Whether you’re hosting a family Christmas dinner or are planning the office holiday party, your goal is the same: to make it a gathering your guests will always remember. Fun, unexpected surprises are an easy way to delight your co-workers, friends and loved ones. From keepsakes to party themes to the menu, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative and serve up something your guests haven’t experienced at a Christmas party before. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Keepsakes that Keep on Giving
Hosts of a holiday party aren’t usually expected to give their guests gifts, which is one way to surprise partygoers. Ideally, a gift the recipient can use over and over again will remind them of the good times they had at your party. Custom-printed hoodies, sweaters or long-sleeve shirts definitely fit that bill. Once you find a company that offers screen printing in Ottawa for small and large orders alike, you can think up a funny saying, exercise your drawing skills, use digital images or simply commemorate the event with your family or company name. Your guests will have unique, comfy hoodies or sweaters to wear at the party and something to remember you by whenever it gets chilly for years to come.
Keep in mind, however, that regardless of what you gift your guests, it’s all in the presentation. A fun way to gift custom sweaters, or any other gift this holiday season, is in a personalized DIY gift bag. Making them can be a fun and creative activity for you and the kids to experience that involves them in the gifting-giving and helps them practice their crafting skills.
Fun Christmas Dinner/Party Themes & Activities
Here are a few non-traditional Holiday party themes and activities that you can use to add a little variety to your annual dinner or get-together.
Outdoor Christmas Party Activities
Yes, Ottawa winters can get painfully cold outside in the wind. But there are also plenty of sunny winter days that are perfect for ice skating, tobogganing, a bonfire or building snow castles using sand & snow castle-building kits. Just be sure to have backup activities planned in case the weather doesn’t cooperate on the day of your party.
If frozen toes, fingers and noses would interfere with the joy of an outdoor Christmas party, or your brood is just not the outdoorsy type, you can combine your Christmas party with one of your favorite nights of the week (or month) – karaoke, game or movie night.
Unlike the impromptu sing-alongs, games of charades or traditional gatherings around the TV for a classic Christmas film, plan your holiday party as a night of full-on:
Board games. If your family and friends are board gamers, you already know that they’ve come a long way since the days of Scrabble, Monopoly, Snakes & Ladders, etc. They’re better than ever at teaching players of all ages critical thinking skills like logic, strategy and planning. Many newer games also incorporate teamwork, with players working together to beat the game itself. There are also numerous games based on popular movie franchises and stream-able series, which can make a board game an exciting pastime that ties into a Movie/TV-themed party.
Movie or Binge-TV Night Christmas Party. Films and TV shows provide an infinite number of themes to help you plan an outside-of-the-box Christmas dinner party. You can base your party on a tried-and-true family favorite, the latest global smash hit or a movie or TV show that fits a pre-determined theme.
Karaoke Competition Christmas. If you have a family filled with aspiring pop stars or better-than-average shower soloists, you can plan a karaoke party of Christmas/holiday songs or curate a playlist based on the theme of your party. You can really spice things up by making it a competition with plenty of prizes for all the participants.
Christmas Pageant Dinner and a Show
If your party will have a significant number of kids (of any age) who like to put on a show, consider sending out scripts, holding rehearsals, and turning your home or party room into a dinner theatre. Costumes can be readily thrifted or thrown together, and if you really want to go all out, backgrounds and curtain frames can be assembled easily enough by enthusiastic DIYers. Don’t forget to have a proper video camera set up on a tripod so you’ll always have the recording to enjoy with (and at the expense of) the cast.
Alternate Holiday Dinner Menu Items
Your holiday dinner menu can be influenced by your party theme, it can be based on modern takes of classic Christmas dishes, or you can simply add random non-traditional dishes like the ones below.
Holiday Taco Night
Taco night is generally a fan favorite, so why not give the people what they want? You might have to use burrito shells depending on your meat of choice, but don’t be afraid to get creative and consider the following options:
Fish. Fish tacos are a popular choice taco choice, but when was the last time you had fish tacos at a Christmas party? Also, you can use fish sticks if you’re looking for a convenient, easy-to-prepare meat filling.
Steak or ribs. Try braising or marinating them in pomegranate juice with a hint of cinnamon and/or chile pepper to spice things up a little. As an added bonus, both pomegranate and cinnamon are recommended to strengthen your immune system and help you fight off colds and flus.
Turkey. The line between a taco and a wrap can get a little blurry here, but whatever you call them, using traditional turkey accompaniments, corn, cranberries, potatoes, gravy, mac & cheese, etc., make delicious toppings.
Christmas Jambalaya
Not much can hit the spot as well as a hearty helping of jambalaya can on a cold holiday dinner night. Really, the only rules to a jambalaya are that your ingredients taste good with Cajun spices and that it’s all cooked together. Whether you go with Christmas dinner ingredients, New Orleans-inspired flavors or some type of fusion, a big pot can satisfy a lot of people.
Homemade Holiday Donuts
Puddings, pies, cakes and cupcakes are understandable go-to choices for Christmas dinner desserts, but homemade donuts with a holiday twist can ignite some excited chatter when they make their way to the dessert table. Feeling overly patriotic? Try maple glazed donuts topped with candied bacon crumble for a taste that’s both distinctly holiday and Canadian.
For the Silo, Jeg Duaso. Featured image: by Nicole Michalou via Pexels
There is no denying that Christmas is an expensive holiday. In the past, or perhaps right now, you may have found yourself spending a substantial amount of money on things like food, decorations and travelling.
However, the heftiest expense is usually the presents — approximately 34% of North American parents spend $500 on gifts (per child) during the holiday season. If you have a large family, this adds up quickly.
Instead of frantically emptying your wallet, consider using these money-saving tips over the holidays because by doing so you’ll be able to get more bang for your buck and potentially save hundreds or thousands of dollars on gifts.
1 — Use an Online Shopping Directory
Shopping local is always the best idea but let’s face it, not everything on your list can be sourced locally and including online shopping options is a no brainer. In fact, it’s fair to say that no holiday shopping trip is complete without an online shopping directory. If you’ve never used one, an online shopping directory is an innovative tool that offers a wide variety of features.
One of the primary benefits of using one of these directories is that you can use them to access digital coupons and flyers. You can use these coupons to save a significant amount of money on your purchases.
Additionally, you may need to shop in a larger outlet and if so, you can use these directories to find a shopping centre near you and important pieces of information like store hours. This way, you won’t waste your time by showing up after the Kingsway Mall or your chosen shopping mall closes.
2 — Ship Directly to the Recipient
Shopping online makes the gift-giving experience quick and convenient. With a few clicks, you can have a gift hand-delivered to your door. Although, if you won’t be seeing the recipient over the holidays, you will have to ship the item yourself. This process can get expensive!
Although it may seem unconventional, you can make your Christmas shopping easier by shipping your gifts straight to the recipients.
Even though this may take some of the fun out of it, direct shipping is a practical and cost-effective way to give gifts to people. This is especially true if the recipient lives far away.
If you want to save even more money, you should go to sites that offer free shipping.
3 — Look for Ways to Buy in Bulk
If you’re planning on hosting a holiday event, you’re probably looking for ways to save money on food. An easy way to cut back costs is by purchasing items in bulk. Although you may not want to purchase turkey or eggnog in bulk, it is practical for staples like water bottles, cookies or festive treats.
You should avoid purchasing perishable items in bulk. Some things to avoid purchasing include:
Produce (Fruits, Vegetables)
Dairy (Milk, Cheese)
Baked Goods That Are Difficult to Store
It is worth noting that you can store some of these items by freezing them.
4 – Make Your Gifts
Are you good with your hands? Do you love to create things? Have you been told that you have a knack for building stuff?
Instead of going to the Dixie Outlet Mall, you should consider making some of your Christmas gifts yourself. This is a thoughtful gesture that goes a long way with friends and family members.
To save even more money, try making your own Christmas cards. This will add a personal touch to any gift that you give.
As the holiday season and other celebratory occasions approach, Champagne remains a timeless classic—but it’s no longer the only option for sparkling wine lovers. From unexpected regions to unique flavor profiles, a world of bubbles is waiting to be discovered. The below highlights 7 Champagne Alternatives–a regionally-diverse array of stunning sparkling wines from across the globe that rival Champagne in quality, taste and affordability.
Skip the Champagne: 7 Sparkling Substitutes Worth Toasting
Champagne has long been the essential toast of holidays and other special occasions, but the landscape of sparkling wine is evolving. Today’s breed of bubbles offers an exciting range of choices from nearly every corner of the wine-producing world. Regions across the globe are proving they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world-famous fizz, offering exciting alternatives for wine lovers ready to expand their horizons. And, as people’s tastes shift, so do their preferences for flavor profiles, sweetness levels and production methods, there are more new styles to discover as alternatives to Champagne.
Champagne is often enjoyed for its multi-layered aromas of fruit and brioche, finishing with a searing and elegant acidity. Yet, not all sparkling wines meet these lofty criteria, and some remarkable options exist that may surprise your palate and your wallet.
Corpinnat and Cava
It’s rare to see Cava and its innovative offshoot, Corpinnat, mentioned together, but these two Spanish sparkling wines share a commitment to quality. Corpinnat represents a collective of small, independent organic wineries that have opted out of the official Spanish quality hierarchy to craft sparkling wines that reflect their unique philosophies and practices. What sets Corpinnat apart from Cava is its stringent requirement that grapes must come from owned organic vineyards and be vinified on the winery’s premises. Each bottle must mature for a minimum of 18 months, surpassing Champagne’s minimum requirement by six months. Many producers opt for extended aging, with some wines maturing for 60 months or longer. This extended bottle maturation allows the wines to evolve from fresh fruity aromas into complex nutty and bread-like flavors, enriching the overall tasting experience. In contrast, Cava, while often perceived as more industrial, can also produce exceptional wines. Major producers like Freixenet and Codorniu dominate the market, leaving smaller-scale artisans with limited exposure. Like Corpinnat, Cava is primarily based on the indigenous grapes Xarel-lo, Macabeo, and Parellada, which deliver a delicate, fruity profile with a light body.
The German and Austrian Powerhouses
Cool climates are renowned for producing wines with vibrant acidity—the backbone of sparkling wine. This principle underpins the German and Austrian passion for their sparkling creation, known as Sekt. In these countries, Riesling often takes center stage, although you may also encounter Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varietals that can rival high-end Champagnes. Germany and Austria pride themselves on their quality sparkling wines. Austria has recently launched a new Charta, establishing a hierarchy for “Sekt Austria.” This pyramid includes “Grosse Reserve” (big reserve), “Reserve,” and the foundational “Sekt Austria” quality, with aging requirements ranging from a minimum of 6 months on the lees to at least 36 months for the highest tier.
This commitment to quality has garnered increased interest from both tourists and consumers alike, prompting Austria to appoint Andreas Vitasek as their new sparkling wine ambassador. When exploring German Sekt, focus on renowned regions like Mosel, Rheingau, and Rheinhessen. Notable producers include Kallfelz, Barth, and Raumland. In Austria, look for high-end offerings from Bründlmayer, Loimer, and Domäne Wachau.
Crémant de Bourgogne
If you prefer to stay in France, consider heading south to Bourgogne. The region primarily produces sparkling wines from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with Aligoté providing a refreshing exception. Crémant de Bourgogne offers a lighter, fruit-driven experience, illustrating a frothy texture that dances on the palate—an excellent alternative to its more famous cousin.
Cartizze: Prosecco’s Crown Jewel
In the northern Italian region of Veneto, the hill of Cartizze stands as Prosecco’s most revered site. Officially classified in 1969, its reputation as an exceptional origin stretches back more than two centuries. Rising to 350 meters (1,150 feet) above sea level, Cartizze encompasses just 108 hectares (280 acres). With land prices exceeding 1 million Euros per hectare, it rivals the world’s most expensive vineyard sites, including those in Burgundy. Ownership rarely changes hands, with plots typically passed down through families, underscoring the value placed on this unique terroir. The slopes of Cartizze are so steep that vineyard work must be done entirely by hand. In some areas, workers use sledges to transport grapes and tools, their efforts evoking comparisons to mountaineering. This challenging terroir, combined with the elevation and a predominance of old vines, produces Prosecco of remarkable intensity and character. Most wines from Cartizze are crafted in a ‘dry’ style, leaving a touch of residual sugar. This subtle sweetness enhances the vibrant fruitiness, while the crisp acidity keeps the wine beautifully balanced. The result is a Prosecco of elegance and finesse, ideal for those looking to celebrate with something truly special.
Moscato d’Asti: The Sweet Charm of Piedmont
In the heart of Piedmont, a region famed for Nebbiolo’s brooding intensity and wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, Moscato d’Asti offers a gentler, more unassuming charm. Made from the highly aromatic Muscat grape, this sparkling sweet wine is often overlooked in favor of its more prestigious neighbors but has a unique role in the region’s vinous identity. The defining features of Moscato d’Asti are its fragrant sweetness, low alcohol, and gentle spritz. This combination allows producers to fully explore the grape’s potential, highlighting its characteristic notes of orange blossom, ripe apricot, and honeyed peach. At just 5.5–7% ABV, it provides a light and refreshing contrast to the weightier wines often associated with Piedmont. Its flexibility at the table is a key strength. Moscato d’Asti can elevate desserts like white chocolate and candied fruits or pair beautifully with creamy and blue cheeses. For some, it even becomes the dessert, offering a delicately sweet conclusion to a meal without overwhelming the palate.
Cap Classique: South Africa’s Sparkling Star
For those who find Italian fruitiness is too exuberant, South Africa’s Cap Classique offers an elegant alternative. Introduced as a defined style in 1971, this sparkling wine is crafted in the traditional method, involving a secondary fermentation in the bottle. While the classification is relatively modern, the South African tradition of producing sparkling wines dates back over 360 years, firmly rooted in the country’s winemaking history. Cap Classique spends a minimum of 15 months on the lees, allowing delicate notes of brioche and hazelnut to develop.
However, the hallmark of South African sparkling wine remains its bright, fruit-driven profile, often leaning into flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and even tropical notes, rather than the pronounced toastiness typical of Champagne. Today, Cap Classique has earned its place among the world’s finest sparkling wines. Its ability to balance value and quality makes it an appealing choice for celebrations, offering a distinctive South African character without pretension. Whether as a centerpiece for an event or an unassuming companion to the moment, it stands ready to impress.
Tasmania: A Sparkling Island of Innovation
Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, lies around 150 miles (240 kilometers) south of the mainland, separated by the often-turbulent Bass Strait. Known for its pristine wilderness and cool climate, it is the nation’s most southerly and coolest wine region, home to a scattering of nearly 1,000 offshore islands. This remoteness has shaped its identity as a haven for eco-tourism and, increasingly, as a center for world-class sparkling wine. The island’s wine industry is small but tightly focused, with producers working collaboratively and sustainably. Biosecurity is paramount, and tourists are often barred from entering vineyards to prevent soil-borne pests or diseases inadvertently carried on footwear. Inter-planting with native vegetation, allowing certain ‘weeds’ to flourish, and preserving wildlife corridors reflect Tasmania’s dedication to environmental harmony. Tasmania’s cool climate is particularly suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the cornerstone varieties of its sparkling wines. These wines are defined by their vivid fruit intensity, bracing acidity, and, in many cases, the nuanced autolytic complexity of toast and brioche. The sparkling wines often rival the quality of Champagne, though with a distinctive freshness and clarity born of the island’s maritime influence and clean air. Despite its small scale, Tasmanian sparkling wine is increasingly found on the shelves of fine wine retailers and the wine lists of high-end restaurants across the globe. Its ability to combine precision, elegance, and sustainability ensures Tasmania’s place among the leading sparkling wine regions of the world.
Emerging Regions
Beyond the traditional producers, numerous up-and-coming regions are crafting outstanding sparkling wines. The United Kingdom, Argentina, and cooler areas of California are all making their mark in the sparkling wine scene, offering fresh and innovative options for consumers looking to diversify their celebratory toast.
Champagne will long-remain a classic, of course, but it no longer holds an exclusive claim as the “must-have” sparkling wine for holidays and other special occasions. While this iconic bubbly is a favorite celebratory beverage for many, the world of wine offers a range of exciting alternatives that deserve due attention. For the Silo, Peter Douglas.
Peter Douglas, DipWSET, is a wine expert with the “VinoVoss”—anAI Sommelier smartphone app and web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system developed by BetterAI. VinoVoss picks the perfect wine every time, for any occasion courtesy of a highly advanced artificial intelligence assist. Douglas is an experienced wine trade professional with a diverse background in the HORECA industry, specialist stores, purchasing, portfolio management, and general wine trade. He also possesses hands-on experience in winemaking, further enhancing his knowledge and understanding of the industry. Peter’s qualifications include the WSET-Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits, and currently, he is in Stage 2 of pursuing the most esteemed and prestigious title in the wine industry, Master of Wine. Peter’s expertise extends to consulting distributors and importers, as well as assisting in enhancing the wine portfolio of on-trade settings. Additionally, Peter serves as a wine agent, proficient in sourcing specific SKUs at favorable prices for clients’ portfolios.
There’s the mailman, mail woman and the doorman, door woman, the pet sitter and personal trainer, not to forget the housekeeper, home healthcare worker and many others. So just who do you tip this holiday season and how much?
Sharon Schweitzer, an international etiquette expert, author, and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, offers this simple tipping checklist of which service providers you need to tip this holiday season and how much:
Business (check corporate policy):
Clients: Business gift baskets of chocolate, edible fruit, nuts, cheese, wine, cookies, petite fours; golf balls & non-logo gifts.
CEO/Boss: Group gift to their favorite charity or non-profit foundation
Assistant: Bonus or gift based on relationship length
Colleagues: gift they will like for sports, hobby, or dining, gift card.
Office Gift Exchange: don’t go rogue, follow the spending guidelines.
Education & Schools (follow policy):
Professor: greeting card, no gift
Teacher: Consider a group gift with parents pooled funds
Assistant /Aide: $25 – $50 gift certificate
Multiple Teachers: small gift, candle, baked goods, gift certificate.
Principle: Holiday card & baked goods
School Secretary: café gift card, small gift or gift certificate
School Nurse: café gift card, small gift or gift certificate
Home or Building Personnel:
Live-in help (cook or butler): between a week-month’s pay, plus a gift
Housekeeper: if they come once a week: equivalent of a day’s pay, or $50. If they come daily: equivalent of a week’s pay, and possibly a gift
Gardener: equivalent of a week’s service
Landscaping crew: equivalent of a week’s service, divided among the crew
Pool cleaning crew: equivalent of one session, divided among the crew.
