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niceprintphoto CRKN stock touches 52-week low at $0.71 amid sharp annual declineLightning ride electric power play to 4-2 victory over CanucksTUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Snoop Dogg has nearly as many ties to football as he does to rap music. The entertainer coached youth football for years and created the Snoop League, an after-school program for inner city Los Angeles youths. Snoop has been a guest analyst on football broadcasts and his son, Cordell Broadus, played Division I football. When Snoop took his latest step, becoming the sponsor of a bowl game, he had a demand: Find a way for all players in the game to receive name, image and likeness (NIL) money. “This was Snoop's idea,” said Kym Adair, executive director of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice. “He was having conversations with people he knows in the college football world and I got a call that said he wants us to be the first bowl to make this commitment and that's what we did.” The beneficiaries are Colorado State and Miami (Ohio), who will conclude their seasons Saturday at Arizona Stadium in the Arizona Bowl. The bowl is classified as a 501(c)(3), so all revenue goes to charity. And, being one of the few bowls not tied to ESPN, it opens the door for unique sponsorship opportunities. The bowl was previously sponsored by Barstool Sports and the digital media company used its own cast of characters on the broadcast, which was streamed on its digital platforms. Snoop Dogg takes over this year. The rapper/entertainer is the latest celebrity to sponsor a bowl, following the footsteps of Jimmy Kimmel and Rob Gronkowski at the LA Bowl. And, Snoop being Snoop, he wanted to put his own spin on his own bowl. “College football fans are exhausted by the constant talk around NIL, conference realignment, coach movement, transfer portal and super conferences,” Snoop said in a video posted on social media. “So it’s time that we get back to the roots of college football — when it was focused on the colleges, the players and the competition, the community, the fan experience and the pageantry.” With that will be an NIL component. The bowl can't pay players just for playing in the bowl, but both teams participated in football clinics on Friday and will get paid for their services. Other bowls have given single players NIL opportunities, but this is believed to be the first to offer it to every player on both teams. “I love the fact that the Arizona Bowl is unique and tries new things, and obviously having Snoop here is unique,” Colorado State coach Jay Norvell said. “The NIL component, it’s the future. It’s what football has become now. We think it’s fantastic for our kids and then the interaction with the kids is the hidden gem of the whole thing.” The NIL component of the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl comes a month after a similar effort in The Players Era Festival basketball tournament in Las Vegas. The eight-team tournament said it paid out $9 million in NIL money to participating players for activities outside the competition. It also offered $50 million in NIL opportunities over the next three years for services and activities compliant with NCAA regulations. Are the Players Era Festival and Arizona Bowl the start of a new future? It is not out of the question in big-time college athletics, where schools are already preparing for the era of revenue sharing with players next year. “Revenue sharing between the players and the athletic departments is already on the horizon, so whether that takes the place of these types of arrangements or they're completely separate has yet to be determined," Adair said. "We're just trying to be flexible, ahead of the curve and make an impact any way we can.” Just the way Snoop wants it. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Defections: Labour party’s future hangs in the balanceIn November, the world's most powerful democracy elected as its next president a man who schemed to overturn its last presidential election. A month later, South Koreans swarmed their legislature to block their president's attempt to impose martial law. The contrast sums up a year that tested democracy on all sides. Incumbent parties and leaders were battered in elections that covered 60% of the world's population, a sign of widespread discontent in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. It also was a sign of democracy working well, as it continued its core function of giving citizens the opportunity to replace the people who govern them. That made 2024 a year in which the state of democracy is both a glass half full and half empty. From Asia to Africa to the Americas, it produced examples of democracy working and citizens standing up against attempted coups or authoritarians. At the same time, some of the new regimes ushered in are taking a distinctly authoritarian tack. And the year ends with fresh turmoil in three prominent democracies, Canada, France and Germany. Donald Trump ended his last term trying to overturn his loss to President Joe Biden and rallying an angry crowd of supporters, some of whom then stormed the U.S. Capitol in a violent attempt to block Congress from certifying