victory brings a degree of clarity to the Pac-12’s bowl selection process, which includes all the legacy schools this season despite the breakup of the conference. With the Ducks and Sun Devils headed to the CFP, all other eligible teams will jump two spots from their natural position: — The Alamo Bowl has the first pick and is expected to select Colorado, which tied for first place in the Big 12 but lost the tiebreaker. The Buffaloes will face either Iowa State or Brigham Young, according to bowl officials. Given the Cyclones’ woeful performance in the title game — and their expected plunge in the rankings — Brigham Young is a safe bet to oppose Colorado. (The teams did not meet during the regular season.) — The Holiday Bowl has the second pick and will invite Washington State, which is protected by the Pac-12’s one-loss-down rule. It prevents bowl officials from bypassing one team for another if there is a two-game (or more) difference in losses. The Cougars are 8-4 and must be selected ahead of the three teams that finished with 6-6 records (USC, Washington and Cal), according to the Pac-12. Washington State’s opponent will be from the ACC. — Next up is the Las Vegas Bowl, which has its choice of the 6-6 teams and is expected to invite the Trojans, who began their season in Sin City with a dramatic victory over LSU. USC’s opponent will come from the SEC, which could mean a showdown against coach Lincoln Riley’s former team, Oklahoma. But we wonder if Mississippi, led by former USC coach Lane Kiffin, is more likely. — The Sun Bowl has the fourth pick and is expected to choose Washington, which has not played in El Paso since 2002. The Huskies will be matched against a team from the ACC. — That leaves the LA Bowl to select Cal, the lone remaining eligible team among the Pac-12 legacy schools. The selection makes sense in that the Bears have a large alumni base in Southern California and did not play a regular season game at USC or UCLA for the first time in eons. Cal would face an opponent from the Mountain West. The bowl pairings will become official Sunday afternoon, following the reveal of the CFP. *** Send suggestions, comments and tips (confidentiality guaranteed) to wilnerhotline@bayareanewsgroup.com or call 408-920-5716 *** Follow me on the social media platform X: @ WilnerHotlineItalian Cops Discover Dark Reason for Nun’s Volunteer Jail VisitsDAMASCUS, Syria — Syria's prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers were back at work after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad, but some state workers failed to return to their jobs, and a United Nations official said the country's public sector came "to a complete and abrupt halt." Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Assad's brutal rule. The rebel alliance now in control of much of the country is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and promises representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress. Syrian citizens stand on a government forces tank that was left on a street Monday as they celebrate in Damascus, Syria. Hussein Malla, Associated Press "It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women's dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty," the command said on social media. People are also reading... Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was long known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met for the first time with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali, who stayed in Syria when Assad fled. Israel said it carried out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew. Syrians wait to cross into Syria from Turkey on Monday at the Oncupinar border gate near the town of Kilis, southern Turkey. Khalil Hamra, Associated Press In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad's departure, the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past. The Kremlin said Russia granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad's specific whereabouts and said Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people still celebrated. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence, though in some areas small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Syrian citizens celebrate Monday during the second day of the takeover of the city by the insurgents in Damascus, Syria. Hussein Malla, Associated Press Across swathes of Syria, families are now waiting outside prisons, security offices and courts, hoping for news of loved ones who were imprisoned or who disappeared. Just north of Damascus in the feared Saydnaya military prison, women detainees, some with their children, screamed as rebels broke locks off their cell doors. Amnesty International and other groups say dozens of people were secretly executed every week in Saydnaya, and they estimate that up to 13,000 Syrians were killed between 2011 and 2016. "Don't be afraid," one rebel said as he ushered women from packed cells. "Bashar Assad has fallen!" In southern Turkey, Mustafa Sultan was among hundreds of Syrian refugees waiting at border crossings to head home. He was searching for his older brother, who was imprisoned under Assad. "I haven't seen him for 13 years," he said. "I am going to go see whether he's alive." Jalali, the prime minister, sought to project normalcy since Assad fled. "We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth," he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation already improved from the day before. Israeli soldiers sit on top of a tank Monday along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria, in the town of Majdal Shams. Matias Delacroix, Associated Press At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly. "We want to give everyone their rights," Haddad said outside the courthouse. "We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods." But a U.N. official said some government services were paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home. The public sector "has just come to a complete and abrupt halt," said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies was put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. "This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonized by the public media are now in charge in the nation's capital," Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. "I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again." World reacts to overthrow of Syria's Assad regime People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Yorgos Karahalis