Garage attendant: between $15 and $40 or give a small gift
Garbage/recycling: if city permits, $10-$30 each for extra holiday effort
Doorman: between $50 – $100 each, or gift, depending on extra duties
Elevator Operator and Handyman: between $20 – $50 each
Newspaper delivery: between $10 – $35, or give a small gift
Healthcare providers:
Private health care nurse: week’s pay or a gift of similar value
Home health employee: follow policy / generous gift basket of holiday treats
Nursing home staff: follow policy / gift basket of holiday treats for all
Personal grooming:
Hairstylist, manicure, pedicure, specialist: equivalent of a visit
Barber: haircut & shave equivalent or give a gift
Massage therapist/personal trainer: session equivalent or give a gift
Pet care:
Groomer: equivalent of one session or give a gift
Walker: week’s pay equivalent or “1-2 visits” per com
Sitter: a week’s pay and a paw print note from your pet
Package & Mail Delivery:
The United States Postal Service provides the public with a tipping and gift receiving policy on their website, FedEx and UPS do not. The information provided for FedEx and UPS is from customer service representatives who preferred not to give their names.
United States/Canada Postal Service:
Employees may accept baked goods (homemade/store bought) items to share with the branch office. Customers may give edible arrangements, gift cards for merchandise or services valued up to $20 per interaction. Gifts cannot exceed $50 per calendar year.
Company policies discourage gift cash or gift cards. The driver will politely decline the holiday gratuity. If the customer is insistent, the driver may ultimately accept the gift.
UPS
UPS does not have a limit; tipping is left to customer’s discretion.
Avoid giving holiday tips to people on this list; send holiday e-cards instead:
Theodore “T.R.” Roosevelt, Jr. was an American politician, author, naturalist, soldier, explorer, mason and historian who served as the 26th President of the United States.
With ongoing UAP/Drone activity hitting the news cycle and without any official explanation of what is happening over the skies of New Jersey and the rest of the world, it is fascinating to consider that this phenomena is in fact not new and has been reported for over one hundred years.
The drones have become unsettlingly frequent in Monmouth County, New Jersey (Picture: Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. Dec 2024)
When one thinks of U.S. Presidents and UFOs several of our Chief Executives come to mind. Firstly, there is President Eisenhower purportedly meeting aliens at Edwards Air Force Base in 1954.
Then there is JFK’s memo to the CIA asking for disclosure on UFOs ten days before his assassination:
More humorously but perhaps true is the story of Richard Nixon treating comedian Jackie Gleason to a view of dead alien Grays at Homestead Air Force Base in 1974.
But what about Teddy Roosevelt?
Is anyone in the UFOlogy Community even aware of a documented UFO sighting over the 26th US president’s home, Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay, New York on August 1, 1907 when he was in his second term of office?
According to an old clipping found by UFOlogist Kay Massingill from a newspaper called the D.C. Evening Star dated August 2, 1907, two events of a mysterious nature occurred in the town of Oyster Bay in a twenty-four hour period and both concerned Mr. Roosevelt.
In the latter, the town librarian Miss Denton opened up the library on the morning of the 1st and discovered a beautiful mahogany chair donated by Teddy to the museum from his days as Governor of New York had split down the backside sometime the night before. More peculiar was the fact that on the reverse back of the chair was the Bald Eagle Seal of the United States of America and it was split in half! An ominous sign indeed! Was it an omen?
However, the main event occurred the evening before between the hours of 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. when a brilliant white light was seen to hang motionless over Sagamore Hill.
According to the dispatch, it was a light “considerably larger than a star” and hung about 300 feet in altitude over the house according to numerous witnesses. It was an “intense white light” and after 11 p.m. it began to fade to a spark and then extinguished. Meanwhile in the library a short distance away, a chair associated with Sagamore Hill’s occupant was coming undone in a most mysterious way.
The home on Sagamore Hill
Was Mr. Roosevelt home the night of the UFO sighting? The article doesn’t say and we’ll probably never know but it is known that Sagamore was called Roosevelt’s Summer White House and it was the middle of summer.
So the main question to ask is why would a ball of light attend to Mr. Roosevelt in the heat of 1907? Two clues can be found concerning his agenda as President that year.
The speech is mundane for the most part dealing with anti-trust actions, railroads, the Department of Agriculture, conservation, unions and such but near the end of it Roosevelt begins to lay out the groundwork for creating the world’s most dominant modern navy. It seemed Roosevelt had a great grasp of what was happening in the world concerning Japan, Germany and China and their eventual rise on the world’s stage. He specifically recommended dredging Pearl Harbor to make it a world class naval base and increasing Alaska’s defenses. Did he know something about the world no one else did? His maneuvering just months after the Sagamore Hill incident directly led to America’ emergence as the modern world’s greatest Suprerpower. Did he have help from E.T. whispering in his ear? During his tenure America’s Navy grew from 5th to 3rd in the world in size.
The second clue is the very interesting coincidence of the Second International Peace Convention held at The Hague, Netherlands that year from June 15 to October 18, 1907 which was during the Sagamore Hill sighting. That convention was the brainchild of none other than Teddy Roosevelt! It was an attempt to codify the rules of war – particularly naval warfare. More importantly, it was seen as the world’s first attempt at an international governing body – a forerunner to the League of Nations and the United Nations.
The Tin Foil Hat Question
Are aliens attempting to lay out the groundwork for, or interfere with, the earth’s direction in the 20th and 21st centuries? And might they have been in contact with American Presidents long before Eisenhower’s 1954 encounter? To see the complete newspaper clipping go to http://www.worldufowatch.com/historical_newspaper_clippings For the Silo, Robert Spearing.
I was travelling a local highway a few years ago when my friend pointed out the license plate on the rear of the car ahead of us. It read, somewhat cryptically to me at first, XLDBLDBL.
Then I looked again and realized this automobile owner had created a move-able billboard, and perhaps loving tribute, to the most popular and recognizable coffee brand in Canada- Tim Hortons.
The “Canadian” coffee giant is owned by American corporation Burger King and has had a presence in the U.S.A. since 2012. It made the move of super-sizing its retail coffee format over half a decade ago. The small was now called an extra-small, and was the same price as the old small. The old medium was now a small, the large was a medium and so on. You paid the same price for the same amount of Joe, you just call it by a different name. And for 20 cents or so extra, that XL double-double now got you 24 oz of coffee. That’s 3 full cups of strong coffee y’all.
Now, I love coffee as much as the next person.
Maybe more. I enjoy sampling the near infinite combinations of blends and roasts from the various growing regions of the world, much like wine. But, as with alcohol, I have found that moderation in my coffee intake is key to my mental, emotional—even physical—health.
Is anyone reading this old enough to remember when a cup of coffee used to literally be a cup of coffee: around 8 ounces (the amount in the Tim Horton’s extra-small)? But as our conception of “large” becomes ever larger, it’s like food where like so many things, excess becomes easier.
This trend is actually an American-style sizing format that’s been in place south of the border for years. Remember when Starbucks came north? Remember when you thought the Venti was an outrageous amount of coffee? That’s 20 oz., just so we’re clear. What will come to us next? The $3.99 All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet? Just how many sausages can you eat in an hour? How many do you want to eat? And for the record, Starbucks has the 31oz. size for its iced drinks called the Trenta.
That’s a lot of beverage. Trenta, in Italian, means 30.
Excess coffee consumption, according to Health Canada, can have results from irritability and sleep disturbances to muscle tremors, nausea and mood swings, according to this CBC News article from February 2010. In more extreme cases: irregular heartbeat, vomiting, diarrhea—even convulsions.
There’s positives though.
Coffee’s high antioxidant content may also be responsible for a host of health benefits: decreased susceptibility to some cancers and type-2 diabetes, and increased cardiovascular health and memory function in older adults. But Health Canada also suggests that 400mg of caffeine should be the maximum daily adult dose—the amount contained in about 3 cups, or 24oz, of coffee.
Frankly, I think there is enough rage, anxiety and insomnia in our culture without people regularly downing two or three 24oz javas every day. It’s not that everyone is going to do that. It wouldn’t even be bad for everyone. Just for most of us. So I believe a note of caution is in order: as with anything, think before you drink. – For the Silo,Alan Gibson.
DECEMBER, 2024– Scottsdale, Ariz.Diné Artist, Dealer, Curator and Antiques Roadshow Appraiser Tony Abeyta to Curate Special Exhibition, “Desert Modernism,” at Scottsdale Ferrari Art WeekExhibition to Showcase Rare Works by Fritz Scholder, Charles Loloma, Lloyd Kiva New, Frank Lloyd Wright, Phillip Curtis and Paolo Soleri.
Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Fair is pleased to announce that Diné artist, dealer, curator and Antiques Roadshow Appraiser, Tony Abeyta, will curate a special exhibition, “Desert Modernism,” which will show the convergence and progression of Phoenix artists of Native, Anglo and Hispanic descent, from approximately 1930-1980. The exhibition will feature rare and hard-to-find works by artists, architects and designers such as Fritz Scholder, Charles Loloma, Lloyd Kiva New, Frank Lloyd Wright, Phillip Curtis and Paolo Soleri.
Abeyta is also serving as an Advisory Committee member for the Fair. The Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Fair is a unique event at the historical and cultural crossroads of the American Southwest. Set in one of the country’s fastest-growing cities with an ascendent contemporary Indigenous culture, the fair will showcase over a hundred leading international galleries at Westworld, March 20-23, 2025.”We are absolutely thrilled to have Tony participate in Scottsdale Art Week,” says Trey Brennen, co-owner of the inaugural Fair.
“We are set to become the leading art fair in the West and that requires a strong Indigenous representation among our dealers and curators. Tony approaches art and art history with a deep understanding of the region and the contemporary work being produced at this moment. He has worked at many of the major museums in the area and has a wonderful reputation across the Southwest.”About his curation of a special for sale exhibition at the inaugural Fair, Abeyta says, “This has given me a chance to do a deep dive into one of my favorite subjects, the evolution of Modernism through the disparate art communities that converged in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area in the middle portions of the twentieth century. I’ve long been fascinated by the work Native artists were doing in the area and I want to show how they worked, showed and created alongside great artists such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Phillip Curtis and Paolo Soleri.”
Preston Singletary, “A Canoe Entered a Dream” – courtesy of Blue Rain Gallery
As a curator, Abeyta co-organized the exhibition New Terrains: Contemporary Native Art which was held at Phillips Auctions January 5-23, 2024. The watershed selling exhibition explored the influences of modernism, post-war and pop influences on work by 50 contemporary Indigenous artists including Fritz Scholder, Preston Singletary, TC Cannon, Cara Romero, Diego Romero, Jaune Quick-to-See-Smith, Virgil Ortiz, Jamie Okuma, Kent Monkman, Michael Kabotie, Oscar Howe, Allan Houser, Cannupa Hanska Luger and others.
The recently closed show, Abeyta\ To’Hajiilee K’e’, at the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe, featured the paintings of Tony and his father, Narciso Abeyta (Ha-So-De), and the ceramic works of his sisters, Pablita and Elizabeth. Abeyta is represented by Owings Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. For more information, please visit www.scottsdaleartweek.com. For the Silo, Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon.
About Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week Scottsdale Art Week (SAW) is situated at the historical and cultural crossroads of the American Southwest. It is a reflection of today’s more dynamic and contemporary community, but is rooted in our unique landscape and history. Visionary art figures from Georgia O’Keeffe to Max Ernst and James Turrell were so inspired by the local landscape that they either settled here or created monumental land art. Today the art of the Indigenous Navajo, Apache and Hopi tribes who first occupied this land to Spanish colonialism and centuries of settlement is recognized alongside them. SAW is an exciting combination of historical American Art, contemporary art and design, with a special focus on contemporary art from Indigenous and Latinx, who often blur the lines between what constitutes art and design.
About ASU, SAW Gala Benefit Partner ASU Art Museum centers art and artists in the service of community well-being and social good. The Museum is a learning-centered teaching institution, providing interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students from across the university ranging from the sciences, humanities, journalism, sociology and schools of arts and design. A teaching museum, much like a teaching hospital, is responsible for training the next generation of arts professionals and are the frontrunners in research in art history and museum studies while delivering the highest possible level of artistic standards through collection teaching, exhibition making, research and audience engagement. The museum is different from other non-profit art museums in the region because of its unique ability to leverage the resources of the largest public research university in the country for community good. ASUAM fulfills ASU’s Design Principles by serving as a bridge connecting the breadth and scope of scholarly research and learning to the experience, knowledge and needs of our local communities, thereby co-creating and creating arts and culture opportunities available for all.
Article featured image- Horseworld, 1989 by Snellen Johnson (gift of Howard E. Kleim). This bronze sculpture, signaling the entrance to Westworld, shows a group of three horses which represent an Arabian, Thoroughbred, and a Quarter Horse each representing a different behavior: the Quarter Horse is cutting, the Thoroughbred is racing, and the Arabian is showing. Snell Johnson, a self-taught artist and his sculptures are known world-wide including the MGM Lion in Las Vegas and Caesar in Johannesburg, South Africa.
With over 100 galleries displaying a curated selection of fine art and design, guests will also enjoy cultural performances, fashion shows, pop-up displays and immersive experience throughout each day.
Fashion
Daily fashion shows will be produced by Phoenix Fashion Week. All clothing is provided by select Phoenix Fashion Week designers and boutiques.
“Our ultimate mission is to garner global exposure to Arizona’s fashion industry, and this event is the perfect way to do so,” said Brian Hill, Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week. “It’s a great, innovative way to find emerging models while showcasing top brands and fashion in Arizona.”
From utility to showpiece, cars are a unique art form. Guests can celebrate clean lines and smooth curves while enjoying our extensive display of luxury and collector automobiles. Enjoy a special Ferrari showcase onsite at the event. Check out their entire inventory here >
Performances
Set in one of the country’s fastest growing cities with an ascendant contemporary Indigenous art culture, the fair will showcase over a hundred leading galleries at the scenic Westworld alongside cultural performances, sculptural installations, and innovative programming including collaborations with institutions, galleries, artists, and prominent collectors.
Special Events
Guests looking to explore the best the city has to offer can attend their choice of multiple off-site events during the week. From guided tours to VIP invite-only receptions. There is something for everyone at the event and throughout this great city.
A superb gift idea for the Apple watch lover looking for “style meets form and function”.
New York, NY– December , 2024 – Following the resounding success of their first collaboration, Golden Concept, the Swedish leader in ultra-luxurious Apple Watch accessories, and Blvck Paris, famed for its ‘All Black’ luxury lifestyle brand, are thrilled to unveil their latest joint venture: a meticulously designed Apple Watch case. This second collaboration pushes the boundaries of luxury and sophistication, further blending the timeless elegance of Parisian minimalism with Swedish craftsmanship.
The New Collection
The new collection introduces a premium case tailored for Apple Watch users who demand both style and functionality. The case is crafted from high-quality, all-black translucent nylon with meticulous detailing in black stainless steel, reflecting the distinct design philosophy that made their first collection a global success. The case is designed in 49mm for Apple Watch Ultra models, offering a versatile and elegant option for any tech enthusiast. Whether you’re a tech aficionado or a fashion enthusiast, this second release reaffirms the power of luxury in everyday wearables.
“After the incredible response to our initial collaboration, we knew we had to come together again,” said Puia Shamsossadati, CEO and Creative Director of Golden Concept. “This time, we wanted to create something equally luxurious yet more versatile, offering our customers a refined accessory that complements both their tech and their personal style.” Julian O’hayon, Founder and CEO of Blvck Paris, shared his excitement: “Collaborating with Golden Concept once more feels natural. Our brands share a vision of modern luxury, and this collection of Apple Watch cases allows us to expand that vision, offering something bold and refined to our customers. We’re confident this next chapter will resonate just as strongly.”
The limited-edition case is now available on GoldenConcept.com and at Select Golden Concept and Blvck Stores priced at $899USD/ $1,275
About Blvck Paris
Blvck Paris is a luxury lifestyle brand founded in 2017 by French designer Julian O’hayon. The brand has developed an engaged community of millions of social media followers and customers worldwide. Blvck is known for its ‘All Black’ clothing, accessories, and digital goods. Blvck strives to pioneer an aspirational lifestyle from visual content to merchandise, pursuing quality and design. To date, the brand opened stores worldwide in California, Tokyo, Taipei, Taichung, Hong Kong and Macau.
Canadian consumers and businesses pay more than $80 billion a year in property & casualty insurance premiums with an upward trend consistently in excess of our anemic GDP growth rate. The total cost is now more than 3 percent of GDP. … But how does Canada benchmark relative to its global peers?
• Canadians pay higher premiums for property and casualty insurance than citizens in many, if not most, other developed nations. This Commentary uses OECD data and private industry data to compare the national P&C insurance sector’s premiums as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product with its international peers and is an update of the findings of the author’s 2021 edition of this report.
• The Commentary focuses on liability, property and auto insurance to compare costs across nations. Then, it takes a deeper dive into the Canadian data to compare personal property and auto insurance among all provinces and territories.
• When it comes to costs for property insurance, the study finds Canada is in the top ranks, paying 1.23 percent of GDP in premiums, almost double the 0.66 percent average of other G7 peers and even higher than the 0.52 percent OECD average.For automobile insurance (which here includes both personal and commercial), Canadians appear to be paying, on average, the highest premiums in the world, relative to GDP.
• Within Canada, inter-provincial benchmarking for personal property insurance shows the higher average premiums paid in Canada – relative to the rest of the developed world – appear to be shared equally by most provinces. However, province-by-province comparisons of personal auto insurance show that there are substantial differences among provinces, with four jurisdictions producing higher-than-average results. Two of the four (Saskatchewan and Manitoba) are government-monopoly jurisdictions – in fact, these are the two highest in terms of costs. The two other outliers (Ontario and Alberta) are served by a competitive private sector, but Alberta has chosen until very recently to maintain a costly tort environment and Ontario mandates particularly generous accident benefits and has experienced a plague of auto theft.
• In the case of automobile insurance, just a handful of provinces need to think harder about how to improve car insurance premiums. But to reduce the cost of living for homeowners, the solutions required must be national in scope and include public/private partnerships to share the rapidly increasing risk-transfer price of natural catastrophe events.
Read the full article by Alister Campbell via this PDF.
Let’s get right to it. How about an extraordinary gift for the whiskey lover in your life this season? The WhistlePig 10 Limited Edition PiggyBank Rye from WhistlePig Whiskey is pure gold in a bottle. In its third year, the brand’s annual WhistlePig 10 PiggyBank Rye Limited Edition shines bright with an all-gold makeover to celebrate WhistlePig’s standing as the world’s most awarded rye whiskey. The original Berkshire Bitter Pig replica decanter is gold-coated from the snout down to the jingle balls, making a hog-like home for WhistlePig’s flagship, 10-year aged rye whiskey with an extra 10 proof for holiday cheer—bottled at 110 proof. With each year adding a little more sparkle and shine, this limited-edition collectible is the golden hog of the holiday season, the crown jewel of any festive feast and sure to hog all the attention on your home bar or mantle. The one-of-a-kind collectible packaging even doubles as a piggy bank, complete with a coin slot to begin saving for that next great cause. The WhistlePig farm is a rugged and fertile ground for whiskey exploration and is surrounded by 500 acres of rye and experimental crop fields in Shoreham, Vermont. Always brimming with new ideas, the WhistlePig team focuses on big-age statements and bold flavors that can be found in its collection of 16 available whiskeys.