Biden's victory. It was a shocking end to the U.S.'s long tradition of peacefully transferring power from one president to the next. Nonetheless, voters in November agreed to give Trump another term in the White House, even as he increasingly embraced authoritarian leaders and promised to seek retribution against those who defended democracy in 2020. Voters didn't heed warnings about Trump's threat to democracy and were driven more by frustration at inflation and a surge in migration during Biden's term. That, of course, is democracy in action: Voters can choose to throw out an incumbent party even if the establishment warns that it's dangerous. Indeed, the glass half full position on Trump is that his win was entirely democratic. Trump's 2016 victory was due to a quirk in the country's 18th century Constitution that awards the presidency not based on a majority of the popular vote, but to whoever wins a majority of state-based Electoral College votes. But in 2024, Trump won both the popular and Electoral College votes. He also expanded his margins among Latino and Black voters. He won with high turnout, debunking a long-held myth that U.S. conservatives struggle when many people vote. That belief has driven Republican attempts to make it tougher to cast a ballot. The quiet period after the election is to some extent an illusion. Had Trump lost, he and his allies were poised to contest a victory by his Democratic opponent, so it's not as if anti-democratic tendencies were erased by his win. Trump's victory helped trigger turmoil in Canada, where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government was rocked this week by the resignation of his prominent finance minister over disagreements on handling Trump's threatened tariffs. And Germany's government collapsed ahead of elections next year, sparking turmoil in Europe's largest economy less than two weeks after a similar political meltdown in France. The returning U.S. president is part of a wave of new leaders who have gained ground in Western countries, some of whom analysts warn are anti-democratic, even if popularly elected, because they seek to dismantle the system of checks and balances that has made it possible for voters to replace them or halt potentially dangerous policies. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a major Trump booster, is an icon of this movement after he revamped his country's judiciary, legislative maps and media to make it almost impossible for the opposition to win. Two years ago, European Union lawmakers declared that Orban had transformed his country from a democracy into “a hybrid regime of electoral autocracy.” Analysts warn that Slovakia's leftist, pro-Russian prime minister Robert Fico is headed in that direction. Conservative populist parties also gained ground in the European Union Parliamentary elections in June. Trump also highlights another worrying trend for democracy — a surge in violence around elections. The billionaire candidate, controversial for his own rhetoric urging violence on protesters or migrants, was the target of two assassination attempts. According to Washington, D.C.-based Freedom House, 26 of the year's 62 elections across the world featured violence, including attacks on local candidates in Mexico and South Africa and violence at polling places in Chad. Slovakia's Fico was targeted, as well. That comes as there is a notable dip in enthusiasm for democracy. A Pew poll of 24 countries released earlier this year found widespread dissatisfaction with democracy worldwide, with a median of 59% of voters concerned about how it is working in their country amid economic concerns and a sense of alienation from political elites. Still, there is a clear silver lining for democracy. The same Pew poll that found its appeal slipping also found that it remains by far the preferred system of government worldwide. And people turned out to demonstrate that, during elections and in protest of anti-democratic moves. South Korea was not the only foiled attempt to disband democracy. In Bolivia in June, the military tried to replace President Luis Arce, with armored vehicles ramming through the doors of the government palace. But the troops retreated after Arce named a new commander who ordered them back. In Bangladesh, protests over limits on who can work for the government expanded into public frustration with the 15-year reign of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, toppling her regime and forcing her to flee the country. In Senegal, the country's president tried to delay its March election but was overruled by the nation's top court, and voters replaced him with a largely-unknown opposition leader who had just been freed from prison. In Botswana and South Africa, parties that had ruled for decades stepped aside or shared power without incident after losing elections. Democracy isn't static. Its health always depends on the next election. The fall of Germany's government and possible collapse of Canada's could just be democracy in action, giving voters a chance to elect new leaders. Or they could usher in more authoritarian regimes. More will be revealed about how democracy did over the last year as its election results play out in 2025 and the years to come.