People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Alberto Pezzali People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Alberto Pezzali People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Yorgos Karahalis Members of the Syrian community in Finland wave a Syrian flag and celebrate in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 8, 2024. (Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva via AP) Roni Rekomaa People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Yorgos Karahalis Syrians wave opposition flags and give out sweets during a spontaneous rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Christoph Reichwein Syrians celebrate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria at a demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Jonas Ekstroemer/TT News Agency via AP) Jonas Ekströmer A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Petros Karadjias People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel Syrians wave Syrian opposition flags at a rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Christoph Reichwein People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms Syrians living in France gather on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) Aurelien Morissard People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel People gather to celebrate the Syrian government's fall, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel Syrians living in France hug during a rally on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) Aurelien Morissard People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Alberto Pezzali People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Yorgos Karahalis A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Petros Karadjias Be the first to know

NoneNEW YORK — The masked gunman who stalked and killed the leader of one of the largest U.S. health insurance companies outside a Manhattan hotel used ammunition emblazoned with the words "deny," "defend" and "depose," two law enforcement officials said Thursday. The words were written in permanent marker, according to one of the officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity. With the gunman still at large, police also released photos of a person they said was wanted for questioning in connection with the shooting. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, died in a dawn ambush Wednesday as he walked to the company's annual investor conference at a Hilton hotel in Midtown. The reason behind the killing remained unknown, but investigators believe it was a targeted attack. This image shows a man wanted for questioning in connection to the investigation of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. The message left on the ammunition echoes the phrase "delay, deny, defend," which is commonly used by attorneys and insurance industry critics to describe tactics used to avoid paying claims. It refers to insurers delaying payment, denying a claim and then defending their actions. Health insurers like UnitedHealthcare have become frequent targets of criticism from doctors and patients for complicating access to care. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. Inside a nearby trash can, they found a water bottle and protein bar wrapper that they say the gunman purchased from a nearby Starbucks minutes before the shooting. The city's medical examiner was looking for fingerprints. The killing and the shooter's movements in the minutes before and after were captured on some of the multitudes of security cameras present in that part of the city. The shooter fled on a bike and was last seen riding into Central Park. Bullets lie on the sidewalk Wednesday outside the Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan where Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot and killed in New York. The hunt for the shooter brought New York City police to at least two hostels on Manhattan's Upper West Side on Thursday morning, based on a tip that the suspected shooter might have stayed at one of the residences, according to one of the law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation. The photos police released Thursday of a man wanted for questioning were taken in the lobby of the HI New York City hostel. "We are fully cooperating with the NYPD and, as this is an active investigation, can not comment at this time," said Danielle Brumfitt, a spokesperson for the hostel. Police received a flood of tips from members of the public, many of them unfounded. On Wednesday evening, police searched a Long Island Rail Road train after a commuter claimed to have spotted the shooter, but found no sign of the gunman. "We're following up on every single tip that comes in," said Carlos Nieves, a police spokesperson. "That little piece of information could be the missing piece of the puzzle that ties everything together." Investigators believe, judging from surveillance video and evidence collected from the scene, that the shooter had at least some prior firearms training and experience with guns and the weapon was equipped with a silencer, said one of the law enforcement officials who spoke with the AP. This still image from surveillance video shows the suspect, left, sought in the the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, center, Wednesday outside a Manhattan hotel. Security camera video showed the killer approach Thompson from behind, level his pistol and fire several shots, barely pausing to clear a gun jam while the health executive tumbled to the pavement. Cameras showed him fleeing the block across a pedestrian plaza before getting on the bicycle. Police issued several surveillance images of the man wearing a hooded jacket and a mask that concealed most of his face, which wouldn't have attracted attention on a frigid day. Authorities also used drones, helicopters and dogs in an intensive search, but the killer's whereabouts remained unknown. Thompson, a father of two sons who lived in suburban Minneapolis, was with UnitedHealthcare since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. The insurer's Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., was holding its annual meeting with investors in New York to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Thompson's death. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state and federally funded Medicaid programs. In the U.S. healthcare system, even the simplest act, like booking an appointment with your primary care physician, may feel intimidating. As you wade through intake forms and insurance statements, and research out-of-network coverage , you might wonder, "When did U.S. health care get so confusing?" Short answer? It's complicated. The history of modern U.S. health care spans nearly a century, with social movements, legislation, and politics driving change. Take a trip back in time as Thatch highlights some of the most impactful legislation and policies that gave us the existing healthcare system, particularly how and when things got complicated. In the beginning, a common perception of American doctors was that they were kindly old men stepping right out of a Saturday Evening Post cover illustration to make house calls. If their patients couldn't afford their fee, they'd accept payment in chicken or goats. Health care was relatively affordable and accessible. Then it all fell apart during the Great Depression of the 1930s. That's when hospital administrators started looking for ways to guarantee payment. According to the American College of Healthcare Executives, this is when the earliest form of health insurance was born. Interestingly, doctors would have none of it at first. The earliest health plans covered hospitalization only. A new set of challenges from the Second World War required a new set of responses. During the Depression, there were far too many people and too few jobs. The war economy had the opposite effect. Suddenly, all able-bodied men were in the military, but somebody still had to build the weapons and provision the troops. Even with women entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers, there was simply too much to get done. The competition for skilled labor was brutal. A wage freeze starting in 1942 forced employers to find other means of recruiting and retaining workers. Building on the recently mandated workers' compensation plans, employers or their union counterparts started offering insurance to cover hospital and doctor visits. Of course, the wage freeze ended soon after the war. However, the tax code and the courts soon clarified that employer-sponsored health insurance was non-taxable. Medicare, a government-sponsored health plan for retirees 65 and older, debuted in 1965. Nowadays, Medicare is offered in Parts A, B, C, and D; each offering a different layer of coverage for older Americans. As of 2023, over a quarter of all U.S. adults are enrolled in Medicare. The structure of Medicare is not dissimilar to universal health care offered in other countries, although the policy covers everyone, not just people over a certain age. Medicaid was also signed into law with Medicare. Medicaid provides health care coverage for Americans with low incomes. Over 74 million Americans are enrolled in Medicaid today. The Obama administration was neither the first nor the last to champion new ways to provide health care coverage to a wider swath of Americans. The first attempts to harmonize U.S. healthcare delivery systems with those of other developed economies came just five years after Medicare and Medicaid. Two separate bills were introduced in 1970 alone. Both bills aimed to widen affordable health benefits for Americans, either by making people Medicare-eligible or providing free health benefits for all Americans. As is the case with many bills, both these died, even though there was bipartisan support. But the chairman of the relevant Senate panel had his own bill in mind, which got through the committee. It effectively said that all Americans were entitled to the kind of health benefits enjoyed by the United Auto Workers Union or AFL-CIO—for free. But shortly after Sen. Edward Kennedy began hearings on his bill in early 1971 , a competing proposal came from an unexpected source: Richard Nixon's White House. President Nixon's approach , in retrospect, had some commonalities with what Obamacare turned out to be. There was the employer mandate, for example, and an expansion of Medicaid. It favored healthcare delivery via health maintenance organizations, or HMOs, which was a novel idea at the time. HMOs, which offer managed care within a tight network of health care providers, descended from the prepaid health plans that flourished briefly in the 1910s and 1920s. They were first conceived in their current form around 1970 by Dr. Paul M. Ellwood, Jr. In 1973, a law was passed to require large companies to give their employees an HMO option as well as a traditional health insurance option. But that was always intended to be ancillary to Nixon's more ambitious proposal, which got even closer to what exists now after it wallowed in the swamp for a while. When Nixon reintroduced the proposal in 1974, it featured state-run health insurance plans as a substitute for Medicaid—not a far cry from the tax credit-fueled state-run exchanges of today. Of course, Nixon had other things to worry about in 1974: inflation, recession, a nation just beginning to heal from its first lost war—and his looming impeachment. His successor, Gerald Ford, tried to keep the proposal moving forward, but to no avail. But this raises a good question: If the Republican president and the Democratic Senate majority both see the same problem and have competing but not irreconcilable proposals to address it, why wasn't there some kind of compromise? What major issue divided the two parties? It was a matter of funding. The Democrats wanted to pay for universal health coverage through the U.S. Treasury's general fund, acknowledging that Congress would have to raise taxes to pay for it. The Republicans wanted it to pay for itself by charging participants insurance premiums, which would be, in effect, a new tax. The next significant legislation came from President Reagan, who signed the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA, in 1985. COBRA enabled laid-off workers to hold onto their health insurance—providing that they pay 100% of the premium, which had been wholly or at least in part subsidized by their erstwhile employer. While COBRA offers continued coverage, its high expense doesn't offer much relief for the unemployed. A 2006 Commonwealth Fund survey found that only 9% of people eligible for COBRA coverage actually signed up for it. The COBRA law had a section, though, that was only tangentially related. The Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act, or EMTALA, which was incorporated into COBRA, required all emergency medical facilities that take Medicare—that is, all of them—to treat patients irrespective of their insurance status or ability to pay. As Forbes staff writer Avik Roy wrote during the