Grand Cru Collection Gift Set by L’Ecole № 41
Do you have a few wine lovers on your gift list this holiday season? Look no further than the Grand Cru Collection Gift Set by L’Ecole № 41. This luxurious offering features three of the brand’s most esteemed wines—each representing the pinnacle of L’Ecole № 41’s winemaking expertise: The 2021 Ferguson from its Estate Ferguson Vineyard; 2021 Perigee from its Estate Seven Hills Vineyard; and 2021 Apogee from Pepper Bridge Vineyard, all hailing from the renowned Walla Walla Valley. With its robust structure and complex flavors, the 2021 Ferguson showcases the unique terroir of the winery’s Estate Ferguson Vineyard in a pre-eminent Bordeaux blend. Customers can expect complex, mineral-laced aromas of cassis, blueberry, boysenberry, iron, tobacco and sandalwood. The 2021 Perigee from L’Ecole № 41’s Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, on the other hand, offers a harmonious blend of perfumy fruit and refined tannins—embodying the essence of its celebrated vineyard. And, as the winery’s flagship wine, the Perigee explodes with pretty aromas of spiced cassis, black raspberry, tobacco leaf, pencil lead, leather and cocoa lifted by notes of spring flowers, sage and rosemary. The last of the trio, the 2021 Apogee, derives from L’Ecole № 41’s Pepper Bridge Vineyard and delivers a bold, spicy and sophisticated profile—making it a standout in any collection. Each gift set is beautifully presented in a box with a personalized gift message and complementary ground shipping throughout the United States. Whether for the holidays, a special occasion or a thoughtful gesture, L’Ecole № 41’s Grand Cru Collection Gift Set is the perfect choice for wine enthusiasts and collectors, alike.
Premium Wine Gift Sets—Silver Oak & Donum Estate
What better way to toast the holiday season and usher in the New Year than with a stellar glass of wine? Donum Estate and Silver Oak wineries both have premium gift sets that are sure to impress any wine aficionado. Donum Estate’s 2020-2022 Zodiac Vertical celebrates the winery’s 2020-2022 Carneros Estate Pinot Noirs with this special collector’s bundle, created in homage to artist Ai Weiwei’s “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads.” Ai Weiwei’s iconic artwork adorns Donum Estate’s wine labels, with this unique vertical of its flagship Carneros Estate Pinot Noir helping to recognize Weiwei’s talent. The 2020-2022 Zodiac Vertical includes a bottle from the Year of the Rat (2020), the Ox (2021) and the newly released Tiger (2022). A perfect gift for any wine collector, this set beautifully blends fine art with exceptional winemaking. Another exclusive set, Silver Oak’s Two-Bottle Holiday Gift features one bottle each of Silver Oak’s famously American oaked 2020 Alexander Valley and 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines. The fan-favorite bottles come packaged in the brand’s classic holiday gift box and are sure to make a luxurious addition to a red wine-lover’s collection.
Frog’s Leap Wine: Chavez Leeds Ranch Collection Gift Set
Here’s an A-plus wine gift sure to please. Frog’s Leap’s Chavez Leeds Ranch Collection Gift Set showcases the best of the Napa Valley-based winery, including a special appearance of its estate-grown olive oil. An homage to Frog’s Leap’s special relationship with the Chavez-Leeds family, and their ranch which has been part of the winery since 1989, this collection highlights made from some of the finest crops grown on the prized Rutherford land. The 2019 Chavez Leeds Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon features a rich, black and silky fruit that offers notes of dried herbs and flowers that embody the “Rutherford dust.” The second bottle in the Chavez Leeds Ranch Collection Gift Set, Frog’s Leap’s 2022 Cabernet Franc is a special, rare lot of Cabernet Franc and is prized for its lush red fruited character, black pepper and spice aromas. The winery’s estate grown Extra Virgin Olive Oil showcases the olive trees that feed pollinators and provide habitat for birds and other organisms essential to organic farming. Growing olives extends Frog’s Leap’s harvest season—ensuring the winery’s crews have year-round employment. Frog’s Leap is a family-owned and-operated winery with 100-percent organically grown grapes and upholds a commitment to eco-friendly practices with deep respect for the natural expression of the vine to promote balanced farming. Frog’s Leap wines are deliciously drinkable, versatile and ideal for food pairing. For wine and food lovers in your life, the Chavez Leeds Ranch Collection Gift Set helps you feel good knowing you’re choosing a wine that’s as ethical as it is exquisite.
The Stemless Glassware by Glasvin
Housewarmings aren’t the only reason to elevate a living space and its accessories. Give the gift of premium, versatile drinkware with Glasvin’s Stemless collection. This ultra-light, all-purpose option is ideal for any household, whether for drinking fine wine, a crafted cocktail or simply hydrating with water. Every glass is hand blown and crafted by skilled artisans—making each one unique. The stemless glassware’s elegant and modern design, along with a functional aesthetic, ensures that the glassware can be a sophisticated addition to any table setting. Glasvin takes pride in its partnerships with experienced glassblowers, working directly with them to refine the craft and ensure fair compensation for their expertise. By cutting out the middleman and offering direct pricing, Glasvin delivers luxury, hand-crafted glassware that is accessible to all for everyday use (and is dishwasher-safe) without the fear of high-breakage costs typically associated with premium glassware. The company is breaking metaphorical glass as well—working to increase the participation of minorities in the exclusive world of wine as a proud minority-owned business. Glasvin is the trusted choice of 100-plus restaurants, including more than 25 Michelin-starred establishments such as Torrisi, Oiji Mi and Gabriel Kreuther in New York, Alinea and Indienne in Chicago, Niku Steakhouse in San Francisco and Kato in Los Angeles.
Personalized Wine Selections via the ‘VinoVoss AI Sommelier’ by BetterAI
The VinoVoss AI Sommelier app is a revolutionary smartphone app and web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system, developed by BetterAI, is designed to elevate your own wine discovery experience—and that for gift-giving. VinoVoss picks the perfect wine for any occasion courtesy of a highly advanced artificial intelligence architecture. The tool leverages advanced artificial intelligence to act as your personal sommelier, providing tailored wine recommendations based on your unique taste preferences, occasion, and budget. The app’s signature feature, Smart Somm, is an AI-powered chatbot trained by world-renowned sommeliers, ready to answer any wine-related questions and guide you to the perfect bottle. The interactive Smart Somm chat intelligently assists in wine exploration, answers questions, and provides educational insight. The database is continually updated and monitored by the VinoVoss team of wine experts and sommeliers to keep up-to-date with today’s wine trends. From beginner to seasoned devotee, this search engine is a powerful and streamlined tool to help users build knowledge and shop, sip, and savor. VinoVoss understands that the process of selecting wine can be overwhelming. The breadth of viniculture is challenging to navigate without a skilled guide, and the subjective nature of taste has long stumped traditional search engines. The VinoVoss platform provides a solution, combining the power of AI with the knowledge of sommeliers in a pocket-size package. With an intuitive interface, VinoVoss allows users to search for wines by grape variety, region, or price, and offers detailed tasting notes to enhance your wine appreciation. On iOS, Android, and Desktop, users can browse wines using its advanced natural language search bar, which can understand prompts of any length or complexity. The app also includes innovative features like scanning multiple wine bottles simultaneously, comparing expert and peer ratings, and creating a personalized wine collection. Whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur, VinoVoss makes finding the ideal wine for any occasion effortless and enjoyable. VinoVoss greatly simplifies wine discovery, exploration and enjoyment of wines of the world. It is a personalized, interactive experience that empowers users to make wine selections with confidence.
FOR THE HOME
Green Chintz Tablecloth by Decor Mantra
When it comes to mealtime, who says the food has to be the centerpiece of the dining table? Decor Mantra’s Green Chintz Tablecloth is the perfect addition to a host’s arsenal—helping infuse timeless charm into any dining space for both casual or formal gatherings. Inspired by the historic “Indian chintz,” the tablecloth’s pattern features intricate florals in a fresh green palette, which are meticulously hand-painted, block-carved and printed by skilled artisans. The Green Chintz Tablecloth is also crafted from 100 percent premium cotton, is durable, machine-washable and easy to iron—making it both practical and beautiful. After all, its versatile and monochromatic design offers endless styling possibilities and ensures the dining table is always beautifully set. Committed to preserving traditional textile arts, Decor Mantra supports artisan communities through ethical sourcing, small batch productions and fair wages. Through this mission, the company delivers sustainable, beautifully made products that bring both elegance and a touch of tradition into customers’ homes. And, with more than 450 five-star reviews, Decor Mantra is sure to complement anyone’s personal style and taste, while livening up the space, with its diverse tablecloth selections that are available in various shapes and sizes.
PeachSkinSheets’ Luxury Bedding Products
‘Tis the season for all things cozy and comforting! The Original PeachSkinSheets has just the items for all your gifting needs this year. The brand’s luxurious Sheet Set, available in fully 34 colorways, is made from a breathable, high-performance and athletic-grade SMART fabric that is great for hot sleepers since it has thermal-control and moisture-wicking properties. In addition, the ultra-soft, brushed finish provides a softness level that parallels 1500 thread count cotton, without the high cost, shrinkage, wrinkles and pilling. PeachSkinSheets’ quality product also includes OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification that keeps owners safe from harmful substances. Versatile and suitable for bed frames of all sizes, these deep-pocket sheets include elastic all the way around—capable of fitting mattresses up to 22-inches thick, such as memory foam, custom number and double pillow top. Instead of a mattress, the company’s PeachyMink X PeachSkinSheets Luxury Faux Mink Robe was created to be wrapped around its owners—whether they’re indoors or outdoors. The incredibly soft and luxurious garment features a shawl lapel, oversized hood, lined pockets, belted tie with loops, soft jersey lining and an ultra-plush faux fur exterior. Made from 100 percent polyester, the Luxury Faux Mink Robe is an equal opportunity robe ideal for both men and women and is available in sizes small to 5X in colors Arctic White Mink and Black Mink.
Live Moss Air Filter Minis by MossPure
Transform your loved one’s space this holiday season with stunning live moss art Minis by MossPure. After all, who doesn’t want a little greenery to liven up their home or office décor? MossPure is the world’s only company to use 100 percent live moss as an air filter, stress relief device and aesthetically pleasing accentuate that requires no watering, sunlight or maintenance. The brand’s patent-pending design and award-winning science allows the moss to live indefinitely, and the company reports it has also been tested for air quality by a certified U.S. laboratory. Rather than simply adding live moss to a décor piece for it to only last a few days, every square foot of MossPure’s live moss air filters capture 300,000 ppm of carbon dioxide and 1.5 million particles of toxic pollutants, including dust and allergens — all in just two minutes. MossPure was created at a startup competition at MIT in June 2020, where it won first place. During the competition, it was realized that other moss wall and décor companies use preserved moss, which is no longer living and processed with toxic chemicals. This type of moss has several disadvantages: not lasting more than one year without needing to be replaced or thrown out; producing a strong chemical smell; and being a low-quality product. MossPure’s founder reportedly applied their 20 years of experience in biology and engineering to create the Minis’ revolutionary technology that is now the world’s only plant-based product to have certified air quality testing—all while helping to create a modern environment for owners to enjoy.
Outdoor Cushion Seat Set by BADESOFA
Add a touch of comfort to you or your loved one’s outdoor space with the ultra-versatile Outdoor Seat Set by BADESOFA. Perfect for use both in and out of the water, this set of three seat pillows is especially great for placement on a hot pool deck surface, a Jacuzzi with a hard exterior or in shallow pool water. After all, relaxation truly becomes a complete experience when it maximizes comfort and is free of sharp edges and rough spots. Developed with sofa-style quality, the Outdoor Seat Set pillows retain their shape with CleanDry+ technology—effortlessly preventing water logging for continued use. The UV-resistant fabric makes the pillows ideal to withstand the elements of the outdoors, and the cover and inner pillow can be separated for washing purposes. BADESOFA was founded with the goal of revolutionizing the bathing and wellness experience. In fact, the name “bath sofa” is a direct translation of the brand name from German’s “Badesofa.” For Founder Natalie Steger, even bathing in her beautiful—yet oversized—bathtub felt more like acrobatics than relaxation. This discomfort was the catalyst for her to tackle the problem and develop the first comfortable bathtub cushion: BADESOFA. With the innovative product’s creation, the case for outdoor use became even more apparent. Consumers can complete the set with optional back and foot cushions—helping to set a new relaxation standard.
Pro-Lifter 20 Heavy Lifting Tool by GRABO
Transform your favorite do-it-yourselfer, hobbyist or construction worker into the ultimate pro this holiday season with GRABO’s Pro-Lifter 20. This smart and professional-grade power tool revolutionizes heavy lifting with its robust vacuum pump technology—capable of handling surfaces weighing up to 375 pounds. The Pro-Lifter 20’s digital pressure sensor and display, smart weight and pressure settings can lift any slab of flat, solid material. And, unlike other large and expensive material handling solutions, this device is portable, reliable and ergonomically designed to provide better grip and less fatigue when moving heavy objects. It works perfectly with glass, wood, ceramic tiles, metals and other flat materials, and also serves as an effective vacuum lifter for dusty, semi-porous or rough surfaces. The Pro-Lifter 20’s operation is also simple. Just turn on the unit and place it straight onto the surface you want to lift. Its innovative technology automatically activates the vacuum pump, maintaining optimal pressure and performance while eliminating guesswork. With an impressive airflow of 20 liters per minute, the tool can last for 900 cycles or up to 1.5 hours on nonstop running. Users can also expect the Pro model to come with four metal external anchor points for official and third-party attachments—opening up a world of lifting possibilities.
SELF CARE
‘BFF’ Beauty, Fresh & Fun Makeup Starter Set from M2U NYC
If there’s a popular makeup trend that’s taken 2024 by storm, it’s the no-makeup, makeup look. For this holiday season, M2U NYC has shoppers covered with its BFF: Beauty, Fresh & Fun Makeup Starter Set. Whether just starting a makeup journey or refreshing the tried-and-true routine, this kit includes everything needed to enhance natural beauty with ease. Inside, owners will find five essential products designed to deliver performance, versatility and convenience. The Liquid Blush offers a lightweight, blendable formula for a healthy, rosy glow, while the Tubing Mascara provides smudge-proof, buildable volume and length for lashes that last all day. The Liquid Highlighter adds a radiant touch to any look, while the creamy Eye Crayon brightens eyes effortlessly. To finish, the Lip Gloss does its job by giving a glossy, moisturizing touch for a polished look that feels as good as it appears. Each product is crafted with skincare-infused, clean, vegan and cruelty-free formulas—making it a thoughtful choice for beauty lovers. The set’s compact and travel-friendly design ensures easy touch-ups at home or on the go. Either as a gift for a loved one, or a little self-care treat, this all-in-one collection will inspire confidence, elevate routines and help everyone shine this season.
Medical Grade Silicone Gel Scar Diminishing Serum from ScarScience
Help your friends and family say goodbye to scars old and new this year with ScarScience’s Medical Grade Silicone Gel Scar Diminishing Serum. Perfect for sensitive skin, this self-dispensing treatment comes in two no-touch application formats: Brush or Massage Roller. Both are housed in a clickable, pen-like tube that is portable and easy-to-use—even for children. The odorless gel dries in minutes to form a flexible, breathable, non-tacky and waterproof protective covering over the affected area. Massage as long as recommended by doctors to break up collagen and soften tissue, improving the appearance of scars. The massage roller option combines this technique with clinically-proven silicone technology to offer a unique, two-pronged approach to scar reduction. It’s proven to eliminate redness, maintain moisture and hydration, improve elasticity and soften and minimize the appearance of scars and blemishes. The Scar Diminishing Serum is ideal for hypertrophic or keloid scars resulting from injuries, burns, surgeries, cosmetic procedures, piercings, acne, stretch marks, cuts and more. Trusted globally by doctors, dermatologists and plastic surgeons, ScarScience is dedicated to merging dermatological expertise with pioneering technology, ensuring every scar is just a chapter and not the entire story of its owner’s experience. Even more, it’s the No. 1 doctor-recommended scar reduction treatment in the U.S.
For the Silo, Merilee Kern. Happy Holidays!
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
The holiday gifting rush is here, and finding the perfect item for everyone on your list can feel like a daunting task. Sound familiar? Don’t stress because we have so many perfect ideas for you that we have split this article into two parts. Let’s begin!
Whether you’re shopping for the tech-savvy, the fashion-forward, the wellness enthusiast, the gourmand, the home body or the impossible-to-buy-for, our curated holiday gift guide has you covered. From splurge-worthy surprises to budget-friendly finds, these handpicked ideas are sure to make your loved ones smile—and maybe even earn you the title of “Most Thoughtful Gift Giver.” Get ready to wrap up the holidays with confidence and ease.
GADGETS
JURA ENA 8 Automatic Coffee Machine
The new JURA ENA 8 Automatic Coffee Machine expands the possibilities for coffee lovers, with more one-touch specialty options than ever before for the award-winning ENA 8 design. This high-technology compact machine now features a two-cup function to brew two cups of coffee or espresso at the same time – and an Extra Shot option to supercharge a cappuccino, flat white or latte macchiato for an extra boost. A brilliant combination of state-of-the-art technologies guarantees the ultimate coffee experience – always freshly ground, not capsuled. The Professional Aroma Grinder achieves a more consistent grind, enhancing coffee aroma by 12.2% versus conventional grinders. With its two-cup function, the ENA 8 can now make two black coffee specialties at the same time. JURA’s innovative fine foam technology creates beautifully light milk foam for trend specialties. With the easy-to-use touchscreen display and intuitive operation, 15 specialties can each be prepared at a single touch. The milk system cleaning function can be initiated at the touch of a button, ensuring the utmost in hygiene. Thanks to integrated Wi-Fi technology, the ENA 8 is compatible with the JURA Operating Experience (J.O.E.®), so it can be operated from a smartphone or tablet. J.O.E. lets users personalize their favorite beverages, initiate brewing, view maintenance instructions and videos, and more. The ENA 8 stands out for its compact footprint that fits anywhere. The minimalist design features clean lines, high-quality materials, and elegant accents, such as the chrome-plated cup tray and the crystal-clear diamond-look water tank – perfect for anyone who appreciates good design and perfect coffee.