Advertising and marketing conglomerate Omnicom Group is in advanced talks to acquire Interpublic Group in an all-stock deal that is likely to value Interpublic at between $13 billion and $14 billion, excluding debt, the Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. A transaction, would mark the biggest deal to date on Madison Avenue, could be announced as early as this week, the report said, adding that the exact terms of the deal being discussed could not be learned. Omnicom and Interpublic didn’t immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment outside of business hours. New York-based Omnicom competes with the Interpublic Group of Companies and UK’s WPP, and is one of the world’s biggest integrated advertising and communications firms with more than 5,000 customers. Interpublic, which has clients in sectors ranging from healthcare to retail, had a market value of around $10.9 billion as of Friday and its shares have fallen 10% year to date to $29.48.None

Boxing Day for many means bargain shopping, a surprising impulse after just one day’s respite from Christmas shopping. For others it means locking up the house and getting away to a beach for much-needed break. And for some it means cricket. It’s the perfect day, with a week or two of leisure ahead, to put aside the important cares of life and give the mind to the peculiar, absorbing, leisurely form of cricket that can last five days. In Australia the “Boxing Day Test” has become an institution. Melbourne’s big “G” will probably be filled today for the beginning of a test against India. Sadly, New Zealand’s threadbare test schedule does not offer something similar here but it’s a good day to contemplate cricket nevertheless. Last week the Black Caps finished their only test series at home this summer, losing to an English team led by New Zealand-born Ben Stokes and coached by New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum. They gave us a stunning exhibition of the relentlessly — some would say recklessly — positive batting McCullum exemplified when he captained the Black Caps. Now, in league with the similarly minded Stokes, McCullum’s approach has transformed the way England plays. Their batters scored so fast that none of the three tests went to a fifth day.KORE Announces NYSE Acceptance of Plan to Regain Listing Compliance

NoneRockaway, NJ November 22, 2024 --( PR.com )-- Lucrotec’s CEO, Dave Spofford, attributes the company’s remarkable 577% revenue growth to relentless effort across all business functions. “It may sound like a cliché, but this success is truly a team effort. Being a disruptive force in the enterprise space is never easy, and we are deeply grateful to our partners and clients. Their belief in our vision and continued trust in our team are what make this achievement possible.” “For 30 years we’ve been celebrating companies that are actively driving innovation. The software industry continues to be a beacon of growth, and the fintech industry made a strong showing on this year’s list, surpassing life sciences for the first time,” said Steve Fineberg, vice chair, U.S. technology sector leader, Deloitte. “Significantly, we also saw a breakthrough in performance of private companies, with the highest number of private companies named to the list in our program’s history. This year’s winners have shown they have the vision and expertise to continue to perform at a high level, and that deserves to be celebrated.” “Innovation, transformation and disruption of the status quo are at the forefront for this year’s Technology Fast 500 list, and there’s no better way to celebrate 30 years of program history,” said Christie Simons, partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and industry leader for technology, media and telecommunications within Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance practice. “This year’s winning companies have demonstrated a continuous commitment to growth and remarkable consistency in driving forward progress. We extend our congratulations to all of this year’s winners — it’s an incredible time for innovation.” Overall, 2024 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 201% to 153,625% over the three-year time frame, with an average growth rate of 1,981% and median growth rate of 460%. About the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Now in its 30th year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies — both public and private — in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company’s operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least US$50,000, and current-year operating revenues of at least US$5 million. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About Lucrotec Lucrotec is a leading FinTech company specializing in managed payment services. Lucrotec enhances operational efficiency in accounts payable and receivable, improves payment security, and provides clear vendor expense transparency. All of this is achieved without requiring OpEx/CapEx investments, complex IT integrations, or disruptions to existing accounts payment workflows. Additional information about Lucrotec can be found at www.lucrotec.com , requested via e-mail at info@lucrotec.com , or by calling 1.855.677.6348. About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com . Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee (“DTTL”), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the “Deloitte” name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. Contact Information: Lucrotec Dave Spofford 1-855-677-6348 Contact via Email https://www.lucrotec.com Read the full story here: https://www.pr.com/press-release/925936 Press Release Distributed by PR.com © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.London honored for supporting student mental health and eliminating barriers to care NATICK, Mass. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Business Journal honored Uwill founder and CEO Michael London as part of its 2025 Innovators in Healthcare list . Honorees represent a cross-section of Boston -based innovators addressing some of the most urgent and pressing challenges in the health care industry. London is the founding CEO of Uwill , the leading mental health and wellness solution proudly supporting more than 3 million students at 400 institutions globally. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness programming, realtime data, and support. "It's truly an honor to be recognized among this incredible group of innovators," said Michael London , Uwill founder and CEO. "At Uwill, our mission is to break down barriers to mental health care, delivering immediate and accessible support to students worldwide. This recognition reflects more than innovation—it underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing a vital need for students everywhere." London is a recognized thought-leader and pioneer within social impact entrepreneurship, having created more than one billion dollars in company value throughout his career. In 2013, he founded Examity, a leader in learning validation and online proctoring. Prior, London led Bloomberg Institute, an EdTech start-up funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg . Earlier in his career, he founded College Coach and co-founded EdAssist, both acquired by Bright Horizons Family Solutions. In 2019, he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and held a position on the Massachusetts Governor's Commission for Digital Education and Lifelong Learning. Michael is a current Trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a Member of the Advisory Board at Babson College where he graduated with honors. He also received his MBA from Boston University . About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. As the most cost-effective way to enhance a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with more than 400 institutions, including Princeton University , the Ohio State University , Santa Fe Community College , and University of Alabama - Online. Uwill is also the exclusive teletherapy education partner for the Online Learning Consortium and teletherapy education partner of NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com . Contact: Brett Silk bsilk@uwill.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uwill-founder--ceo-michael-london-named-innovator-in-healthcare-302338655.html SOURCE Uwill, Inc

Playing on Christmas is extra special for Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns this yearKalen DeBoer knows what’s at stake for Alabama against OklahomaCMBT stock touches 52-week low at $11.73 amid market shifts

Amazon Australia has edged out the competition by dropping its Boxing Day sale earlier than expected, with mammoth deals on all manner of tech, fashion, beauty and homewares. The sale will officially run from December 24 right up until December 28 , giving customers five whole days to save on essentials and new year products alike. BOSE QUIET COMFORT HEADPHONES ARE $200 OFF Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today For those seeking an oasis of calm from the constant clamour of noisy traffic, children or even in-office chatter, the Bose QuietComfort SC wireless noise-cancelling headphones offer a compelling solution. These headphones are a technological marvel , boasting industry-leading noise cancellation that promises to transport you to a world of pure, unadulterated sound. Bose’s QuietComfort series has long been a leader in the noise-cancelling headphone market and the QuietComfort SC upholds that reputation. Tiny microphones embedded within the headphones detect ambient sounds and then the headphones generate an opposing sound wave to effectively neutralise those unwanted noises. Imagine being on a noisy aeroplane but instead of the roar of engines, you’re enveloped in the serene sounds of your favourite music or audiobook. Craving focus while working in a bustling coffee shop? The QuietComfort SC headphones can transform that environment into a library of quiet concentration. Get them for $299.95 instead of their usual $499.95 outside of Black Friday. APPLE IPHONE 15 $230 SAVINGS Amazon Australia has surprised its customers with a very rare deal on the Apple iPhone 15 . Usually priced at $2,299 on the website , for a limited time only you can get it for just $2,069 — a saving of $230 . And if you trade in your old smartphone with the retailer you can get as much as $800 off the purchase price. It’s listed as “Amazon’s Choice” of Apple iPhone and is renowned for its superior camera quality. SHARK HAIR DEVICE ‘LIKE A DYSON’ IS A BESTSELLER ON AMAZON AND IT’S ON SALE The latest innovation in hair styling has arrived with the Shark FlexStyle which is an all-in-one device that combines the power of a hair dryer with the versatility of a multi-styler. It’s quickly becoming the go-to choice for hair enthusiasts everywhere and it’s currently on sale for $297, normally $449.99 on Amazon Australia. The Shark FlexStyle is truly a game-changer, offering the performance of a professional-grade hair dryer with the added bonus of multiple styling attachments to suit every hair type. This ultra-versatile styling system allows you to curl, smooth, volumise, or dry your hair — all with just one tool. Whether your hair is straight, wavy or curly, the FlexStyle has a solution to suit your needs, making it