Obamacare debate, EMTALA has come to overshadow the rest of the COBRA law in its influence on American health care policy. More on that soon. It wasn't until the 1990s that Washington saw another serious attempt at healthcare reform. Bill Clinton's first order of business as president was to establish a new health care plan. For the first time, the First Lady took on the role of heavy-lifting policy advisor to the president and became the White House point person on universal health care. Hillary Clinton's proposal mandated : The Clintons' plan centralized decision-making in Washington, with a "National Health Board" overseeing quality assurance, training physicians, guaranteeing abortion coverage, and running both long-term care facilities and rural health systems. The insurance lobbyists had a field day with that. The famous "Harry and Louise" ads portrayed a generic American couple having tense conversations in their breakfast nook about how the federal government would come between them and their doctor. By the 1994 midterms, any chance of universal health care in America had died. In this case, it wasn't funding but the debate between big and small governments that killed the Clinton reform. It would be another generation before the U.S. saw universal health care take the stage. Fast-forward to 2010. It was clear that employer-sponsored plans were vestiges of another time. They made sense when people stayed with the same company for their entire careers, but as job-hopping and layoffs became more prevalent, plans tied to the job became obsolete. Thus the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, was proposed by Barack Obama's White House and squeaked by Congress and the Supreme Court with the narrowest of margins. The ACA introduced an individual mandate requiring everyone to have health insurance regardless of job status. It set up an array of government-sponsored online exchanges where individuals could buy coverage . It also provided advance premium tax credits to defray the cost to consumers. But it didn't ignore hat most people were already getting health insurance through work, and a significant proportion didn't want to change . So the ACA also required employers with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees to provide health coverage to at least 95% of them. The law, nicknamed Obamacare by supporters and detractors, set a minimum baseline of coverage and affordability. The penalty for an employer that offers inadequate or unaffordable coverage can never be greater than the penalty for not offering coverage at all. The model for Obamacare was the health care reform package that went into effect in Massachusetts in 2006. The initial proposal was made by then-Governor Mitt Romney, a Republican who now serves as a senator from Utah. Despite an onslaught of court challenges, Obamacare remains the law of the land. For a while, Republican congressional candidates ran on a "repeal-and-replace" platform plank, but even when they were in the majority, there was little legislative action to do either. Still, Obamacare is not the last word in American health care reform. Since then, there have been two important improvements to Health Reimbursement Arrangements, through which companies pay employees back for out-of-pocket medical-related expenses. HRAs had been evolving informally since at least the 1960s but were first addressed by the Internal Revenue Service in 2002. Not much more happened on that front until Obama's lame-duck period. In December 2016, he signed the bipartisan 21st Century Cures Act, which was mainly a funding bill supporting the National Institutes of Health as it addressed the opioid crisis. But, just like the right to free emergency room treatment was nested in the larger COBRA law, the legal framework of Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangements was tucked away in a corner of the Cures Act. QSEHRAs, offered only by companies with fewer than 50 full-time employees, allow firms to let their employees pick their insurance coverage off the Obamacare exchanges. The firms pay the employees back for some or all of the cost of those premiums. The employees then become ineligible for the premium tax credit provided by the ACA, but a well-constructed QSEHRA will meet or exceed the value of that subsidy. That brings this timeline to one last innovation, which expands QSEHRA-like treatment to companies with more than 50 employees or aspiring to have them. Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements , or ICHRAs, were established by a 2019 IRS rule . ICHRAs allow firms of any size to offer employees tax-free contributions to cover up to 100% of their individual health insurance premiums as well as other eligible medical expenses. Instead of offering insurance policies directly, companies advise employees to shop on a government-sponsored exchange and select the best plan that suits their needs. Employer reimbursement rather than an advance premium tax credit reduces premiums. And because these plans are already ACA-compliant, there's no risk to the employer that they won't meet coverage or affordability standards. The U.S. is never going back to the mid-20th century model of lifetime employment at one company. Now, with remote employees and gig workers characterizing the workforce, the portability of an ICHRA provides some consistency for those who expect to be independent contractors for their entire careers. Simultaneously, allows bootstrap-phase startups to offer the dignity of health coverage to their Day One associates. The U.S. health care system can feel clunky and confusing to navigate. It is also regressive and penalizes startups and small businesses. For a country founded by entrepreneurs, it's sad that corporations like Google pay less for health care per employee than a small coffee shop in Florida. In many ways, ICHRA democratizes procuring health care coverage. In the same way that large employers enjoy the benefits of better rates, ICHRA plan quality and prices improve as the ICHRA risk pool grows. Moving away from the traditional employer model will change the incentive structure of the healthcare industry. Insurers will be able to compete and differentiate on the merits of their product. They will be incentivized to build products for people, not one-size-fits-all solutions for employers. This story was produced by Thatch and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. Sign up for our Crime & Courts newsletter Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email.