X-TERRA ELITE Metal Detector from Minelab
Help your loved one strike gold this holiday season. The X-TERRA ELITE Metal Detector from Minelab redefines treasure hunting by combining cutting-edge Multi-IQ technology with affordability, versatility and unmatched performance. Perfect for both professionals and hobbyists, it’s designed to excel in all terrains with features that elevate the hunting experience. The X-TERRA ELITE combines the capabilities of multiple detectors—ensuring no terrain or treasure is out of reach. Its pre-programmed search modes (2 Park, 2 Field, 2 Beach) make it effective everywhere, from open fields to underwater depths of 16 feet, thanks to its IP-68 waterproof rating. Other key features include stable IDs and 25 sensitivity levels for extreme precision, versatile audio tones for target clarity and advanced iron bias and volume controls to separate treasure from trash. Plus, the included V12X coil offers exceptional coverage, with additional compatible coil options for greater flexibility. Built for durability and extended use, this metal detector features lighting, vibration alerts and backlit controls for nighttime scavenging. The X-TERRA ELITE comes with a three-year warranty and is supported by Minelab’s global network—affirming the company’s place in the market as where innovation meets adventure.
TikiTunes Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker by Limitless Innovations
This holiday season, create the ultimate oasis atmosphere with the perfect pairing: A playlist and some mood lighting. The original TikiTunes Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker provides up to nine hours of continuous audio playtime and a tiki-inspired LED flickering flame. Equipped with an IP65 rating, which indicates a product is protected against dust and water, it’s the perfect speaker for use at home or on-the-go—offering true stereo sound by connecting the two speakers together for a dynamic experience. Or, if you want an even more authentic tiki look, grab a pole and ground stake to easily attach the speaker and line the yard in tropics-inspired style. The company even offers its own compatible accessory Pole & Ground Stake for an additional cost. TikiTunes Portable Bluetooth Wireless Speaker is compatible with iPhones, Androids, Pixels, tablets and laptops from Apple and other brands. Since 2012, Limitless Innovations has operated as a small, family-owned business with a passion for conceptualizing and developing products that help consumers simplify, charge and enjoy their life. Limitless Innovations has grown from the idea of a single cable organization, to developing several award-winning and nationally-recognized brands of products that span across five different categories: Consumer electronics; home goods; lighting; hardware; and personal protective equipment.
G-ROK Wireless Golf Speaker by ROKFORM
Wanting to upgrade your loved one’s golfing experience this holiday? Look no further than ROKFORM’s G-ROK Wireless Golf Speaker. This award-winning tech allows users to enjoy great music on the green—all from a magnetic, rugged and portable device. With a 24-hour battery life, 30-foot range, quality sound and powerful ability to hold to golf carts or any other metal surfaces, the waterproof G-ROK Wireless Golf Speaker provides directional audio control through your phone and can be connected to a TV, tablet or any Bluetooth device. Even more, it includes a handy aluminum hook that can easily attach to a golf bag. No phone? No problem. The speaker comes with an optional SD card that can store up to 5,000 songs, so owners can play music with or without a device. It can also be double-upped with a second G-ROK for the ultimate stereo experience. These durable speakers have an IPX7 water rating and can be submerged in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes. They’re also dustproof for use in rain or shine, while their heavy-duty construction resists shocks and drops.
FlexBeam Wearable Red Light Therapy Device by Recharge Health
Looking for an effective way to relieve pain, recover faster, boost energy levels and optimize health? FlexBeam by Recharge Health is a powerful, wearable red light therapy device that’s transforming the world of recovery and longevity. Developed with NASA-inspired technology and trusted by global elite athletes, this non-pharmaceutical and non-invasive solution offers 5.9 watts of total optical power output—outperforming competitors threefold. It also is engineered for maximum effectiveness in the infrared spectrum and delivers eight times more power than leading products in this space. How does it work? Scientists discovered that light at specific red-and near-infrared wavelengths stimulate the body’s natural process of healing. FlexBeam’s targeted infrared light therapy device can be worn on different areas of the body, helping to support gut health by boosting the microbiome and promoting melatonin production for better sleep. Even more, customers experience 33 percent faster recovery after a muscle pull, 40 percent improvement in strength performance and 75 percent reduction in muscular-skeletal pain. Based in Norway, Recharge Health’s team of innovators are dedicated to unlocking the full potential of the human body. The company’s FlexBeam device has gained the endorsement of top-tier athletes like Casper Ruud and Martin Ødegaard—making it a game-changer in the athletic world. With many ways to wear for the ultimate benefits, give the gift of better health this holiday season with this revolutionary device.
Smart Lock U100 by Aqara
Give the gift of peace of mind this holiday with Aqara’s Smart Lock U100. This advanced home system seamlessly blends reliable security features with a sleek and modern design. Users can enjoy keyless entry, remote access control and real-time monitoring—all through the convenience of their smartphones. Its high-precision fingerprint reader offers unparalleled convenience with an accuracy rate of 98.6 percent and the ability to store up to 50 fingerprints locally, serving you and your family effortlessly. The Smart Lock U100 also integrates with Apple Home Key—allowing your loved one to say goodbye to the hassle of fumbling with keys, instead welcoming the efficient experience of unlocking their front door with a simple touch of an iPhone or Apple Watch. Other features include easy installation with simple tools, without the need of drilling for most doors, and permanent, periodic and one-time passwords to grant access to friends, services or guests in an Airbnb. Even more, Aqara’s device touts a long battery life that lasts up to eight months and functions off AA batteries that can be easily replaced. Live in areas with extreme weather? The Smart Lock U100’s outer panel is 1P65-rated and operates at temperatures ranging from negative-31 degrees Fahrenheit to 150-degrees Fahrenheit. It even offers additional ways to access your door during an emergency, including physical keys or the USB-C emergency port located on the outer panel to ensure there’s always a back-up plan to enter the home.
Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars by Nocs Provisions
An ideal present for outdoor enthusiasts, the Standard Issue 8×25 Waterproof Binoculars by Nocs Provisions are ready to join on any trip and bring owners closer to their surroundings. These pro-level performance accessories offer an unrivaled, ultra-wide field of view with true edge-to-edge clarity, multilayer phase-correction coatings applied to the Swiss-designed prism and a close focus of less than 6 feet—allowing the light of the outside world to match the inside optics. Other notable core features include its IPX7 waterproof and fog-proof capabilities, which make the binoculars submersible for 30 minutes in up to 3 feet of water, while their medical-grade, O-ring assembly injects the binoculars with inert nitrogen gas so they will never fog up in the field—guaranteed. Lastly, the binocular’s ridges are not only aesthetically pleasing but are designed to fit in small and large hands alike and provide plenty of grip. These patented ridges also double to protect the optics from impact by dissipating impact force, making them rugged enough to take just about anywhere.
Ayla Mini Vacuum by Ayla & Co.
We all know that a home or office full of chaos can make it difficult to stay efficient, and it can increase the stress in our lives, too. Meet The Ayla Vacuum by Ayla & Co.—the trendy and effective new way to clean at home, work or traveling that can help you be your most productive self. Cleaning up after spills and messes is part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to resort to a shop vac or heavy vacuum to get the job done. Why not opt for convenience and use a lightweight, powerful and cordless device that easily fits in your bag or tucked away in any cabinet at home? Think about those nooks and crannies of the couches, car, refrigerator, freezer, pantry, office space, etc. It’s an everyday lifesaver designed to make daily tasks easier by providing a quick cleanup wherever and whenever it happens. The 1-pound vacuum has several key features, including dual suction, a removable and washable filter, rechargeable USB battery and patented, ergonomic design. Since 2020, Ayla & Co. has grown from a small start-up with three products to a reputable brand with more than 300 product stock keeping units (SKUs). Still, the family-owned company’s goal behind its creation remains the same: help parents everywhere navigate the chaos of parenthood with a little more ease.
FASHION AND STYLE
Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet from Diamond Veneer
Looking for a show-stopping gift for that special someone, without breaking the bank? Diamond Veneer has you covered with the Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet with Safety Chain. This stunningly-crafted alternative captures all of the brilliance and elegance desired from a traditional diamond bracelet—at a fraction of the cost. Plus, safety chains serve both practical and aesthetic purposes and are true chameleons in the jewelry sphere. Not only do they provide bracelets with an air of authenticity, but also give the sparkling accessory more weight and value with its added security. Think of them as the bouncers of the bracelet world, helping to prevent the wrist adornment from making a dramatic exit during wild dance moves or accidental tugs. Adding a safety chain also instantly elevates the bracelet’s style. It’s like slipping on a tailored blazer over a T-shirt—it says, “I’m here to impress.” The chain dangles gracefully, catching the light and winking at admirers with extra flair. Diamond Veneer’s Cubic Zirconia Tennis Bracelet and Safety Chain comes in the standard seven-inch length, but is available in varying longer sizes for an extra cost. This piece offers a combination of benefits making it a great gift choice1) Deceptive Glamour: Safety chains can give your bracelet an air of authenticity. At a fancy event, when onlookers admire your wrist, you can hold your secret with a smile, letting them wonder if it’s the real deal; 2) The Illusion Game: Just like makeup can enhance features, safety chains can make your CZ bracelet appear more substantial and valuable. With a slight tilt, you’ll leave people guessing if it’s platinum or white gold; 3) Value Perception: Wearing a bracelet with a safety chain elevates it in others’ eyes, suggesting you have taste and sophistication, making it a delightful accessory; 4) Sophistication Upgrade: A safety chain adds instant class, catching the light and drawing admiration. It transforms your CZ from ordinary to extraordinary; 5) Security Last: Think of safety chains as protectors, ensuring your bracelet stays secure during lively outings. Enter code FLASH60 at checkout to receive the $19.99 usd price, which is 60% off the regular retail price of $49.99 usd.
Artisan Fine Jewelry with Lifetime Buy Back Guarantee by Sonalore
In today’s saturated jewelry market, finding the best brand from which to gift someone something special during the holidays can be challenging. But, thanks to Sonalore Fine Jewelry, you can find gorgeous, ethically made artisan pieces made to last. From bracelets and necklaces to rings and earrings, Sonalore Fine Jewelry prides itself on offering a selection of gold jewelry and precious stones without the inflated industry markups and full product transparency. Even more, the company’s lifetime buyback guarantee program allows customers to get instant and fair buyback valuations based on the current market price of gold, turning your accessories into assets … also allowing you to refresh your collection anytime. In fact, Sonalore Fine Jewelry’s AI-powered platform offers upfront estimates and one click transactability—similar to how other industry technologies can provide instant estimates for a new car or home. Other brand highlights include exclusive designs crafted by global artisans from India to Italy, fair wages for workers, virtual try-ions and superior customer service. Sonalore Fine Jewelry was founded by two friends who wanted to shake up the U.S. jewelry market by offering affordable, quality 18-karat gold pieces and precious gemstones that don’t tarnish. Its products were crafted with the freedom to be passed down through generations or sell back whenever.
Lucy Ostrich Feather Handbag from Gus & Violet
Do you have a fashionista on your gift list this year? Elevate their versatile style with Gus & Violet’s fashionable and functional Lucy Ostrich Feather Handbag. The accessory’s stunning fusion of genuine ostrich feathers and patent leather trim screams luxury, and is available in chic black and nude/cream colors. But, that’s not all. Owners can mix it up with interchangeable bracelet handles or a sleek chain strap in gunmetal, silver or gold—giving fashionistas endless styling possibilities with a single handbag. The bag includes a drawstring interior to keep phones and necessities protected inside, while the felt dust bag keeps the exterior in tip-top shape with proper storage. Whether you’re feeling bold and edgy or classic and elegant, Gus & Violet allows you to effortlessly switch up your look, believing accessories should be as unique as you are. The company’s premium handbags and belts are designed with interchangeable hardware to match any mood or occasion—ranging from feather and fringe handbags to knotted belt buckles. Gus & Violet’s build your bag or belt feature on its website showcases just how customizable its accessories are, and encourages shoppers to create their own garment from the handle to the finished piece. After all, when it comes to style, why settle for one when you can have it all?
Floral Red Mary Poppins Weekender Carpet Bag from Max Carpetbags Works
Elevate someone’s travel game with the Floral Wine Mary Poppins Weekender Carpet Bag, a stunning fusion of Victorian elegance and modern practicality from Max Carpetbag Works. Handcrafted with care, this bag features thick chenille carpets for a luxurious feel, paired with genuine leather accents that add timeless charm. Perfect for weekend getaways or short trips, the Floral Red Mary Poppins Weekender bag offers both style and functionality and measures at 19 and ¼ inches wide, 8 and ¼ inches in diameter and 14 and ⅛ inches tall—providing ample room for all your essentials. The interior is thoughtfully designed with a zippered pocket covered in leather and six slip pockets for easy organization, while the bronze stands at the bottom add vintage flair that keep the bag stable and upright. For added versatility, the weekender bag comes with a detachable and adjustable 55-inch shoulder strap made from the same lush chenille material, allowing you to carry it comfortably in hand or as a crossbody option. Whether for yourself or as a gift, the Floral Wine Mary Poppins Weekender combines classic design, durable materials and practical features—making it a must-have for stylish travelers.
Classic Mulberry Silk Pajama Set from Fishers Finery
Winter is pajama season and what better way to ring in this cozy time of year than with a brand-new set? Introducing the Classic Mulberry Silk Pajama Set, Fishers Finery’s two-piece item that includes a button-front top with silk covered buttons and a full-length pant with drawstring waist. This luxe duo is constructed with 100 percent pure mulberry silk—the same as the brand’s Good Housekeeping award-winning pillowcases—and is beautifully constructed with high-quality French seams. The set also comes with a gorgeous gift box and mesh wash bag for easy cleaning. Perfect for a slumber party with friends or the night before your wedding, the Classic Mulberry Silk Pajama will make for an amazing gift or addition to your or your loved one’s wardrobe with nine different color options. Plus, this stylish outfit will even provide its wearer a more restful sleep. With all the benefits of silk’s natural fibers, sleeping in Fishers Finery’s 100 percent silk pajama set provides breathability, sleep temperature regulation and a hypoallergenic option all year round. Earning the tried and tested Good Housekeeping seal and the Oeko-Tex “Made in Green” certification, the industry standout sleep outfit gives owners peace of mind that their pjs have been tested for harmful substances, manufactured using environmentally friendly processes and created under socially responsible conditions.
Eco-Minded Clothing by Coalatree
Not sure how to show your favorite outdoor enthusiast you care this season? Get them some quality gear that they can look and feel good about wearing. Coalatree’s Trailhead Pants are constructed from revolutionary ripstop nylon with four-way ripstop stretch, anti-microbial fabric and a water-repellent finish. These fan-favorite pants already have more than 2,000 five-star reviews and are available in seven colors and two pant widths. A popular feature of the Trailhead Pants is that they can be packed down for easy travel and storage by stuffing them into the front right pocket of the garment. They’re also adaptable for both an urban or mountain adventure, featuring functional drawstring ankle ties to wear long or cinch up into capris. Coalatree’s Trailhead Shorts are another ideal option for movers, coming in identical styles for men and women. Wearers can expect that same breathable, four-way stretch the brand’s bottoms are known for and offer extra versatility with its pack-down into the front pocket function. Even more, the shorts’ water-proof, stain-resistant, tear-resistant and antimicrobial design allows customers to wear them all day long. Coalatree strives to use sustainable materials throughout the production process, including recycled coffee grounds. The company regularly gives back to its surrounding communities by partnering with local organizations to maintain the hiking and biking trails its employees frequent and to protect the integrity of area watersheds.
Forme’s Posture-Correcting Fitness Apparel
Do you find yourself or someone you know slouching over the computer during the work day? Collectively improve posture this year with Forme’s Posture-Correcting Garments. The company’s Power Bra is an FDA-registered posture-correcting bra designed to immediately improve the wearer’s upper body alignment and body foundation. Celebrities like Taylor Swift can even vouch for the bra’s effectiveness, as she’s been seen wearing Forme’s posture-correcting sports bra while rehearsing for the Eras Tour. Embedded with posture-correcting, wearable technology, the six varied tension fabrics and eight double-fabric panels aid in both fashion and function. Forme’s posture bra has patented technology inside that transforms and trains the body to develop muscle memory that allows people to walk, sit and stand straighter without conscious effort. The brand’s best-selling Sculpt+ Leggings and Sculpt Shorts go a step further by not only correcting its owner’s posture, but also helping prevent hip, knee and foot pain. These leggings are designed to provide lower back support and engage the core, spine and hip muscles—allowing customers to get the most out of their yoga practice. The item’s patented, five-inch, triple mesh high waistband engages muscle memory in the core, glutes, hamstring and spine to improve owners’ daily ergonomics and tucks. It also supports the midsection to streamline the wearer’s silhouette and improve form and posture. The leggings come in six colors and sizes from XS to XXL. Forme is ranked in the top 20 percent of Inc.’s Fastest Growing Companies in America this year and offers a transformative solution for daily posture training.
T-100 Elite-Series Insoles by Protalus
While the outer look of shoes is important, what’s on the inside can actually have the most impact. The T-100 Elite-Series Insoles by Protalus are designed for running shoes, tennis shoes, dress shoes, athletic shoes, sneakers and everyday wear–helping you to feel comfortable from the first moment you step into them. This universal insole is constructed with patented rebound foam and patented alignment technology that provides superior relief by keeping your ankle aligned and in a safe range of motion. In fact, Protalus insoles improve the alignment of the ankle by 31 percent when compared to generic stock shoe inserts. They specifically offer support for the subtalar joint, preventing overpronation or oversupination and reducing stress on the ankles, knees and hips by creating less weight per square inch of your foot. The innovative combination of high-quality materials provides excellent impact reduction and moisture-wicking capabilities for unmatched comfort for up to a year of use. Protalus based its unique insole design on 50-plus years of medical research and third party laboratory testing, breaking down everything medical history knows about foot pain and relief. It’s no coincidence that over 95 percent of people who try Protalus have positive results—it’s by design.
Personalized Dog Collars by Angie & Allie
Gift your favorite dog parent something for their furry friend with Angie & Allie’s comfortable and stylish Personalized Dog Collars. Made with 100 percent organic cotton, these soft and breathable accessories are gentle on dogs’ skin, ensuring ultimate comfort even for pets with sensitivities. They are a natural choice for eco-conscious pet owners who want the best for their four-legged companions and the planet, and not only look great but are also incredibly functional. The collars’ organic cotton material provides a lightweight yet durable solution, perfect for daily wear. Customization is made easy with options to engrave you or your loved one’s pet’s name, phone number and address in six elegant fonts—giving l peace of mind in case your pet wanders off. Paired with sleek black or brass hardware, the collars balance practicality with a touch of sophistication, with sizes ranging from XX-Small to XX-Large so every breed can find the perfect fit in Angie and Allie’s collection. And, shopping couldn’t be easier—enjoy worldwide shipping and free delivery on all U.S. orders. This holiday season, choose Angie & Allie’s Personalized Dog Collars for a blend of comfort, safety and timeless style that’s as unique as your pet.