perfect for anyone looking to simplify their routine. The innovative styling tool includes interchangeable attachments giving you the freedom to create a variety of styles. Need bouncy curls or beachy waves? Simply attach the curling barrels to the styling wand. Looking to smooth out frizz and add volume? Use the round brush or smoothing brush to style while you dry. The powerful airflow ensures fast drying, while the precision attachments allow you to experiment with different looks — from sleek, polished styles to voluminous, textured hair. DYSON HAIRDRYER I USE EVERYDAY DOWN TO $579 The recently-released Dyson Nural hairdryer claims it is Dyson’s “most intelligent hairdryer for healthier scalp and hair” yet. And for a limited time only you can pick it up from Amazon Australia for $579, down from its usual $749 price tag . What does this mean and how does this make it better than the regular Supersonic dryer , I hear you ask? Well, the Supersonic Nural takes everything we know and love about the regular Supersonic hairdryer and supercharges it. Clever intuitive sensor technology works to adjust the temperature of the hairdryer , depending on how close it is to your scalp. This means the hairdryer not only gives you a salon blow-dry from home, it also works to protect your scalp health and enhance your natural shine at the same time. In basic terms, it’s less heat damage, less broken hair and an altogether sleeker, more professional-standard blow dry . VIRAL SNAIL MUCIN SERUM ON SALE FOR $17 This cult-favourite, viral skin serum is on sale on Amazon Australia for just $17. It’s the cheapest I have ever seen it and not only will I be stocking up on it for myself but also grabbing extras as stocking stuffers. This serum went viral for a reason, it is an absolute game-changer. I’ve used it myself many times and it honestly gives you the most radiant, hydrated and smooth skin. The COSRX Snail Mucin 96 per cent Power Repairing Essence has gained immense popularity in Australia, with more than 10,000 Aussies snapping up this 100ml hydrating serum for just $17. With its powerful blend of ingredients and proven benefits, it’s easy to see why this Korean skincare sensation is flying off the shelves. At the heart of COSRX’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence is snail secretion filtrate — a powerhouse ingredient packed with nutrients, peptides, and antioxidants. DYSON DROPS V11 PRICE BY $263 Shoppers are loving the Dyson V11 Advanced Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (Nickel/Blue) and its strong suction abilities as well as its impressive performance. More than 500 units of the product have sold on Amazon Australia this month alone. This incredible vacuum is normally $1199 but it is currently on sale on Amazon Australia with 22 per cent off at $936. The advanced vacuum cleaner is a game changer when it comes to cleaning the house and it has 60 per cent more suction than the Dyson V8 vacuum. The vacuum also has up to 60 minutes of fade-free power and its LCD screen shows you the remaining run time and performance updates. INSTANT POT THAT’S ‘LIKE A THERMOMIX’ IS $10 off This all-in-one device is currently available at an unbeatable price of just $143.99 on Amazon Australia. For those seeking a versatile kitchen companion, this Instant Pot has become a must-have item. The Instant Pot Duo Plus 5.7L is not just any pressure cooker, it’s a powerhouse , packed with 13 smart programs that eliminate the need for multiple devices in your kitchen. The 5.7L capacity is big enough to prepare meals for up to six people, making it the perfect size for big families, batch cooking, or hosting a dinner party. The delay start feature, which allows you to set it up to 24 hours in advance, ensures that your meal is ready exactly when you need it, while the 10-hour keep warm function ensures your dish stays at the perfect temperature until you’re ready to serve. Cleaning up after cooking can often be the worst part, but this Instant Pot makes it easy. The cooking pot and lid are both dishwasher safe, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meals. GET TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE ON PHILIPS TOOTHBRUSHES For a limited time, you can get two Philips toothbrushes for the price of one while they’re 50 per cent off. The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean 9000 Black and Pink Electric Toothbrush Bundle Pack is currently on sale on Amazon Australia for $289.98. This offer gives you the opportunity to invest in improved oral health and enjoy a personalised brushing experience with top-of-the-line technology — all at a fraction of its regular price. Philips electric toothbrushes are designed to provide superior oral care, helping you achieve a healthier smile. One of the standout features is its ability to whiten teeth in just one week. Whether you have stubborn stains or simply want a brighter smile, these toothbrushes are equipped with advanced features to deliver noticeable results. What makes these toothbrushes so effective is that Philips recognises that every person’s brushing needs are unique, which is why Philips has integrated personalised brushing technology into its electric toothbrushes. With BrushSync Technology, the toothbrush automatically selects the optimal brushing mode for you, ensuring the most effective clean every time. DYSON’S AIRSTRAIT IS $170 CHEAPER The Dyson Airstrait is available for $579 instead of its usual price of $749 on Amazon Australia. This limited-time deal means you can save $170 on this innovative styling tool that promises to revolutionise the way you dry and straighten your hair. The Dyson Airstrait is a cutting-edge