SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) — Spencer Knight made 20 saves, Mackie Samoskevich scored with less than a second left in the second period, and the Florida Panthers got four goals in the third to beat the Carolina Hurricanes 6-0 on Saturday and complete a two-day sweep. Aleksander Barkov, Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Evan Rodrigues and Adam Boqvist also scored for Florida, which won 6-3 at Carolina on Friday. The Panthers have won three straight — that streak following a stretch of six losses in seven games for the Stanley Cup champions. It was Knight's fourth career shutout, his first since Nov. 9, 2022 — also at home against Carolina. Spencer Martin made 23 saves on 28 shots for the Hurricanes, who have dropped four of their last six games (2-3-1). It was Martin's fourth consecutive start for Carolina. Takeaways Hurricanes: This was the first time all season that the Hurricanes failed to get a point in the game immediately following a loss. Carolina was 4-0-1 after a defeat entering Saturday. Panthers: A big day for Samoskevich — his alma mater Michigan beat Ohio State in football on Saturday, that game ending just before the Florida-Carolina game started. The Panthers are 5-0-0 when he scores this season. Sam Reinhart had each of the four most recent Florida goals at 19:59, before Samoskevich got his Saturday. Key moment The Panthers scored two goals 11 seconds apart in the third to make it 5-0, and Yaniv Perets replaced Martin in the Hurricanes' net with 8:12 remaining. It was the second NHL appearance for Perets, who came on once in relief for Carolina last season. Key stat Ekblad's goal was his first in a span of 1,045 regular-season shifts since Feb. 20. Up next Carolina starts a two-game homestand Tuesday against Seattle. Florida goes to Pittsburgh to start a two-game trip on Tuesday. ___ AP NHL: https://www.apnews.com/hub/NHL Tim Reynolds, The Associated PressA butterfly collector in Africa with more than 4.2 million seeks to share them for the future NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — What began as a childhood hobby more than six decades ago has led to what might be Africa’s largest butterfly collection in a suburb of Kenya’s capital. Steve Collins has a collection of 4.2 million butterflies representing hundreds of species. Now, running out of space and time, he hopes to hand it over to the next generation. One expert familiar with Collins and his work suggests that the collection should be digitized for global access. Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved NEW YORK (AP) — Top ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday. That's after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans. The International Chess Federation president said in a statement Sunday that he’d let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, as well as other "minor deviations” from the dress code. Carlsen quit the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Friday. He said Sunday he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship. 'Sonic 3' and 'Mufasa' battle for No. 1 at the holiday box office Two family films are dominating the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” winning the three-day weekend over “Mufasa” by a blue hair. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Sonic movie earned $38 million, while “Mufasa” brought in $37.1 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The R-rated horror “Nosferatu” placed third with an unexpectedly strong $21.2 million. Thanksgiving release holdovers “Wicked” and “Moana 2” rounded out the top five. Christmas Day had several big film openings, including the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” the Nicole Kidman erotic drama “Babygirl” and the boxing drama “The Fire Inside.” Charles Shyer, ‘Father of the Bride’ and ‘Baby Boom’ filmmaker, dies at 83 An Oscar-nominated writer and filmmaker known for classic comedies like “Private Benjamin,” “Baby Boom” and “Father of the Bride," Charles Shyer has died. He was 83. On Sunday his daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer told The Associated Press that he died Friday in Los Angeles. No cause was disclosed. Born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a filmmaker father, Shyer's big breakthrough came with co-writing “Private Benjamin” for which he and Nancy Meyers received an Oscar nomination. He and Nancy Meyers were frequent collaborators through their nearly 20-year marriage, including on the remake of “The Parent Trap," starring Lindsay Lohan. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Belgium will ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes in a first for the EU BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations. Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke tells The Associated Press that the inexpensive e-cigarettes have turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine. Australia outlawed the sale of “vapes” outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the world’s toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive. Belgium's minister wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc. Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98 Charles F. Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98. Newsday reports that a statement issued Saturday by his family says Dolan died of natural causes. Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting includes founding HBO in 1972, Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first U.S. 24-hour cable channel for local news. Dolan also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and the New York Knicks and New York Rangers sports franchises. Snoop's game: Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Miami of Ohio beat Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction. The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop was much a spectacle as a football game. Snoop Dogg seemed to be everywhere all at once, from a pregame tailgate to the postgame trophy presentation. Snoop Dog donned a headset on Colorado State's sideline, spent some time in the broadcast and even led both marching bands as conductor during their halftime performance. Snoop Dogg saved the best for last, rolling out in a light green, lowrider Chevy Impala with gold rims and accents, the shiny Arizona Bowl trophy in his hand as fans screamed his name. Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. The star guard’s business manager tells multiple media outlets there was a break-in at Doncic’s home Friday night. Lara Beth Seager says nobody was home, and Doncic filed a police report. The Dallas Morning News reports that jewelry valued at about $30,000 was stolen. Doncic is the sixth known pro athlete in the U.S. whose home was burglarized since October. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati are among them. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to players over the break-ins. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately.

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Despite Mary Lou McDonald’s confidence around shaping a coalition without Fine Gael and Fianna Fail – the two parties that have dominated the landscape of Irish politics for a century – the pathway to government for Sinn Fein still appears challenging. With counting following Friday’s election still in the relatively early stages – after an exit poll that showed the main three parties effectively neck-and-neck – there is some way to go before the final picture emerges and the options for government formation crystalise. Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris, has dismissed talk of a Sinn Fein surge and said he was “cautiously optimistic” about where his party will stand after all the votes are counted. Meanwhile, Ireland’s deputy premier and Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, insisted his party has a “very clear route back to government” as he predicted seat gains. The counting process could last days because of Ireland’s complex system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV), where candidates are ranked by preference. The leaders of the main three parties were all re-elected as TDs on Saturday evening, topping the polls in their respective constituencies. The early indications have turned the focus to the tricky arithmetic of government formation, as the country’s several smaller parties and many independents potentially jockey for a place in government. Ms McDonald told reporters at the RDS count centre in Dublin that she would be “very, very actively pursuing” the potential to form a government with other parties on the left of the political spectrum. The smaller, left-leaning parties in Ireland include the Social Democrats, the Irish Labour Party, the Green Party and People Before Profit-Solidarity. Ms McDonald said her party had delivered an “incredible performance” in the election. “I think it’s fair to say that we have now confirmed that we have broken the political mould here in this state,” she said. “Two party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history and that, in itself, is very significant.” She added: “I am looking to bring about a government of change, and I’m going to go and look at all formulations. “If you want my bottom line, the idea of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for another five years, in our strong opinion, is not a good outcome for Irish society. “Obviously, I want to talk to other parties of the left and those that we share very significant policy objectives with. So I’m going to do that first and just hear their mind, hear their thinking. But be very clear, we will be very, very actively pursuing entrance into government.” In Friday night’s exit poll, Sinn Fein was predicted to take 21.1% of first-preference votes, narrowly ahead of outgoing coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail at 21% and 19.5% respectively. Prior to the election, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael both ruled out entering government with Sinn Fein. Fine Gael leader Mr Harris rejected suggestions Sinn Fein had broken new ground. He told reporters in his count centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow: “Certainly we haven’t seen a Sinn Fein surge or anything like it. “I mean, it looks likely, on the figures that we’ve seen now, fewer people, many fewer people would have voted Sinn Fein in this election than the last