Christmas is a few days away, and it’s time to fill those stockings with thoughtful, delicious treats. If you’re shopping for the food lover in your life — or simply want to elevate your gift-giving game — consider these unique stocking stuffers from Winnipeg’s vibrant food scene. No stocking is complete without a bit of chocolate, and Winnipeg has some incredible options. One of my favourites is Decadence Chocolates, a locally owned artisan chocolate shop on Sherbrook Street. Their chocolate is absolutely delicious — every bite feels like a little luxury. I’m hooked on their festive holiday-shaped chocolates, and their bark, and don’t even get me started on their chocolate caramel popcorn with pretzels — it’s completely addicting! One of my favourite gift ideas they offer is the paint-and-decorate Christmas tree chocolate — it’s such a fun gift for kids. They even have fully vegan options and offer a 12-piece box of custom-printed chocolates featuring your own images. Visit decadencechocolates.ca to explore their incredible lineup of chocolates. For the cheese enthusiast, a visit to Cheesemongers Fromagerie on Corydon is an absolute must. Their curated selection of local and international cheeses is unmatched, and I can’t get enough of their truffle cheese — it’s out of this world! If you’re short on time, their pre-packaged gift sets are a lifesaver. And for last-minute hosting, their cheese boards are both stunning and delicious — always a show-stopper at my dinner parties! Small jars of jam make the perfect addition to any stocking! One of my favourite local picks is Fancy Infusions, a Winnipeg-based business known for their handcrafted pepper jellies and jams. They’ve perfected the balance of sweet and spice — a little naughty and nice for the holiday season. These jars are amazing for pairing with a cheese board, glazing meats, or spreading on toast. Honestly, I’ve been caught eating these jellies straight out of the jar with a spoon — it’s that good. With so many different flavour variations, there’s truly a jelly for everyone. You can visit their Facebook or Instagram page @fancyinfusions to find out where to pick up their delicious jellies. They’re a thoughtful gift that adds a local, tasty touch to your holiday stockings! Winnipeg’s food scene offers endless inspiration for filling stockings for the foodie lovers in your life. Here are a few more ideas: Flavoured Oils or Vinegars: Look for unique varieties like blood orange olive oil or balsamic vinegar infused with figs. Spices and Seasonings: Gift a blend of artisanal spices from local makers, perfect for home cooks to experiment with. Mini Bottles of Wine or Spirits: Bring some holiday cheer with a sip of locally crafted spirits, beer, or wine. To make your foodie stocking stuffers even more special, consider adding a handwritten recipe card featuring a dish that incorporates the ingredients you’re gifting. Pair a brie round with a recipe for baked brie with cranberry sauce — it’s my go-to holiday season appetizer. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit! Or include a holiday cocktail recipe with a mini bottle of spirits to inspire a celebratory toast. Whether it’s the indulgent chocolates from Decadence Chocolates, the gourmet cheeses from Cheesemongers Fromagerie, or the scrumptious jellies from Fancy Infusions, these thoughtful treats are sure to bring smiles and full bellies. Supporting local businesses while giving gifts that truly stand out — it’s a win-win this holiday season! And speaking of crowd-pleasing treats, this week’s recipe is a holiday essential that pairs perfectly with any festive meal. Creamy, dreamy, and full of flavour, these creamy mashed potatoes are sure to become a staple at your holiday table. Whether it’s the perfect gift or the perfect dish, this holiday season is all about sharing love — and great food. Happy Holidays from my family to yours! 