hair care device that’s designed to transform your hair styling routine. Unlike traditional flat irons or straighteners, which use intense heat to straighten hair, the Airstrait uses powerful, directional airflow to smooth and align strands for a sleek finish. This means no hot plates, no heat damage, and faster styling — a true win for your hair’s health and your time. GORDON RAMSAY’S FAVOURITE PAN IS ON SALE Celebrity chef and entrepreneur Gordon Ramsay’s favourite kitchen pans are on sale. Known for its groundbreaking hybrid technology, HexClad pans are designed to offer the best of both worlds, the searing power of stainless steel, the durability of cast iron, and the convenience of nonstick cooking. And now, you can grab these kitchen essentials at a discounted price. In an exclusive Boxing Day deal, Amazon Australia is offering HexClad’s Hybrid Nonstick 20cm Frying Pan for $109. The brand’s patented hybrid technology combines tri-ply construction — aluminium sandwiched between two layers of stainless steel — with a laser-etched hexagonal nonstick surface. This innovative design creates a versatile cooking experience, allowing you to achieve perfect searing while maintaining durability. It doesn’t matter whether you’re flipping eggs, searing fish, or sautéing vegetables, HexClad pans provide a balance of heat retention and even cooking. GAMERS ‘REJOICE’ OVER PLAYSTATION 5 DEAL The PlayStation 5 PS5 is the latest revolution in gaming. It delivers breathtaking visuals, lightning-fast load times and a truly immersive experience. It’s perfect for any gaming enthusiasts and would make an incredible Christmas present for both kids and adults. The Playstation PS5 is currently on sale for $759 on Amazon Australia so now is the ideal time to purchase it. It features a custom-designed processor and ultra-fast storage to make your gaming experience better than ever before. Not only will your load times be incredibly fast but the PS5 redefines gaming visuals. The graphics on the PS5 take gaming to a new level, offering incredible visual clarity that allows players to experience stunning realism and different environments. Whether it’s a highly detailed cityscape or a lush landscape, the PS5 brings your gaming experience to life in ways that you’ve never imagined. The Playstation 5’s 3D Audio technology, will make you feel as though you’re right in the centre of the action. With compatible headphones, you can experience a true, multi-dimensional soundscape, making every sound directionally precise. The 3D audio creates a more lifelike experience that pulls you deeper into your game’s world. Shoppers on Amazon Australia’s website have given the console a 4.6-star rating and are calling it, “the best platform out there.” “Highly recommend, such a great console,” one person said. “Bought it for the kids and they absolutely love it,” another shopper added. “Such great value for money,” a third shopper said. To purchase the Playstation 5 PS5, head to Amazon Australia’s website here. BEST-SELLING PROJECTOR JOINS LIST OF SALES Get ready to bring cinematic experiences to your own home with this best-selling portable projector. It’s currently on sale for only $128.99 on Amazon Australia. The XuanPad Mini Projector features upgraded Electric Focus function, which provides better image clarity than manual focus projectors on the market. With the included remote control, you can quickly adjust the focus for a sharper, more defined picture. This is especially convenient when setting up in different environments or distances. MORE THAN $50 OFF AIRPODS A pair of Apple AirPods have had their price slashed by 13 per cent on Amazon Australia this week, taking them from $399 to just $348. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) , which feature much of Apple’s top tech, have been described as the “perfect earphone” on Amazon from hundreds of reviews. Some of the earbuds’ standout features include active noise cancellation to reduce unwanted background noise, a sweat and water-resistant finish, up to six hours of listening time with active noise cancellation on and up to 30 hours of total listening time with the MagSafe charging case. Many also love that the AirPods are easy to set up, they feature in-ear detection and automatic switching between devices - so you can seamlessly move from your iPad to laptop when moving in and out of meetings. 50% OFF R.M. WILLIAMS-STYLE BOOT Shoppers are loving a pair of R.M. Williams lookalike boots from Hush Puppies currently selling on Amazon for half the regular price. The Men’s Chelsea Boot are an ankle boot which normally sell for $179.95 but are now available for $84. The boots look very similar to R.M. Williams’ best-selling Craftsman Boot which sell for as much as $649. The Chelsea Boot comes in brown, black, mahogany and tan burnish and range from sizes 7-16. Unlike the R.M. Williams boot, the Chelsea boot is not made from yearling leather but synthetic material instead. The boot features padded lining and in-built arch support for 24/7 comfort. The boots contain in-built bounce comfort pods which create maximum shock absorption and energy return when you’re walking. The lightweight sole will also make sure your feet are comfy all day and night long. The boots have a 4.4-star rating on Amazon’s website and shoppers are loving the quality. “These are the best shoes I’ve ever bought, fits as well as it says and very comfortable,” one buyer said. “These have become my everyday work boot. Comfortable enough for all day wear, durable and without a crazy price tag,” another person added. “Love these boots, great value, comfortable and well-made,” someone else said. ‘LOWEST PRICE’ FOR THE NEW