FOOD & KITCHEN
14-Piece Forged Cutlery Set by Viking Culinary
Give the home chef in your life the best tools to add to their culinary arsenal this year with essential, razor-sharp knives forged from high carbon, 1.4116 German steel. Viking Culinary’s 14-Piece Forged Cutlery Set features a collection of full-tang blades that run the entire length of the handle for impeccable balance—becoming natural extensions of any cook’s hands. The knives’ forged design showcases ergonomic, triple-riveted ABS handles that ensure a secure, hygienic and comfortable grip and heftier weighted bolsters for improved safety and accurate cutting control. Plus, the German steel’s high-carbon content allows these knives to hold a precise, sharper edge for much longer than other cutlery, while their taper ground edges are carefully laser tested for an exact, 15-degree cutting edge. The 14-Piece Forged Cutlery Set includes all the essentials, including an 8-inch chef’s knife, 8-inch bread knife, 8-inch carving knife, 8-inch honing steel, 5-inch utility knife, 3.5-inch paring knife, kitchen shears, set of six non-serrated steak knives and an elegant black rubberwood block for easy countertop storage. The Viking brand began 40 years ago with the introduction of the iconic Viking Range line, which was later followed by the creation of Viking Culinary to meet the performance levels of chefs and cooking enthusiasts with quality cookware and kitchenware for home kitchens.
12-inch Portable Electric Indoor and Outdoor Pizza Oven by Newair
Up your friends and family’s home culinary game this holiday with Newair’s 12-Inch Portable Electric Indoor and Outdoor Pizza Oven. It’ll transform your kitchen into a pizzeria, delivering delicious, restaurant-quality pizzas in minutes. Simple controls, dual-heating elements and temperatures reaching up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit ensure artisan-style results at home or on the go every time. The advanced heating elements and a ceramic-coated surface ensure a perfectly crispy crust and toppings cooked to perfection every time. This portable, electric appliance is compact and thoughtfully designed, coming with essential accessories to create restaurant-quality ‘zas cooked to perfection in minutes. Newair’s foldable legs and a compact construction that make it easy to bring along for tailgates, camping trips and any outdoor gatherings. Plus, it includes a durable, dustproof camp cover to protect the oven during transport and storage. All essential accessories are included for ultimate convenience: a door baffle, pizza peel and ceramic pizza stone. Its temperature control dial was crafted with convenience in mind—eliminating the cumbersome presets and control settings to automatically distribute heat throughout the oven evenly. Founded in Orange County, California, the 20-year-old company was built by and for the consumer, and aims to provide customers with quality products and services that make life more enjoyable where you live, where you work and where you play.
Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer by Fritaire
The Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer by Fritaire is the ultimate solution for smart, chic, healthy and more convenient cooking—and a top-tier gift for just about anyone this holiday season. Beyond its beautiful design, the air fryer’s 1500 watts, 400-degree Fahrenheit halogen heater and engineered vortex convection achieve crispy and even results every time, while the unique self-cleaning glass bowl makes for effortless post-cooking clean up. Fritaire’s Self-Cleaning Glass Bowl Air Fryer features three cooking accessories—the rotisserie, the french tumbler and the air stand—and offers six one-touch cooking functions for ultimate versatility and convenience. It’s also the first-ever self-cleaning air fryer with BPA-free and Teflon-free certifications, and is free of plastics and phthalates for an even healthier cooking experience. After enjoying a Fritaire-made meal, the air fryer’s self-cleaning process is simple: just fill the bowl with water, add some dish soap and turn it on according to the self-clean guide instructions. From there, the device does the rest. Choose from the brand’s eye-catching colorways and retro-chic aesthetic to make the perfect accessory for your loved one’s countertop, including lavender, mauve rose, cherry, sage green, lily white, orange and black.
Air Fryer Cooking Tools & Recipes from Cathy Yoder, the “Queen of Air Fryers”
Amid holiday cooking and gifting season and those New Year wellness goals beyond, Cathy Yoder—affectionately known as the “Queen of Air Fryers”—is helping us make festive meals easier, healthier and even more fun with an assortment of affordable air fryer finds under $25 usd. Yoder, a mother of eight who built a social media empire around her dislike for cooking, which she parlayed into air-frying expertise, went from simply experimenting with recipes to amassing nearly 730,000 followers across socials and over a million monthly visitors to her platforms. Each day, Yoder empowers throngs of home cooks to dust off their air fryers and turn quick, tasty meals into a daily routine. To help home chefs elevate their air fryer, or gifting, game without breaking the bank, Yoder offers a curated selection of budget-friendly tools and resources through her online store, Pine & Pepper—the eComm arm of her Empowered Cooks multimedia platform that provides an array of video instruction and other resources specific to the joy of air fryer cooking. The paperback book “Easy Air Fryer Recipe Book: Best Air Fryer Cookbook Recipes for Beginners to Advanced” provides readers find more than 150 easy and delicious recipes complete with gorgeous photos. This includes delicious, healthy and effortless meals conveniently organized into six sections: Breakfast, Main Dishes (grouped by protein), Veggies & Sides, Snack & Sandwiches, and Desserts. At the end of the book, you’ll find additional quick tips, cheat sheets, conversion charts, and other resources. For those who like precision, the Instant Read Food Thermometer is ideal for checking the internal temperature of meats and other delicate dishes. This little gadget ensures food is cooked perfectly, adding both safety and satisfaction to your meals. Achieve a perfect, light coat of oil without drowning your food in calories with the Mistifi 6oz Oil Spray Bottle. This compact sprayer helps evenly distribute oil on foods, making it essential for getting crispy results without excess oil. Plus, it’s easy to refill and looks sleek on any kitchen counter. Say goodbye to stuck-on messes! The Pine & Pepper Premium Air Fryer Liners keep food from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. They’re especially useful for messier recipes and ensure that your air fryer basket stays in pristine condition. A quick solution to save time, hassle, and scrubbing.
Self Heating & Cleaning Lunchbox by UVI
In today’s age, what’s old has been re-made new. That includes the dependable lunch bag of yesterday, which has gotten a major upgrade—and is the perfect gift for essentially everyone in your life. A brand of the The Future Products Company innovation house, the UVI Self Heating and Cleaning Lunchbox is the solution for enjoying hot and healthy meals on the go. Featuring a plug-in design with a powerful heat source, it can heat refrigerated food in 25 minutes, cook rice and steam vegetables, among other abilities. It boasts an integrated UV light that kills up to 99 percent of bacteria, along with a detachable power cord for easy refrigerator storage. The box’s insulated liner keeps food hot for up to two hours without power, while its movable divider easily accommodates different foods of various shapes and sizes. Durable and leak-proof, the UVI’s shell and odor-resistant liner are easy to maintain, too. After rinsing the box, simply put the washed tableware into the lunch box, close the lid and touch the UV button to start the disinfection process. Capture your loved one’s personality with one of the UVI Self Heating and Cleaning Lunchbox’s three contemporary colors: Green Pea; Salmon and Yellow.
Mrs. G’s Hot Pepper Jellies
Spice up your holiday table or loved one’s stocking this year with a little sweet heat. Mrs. G’s Hot Pepper Jellies can quite literally elevate hundreds of recipes with their fresh, non-GMO ingredients. With just enough sweet kick to complement grilled meats, veggies, desserts or charcuterie spreads, these gluten-free hot pepper jellies contain no preservatives to ensure excellent taste and quality. Mrs. G’s Hot Jellies are sourced, produced and packaged in Southern California—offering a delicious collection of four classic flavors: Ja-Ha (Jalapeño-Habanero), Jalapeño Garlic Lime, Mango Ginger Habanero and Peach Habanero. Each is sold individually in 10-ounce packaging or in the brand’s festive Sampler Collection Gift Box, which features 5-ounce jars of all four options. Now in its eleventh year of business, Mrs. G’s Hot Jellies began when Cindy Greaver started making jalapeño and habanero jellies for friends and family out of her kitchen and garden. Over the years, she began expanding her reach to various retailers and customers throughout the country but stayed true to her original recipes. In Temecula, California, you can find these sweet and spicy jellies in many of the area wineries’ lavish charcuterie boards and gift shops, on a PB&J burger at a popular local bistro or on the shelves of retailers in Old Town Temecula. Bottom line: they’re a sure hit for every creative home chef on your gift list.
Gourmet Chocolates and Treats from Bonnie & Pop
Whether you’re a certified chocoholic or just someone who appreciates a good sugar fix, chocolate is a classic holiday gift that’s always in style. As you put on your Santa hat and check your list twice this year, Bonnie & Pop has you covered. This mother-daughter-owned business has put together an unbelievable selection of irresistible gourmet treats—ranging from decadent chocolates and sweet and salty, to fruity and creamy and nutty and chewy for all your friends, relatives, co-workers, teachers, the dog-walker, your hairdresser (you get the picture) to enjoy! Take Bonnie & Pop’s Forbidden Fruits Basket. If you know a “hostess with the mostest,” they’ll love this brightly assorted basket turned tray that is filled to the brim with artisanal slices of Washington apple wedges, Mediterranean apricots and California yellow peaches. Other yummy fruits include mango slices, pears, kiwi slices, California dates, Angelina plums and prunes. All items are kosher-certified by Star-K-Parve. For cocoa fanatics, the company’s Belgian Bliss Truffle Treasures offer its best-selling batch of Belgian white, milk and dark chocolates. The perfect treat for the sweet-and-salty lover, this kosher-certified gift includes 36 individually wrapped Belgian chocolate truffles. Bonnie & Pop’s Savory Snacker’s Stash satiates your favorite cravings with treats like praline peanuts, spicy pub mix, decadent mixed nuts and more, and is also kosher-certified by OK Kosher-Dairy. Each festive gift box or basket is beautifully packaged, shipped and delivered contact-free right to the recipient’s door. Order now and the company guarantees customers’ purchases will make delivery in time for the December holidays. You can even enter code “PRBONNIE” at checkout and get $5 usd off your order. For the Silo, Merilee Kern. Just us next time for part 2 with more interesting and unique Holiday Gift ideas. Seasons Greetings!
Merilee Kern, MBA is an internationally-regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends as well as noteworthy industry change makers, movers, shakers and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations and events. As a prolific lifestyle, travel, dining and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker, Merilee keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace in search of new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com and www.SavvyLiving.tv / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above may have been provided or arranged at no cost to accommodate if this is review editorial, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
The recent Netflix series, Senna, got our friends at Hagerty thinking about movie cars that—often for practical reasons—aren’t exactly what they seem. This story originally ran on their site in 2013, and we’ve freshened it up a bit to provide some helpful and entertaining context for today’s movie-car choices.
Hollywood loves to incorporate hot classic cars into movies and television shows. Producers and insurers are also notoriously risk-averse, preferring to use replicas rather than the hyper-valuable real deal whenever possible. Here are some of our favorite big- and small-screen fakes.
Nash Bridges
1971 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda: The ’90s San Francisco cop show revived Don Johnson’s career, pairing him with Cheech Marin (half of the stoner comedy team of Cheech and Chong). The yellow car that appeared to be an ultra-rare Hemi ‘Cuda convertible was actually what is known as a “clone,” or a car that started out as a lesser model but was restored to appear as a top shelf ‘Cuda. The difference in price is staggering—around $180,000 usd/ $259,000 cad for a convertible with the 383, more than $3M usd/ $4.25M cad for the real deal (both prices reflect #2 condition).
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1985)
1960 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder: The Ferris Bueller Ferrari is probably the best-known big screen fake and that’s why we choose it for this article’s feature image. From a distance, it appears reasonably accurate, but Ferrari aficionados can spot the differences in their sleep, from the Triumph-sourced gauges to the MGB taillights. And don’t get them talking about the bogus Italian Borrani wire wheels. A real California Spyder in #2, or Excellent, condition is nearly $20 million usd/ $28.3 million cad today.
Miami Vice (1984)
1972 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona: Don Johnson appears to be a bit of a magnet for fake cars. His black Daytona Spyder was actually a fake built on a Corvette chassis, and few Ferrari fans shed tears when the car was blown up in sight of Johnson’s character, Sonny Crockett, and his pet alligator, Elvis. Afterward, Crockett took to driving a white Ferrari Testarossa—a real one, this time.
Top Gun (1986)
1958 Porsche Speedster: Kelly McGillis’ character drove this one around San Diego in the classic ’80s movie. Porsche Speedsters are among the most replicated cars ever—most are convincing fiberglass bodies slapped on top of a VW Beetle platform.
The replica featured in Top Gun appears to have been one of the good ones, built by longtime Speedster replica-maker Intermeccanica. They’re still in business in British Columbia, Canada, turning out extremely high-quality vintage Porsche replicas.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
1935 Auburn 851 Boattail Speedster: Indy’s sidekick Short Round still holds the record for the best automotive chase involving a pre-teen driver. With blocks tied to the pedals, Short Round takes Jones and a lounge singer Willie Scott on a wild ride through prewar Shanghai. The car was, of course, a complete fake, and not a particularly convincing one at that. For the Silo, Rob Sass/Hagerty.
Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below.
While EVs are known mainly as environmentally friendly offerings, this list proves not all things with electric motors on four wheels are created equal.
1a. Automobili Pininfarina B95: $4.7 Million usd/ $6.67 Million cad
Topping the list is the Pininfarina B95, the world’s most expensive electric car at $4.7 million usd. Limited to just 10 units, the B95 blends breathtaking performance with unmatched luxury. With a top speed of 186 mph and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in under two seconds, it’s as fast as it is exclusive. Crafted for collectors, the B95 epitomizes automotive luxury in the EV era.
1b. Automobili Pininfarina Battista B95 Dark Knight $4.2 Million usd/ $5.94 Million cad
Celebrating 85 years of Batman, this hypercar is meticulously crafted as the ultimate inspiration for Bruce Wayne’s conquest against darkness. The Battista Dark Knight emerges blending superhero mystique with high-performance luxury. Dark Knight transforms the elegant, pure-electric Battista into its most formidable version yet, Furiosa. Featuring never-previously-seen bespoke enhancements and aggressive styling, it showcases the pinnacle of Automobili Pininfarina’s dynamic design and craftsmanship.
2. Aspark Owl: $3.1 Million usd/ $4.4 Million cad
Hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun, theAspark Owl takes electric speed to another level with a claimed top speed of 260 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 1.72 seconds. Its all-carbon-fiber body minimizes weight while maximizing aerodynamics. Limited to 50 units, the Owl’s exclusivity matches its $3.1 million usd price tag. A recent evolution of the model reached a record-breaking 272 mph, solidifying its place as one of the fastest EVs ever.
3. NIO EP9: $3 Million usd/ $4.25 Million cad
China’s NIO EP9 stands out with its focus on aerodynamics and track performance. With an active rear wing and 5,395 pounds of downforce at 150 mph, the EP9 excels on the racetrack. Its four motors enable a 0-124 mph sprint in just 7.1 seconds, and its innovative battery-swapping system adds convenience. Limited to 50 units, the EP9 costs $3 million usd and showcases NIO’s technical expertise.
4.Lotus Evija: $2.3 Million usd/ $3.25 Million cad
The Lotus Evija aims to redefine what an electric hypercar can achieve, delivering 1,973 horsepower from its four motors. Its lightweight design, with a curb weight of just 3,704 pounds, emphasizes performance, while a range of 250 miles ensures practicality. A special Fittipaldi edition pays homage to Lotus’s racing legacy, featuring even greater power and exclusivity. At $2.3 million, the Evija remains a pinnacle of British engineering.
5. Pininfarina Battista: $2.25 Million usd/ $3.18 Million cad
We mentioned the Batman version above already but the ‘base model’ Automobili Pininfarina’s Battista is an electrified masterpiece, blending exquisite design with awe-inspiring performance. With a combined output of 1,900 horsepower from four motors, the Battista rockets from 0 to 62 mph in just 1.86 seconds. Its 120 kWh battery allows fast charging to 80% in 25 minutes, and its carbon fiber construction optimizes agility. Priced at $2.25 million, this Italian creation is limited to 150 units.
6. Rimac Nevera: $2.2 Million usd/ $3.11 Million cad
Croatia’s Rimac Nevera has rewritten the record books, claiming the title of the world’s fastest EV with a top speed of 258 mph. Its four motors generate 1,813 horsepower, enabling blistering acceleration and exceptional handling. With only 150 units produced, each priced at $2.2 million, the Nevera is a true collector’s item. A special Time Attack variant, priced at over $3 million usd , adds even more exclusivity to an already rare hypercar.
7. Deus Vayanne: $2 Million usd/ $2.83 Million cad
The Deus Vayanne debuted at the 2022 New York Auto Show, boasting a staggering 2,243 horsepower thanks to its tri-motor setup. Designed in Austria, produced in Italy, and electrified in the UK, this hypercar achieves a balance of power and elegance. Its unique infinity-loop-inspired grille complements an interior lined with sustainable materials. With a range of 310 miles and a limited production run of 99 units, the Vayanne offers exclusivity at $2 million.
Laser eyes on the future: Bitcoin $100,000 USD/ $142,400 CAD
One hundred thousand United States Dollars. It’s a nice round number. The first to be six figures. And seeing it follow the word “Bitcoin” is a historical moment worth celebrating.
The importance of BTC $100,000 usd is largely symbolic. It’s small compared to the up-to-infinite price levels that succeed it. While $100,000 usd is a significant milestone worth pausing to recognize, it is also merely a checkpoint on Bitcoin’s much longer, much larger journey ahead.
Let’s take a moment to remember the early moments of this journey. The year Kraken was founded (2011), Bitcoin’s Dec. 31 closing price was $4.25. From that level, the value of just one of the 21 million bitcoins that will ever exist is now up over 2.3 million percent at BTC $100,000 usd.
BTC $100,000 usd has long been viewed as the next/seemingly “final” frontier for Bitcoin’s price. Laser eyes and dank memes, as well as innovative products and user experiences, have accelerated us to this point.
Through years of speculation around “the world to be when Bitcoin reaches $100,000 usd,” a common sentiment held that the $100,000 usd price level would somehow confer the legitimacy of “a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.” It would show the value of a tamper-resistant and immutable way of recording information. It would prove that decentralization had a place in modern society.
But, now that we are here, those goals may seem as if they still have more to deliver. It feels like this is still only the beginning. We’ve reached a pricing milestone, but when it comes to fulfilling Satoshi’s original vision for Bitcoin – its widespread use as a borderless, worldwide peer-to-peer electronic cash system – Bitcoin is still in its relative infancy.
Over the short term, it’s anyone’s guess whether the price of Bitcoin will continue its sprint higher or pull back from its recent run. What is clear is that the $100,000 usd milestone demonstrates ongoing demand for a reliable, transparent and peer-to-peer way to transact.