one. “In fact, I think they’re down by around 5% and actually the parties, particularly the two parties, the two larger parties in government, are likely to receive significant support from the electorate. So definitely, politics in Ireland has gotten much more fragmented.” He said it was too early to tell what the next government would look like. “I think anybody who makes any suggestion about who is going to be the largest party or the construct of the next government, they’re a braver person than I am,” he said. “Our electoral system dictates that there’ll be many, many transfers that will go on for hours, if not days, before we know the final computations at all. “But what I am very confident about is that my party will have a very significant role to play in the years ahead, and I’m cautiously optimistic and excited.” Fianna Fail’s Mr Martin told reporters at a count centre in Cork he was confident that the numbers exist to form a government with parties that shared his political viewpoint. Mr Martin said it “remains to be seen” whether he would return to the role of Taoiseach – a position he held between 2020 and 2022 – but he expressed confidence his party would outperform the exit poll prediction. “It’s a bit too early yet to call the exact type of government that will be formed or the composition of the next government,” he said. “But I think there are, there will be a sufficiency of seats, it seems to me, that aligns with the core principles that I articulated at the outset of this campaign and throughout the campaign, around the pro-enterprise economy, around a positively pro-European position, a government that will strongly push for home ownership and around parties that are transparently democratic in how they conduct their affairs.” Asked if it would be in a coalition with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Social Democrats, he said that would be “racing a bit too far ahead”. The final result may dictate that if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are to return to government, they may need more than one junior partner, or potentially the buy-in of several independent TDs. Mr Martin said it was unclear how quickly a government can be formed, as he predicted his party would gain new seats. “It will be challenging. This is not easy,” he added. The junior partner in the outgoing government – the Green Party – looks set for a bruising set of results. Green leader Roderic O’Gorman is in a fight to hold onto his seat, as are a number of party colleagues, including Media Minister Catherine Martin. “It’s clear the Green Party has not had a good day,” he said. The early counting also suggested potential trouble for Fianna Fail in Wicklow, where the party’s only candidate in the constituency, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, is considered to have a battle ahead, with the risk of losing his seat. Meanwhile, there is significant focus on independent candidate Gerard Hutch who, on Saturday evening, was sitting in fourth place in the four-seat constituency of Dublin Central. Last spring, Mr Hutch was found not guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne, in one of the first deadly attacks of the Hutch-Kinahan gangland feud. Mr Byrne, 33, died after being shot six times at a crowded boxing weigh-in event at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. A Special Criminal Court judge described Mr Hutch, 61, as the patriarchal figurehead of the Hutch criminal organisation and said he had engaged in “serious criminal conduct”. The constituency will be closely watched as other hopefuls wait to see if transfers from eliminated candidates may eventually rule him out of contention. In the constituency of Louth, the much-criticised selection of John McGahon appeared not to have paid off for Fine Gael. The party’s campaign was beset by questioning over footage entering the public domain of the candidate engaged in a fight outside a pub in 2018. The Social Democrats have a strong chance of emerging as the largest of the smaller parties. The party’s leader, Holly Cairns, was already celebrating before a single vote was counted however, having announced the birth of her baby girl on polling day.These essentials help ward off both hazards and home damage. Whether you own your home or rent, there are dozens of things that can quickly go wrong. We’re talking about fire risk, slipping and falling, and damage that can cost hundreds (or thousands) of dollars. That’s why we zeroed in on essentials that are critical to have in your home to help prevent all of the above and more. Of course, these must-haves can’t ward off every potential disaster, but they can help reduce the likelihood of dealing with some not-so-pleasant scenarios. So if you’re looking for smart ways to help enhance home safety and efficiency, keep reading. 01 Grippy rug attachments that help prevent tripping hazards These clever rug corner grippers are a great way to ensure your rug lies flat, thereby reducing the chance you’ll trip on a curled edge as you move about your space. The grippers have the perfect right-angle shape to fit securely on the corners of your rug and are held in place by a strong adhesive, but they won’t stick to your floor, so you can lift the rug for cleaning. 