KINDLE If you’re an avid reader looking for the perfect device to enhance your reading experience, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) is the ultimate solution. The All-new Amazon Kindle Paperweight Signature Edition is currently on sale for $279, normally $329, on Amazon Australia. This epic Kindle offers a range of impressive features designed for convenience, speed, and immersion, is Amazon’s fastest Kindle ever and takes your reading experience to the next level. Whether you’re reading at home, on holiday, or lounging by the pool, this ultra-thin, high-performance e-reader has everything you could want. This next-generation 7“ Paperwhite display has a higher contrast ratio with 25 per cent faster page turns and a larger glare-free screen in comparison to previous models. You’ll be able to fully switch off and immerse yourself in your books because the Kindle doesn’t have any distracting apps, social media nor notifications. With its auto-adjusting front light, your Kindle adjusts its screen brightness based on your environment, ensuring you can read comfortably day or night. A single charge of your Kindle will last up to 12 weeks, plus you can access over 15 million different titles in the Kindle Store Worldwide. Shoppers have given the Kindle a 4.5-star rating on Amazon Australia’s website. “Love my new Kindle, it is better than my earlier model,” one impressed shopper said. HALF PRICE CAFE QUALITY COFFEE MACHINE This Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine is currently on sale for $547, normally $999 on Amazon Australia. And for a limited time, you can receive six free bags of coffee and a Shake & Take when you purchase the Oracle Jet or Oracle Touch — or up to four free bags with any other machine. The express espresso machine is designed to take your espresso-making skills to new heights, whether you’re a seasoned barista or just getting started. One of the machine’s stand-out features is its integrated precision conical burr grinder which grinds coffee on demand. This delivers just the right amount of freshly ground coffee directly into the portafilter and means no more pre-ground coffee or stale beans. This feature ensures that you’ll enjoy a fresh, aromatic cup every time, and the grind size dial gives you complete control over the grind — whether you’re working with a light or dark roast. ROBOT VACUUM REDUCED BY 32 PER CENT I’m quietly obsessed with the Roborock Qrevo MaxV Robot Vacuum . This $2,199 device — which is currently on sale for $1,448 for Boxing Day — is a must-have who want to clean their house faster. I’ve come to rely on its quiet but all-powerful motor to scoot around our floorboards and tidy them up in mere minutes. It took just moments to set up, connecting to the free-to- download Roborock app and popping in the serial number before “Rocky”, as the device nicknames itself, burst to life and began visually mapping our apartment. We don’t have huge open spaces, so I was worried our new friend Rocky would have issues with spatial awareness. But it got to work in no time visually digesting the couches, tables, chairs and extra shoes lying around on the floor. The integration of structured light and a camera allows the robot to identify and avoid 62 types of objects across 20 categories, so there won’t be a single product it hasn’t come in contact with in the past. The Qrevo MaxV has “hyperforce suction” equivalent to 7000 Pa, meaning no crumb or tiny fleck of dust will be able to escape as the Roborock glides quietly over the top of it. ‘CHEAPEST’ DYSON AIRWRAP PRICE The iconic Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler and Dryer is currently on sale for $709, normally $749 on Amazon Australia for Boxing Day. This viral hair tool from Dyson does it all — it dries, curls, shapes and hides flyways with no heat damage. With the Dyson Airwrap you can also recreate Matilda Djerf’s iconic blow-dry in a few simple steps at home. The hair tool’s powerful airflow quickly rough-dries your hair in preparation for styling, saving you time but not compromising your hairstyle. The Airwrap is engineered for all hair types and will help protect your hair’s shine. Amazon Australia shoppers have given the Dyson Airwrap a 4.6-star rating on the website, and you’ll want to get your hands on this deal fast as it’s only for a limited time. WHAT DAY IS BOXING DAY? December 26 this year falls on a Thursday. WHAT IS BOXING DAY? Traditionally, retailers would start their Boxing Day sales on the 26th and they would last for only a day. However, now the sales often go on for as long as a week, and they are both online and in physical stores. Retailers including Myer, THE ICONIC, Catch, Adore Beauty, Sephora, Canningvale and more are expected to all have Boxing Day sales.Foreign governments, including Russia, Iran, China and Israel, have responded to the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Sunday. On Saturday evening and Sunday morning, Syrian rebels streamed into their country's capital of Damascus as the 24-year-old regime of President Assad reportedly collapsed with Reuters reporting that Assad had fled the city. The head of Syria's main opposition group abroad, Hadi al-Bahra, declared that Damascus is now "without Bashar al-Assad." The government evacuated the Damascus airport and halted all flights, according to pro-government radio station Sham FM. In response, several foreign countries are addressing the recent developments and are reaffirming the safety of their citizens in Syria. In a statement on Sunday the foreign ministry of Russia, a key Assad ally, said it was "closely following the dramatic events in Syria" and urged everyone "to refrain