BTC $100,000 usd represents a monumental milestone in Kraken’s mission to accelerate the adoption of cryptocurrency, so that everyone can achieve financial freedom and inclusion. We’d like to congratulate those who have built in the space alongside us and played a role in realizing this achievement.
We’d also like to congratulate our clients as they celebrate this watershed moment, while making a commitment to serve them through the next chapters of Bitcoin’s history.
Join us as we reflect on the journey that got us here and commemorate this remarkable day – while we reaffirm our commitment to a future of financial freedom.
These materials are for general information purposes only and are not investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell, stake or hold any cryptoasset or to engage in any specific trading strategy.
Preventing, Minimizing and Repairing Damage from Exposure
I hope you didn’t pack away the sunblock with your swimsuit and other summer accessories because believe it or not, the winter’s sun is just as dangerous as summer’s, says Adam J. Scheiner, M.D, an eyelid and facial cosmetic surgeon who’s been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, The Howard Stern Show and The Doctors. In fact, in certain wintry conditions the sun is actually more dangerous. Read on….
“The snow reflects the glare of the sun – and the damaging UV rays,” he says. “People who like skiing and snowboarding in the mountains are getting 4 to 5 percent more UV damage for every 1,000 feet they ascend above sea level.”
The winter sun sits much lower than the summer sun and one reason why it’s harmful rays are a threat.
And then there are all those holiday cruises and escapes to warm-weather climates where beaches are packed year-round. “It’s not OK to lie baking in the sun for hours, even if it’s just one week out of the winter, while you’re enjoying your tropical getaway.” Dr. Scheiner says.
No matter how comfortable or cool the temperature feels, don’t be fooled.
Adam Scheiner
“Just a few years ago, in 2020, the United States surgeon general predicted 9,000 people would die from melanoma. Those deaths were all preventable,” Dr. Scheiner says.
“And if skin cancer doesn’t scare you, think with your vanity. Sun exposure is the number one cause of wrinkles, discoloration, age spots and festoons, among other disfiguring problems.”
Dr. Scheiner shares tips for preventing, minimizing and repairing sun damage:
• Prevention: You’re not just exposed when you’re skiing, hiking, or taking a beach vacation.
“Anytime you go outside, you’re exposing yourself to damaging UVB and UVA rays, and the result is cumulative. A little bit here and a little there adds up,” Scheiner says.
Simply driving a car can result in serious sun damage. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found more skin cancers on the left side of patients’ faces – the side exposed while driving – then the right. Scheiner says he’s seen truckers and others who spend years on the road with severe wrinkling on the left side of the face.
“Always wear sunscreen, which protects against UVA and UVB rays. I recommend a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, preferably higher,” he says. “You can also protect yourself from UVA rays, which cause deeper damage, by applying UV-protective film to your car windows. Also, wear clothes with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of at least 30.”
• Minimizing: Good nutrition and topical products can help minimize signs of damage, such as wrinkles and age spots, Dr. Scheiner says.
Eat foods rich in antioxidants — carrots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables; spinach and other green leafy vegetables; tomatoes; blueberries; peas and beans; fatty fish, and nuts. An American Society for Clinical Nutrition study found that women ages 40 to 75 who consumed more vitamin C, an antioxidant, had fewer wrinkles.
Use exfoliate creams to remove dead skin cells. Prescription creams including Avita, Avage, Renova and Retin-A have been shown to reduce wrinkles and age spots caused by sun exposure.
• Repairing: Lasers can resurface facial skin by stripping away the outermost layers. Some “non-ablative” lasers also stimulate collagen formation, which helps smooth wrinkles.
“I use RESET® Laser Skin Resurfacing, which reverses the damage and removes many pre-cancers and even active skin cancers,” Scheiner says. “RESET uses an advanced Dual Pulsed Erbium Laser, and my proprietary healing protocol. “
The RESET® treatment Dr. Scheiner has vaporizes the old skin and causes the collagen in the underlying layers to tighten.
The No. 1 best thing you can do for your skin starting today is to start making application of a broad spectrum, UVB/UVA sunscreen part of your daily routine. Apply it to all areas of the skin that can be directly exposed to the sun, the best scenario is preventing sun damage in the first place. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
Lockheed Martin continues refining its technology solution for Space Fence, a program that revamps the way the U.S. Air Force & U.S. Space Force identifies and tracks objects in space. The U.S. Air Force selected Lockheed Martin in 2015 to build a $USD 914 million / CAD $1.285 billion Space Fence Radar to Safeguard Space Resources.
Lockheed Martin’s Space Fence solution, an advanced ground-based radar system, enhances the way the U.S. detects catalogs and measures more than 200,000 orbiting objects and tracks over 25,000 orbiting objects. With better timeliness and improved surveillance coverage, the system protects space assets against potential crashes that can intensify the debris problem in space.
“Space Fence locates and track space objects with more precision than ever before to help the Air Force transform space situational awareness from being reactive to predictive.”
Lockheed Martin delivered up to two advanced S-Band phased array radars for the Space Fence program. The Space Fence radar system greatly improves Space Situational Awareness of the existing Space Surveillance Network.
There is a lot to track and growing space debris every year. Construction of the new Space Fence system on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands began in February 2015 to meet the program’s 2018 initial operational capability goal. With more than 400 operational S-band arrays deployed worldwide, Lockheed Martin is a leader in S-band radar operation. The Lockheed Martin led team, which includes General Dynamics and AMEC, has decades of collective experience in space-related programs.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.
On 16 December 2002, US President George W. Bush signed National Security Presidential Directive which outlined a plan to begin deployment of operational ballistic missile defense systems by 2004.
The following day the US formally requested from the UK and Denmark use of facilities in RAF Fylingdales, England and Thule, Greenland respectively, as a part of the NMD Program.
The administration continued to push the program, despite highly publicized but not unexpected trial-and-error technical failures during development and over the objections of some scientists who opposed it. The projected cost of the program for the years 2004 to 2009 was 53 billion US dollars/ 74.55 billion CAD dollars, making it the largest single line in The Pentagon’s budget. For the Silo, George Filer.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a cultural phenom. One that American and (in the past few years) hard-boiled Canadian consumers look forward to each year. They brave the crowds, set out a savings mission plan and shop like a thrifty gladiator entering the battle arena of value.
WHEN IT COMES TO BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY…
While images of people camped out in Walmart parking lots regularly dominates the Black Friday news cycle (as well as trampling and fights), we wanted to find out how people really intend to spend these consumer holidays-and more importantly, how much they intend to spend. We also looked at Holiday Gift searches from the last few years on our sister site-interestingly, there’s apparently a big market for discontinued perfumes.
SOME INTERESTING FACTS FROM THE STUDY
* Men are much more open to violence on Black Friday/ Cyber Monday: One out of 10 guys (11%) would pull something out of the hands of another shopper.
* 86% of Generation Y intends to use Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts on items for themselves.
* Men are the most generous: 26% of guys plan to spend at least $1,000 on holiday gifts.
* Very few people are procrastinating: While 4% claim they’re already finished with their holiday shopping, 41% intends to complete it on Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
* 43% will wait up to an hour on Black Friday; 24 people said they’d willingly camp out for MULTIPLE NIGHTS.
* Bosses and co-workers are at the bottom of everyone’s shopping list: Children, understandably rule (followed by spouses/significant others).
The following info-graphic is based on responses from 6,354 online shoppers who were surveyed last year immediately after checking out. Odds are things haven’t changed much this year. Here’s more from our friends at Tada, they are awesomely obsessed with reporting on all the things that online shoppers value. For the Silo, shopzilla.com/Jarrod Barker.
Decorating with a mix of new and found/retrieved objects image: shelterpop.com
Nearly fifty years ago, a couple of Canadian kids with no money stood in front of a minister and said, “I do.” We needed household furnishings to set up for our first apartment together. We only had one part-time job, no credit card, no line of credit, and no Mommy and Daddy bank. This forced us to be very resourceful. Think…..curbside shopping for example.
My wife and I came from accounting backgrounds.
The mind and the ways of the accountants are very different from that of our friends’ parents. Going to the store to purchase a Popsicle at the age of seven was different than other families. When I got home from the store, my Dad would ask “Where’s the receipt?” This was my conditioning; my way of life. Money was not to be wasted. When added to our poor economic conditions, we had to become very resourceful. Being in debt when we got married was not an option. Luckily the woman I married was also schooled in the same mantra of no debt.
As a city dweller, I had advantages.
Every garbage day homeowners could put out furniture, boxes of used dishes, and other unwanted items they didn’t use or need. I thought it was wasteful and unnecessary that these items went to the dump; a nicer term for landfill site. Our engagement turned out to be a year and a half long, so this gave us plenty of time to collect items for our first apartment. I called this CURBSIDE SHOPPING. My fiancée and I at the time did not have a car so we walked, rode our bicycles or took the bus. As we walked up and down the streets, my then fiancée and I discussed our future together, buying house wares, and setting up a home together. On the occasion that we were lucky to have a ride, I always had my eyes peeled for “free bargains.”
I recall on one occasion when we would be traveling around town with our friends that had a car, I suddenly yelled out, “STOP!” There at the curbside was a solid side chair with a bag of garbage on the seat. “Back up,” I demanded. “What for?” said the driver. “I saw a chair,” I quickly replied.
“I’m not stopping for a dirty old chair.” was the reply.
“Then let me out,” I demanded. The driver backed up about three or four houses away. I got out and examined my new find. The chair looked much neglected and had a small slanted back with right and left arms that curved around to the front. The horizontal spindle of the right arm had broken off. The upholstery on the seat was ripped and of the dark brown type of material that feels like a hairbrush if you sit on it. I saw potential. I loaded it into our friend’s car and we sped off. My future in-laws basement had became our storage area #1 for our new found treasures.
Another time my fiancée and I were out on garbage night browsing, when I spotted a large wooden spool. This was the kind of spool that the hydro company had left behind when they were replacing overhead wiring. It was made of rough, hardwood, loaded with knots, but very solid. After using some of my father’s left over stain, and then a liquid varathane, the spool was transformed into a spectacular coffee table. Soon, the curbside treasures brought back to our #1 storage area, was starting to fill up. This prompted us to expand to storage area #2 in my parent’s basement.
Curbside finds bring many unlikely but useful items into your household.
I found a box of material that had upholstery weight and light textile weight fabrics as well as sewing notions. I had acquired an old bundle buggy for a carrier to transport my finds.
(You guessed it; it was free at the curb) When I got home and went through the box of materials, on the bottom were several women’s long evening gowns from many years gone by. In our first apartment, my wife and I used this flowing gown material as drapes. We had stylish and elegant green taffeta window coverings for one set of windows. Another long gown, we used the material to reupholster four dining room chairs in gold velvet. The last gown material of blue velvet was used for the chair which I had taken both arms off and reconditioned as a beautiful, armless side chair. The cost was zero.
If you can wrap a gift, then you can upholster a chair!
You get all kinds of “great stuff” at the curbside. I found out that what people throw out can be very unique and sometimes bizarre. On one of my free shopping trips, I found a box of new, sealed, unopened jars of poultry seasoning. 144 jars to exact. I scooped these jars up so that they could be used as “traders” in the future. My traders brought me a new blender. As the storage areas #1 and #2 filled up, my fiancées parents wanted us to start our new life with a “new couch” for our first apartment. They gave us $200 cash which at the time was a lot of money and could purchase a very plush stylish piece of furniture.
We walked downtown with money in hand to pick up our first piece of new furniture together. We thought we were rich! Fortunately for us, and unfortunately for the parents, we passed a second-hand shop at the first intersection. I spied two blocks before we went in the store an old chair that had been put outside the store on the curb. Inside the store window was a very old loveseat (Queen Anne style I was told) with all 35 of the springs almost touching the floor. The store wanted $25.00 for the item. It was a real hardship for me to part with the money that we had in our hands, but we knew the loveseat could be transformed. We bought the loveseat, and also took the old chair at the curb. From the $200.00 cash, we had $175.00 left which we used to buy a new bed and box spring. The rest of the items in our apartment including lamps, tables, carpets, pots and pans, kitchen accessories, pictures, bedroom furniture, kitchen table and chairs, were all found free at the curbside.
Hats off to my wonderful father-in-law who many a time was called to bring his car to transport a second-hand loveseat and chair, or other curbside shopping items to our storage areas in our parent’s homes. This “father” never asked me for a receipt. For the Silo, Blair R. Yager.
Key Canadian trade laws do not refer to national security as a factor that allows Canada to counter threats from imports of goods or services. Given the tense geopolitical situation, I propose ways to close this “national security gap.”
The gap is particularly worrisome in two key import-governing legislation: (1) the Customs Tariff Act and (2) the Export and Import Permits Act.
I will show why the omission of the national security element in these and possibly other statutes needs to be remedied.
National Security & Chinese Exports
The Americans imposed surcharges on Chinese EVs, steel, aluminum, semiconductors and other products in May 2024 in response to heavily subsidized Chinese imports that were said to have breached international trade rules.
The EU started applying countervailing duties on Chinese EVs in July this year, using a more standard trade remedy process to counter the injurious impact of subsidized imports on the European automotive industry.
The danger posed by Chinese EVs, steel and aluminum imports, plus these actions by Canada’s major trading partners, led the Canadian government to apply comparable tariff surcharges. The strategic threat posed by China’s state-subsidized exports made for the right response by Canada.
While existing laws allowed the federal cabinet to take action in this case, it also brought home the fact that there is an absence of any reference to “national security” in some of Canada’s major trade law statutes.
Section 53 – Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism
In the United States, Section 232 of the 1962 Trade Expansion Act, along with Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, authorize the president to increase tariffs on imports if the quantity or circumstances surrounding those imports are deemed to threaten national security.1
Section 232 was used by the Trump administration in 2018 to apply surcharges to a range of imports from numerous countries, including Canada. However, these tariffs were ultimately dropped in the face of threats by Canada to retaliate against American goods exported to Canada.
Unlike the US, Canada lacks the legislative means to impose import surcharges on the basis of national security. The closest we have is Section 53 of the Customs Tariff Act, which focuses on the enforcement of Canada’s rights under trade agreements and responses to practices that negatively affect Canadian trade. It was Section 53 that was used in the August decision on Chinese EVs, etc., referred to earlier.
Indeed, there are similarities between Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 and Section 53 of the Customs Tariff Act.But while existing laws allowed the federal cabinet to act in this case, the case brought home the fact that there is an absence of any reference to “national security” in some of Canada’s major trade law statutes.
Governments have shied away from using Section 53 as a policy tool over the years. It was used only once before its present deployment, in response to the Trump administration’s surcharges on Canadian steel and aluminum in 2018 and 2020.2
The surcharges were ultimately withdrawn when the US tariffs were terminated.Section 53 comes under Division 4 of the Actentitled “Special Measures, Emergency Measures and Safeguards,” giving the government broad powers to apply unilateral tariff measures on the joint recommendation of the ministers of Finance and Global Affairs:
…for the purpose of enforcing Canada’s rights
under a trade agreement in relation to a country
or of responding to acts, policies or practices of
the government of a country that adversely affect,
or lead directly or indirectly to adverse effects on,
trade in goods or services of Canada…
There is no requirement for public consultations or input under this provision. Although the government held a round of stakeholder consultations before moving on Chinese imports in August, it was not legally obliged to do so. While the ministerial recommendations must be fact-based and supported by credible data, the law is effective in that nothing inhibits rapid action by the federal cabinet. In this respect, it is a superior tool to Section 232 of the American legislation.3
The critical shortcoming, on the other hand, is that while allowing the government to protect Canadian trade interests in a fairly rapid fashion, Section 53 does not allow action on imports found to be threatening national security, whether it be economic, military or other. There is clearly a need to repair this omission, not only here but in Canada’s other trade laws.
In my view, we need a national security component in Section 53 as the Canadian counterpart to Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act.
Import Controls and National Security
Together with tariff measures, Canada can control imports under the Export and Import Permits Act(EIPA) through the creation of import (and export) control lists designed to achieve particular strategic, security and economic objectives. These lists are established by orders-in-council,
requiring listed goods and technology to have a permit in order to be imported or exported. These permits are issued by the Trade Controls and Technical Barriers Bureau in Global Affairs Canada (GAC). Without a permit, imports of controlled items are illegal.
While Section 5(1) of EIPA provides for the creation of import control lists covering arms, ammunition and military items, it fails to provide for imports of goods or technology to be controlled for national security reasons. The Act could not have been used, for example, to deal with the effects on national security of imports of Chinese EVs, steel, aluminum or any other goods or technology. EIPA is thus deficient in this regard.
There is a related issue when it comes to export controls. Section 3(1) of EIPA authorizes the establishment of export control lists, among other reasons:
“(a)…to ensure that arms, ammunition,
implements or munitions of war, etc. … otherwise
having a strategic nature or value will not be made
available to any destination where their use might
be detrimental to the security of Canada.”
The reference to the “security of Canada” under paragraph (a) is the only such reference in the statute and is confined to the security aspects of imports of arms, ammunition, munitions of war, etc. While not as significant as the problems regarding import controls, it is nonetheless a serious omission.
The result is that as EIPA is currently drafted, the federal government lacks the legal authority to create import or export controls designed to protect or safeguard Canadian security. EIPA needs to be amended to add this authority on the part of the government.
Indeed, it may be desirable to re-consider much of the architecture of EIPA from the viewpoint of safeguarding Canada’s security interests on both the export and import side.
Controlling Imports Through Sanctions
Canada’s sanctions laws are found in the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA), the United Nations Act, and, notably, the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). Each of these statutes allows the federal cabinet to issue sanctions through regulations
applicable to specific countries and/or jurisdictions and prohibiting transactions in specific items of goods or technology. None of these laws allow sanctions for matters related to Canadian security.
SEMA is Canada’s most widely used sanctions legislation. Section 4 is the only part of the Act that uses the term “security,” but only in instances when, among other matters:
(b) a grave breach of international peace and
security has occurred that has resulted in or is likely
to result in a serious international crisis.
Because of the restrictions on international peace and security, the government lacks the authority to issue sanctions dealing with national security interests.4
For example, Canada’s sanctions on Russia are directed at countering actions that “constitute a grave breach of international peace and security that has resulted or is likely to result in a serious international crisis,” with no reference to Canadian national security interests.
SEMA should be amended to allow prohibitions of any transaction or dealings of any kind where Canada’s national security is at risk.
Trade Remedies and National Security
In accordance with the GATT/WTO Agreement, antidumping and countervailing (AD/CV) duties can be applied to dumped or subsidized imports when a domestic industry is injured or threatened with injury from exactly the same imports as that industry produces. In Canada, these are provided for under the Special Import Measures Act (SIMA).
SIMA actions are driven by complaints filed by domestic producers who make exactly the same or directly competitive products as the imported items. It means, for example, that in the absence of a Canadian industry threatened with injury or actually injured by the same type of Chinese EVs, aluminum or steel imports as those producers make, AD/CV duty remedies would not be available. SIMA makes no reference to national security as a factor in the application of these duties.