5 pounds Yukon Gold Potatoes, chopped 6 garlic cloves, minced Kosher salt 1/2 cup butter 1 cup heavy/whipping cream 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature Peel and Cut Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform chunks, about 1 inch thick. Place the cut potatoes into a large stock pot filled with cold water. Boil the Potatoes: Once your potatoes are cut, make sure the water level is about 1 inch above the potatoes in the pot. Stir in the minced garlic, then turn the heat to high and bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add salt then reduce the heat to medium-high (or whatever setting keeps the boil going) and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until a knife easily slides into the middle of a potato. Carefully drain the water. Pan-Dry the Potatoes: Once you’ve drained the water, immediately return the potatoes to the hot stockpot and place it back on the burner over low heat. Using oven mitts, carefully grip the handles and gently shake the pot for about a minute to help release any remaining steam from the potatoes. Remove the pot from the heat. Prepare the Butter Mixture: While the potatoes are boiling, combine the butter, cream, and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the butter is melted, making sure the cream doesn’t come to a boil. Set it aside until you’re ready to use it. Mash the Potatoes: Use an old-school potato masher and work up some elbow grease to mash the potatoes until they’re completely smooth. Stir Everything Together: Pour half of the melted butter mixture over the potatoes and gently fold it in with a spatula until the potatoes absorb the liquid. Repeat with the remaining butter, then add the cream cheese, folding everything in until just combined. Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, add a pat of butter on top, and serve hot. For detailed instructions and the online recipe for this week’s Recipes of the Week, open your phone’s camera, scan the QR code, and follow the link. You can also find all recipes featured at cookingwithcassandra.com . — Cassandra Morris, food blogger and recipe developer at cookingwithcassandra.com , shares the best recipes, essential kitchen tips and spotlights locally owned restaurants and specialty food must-tries.

Jacob Holt scores 23 to help Sacramento State beat Stanislaus State 98-47"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.

George R. R. Martin Isn't Sure He'll Ever Finish The Winds of Winter, 'but That's Still a Priority'

TAIPEI, Taiwan — China sent 14 warships, seven military aircraft and four balloons near Taiwan between Saturday and Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, as Beijing ramps up pressure on the island it claims as its own. China’s military activities come amid speculation Beijing might organize military drills around the island in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to Pacific allies, including U.S. stops in Hawaii and Guam. China claims Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy of 23 million people, as its own territory, and bristles at other countries’ formal exchanges with Taiwan. The United States, like most countries, doesn’t recognize Taiwan as a country but is its main unofficial backer and sells it arms. The Chinese government has pledged to annex Taiwan, through military force if necessary, and sends ships and military planes near the island almost daily. The 14 warships, seven military planes and four balloons were reported over 24 hours between 6 a.m. on Saturday and 6 a.m. on Sunday, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. The ministry said six of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial demarcation zone between Taiwan and China. Get the latest breaking news as it happens. By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy . One of the balloons brushed over the island’s northern tip, according to the ministry. Lai on Friday called on China to refrain from threats and said Beijing’s military exercises “will not be able to win the respect” of neighboring countries. Lai’s first overseas trip since taking office in May included visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu and Palau, three of the 12 countries that have diplomatic ties with Taiwan. The rest of the world, including the U.S., has official ties with China. Lai’s stops in Hawaii and Guam — from where he had phone calls with U.S. Congress leaders — angered China, which opposes U.S. arms sales and military assistance to Taiwan. There was widespread speculation China might organize war games around Taiwan in response to the visit, though it was unclear when they might start. In October, China held drills around Taiwan involving a record one-day total of 153 aircraft, 14 navy vessels and 12 Chinese government ships in response to a Lai speech in which he rejected Beijing’s claims over Taiwan. Beijing has labeled Lai a separatist and refuses to speak to him.Needham initiates coverage on On Holding with buy rating

Arab Water Council Preparatory Meeting Opens At Dead Sea Ahead Of 6Th Arab Water Conference