from using violence and resolve all issues through political means." It commented: "As a result of negotiations between B. Assad and a number of participants in the armed conflict on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic, he decided to resign from the presidency and left the country, giving instructions for a peaceful transfer of power. Russia did not participate in these negotiations." In addition, according to the Moscow Times, Senator Konstantin Kosachev said the main priority for Moscow is "to ensure the safety" of Russian citizens in Syria. "For us, as Russians, the primary task is to ensure the safety of our compatriots and civilians, including diplomats and their families,"Kosachev said. Later on Sunday, the Associated Press reported via Russian media that Assad fled to Moscow on Sunday. The Russian agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source on Assad and his family being given asylum in Moscow, his longtime ally and protector. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports. Meanwhile, Iran has also responded, in a statement released on Sunday the Iranian Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Iran's policy to respect the unity, national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, according to Tasnim, adding that only Syrians can decide the future of their country. In addition, Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, announced on Sunday that they are ensuring the safety and security of the Iranian embassy staffers in Damascus, Tasnim reported. China's foreign ministry said in a statement it "is closely following the development of the situation in Syria and hopes that Syria returns to stability as soon as possible," according to Hong Kong Free Press. "The Chinese government has actively assisted Chinese citizens who are willing to leave Syria in a safe and orderly way and has maintained contact with... Chinese citizens who remain in Syria," the ministry said. It comes after China's ties to Syria have grown in recent years as Chinese President Xi Jinping and Assad announced a "strategic partnership" between their countries during Assad's trip to China in 2023. This is a historic day for the Middle East. The collapse of the Assad regime, the tyranny in Damascus, offers great opportunity but also is fraught with significant dangers. We send a hand of peace to all those beyond our border in Syria: to the Druze, to the Kurds, to the... pic.twitter.com/yJZE3AZZJn Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu celebrated the fall of al-Assad during a visit to the Israeli controlled Golan Heights, along the border with Syria, on Sunday. According to an Israeli government press release, Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Yisrael Katz received a briefing from Major General Ori Gordin, who heads the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) northern command, on the latest developments in Syria as Netanyahu said it was "a historic day in the history of the Middle East." He added: "The Assad regime is a central link in Iran's axis of evil—this regime has fallen. This is a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, the main supporters of the Assad regime. This has created a chain reaction throughout the Middle East of all those who want to be free from this oppressive and tyrannical regime." Newsweek has reached out to foreign ministries of Russia, Iran, China, and Israel via email for comment. Assad's fall came after his main backers, Russia, Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, were either distracted or weakened by other conflicts. Since February 2022, Russia has been embroiled in a brutal war against Ukraine, while Hezbollah has suffered severely over the past few months in an Israeli campaign which killed the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah in September . Since the Syrian Civil War erupted in 2011, Israel has periodically carried out airstrikes targeting Iranian aligned militant groups and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the country. Israeli jets have also repeatedly targeted what they claimed were arms shipments being moved through Syria to Hezbollah. Meanwhile, following the fall of Damascus, President elect- Donald Trump mentioned several of these countries as he called for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in a post on his Truth Social website. Trump said: "Assad is gone. He has fled his country. His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin , was not interested in protecting him any longer. There was no reason for Russia to be there in the first place. They lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead, in a war that should never have started, and could go on forever." "Russia and Iran are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success. Likewise, Zelensky and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness. They have ridiculously lost 400,000 soldiers, and many more civilians." The president-elect concluded: "There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin. Too many lives are being so needlessly wasted, too many families destroyed, and if it keeps going, it can turn into something much bigger, and far worse. I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!" President Joe Biden spoke Sunday at the White House about Assad's fall. "After 13 years of civil war in Syria, more than half a century of brutal authoritarian rule by Bashar al-Assad and his father before him, rebel forces have forced Assad to resign his office, flee the country...At long last the Assad regime has fallen," Biden said.

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