In short, because the SIMA process is geared to provide protection to domestic producers and private sector industries, it is inappropriate as a vehicle for dealing with national economic security concerns that range well beyond those private interests.
The same is true in the case of safeguards, another kind of trade action allowed under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement to counter floods of imports that are not dumped or subsidized but, because of their volume, cause or threaten serious injury to domestic producers of the same product.
In Canada, safeguard measures come under the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Act, where an inquiry takes place and, if recommended by the Tribunal, are applied under the Customs Tariff Act.
As in the case of dumped or subsidized imports, safeguard measures are designed to protect specific domestic industries and not to deal with overarching national security issues.
Again, because the objective of these remedial measures in international and Canadian trade law is to protect a domestic industry from financial harm due to imports and not to deal with broader questions of national security, the absence of reference to “security” in these various statutes does not seem to be a significant issue.
National Security under International Trade Law
Article XXI of the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs & Trade (GATT) is the only provision in the entire WTO package that deals with national security. That article (entitled “Security Exceptions”) allows departures from normal trade rules to permit unilateral trade-restrictive measures that a contracting party “considers necessary for the protection of its essential security interests…taken in time of war or other emergency in international relations.”
The drafting of GATT Article XXI dates back to the post-World War II Bretton Woods era. What was considered an international emergency at that time was war, regional armed conflict or a global pandemic like the Asian flu of 1918-1920. The same broad view of international emergency conditions was applied when the Uruguay Round negotiations took place (1991-1994) leading to the conclusion of the WTO Agreement.
With recent cataclysmic changes in the world, whatever the WTO-administered multilateral system might prescribe, governments are moving to protect a range of national (and economic) security concerns by means of unilateral measures in ways that were not envisaged when the Bretton Woods architecture was devised in the late 1940s.
For decades, there was little recourse to Article XXI exceptions. However, their use emerged in the last number of years with the unilateral surcharges imposed by Trump.
The situation is different – and materially different – in the case of Chinese exports, not only EVs, steel or aluminum but also in technologically advanced or other critical items. These are goods that, by abundant evidence, are heavily subsidized, with massive overcapacity, exported to global markets as part of the Chinese government’s strategy to enhance its geopolitical position – facts uncovered in the EV situation through detailed investigations by the EU and the US.5
Thus, aggressive actions by China and possibly other countries in strategically sensitive areas take the issue beyond the WTO ruling in the US-Section 232 case and raise these to the level of an “emergency in international relations.”
In summary, the concept of an international emergency is much changed in today’s digitized, cyber-intensified world, including the aggressive and destabilizing policies of Chinese state capitalism and other bad actors. The application of GATT/WTO rules drafted in 1947 and updated in the 1990s must be adapted to deal with today’s realities if they are to provide governments with meaningful recourse.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Canada has a panoply of criminal, investment, intelligence gathering and other laws that address national security concerns. However, there is a notable absence of the term “national security” in Canada’s core trade law statutes.
This absence is of concern in the Customs Tariff Act and the Export and Import Permits Act, two important statutes that give the government authority to act to counter injurious imports threatening Canada’s national security.
Given the state of world affairs and the challenges Canada faces from aggressive players like China, Russia, Iran and others, the omissions in these statutes need to be remedied. This should be acted on immediately. There is also a lack of reference to national security in Canada’s sanctions legislation, notably the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA), the main Canadian sanctions statute.
Amendments should be made to make security concerns a ground for imposing sanctions here as well. The findings of EU agencies on Chinese BEV after a detailed investigation support the view that Chinese state capitalism and its centrally planned industrial capacity are geared toward dominating world markets in critical goods, part of that country’s geopolitical strategy. These and other similar governmental actions can be said to meet the “emergency in international relations” threshold under the WTO Agreement.
Given the state of affairs at the WTO, including the paralysis of its dispute settlement system, amendments to or reinterpretation of the GATT rules are difficult, if not impossible. The result is that governments will be resorting to unilateral application of the Article XXI exclusion in their own national security measures. While the situation may evolve at the WTO, and without diminishing Canada’s support for the multilateral rules-based system, the federal government should bring forth measures to add reference to national security interests in the above statutes. For the Silo, Lawrence L. Herman/ C.D. Howe Institute.
International Economic Policy Council Members
Co-Chairs: Marta Morgan, Pierre S. Pettigrew Members: Ari Van Assche Stephen Beatty Stuart Bergman Dan Ciuriak Catherine Cobden John Curtis Robert Dimitrieff Rick Ekstein Carolina Gallo Victor Gomez Peter Hall Lawrence Herman Caroline Hughes Jim Keon Jean-Marc Leclerc Meredith Lilly Michael McAdoo Marcella Munro Jeanette Patell Representative, Amazon Canada Joanne Pitkin Rob Stewart Aaron Sydor Daniel Trefle
1 The Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (Pub. L. 87–794, 76 Stat. 872, enacted October 11, 1962, codified at 19 U.S.C. ch. 7); The Trade Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93–618, 88 Stat. 1978, enacted January 3, 1975, codified at 19 U.S.C. ch. 12).
2 The government announced it was applying these “to encourage a prompt end to the U.S. tariffs, which negatively affect Canadian workers and businesses and threaten to undermine the integrity of the global trading system.” See: “United States Surtax Order (Steel and Aluminum),” Government of Canada, June 28, 2018, https://gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2018/2018-07-11/html/sordors152-eng.html.
3 Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act allows the president to impose import restrictions – but these must be based on an investigation and affirmative determination by the Department of Commerce that certain imports threaten to impair US national security.
4 The array of Canada’s sanctions can be found on the GAC website at: https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/international_relations-relations_internationales/sanctions/current-actuelles.aspx?lang=eng.
5 The EU measures followed a countervailing duty approach, as opposed to direct action in the case of Canada and the US. In its extremely detailed investigation, EU agencies found, on the basis of massive evidence, that: “ . . . the BEV [battery electric vehicle] industry is thus regarded as a key/strategic industry, whose development is actively pursued by the GOC as a policy objective. The BEV sector is shown to be of paramount importance for the GOC and receives political support for its accelerated development. Including from vital inputs to the end product. On the basis of the policy documents referred to in this section, the Commission concluded that the GOC intervenes in the BEV industry to implement the related policies and interferes with the free play of market forces in the BEV sector, notably by promoting and supporting the sector through various means and key steps in their production and sale.”See: “Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1866,” European Union, July 3, 2024, at para. 253, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/1866/oj
Poetry, an art form rooted in tradition and centuries of human expression, is experiencing a renaissance in the digital age. Thanks to innovative platforms like Mecella, poetry is no longer confined to printed anthologies or academic journals. Mecella is bridging the gap between technology and tradition, creating a dynamic space where poets and readers connect, share, and celebrate the transformative power of words.
Founded by poet and U.S. Army veteran Brandon Mecella Carey Walker, Mecella was born from a desire to make poetry accessible to everyone. Walker’s journey as a writer and his experiences with traditional publishing inspired him to create a platform that embraced inclusivity and innovation. He envisioned a space where poetry could thrive in the modern world, unburdened by the constraints of outdated systems.
At its core, Mecella is a digital anthology with a groundbreaking mission: to publish one million poems. This ambitious goal reflects the platform’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. Every poem added to Mecella enriches a living archive of human expression, showcasing the breadth of emotions, cultures, and perspectives from across the globe.
What sets Mecella apart is its seamless integration of technology into the poetry experience. The platform offers features like multimedia enhancements, allowing poets to pair their work with visuals, music, or voice recordings.
These tools provide new dimensions to traditional poetry, making it more engaging and accessible to contemporary audiences. Readers, in turn, can explore poems interactively, deepening their appreciation for the art form.
Mecella’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond its technological features. The platform’s open submission process ensures that poets of all levels, from novices to professionals, can share their work without fear of rejection or gatekeeping. By removing financial and logistical barriers, Mecella empowers creators to focus on what truly matters: their words.
As poetry becomes more accessible through digital platforms, Mecella is fostering a global community of poets and readers. It’s a space where individuals can connect over shared experiences, discover new voices, and engage in meaningful dialogue. This emphasis on connection reflects Mecella’s belief that poetry has the power to unite people, transcending borders, languages, and cultural differences.
Mecella also serves as a hub for innovation within the poetry world. By embracing experimental forms, hybrid styles, and nontraditional themes, the platform challenges conventional notions of poetry. This openness encourages poets to push boundaries and explore new ways of storytelling, ensuring that the art form remains vibrant and relevant.
Education and outreach are integral to Mecella’s mission. Through workshops, partnerships with schools, and community initiatives, the platform introduces poetry to new audiences, inspiring a love for language and creativity. By reaching younger generations, Mecella ensures that poetry continues to thrive as a vital part of human expression.
Looking ahead, Mecella’s journey is one of continuous growth and transformation. Its goal to publish one million poems is not just a milestone but a movement—an ongoing effort to make poetry a central part of everyday life. As the platform evolves, it remains steadfast in its commitment to accessibility, diversity, and innovation.
In a world where technology often accelerates communication at the expense of depth, Mecella reminds us of the enduring power of poetry to slow us down, make us reflect, and connect us with our shared humanity. By blending the timeless art of poetry with the possibilities of modern technology, Mecella is not only preserving tradition but also redefining it for future generations.
Mecella is proof that poetry is far from a dying art—it is alive, evolving, and more accessible than ever. Whether you’re a poet, a reader, or someone discovering the magic of poetry for the first time, Mecella invites you to join its mission. Together, we can celebrate the beauty of words and create a world where every voice is heard, one poem at a time. For the Silo, Kat Fleischman.
Via our friends at Gamerant.November, 2024– Fortnite Battle Royale features a wide variety of unique cosmetics, ranging from wacky outfits and superhero skins to creative gliders, allowing players to customize their look across all Fortnite experiences. While many of these cosmetics can be earned through the seasonal Battle Pass or unlocked for free by completing challenges, the vast majority are purchased through the Item Shop.
Outfits and gliders aren’t the only cosmetics players can acquire, however. Since the introduction of Rocket Racing, car cosmetics have also made their debut. While some fans may be eager to get their hands on the Fast & Furious Nissan Skyline, an iconic supercar has also joined the Fortnite roster. Here’s how to get the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Fortnite.
To get the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, players will need to purchase the Porsche 911 GT3 RS Bundle from the Fortnite item shop for 2,800 V-Bucks. For players who fall short, they can purchase a pack of 2,800 V-Bucks for $22.99 usd/ $32.29 cad. Aside from the Porsche 911 GT3 RS car body, the bundle also comes with eight decals that players can equip for their ride, along with two unique wheels.
Much like other vehicles, players can customize the Porsche 911 GT3 RS with 49 colors, though it lacks a secondary color option. However, players can still get a bit of color variety by editing the color of any decal they equip for it.
Purchase Through The Rocket League Item Shop
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is also available to purchase in Rocket League for 2,800 Credits. Just like its Fortnite counterpart, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS comes with two wheels, but only three decals. For players who regularly play both games, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS will transfer from Rocket League to Fortnite and vice versa once purchased, granted that both games use the same Epic Account, eliminating the need to purchase the item twice.
For those who are wondering, the closest Credit bundle that players can purchase to cover the cost of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Rocket League is 3000 Credits, which is $24.99usd/ $35.10 cad . This leaves players with 200 Credits to spare, which can be put towards their next purchase.
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS first appeared in the Fortnite and Rocket League Item Shops on November 20, 2024, and will only be available until December 3, 2024. Like other cosmetics, it may return to the shops at a later date.
Squamish, British Columbia. Read on to find out which production shot here.
Our friends at Spin Genie have analyzed Instagram posts, TikTok views and Google search data to determine which location can be crowned the most iconic site. The study also considered the average hotel costs of the world’s most famous film locations, to share insights into how much a visit could set back fans of the film.
Can you name this neighborhood in London, England and the movie that made this street famous?
The 10 most iconic film locations:
Rank
Location
Film
No. of Instagram Hashtag Posts
No. of TikTok Hashtag Views
No. of Google Searches
Avg. Cost of Hotel per Night
Overall Score
1
Petra
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
1,720,357
1,100,000,000
10,407,000
$105.00
9.17
2
Notting Hill
Notting Hill, Love Actually
1,690,606
400,500,000
7,865,000
$159.00
8.71
2
Salzburg
The Sound of Music
3,663,924
1,600,000,000
9,180,000
$266.00
8.71
4
Busan
Black Panther
4,564,704
1,800,000,000
3,149,000
$232.00
8.56
5
Cleveland
Avengers
8,133,679
3,000,000,000
6,546,000
$324.00
8.37
5
Savannah
Forrest Gump
3,713,582
1,100,000,000
7,092,000
$280.00
8.37
7
Bruges
In Bruges
1,444,721
149,700,000
5,172,000
$270.00
7.39
8
Oxford University
Harry Potter
423,853
507,200,000
7,980,000
$378.00
7.27
9
Matamata
Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit
180,491
268,800,000
783,000
$49.00
7.2
10
Beverly Hills
Pretty Woman, Clueless
6,768,763
2,800,000,000
6,100,000
$956.00
7.16
10
Lake Como
Star Wars, House of Gucci
1,951,742
989,300,000
6,885,000
$507.00
7.16
Indiana Jones fans might hear The Raiders March in their heads when looking at this photograph.
The most iconic film location across the globe is Petra, which can be found in Jordan’s Southwestern desert.
The famous archaeological site is most well-known for appearing in the third Indiana Jones film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and is featured in over 1.7 million Instagram posts. Petra has also been viewed on TikTok over 1.1 billion times and received over 10.4 million searches on Google between August 2022 and July 2023. For those wanting to visit the site, it will cost you around $105 on average for a hotel nearby.
The second most iconic film location is Notting Hill, which can be found in West London.
The vibrant and trendy area is most well known for appearing in films such as Love Actually, and, of course, the self-titled Notting Hill. Notting Hill is featured in almost 1.7 million Instagram posts and has been viewed on TikTok over 400.5 million times, as well as garnering over 7.8 million Google searches between August 2022 and July 2023. A hotel in the area will set you back around $159 per night.
Also in second place is Salzburg, which is one of Austria’s most famous cities. The baroque city is most well-known for being the filming location of the classic musical The Sound of Music. Salzburg is featured in over 3.6 million Instagram posts and has been viewed on TikTok over 1.6 billion times, as well as accumulating almost 9.2 million Google searches between August 2022 and July 2023. Anyone wishing to visit the city should expect to pay around $266 per night for a hotel room.
Cleveland, Ohio- “The North Coast”
Further findings:
The most popular film location on social media is Cleveland, Ohio. The US city is featured in over 8.1 million Instagram posts and has been viewed on TikTok over 3 billion times.
The film location that people are searching for the most on Google is Petra, with over 10.4 million searches being made between August 2022 and July 2023.
The Tabernas Desert is the most affordable film location for visitors, with hotel costs averaging $71 per night. The cheapest month to visit is March, with a 25% drop in price, and the most expensive month is August, with a 69% rise in price.
When it comes to famous Canadian film locations, any Twilight fans will be pleased to know that Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, located in Squamish in British Columbia, is featured in both parts of Breaking Dawn. Visitors can stay in a hotel in Squamish for a current average of $247 per night.
General Motors’ affinity for using entertainment to promote its products reached a fever pitch in 1955, as an estimated two million people attended Motorama in New York City, Boston, Miami, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. It was followed that same year by Poweramain Chicago, a show that highlighted GM’s non-automotive businesses and featured a musical dubbed “More Power to You.” It included French acrobats atop a 70-foot crane, 35-ton bulldozers dancing the mambo, and a battle of strength between a top-hatted elephant and a bulldozer in which the pachyderm is sent packing. The show ran for 26 days and attracted two million visitors.
But that wasn’t the end of it, as GM produced musicals—yes musicals—to help move the metal. The result would be Buick’s Spacerama (so many -ramas) and Oldsmobile’s The Merry Oh-h-h.
Oldsmobile in 1955
Flickr/Chad Horwedel
Having reached record sales of 583,179 units for the 1955 model year, Oldsmobile hoped to continue the sales boom for 1956, even though its lineup was mostly carryover. The biggest news was the Jetaway Hydra-matic automatic transmission, which was redesigned for the first time since its introduction in 1940. For the first time, it offered a Park position, like modern automatics, and featured two fluid couplings to enhance shifts between its four gears. The Jetaway was standard on the 98 and Super 88.
J.F. Wolfram, Oldsmobile general manager, confidently predicted Oldsmobile would sell 750,000 cars for the 1956 model year as Oldsmobile employment reached a record high of 19,170 employees.
To stoke enthusiasm, the company created a musical dubbed “The Merry Oh-h-h”, which debuted in New York City at the Ziegfeld Theatre. The show starred Chita Rivera, who had appeared in “Call Me Madam” and “Can Can.” Here she plays Miss Jetaway Drive alongside singer Mildred Hughes and Billy Skipper, who danced in “Annie Get Your Gun.” Other notable names include Joe Flynn, Frank Gorshin, Charles Cooper and Bern Hoffman. It was directed by Max Hodge, who would go on to work on the TV shows “Mission: Impossible” and “Mannix.”
GM
The musical, which at the time cost GM $150,000 usd / $210,000 cad to produce, espoused the glories of power steering, automatic transmissions and Rocket V8 engines. Songs included “Tops in Transmission,” “Advancing on Lansing” and “The Car is the Star.”
After its New York debut, the musical and its 34-member cast went on tour to San Francisco, Fort Worth and Chicago before arriving in Lansing, Michigan, Oldsmobile’s hometown, which included an appearance by pop star Patti Page.
But the show generated unintentional notoriety when its piano player, Robert Orpin, was found dead in his room at the Hilton Hotel in Fort Worth. Orpin, who hailed from Forest Hills, Long Island, was found in a filled bathtub with the hot water running. He was discovered by a maid who heard the running water running. His death was later ruled accidental.
“The Merry Oh-h-h” would play to 30,000 Oldsmobile employees and their families nationwide. But it did little for Oldsmobile sales, as demand fell to 485,492 units for the model year.
Buick heads for Spacerama
GM
No doubt using a stage show to promote new models was hardly an isolated idea at GM in 1955. In fact, Buick arrived at the idea before Oldsmobile, thanks to their ad agency at the time, the Kudner Agency and its vice president, Myron Kirk.
Kirk had attended GM’s 1954 Motorama during its nine-day stand in Boston, where he ran into Ivan Wiles, vice president and general manager of Buick, and Al Belfie, Buick’s general sales manager. While watching the theatrics, Kirk told the executives of the impressive dancing he had seen in the then-new movie, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Kirk arranged a private viewing of the film for them, and afterwards, Kirk received approval to bring in the movie’s choreographer, Michael Kidd, to produce a show to promote the 1956 Buick lineup.