02 Mini fire extinguisher you can stash anywhere While you’ll still want to keep full-size fire extinguishers in your home, this compact fire extinguisher is a great option for stashing in drawers so that you’ve got a fire safety tool in every room. Unlike traditional options, this fire extinguisher can be activated with the push of a button — no levers or safety pins required. Better yet, it can be used on a variety of fires, from gas to oil to electrical. 03 Flexible dryer cleaning kit to help prevent appliance fires This dryer vent cleaner kit is an essential for every home. The dryer attachment comes with a flexible gooseneck hose that allows it to bend into tight spaces, suctioning up lint and debris that can lead to an appliance fire. It even comes with a vent brush for sweeping away excess clogs, too. As a bonus, your machine will even run more efficiently, which can help cut down on energy costs. Available colors: 4 04 Handy shower drain accessory that stops clogs before they start There’s no need for an expensive plumber visit, thanks to this bathtub hair catcher . It’s shaped like a little mushroom and is designed to sit directly inside your drain. The perforated steel core ensures water can flow freely as it captures hairs, which wind around the center. When it’s full, just empty it out and you can keep reusing it. 05 Versatile emergency lights for when the power goes out Stay ready for for any type of power failure, thanks to this two-pack of emergency lights for your home. The versatile lights can be used as small lamps, flashlights, or plug-in lights that you stick right in your socket. They’re rechargeable and offer up to seven hours of illumination. 06 Cushioned weather-sealing strip to prevent costly drafts Whether you’re looking to keep hot or cold air from coming in through the edges of your windows, this weather seal is an affordable little tool that can help you do it. This weather seal is made from soft rubber foam, so it won’t damage your windows or doors. And, since it’s pre-treated with an adhesive, it couldn’t be easier to install. It’s designed to give you better better climate control so you can pay less in heating and air-conditioning bills as a result. 07 Convenient washing machine packets that keep your appliance clean A cleaner washing machine means cleaner clothes, so snag this washing machine cleaner for the easiest way to freshen up your appliance. The powder comes in pre-measured packets, so all you have to do is empty one right into the tub of your machine and run an empty cycle. Not only does it make quick work of eliminating buildup, but it also tackles the bacteria that causes bad odors, too. 08 Wi-Fi water leak sensors to fend off expensive damage Drips and leaks can lead to disastrous and expensive water damage, so catch small leaks before they become big problems with this Wi-Fi water sensor . All you have to do is place the sensor under a sink, near a dishwasher, or anywhere else that may be prone to leaks. If the sensor detects moisture, it’ll trigger the plug-in alarm and also send an alert straight to your phone. 09 Stylish faux candles that are totally flameless You don’t have to sacrifice ambience in order to prioritize home safety, and these flameless candles prove it. They look incredibly realistic thanks to the real wax poured into glass jars, but they feature flickering LED bulbs in lieu of open flames. For extra convenience, they even come with a remote control, so you can adjust the brightness and set the candles on timers. 10 Protective under-sink mat to shield your cabinet from damage Protecting your existing cabinetry just got easier thanks to this under-sink mat for cabinets . Made from sturdy, waterproof material, this flexible mat has a textured surface that gently raises your items up and away from the bottom of the cabinet in case of a dripping pipe or cleaning fluid spill. It also has raised edges to prevent overflow, and since it can hold an impressive 3.6 gallons of water, it can stand up to a serious pipe leak. Available sizes: 15 Available colors: 2 11 Stick-on bumpers to stave off damage from cabinet doors & decor items If your cupboard doors are constantly knocking into your walls and creating dings, you need these cabinet door bumpers ASAP. They’re made of soft silicone, so they can absorb blows while dampening sound and preventing damage — and you can even use them under vases or behind picture frames. Just stick them on with the included adhesive and watch as they disappear into the surface, thanks to the transparent design. 12 Adjustable downspout extension to draw water away from your home If you’re concerned about foundation damage when rainy weather comes, just add this downspout extension to your existing gutter system and you can breathe easy. It has a flexible hose design that can be bent into a range of positions to bring water farther into your yard and away from your home’s foundation. And since it comes with all the necessary screws for setup, it’s easy to affix to your downspout. Available colors: 4 13 Grout sealant spray that prevents hard-to-clean staining Make caring for your flooring and other tiled surfaces a cinch with this grout sealer spray . The water-based formula not only shields grout from water damage, but also helps to prevent staining, ensuring your tile is easier to clean. Amazon user Meera Lee McEwen wrote, “Top-notch grout sealer! [...] It's incredibly easy to use, and the results are excellent. My grout now looks pristine and is well-protected against stains and moisture.” 