GM
He tapped Alan Lipscott and Robert Fisher to write the show. The duo was well-known for writing scripts for such TV shows as “Make Room For Daddy,” “The Donna Reed Show” and “Bachelor Father” along with many others. The plot concerned mankind’s search for the obtaining transportation from the Stone Age to the current day, where a trip to Mars reveals a depressed population. They overcome their depression when they are brought to earth to see the 1956 Buick lineup. The show starred Mark Dawson and comedian Jack E. Leonard.
For the music, Kirk’s agency chose Bernie Wayne, who is best known for such songs as “Blue Velvet,” “The Magic Touch,” the Miss America theme, and the commercial jingle “Chock Full O’Nuts Is the Heavenly Coffee.” For Buick’s musical, Wayne composed such songs as “Just Like Coming Home Again,” “Switch the Pitch,” and ‘The Peak of Civilization.”
The show started in Flint, Michigan before heading to Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, and wrapping up in New York City. In all, 50,000 Buick dealers, employees and their families saw the show.
Still, you have to wonder why GM went to so much trouble. “We have about 12,000 dealers and their salesmen,” a Buick spokesman told the Detroit Free Press in September 1955. “Many of them will sell as much as $150,000 usd of our products next year. You surely can afford to spend $100 or more to entertain them.”
Of course, GM could afford such largesse; they were on their way to their first billion-dollar annual profit. Now that’s a lot of spacebucks. For the Silo, Larry Printz/ Hagerty.Featured image- GM’s Spacerama 2 promo.
“Turducken” – defined by the Urban Dictionary as: 1. (n) An American Thanksgiving holiday culinary grotesque: Consists of a chicken, stuffed into a duck, progressively stuffed into a turkey and baked.
Provides hours of entertainment in the form of waiting for the sucker to finish cooking and enough sandwich meat to last through The Apocalypse.
So who in their right mind would eat such a thing? Surprisingly… many. Believe it or not, this rather savage dish dates back to 18th century in which the wealthy English would make their traditional Yorkshire pies consisting of various meats baked in a crust. However, a Yorkshire pie seems meager in comparison to the barbaric turducken.
So how did the turducken come about? Well the answer to that remains a mystery.
Many have proclaimed that they are the inventors of the infamous dish yet little is found in the way of concrete evidence. During the 1800’s chef Grimond de La Reniere created the “roti sans pareil” (“roast without equal”) in which he stuffed 17 birds each within the other. Fast forward to the 1980’s, chef Paul Prudhomme claimed that he was the creator of what we know now as the turducken.
NFL’s Hohn Madden popularized the Turducken as an American Thanksgiving “eating grotesque”. Sometimes turkey just ‘ain’t enough’
Regardless, the idea of stuffing as many animals inside the other as possible has been around for quite some time. Now the question becomes why? I have never been acquainted with the turducken myself but I have come in to contact with those who have taken on the task of both making and devouring this triple decker bird. The consensus appears to be that despite the overwhelming thought of consuming three birds in one sitting, the savory taste is something like no other.
Now, let us step back for a moment and ponder this: why does a creation like the turduken receive praise while something like KFC’s Double Decker is criticized and made out to be the accomplice to the grim reaper? NFL commentator John Madden even endorsed the turducken and Herbert’s Specialty Meats located in New Orleans, has built a business on them! Thanksgiving and Christmas alone can have them shipping out thousands of turduckens to stores and homes all over the US.
Listen folks, whether you’re enjoying a juicy turkey, duck, hen, quail, pheasant, partridge or garden warbler – it doesn’t matter. After all, it’s the holidays! Relax, enjoy (or painfully endure, remember a few glasses of wine goes a long way) the time with family and enjoy some good home cookin’! Merry Christmas! For the Silo, Holly LaRue.
SAN FRANCISCO (November, 2024) — A report “daylighting” serious animal welfare, management and infrastructure failings at San Francisco Zoo was presented yesterday by the San Francisco Joint Zoo/Recreation and Parks Committee Animal Welfare Advisors, Jane Tobin and Joseph Spinelli DVM. The report contains a “complete list of habitat and welfare issues as well as facilities recommendations,” and critiques unsafe infrastructure, mismanagement, and misplaced priorities, while offering actionable solutions to address the zoo’s deep-rooted issues.
Tobin explained, “This is an opportunity for people to understand, like, where are we with the state of the zoo? Having an audit like this does definitely daylight a lot of issues.” Tobin raised a variety of “habitat issues, oversight issues, acquisition plan issues,” and urged the zoo to prioritize habitat updates and genuinely engage with public concerns, reminding it of its duty to respond to public records requests and update its “really out of date” Memorandum of Understanding, last updated in 1993.
The report, which was prepared in consultation with current and former zoo staff, the San Francisco Animal Commission and animal welfare organizations including In Defense of Animals, SF Zoo Watch and Panda Voices, details “many of the Zoo’s enclosures are extremely outdated and fail to meet the criteria outlined above from an animal welfare perspective” with some exhibits approaching 100 years old. Tobin shared in the meeting, “It has been a really long time since we’ve seen any infrastructure updates, habitat construction, renovations, and short or long-term plans, and I think that you might ask the questions, well, how does that impact animal welfare? A great deal.”
Report co-author Dr. Spinelli has a long history with San Francisco Zoo and has served as an animal welfare advisor on the Joint Zoo Committee since 2009. He said, “For the future, I haven’t heard of a strategic plan for improving the quality of the spaces for the animals.”
Tobin drew attention to many animals in temporary habitats “well beyond their deadline,” citing one case in which animals have been without a permanent enclosure for six years. She said, “Animals should have a permanent habitat ready upon arrival and a financial impact analysis report would be wonderful so that the committee can fully understand with that acquisition what impact it would have on the care of the current animal inhabitants and the existing strategic plan.”
Concerning highly-controversial plans to acquire giant pandas, the report states, “The arrival of the giant pandas would make the already poor situation of the current animals living at the zoo even worse, diverting attention and resources away from doing basic repairs and building exhibits for other animals.”
Report Highlights:
Update the MOU: Modernize the 1993 agreement to include robust animal welfare standards and appoint non-voting advisors, such as veterinarians and animal welfare experts, to ensure ethical oversight.
Reject the Panda Plan: Halt the multi-million dollar panda exhibit and focus resources on improving the welfare of current animals and fixing infrastructure.
Infrastructure Overhaul: Redesign outdated enclosures to meet modern ethical and safety standards.
Transition the Zoo: Implement a rescue and rehabilitation model instead of trading and breeding programs.
Establish Oversight: Create an independent commission focused on animal welfare with robust authority.
The zoo audit follows a San Francisco Chronicle investigation and series of articles exposing zoo mismanagement, as well as a catalog of current concerns raised by animal advocates including the zoo’s reckless plans to import giant pandas from China by 2025. An In Defense of Animals’ alert exposing the issues at the zoo and urging the cancellation of the panda plans has gained over 14,000 supporters.
“We are grateful for the recommendations report from the Joint Zoo/Recreation and Parks committee animal welfare advisors which illustrates extreme issues that must be fixed at San Francisco Zoo,” said Brittany Michelson, Campaign Specialist for Captive Animals at In Defense of Animals. “These recommendations should be taken seriously and implemented immediately.”
Justin Barker of SF Zoo Watch said, “I think we need to get real about the zoo. 97% of the union staff don’t have confidence in the management, yet you stood by the CEO. We have major infrastructure issues. Stop painting the rosiest picture.”
Interjections from angry docents during the meeting were quelled by Commissioner Larry Mazzola who admitted, “communication is important and it might have been lacking until today.”
However, after the meeting, several zoo docents hurled verbal abuse at Barker. They brandished a photo of the zoo’s langur exhibit, one of the poorest habitats cited in the report, calling out, “You are complaining about this? How dare you!”
They also made public comments in the meeting urging all concerned to “move on” and suggested incidents were isolated to the deadly tiger escape 15 years ago. The audit is the latest of a mountain of evidence exposing current failings from zoo staff, media, and animal welfare organizations. The committee heard today how two additional animals were reported to have died last month from unsafe conditions — a penguin who died with a mold-caused infection, and a pelican who is presumed to have died from predation owing to an unsafe enclosure.
Notable zoo safety incidents include:
2007 – The escape of Siberian tiger Tatiana, who killed a visitor before being shot
2011 The theft of squirrel monkey Banana Sam
2014 – The crushing of baby lowland gorilla Kabibe by a hydraulic door malfunction
2020 – The theft of endangered lemur Maki
2020 – The deaths of two wallaroos and a red kangaroo who were killed when a predator entered their unsafe enclosure
2023 – The death of Handy Harry, a young penguin struck and killed by a guillotine door
2023 – The near-death of a keeper when a grizzly bear chased her owing to a door malfunction
2024 – The death of a sacred ibis due to unsafe, filthy conditions in the birdhouse by aspergillosis — an infection caused by mold
2024 – Two further deaths of a penguin and pelican possibly caused by mold and predation in October
These incidents represent only a fraction of the zoo’s long history of neglect and unsafe conditions. A significant number of keepers have resigned, citing management’s negligence towards both animal and staff safety.
San Francisco is grappling with an $800 million usd/ $1.12 billion cad budget shortfall that has already led to deep cuts in public services like health and education. Amid this crisis, the zoo’s plan to acquire pandas — estimated to cost $70 million usd/ $98 million cad over 10 years — is financially irresponsible. While private fundraising might cover initial construction, long-term care for pandas requires significant ongoing resources, including specialized facilities, experienced staff, and regular flights to supply fresh bamboo.
If the zoo incurs expenses that far exceed the revenue generated from panda exhibitions as has happened at other zoos hosting pandas — most recently in Finland and previously in Scotland — the mounting costs may lead to a shortage of bamboo supply and poor bamboo quality, compromising the welfare of the pandas, as happened at the Memphis Zoo which led to pandas’ ill health and death.
Adding to these concerns, the proposed habitat — rumored to be a repurposed big cat exhibit near predators — is severely unsuitable for pandas, who are highly sensitive to noise and smell. This plan exemplifies the zoo’s misplaced priorities, diverting attention and resources from fixing crumbling infrastructure and addressing the welfare of its current inhabitants.
Members of the public are encouraged to sign the alert urging decision-makers to halt the panda plan: https://idausa.org/sfpanda
PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO, APOLLO 15 COMMANDER DAVID SCOTT AND ASTRONAUT JEAN-FRANCOIS CLERVOY VISITING VENTURI SPACE
Monaco, November 2024 – Gildo Pastor, President of the Monegasque company Venturi Space, welcomed HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, General David Scott – the first person to have driven a rover on the Moon and Commander of the Apollo 15 mission – and astronaut Jean-François Clervoy.
As a prelude to the lunar missions in which Venturi Space will participate in 2025 and 2026, its President, Gildo Pastor, invited Prince Albert II of Monaco and former astronauts David Scott and Jean-François Clervoy to learn more about the upcoming programme and the advanced technologies developed by Venturi Space’s European bases (Monaco, Switzerland, and France) as part of their collaboration with the North American strategic partner, Venturi Astrolab, Inc. This US-based entity is developing multi-purpose rovers optimised for the needs of the lunar South Pole: FLIP, which will become operational in 2025, and FLEX, scheduled for launch with SpaceX in 2026 at the earliest. FLEX is also one of three mobility solutions shortlisted by NASA for the Artemis V mission in 2030.
In the presence of Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister for External Relations and Cooperation; Pierre-André Chiappori, Minister for Finance and the Economy; HE Maguy Maccario-Doyle, Monaco’s Ambassador to the United States of America; and Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition, the visit consisted of five main stages:
-A presentation of the FLIP and FLEX rovers, -An overview of Venturi Space Monaco’s lunar battery manufacturing technologies and techniques, -A discussion of the upcoming missions of Venturi Astrolab and Venturi Space, featuring insights from David Scott and Jean-François Clervoy, -A presentation of Venturi Space Switzerland’s hyper-deformable lunar wheel technology, -An exhibition by Philippe Tondeur dedicated to the helmets and suits of aerospace history.‘ Venturi Space is taking on a very serious challenge! The FLEX rover is very different from the one I drove, it’s much bigger and will have an enormous operating life. It seems to me that the teams are doing a good job, and I wish them good luck.’ – General David Scott.
‘I’m passionate about space exploration and wheeled vehicles. Welcoming the first person to have driven a rover on the Moon, in the presence of the Sovereign and Jean-François Clervoy, brings me immense pleasure’ – Gildo Pastor, President of Venturi Space.
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South since its establishment in 1858, announces the gift of $500,000 usd/ $700,550 cad from Christina Brinkmanand Robert Brinkman in honor of one of the Museum’s headline exhibition spaces.
The Christina and Robert Brinkman Gallery encompasses 1,600 square feet, and hosts a variety of exhibitions presented throughout the year ‒ including the national traveling shows the Museum brings to Charleston, and the award-winning original exhibitions created by the Gibbes’ curatorial team. This gift will help fund ongoing renovations, future enhancements, and improvements to the Museum.
Pictured above: Christina & Robert Brinkman with Angela Mack (the President & CEO of the Gibbes Museum)
“The Gibbes Museum of Art is honored by this generous gift from Christina and Robert Brinkman,” says Angela Mack, the Museum’s President and CEO. “The Brinkmans have adopted Charleston as their home, and demonstrated their incredible passion for the visual arts by choosing to celebrate the work of our Museum. Their generosity reflects a personal commitment to impacting the arts in our community,” adds Mack.
“From the moment we moved to Charleston, we were immediately drawn to the Gibbes Museum,” says Robert Brinkman. “The visual arts are always a special priority for us, and the Gibbes Museum engages with art lovers in a meaningful way that makes a difference.”
“We hope that others will join our family in championing the Gibbes Museum,” says Christina Brinkman. “We love the work this museum team is doing, which allows so many people to make personal connections with art.”
Pictured above and below: the Christina and Robert Brinkman Gallery at the Gibbes Museum of Art
The Brinkmans are collectors of contemporary art, and are originally from Rochester, New York. They made Charleston their home three years ago. Christina serves on the Gibbes Museum’s Collections Committee. Prior to his retirement, Robert Brinkman was the Chairman of Brinkman International Group, which specializes in precision machining and machine tool building.
Waterline, finger lakes- Porcelain. C. Brinkman
Christina Brinkman is a celebrated artist currently known for her ceramics, porcelain and metal work. She has worked as an artist all her life, and has artist studios in Charleston and Rochester. Her art is featured in museum collections, and in private and corporate collections. View Christina Brinkman’s works at christinabrinkman.com and on her artist page on Instagram.
About the Gibbes Museum of Art
The Gibbes Museum of Art, a beacon in the American South for arts and culture since 1858 when the Museum’s art collection was founded as the Carolina Art Association, is heralded as one of the earliest and most longstanding arts institutions in the United States. The Museum’s collection spans 350 years, and features some of the country’s most celebrated artists ‒ including contemporary, modern and historical works. With world-class rotating exhibitions and a dynamic visiting artist residency program, the Gibbes is a southern museum with a global perspective. The Museum’s mission is to enhance lives through art by engaging people of every background and experience with art and artists of enduring quality, providing opportunities to learn and discover, to enjoy and be inspired by the creative process.
The new findings bring the total number of UAP cases under review to more than 1,600 as of June 2024.
A photo from the Department of Defense shows an “unidentified aerial phenomenon.” Department of Defense
There were 757 reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) between May 2023 and June 2024, according to an unclassified Department of Defense (DOD) report released on Nov. 14.
Congress mandated the annual report by the DOD’s All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO), which is tasked with studying and cataloging reports of UAPs, formerly referred to as UFOs.
The report said that AARO received 757 UAP reports from May 1, 2023, to June 1, 2024, and “485 of these reports featured UAP incidents that occurred during the reporting period.”
“The remaining 272 reports featured UAP incidents that occurred between 2021 and 2022 but were not reported to AARO until this reporting period and consequently were not included in previous annual UAP reports,” the report reads.
The new findings bring the total number of UAP cases under AARO review to more than 1,600 as of June.
AARO Director Jon Kosloski said at a Nov. 14 media briefing that the findings have left investigators puzzled.
“There are interesting cases that I, with my physics and engineering background and time in the [intelligence community], I do not understand,“ Kosloski said. ”And I don’t know anybody else who understands them either.”
Some cases were later resolved, with 49 determined to be sightings of common objects such as balloons, birds, and unmanned aerial systems. Another 243, also found to be sightings of ordinary objects, were recommended for closure by June. However, 444 were deemed inexplicable and lacking sufficient data, so they were archived for future investigation.
Notably, 21 cases were considered to “merit further analysis” because of anomalous characteristics and behaviors.
Despite the unexplained incidents, the office noted that it “has discovered no evidence of extraterrestrial beings, activity, or technology.”
The report said UAP cases often had consistent patterns, described as having unidentified lights and as orb-shaped or otherwise round objects with distinct visual traits.
Of the new cases, 81 were reported in U.S. military operating areas, and three reports from military air crews described “pilots being trailed or shadowed by UAP.”
The Federal Aviation Administration reported 392 unexplained sightings among the 757 reports made since 2021.
In one such case, the AARO resolved a commercial pilot’s sighting of white flashing lights as a Starlink satellite launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
“AARO is investigating if other unresolved cases may be attributed to the expansion of the Starlink and other mega-constellations in low earth orbit,” the report states.
The AARO report maintains that none of the resolved cases has substantiated “advanced foreign adversarial capabilities or breakthrough aerospace technologies.” The document also states that the AARO will immediately notify Congress if any cases indicate such characteristics, which could suggest extraterrestrial involvement.
The report emphasized the AARO’s “rigorous scientific framework and a data-driven approach” and safety measures while investigating these phenomena.
UAP Hearing
The report was released a day after a House Oversight Committee hearing titled “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth,” during which witnesses alleged government secrecy surrounding the phenomena.
During the hearing, a former DOD official, Luis Elizondo, said, “Advanced technologies not made by our government or any other government are monitoring sensitive military installations around the globe.”
He testified that the government has operated secret programs to retrieve UAP crash materials to identify and reverse-engineer alien technology.
“Furthermore, the U.S. is in possession of UAP technologies, as are some of our adversaries. I believe we are in the midst of a multi-decade secretive arms race, one funded by misallocated taxpayer dollars and hidden from our elected representatives and oversight bodies,” Elizondo said.
“Although much of my government work on the UAP subject still remains classified, excessive secrecy has led to grave misdeeds against loyal civil servants, military personnel, and the public, all to hide the fact that we are not alone in the cosmos.
“A small cadre within our own government involved in the UAP topic has created a culture of suppression and intimidation that I have personally been victim to, along with many of my former colleagues.” For The Silo, Rudy Blalock/NTD.
![That's a LOT to track! [CP]](https://www.thesilo.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/SpaceFenceMain.jpg)