14 Fan-favorite tool kit for tackling any job that comes up No home is complete without this 39-piece tool kit , which helps ensure you’re prepared for whatever trials and tribulations befall your home. Boasting a 4.7-star overall rating, it comes with all the basics you’d expect, like a stainless steel hammer and a tape measure, as well as a whopping 20 bits and a screwdriver for all kinds of home repair projects. Better yet, the tools come safely stored in a convenient carrying case. Available colors: 4 15 Highly rated garage door lubricant to keep things running smoothly You’re bound to need this garage door lubricant sooner or later. Not only does this lubricant stop squeaking, but it can also help prevent rust, too. To apply, simply activate the spray feature to coat a large area or use the included straw for more precise application. It’s beloved by Amazon users, boasting a 4.7-star overall rating after more than 15,000 reviewers weighed in. 16 Shock-absorbing stoppers for door handles & much more Whether you’re tired of crashing toilet seats or swinging doors, these door handle stoppers are an easy way to help protect for your home from damage. Not only will they act as a buffer for loud slams, but the 2-inch bumpers will also help prevent wall marring and damage. Just stick these silicone pads in place and you’re good to go. 17 Lemon-scented tablets that clean your dishwasher for you Keep your dishwasher pristine and operating smoothly with this dishwasher cleaner . This cleaner takes the form of easy-to-use tablets, which you simply add to the detergent tray before running your dishwasher on an empty cycle. The formula tackles limescale and other buildup from the racks as well as the internal components like the pump and hoses. 18 Door draft stopper that keeps out the chill... & the heat The best part about this door draft stopper is how easy it is to set up — all you have to do is drop it in place to cover the gap between your door and floor, and it’ll block drafts and keep your space cozy. It’s filled with beads to give it weight and heft, and thanks to the braided loop handle, it’s easy to store when not in use. Use it to keep heat out in the warmer months, too. Available colors: 3 19 Gel mold remover for grout, caulk, & appliance seals This mold stain remover gel is excellent for tackling tricky spots, like the seal on your washing machine. Thanks to the precision tip and the thick gel consistency, it’s easy to apply and will stay in place as it gets to work. It works well on grout, caulking, and so much more, making it a versatile household cleaner. 20 Motion-activated stair lights that help you see where you’re going While you can’t necessarily prevent all household accidents, you can take precautionary measures to help reduce their likelihood, like installing these wireless LED stair lights for extra illumination. These stick-on lights are motion activated and will power down after 30 seconds so as not to drain their battery. The warm white hue they emit is so soothing, too. 21 Zippered sleeves that help protect your cables from pets Keep your power cords from curious pets by bundling them up in these cable sleeves . They wrap around several cords at once and have a zippered closure to hug them all in a protective sheath. The end result also creates a sleeker look and prevents tangling. 22 Adaptable socket tool that works with your drill, too Tackle a wider range of repair jobs with fewer tools, thanks to this universal socket tool . It’s made from durable stainless steel and features adjustable pins inside that can adapt to fit a range of fasteners, so you never have to search for the exact right tool again. You can even fit it to your drill for use as an electric socket driver. 23 Magnetic stud finder so you can hang heavy items more safely Make hanging heavy items a breeze with this magnetic stud finder . It doesn’t use batteries, instead relying on a powerful internal magnet to locate the screws in the studs. All you have to do is run it across your drywall or wood walls and wait for it to “stick” in place. 24 Thermal-insulated curtains for better temperature control Not only are these blackout curtains stylish, but they’re energy efficient, too. These drapes block up to 99.9% of UV rays, ensuring your space won’t heat up too quickly and force your AC to work harder. They’re great at decreasing drafts, too, and the blackout design will even block ambient light. Available colors: 22 25 Color-coordinated cable labels for easy organization Never wonder which cord powers which electronic device again, thanks to these cable labels . They’re made from durable nylon and secure around each cord with a hook-and-loop closure. Not only are they color coded for easy identification, but you can even write directly on them for extra organization. 26 Genius night-lights that won’t obstruct your outlet These plug-in night-lights add a soft glow to your home that can improve visibility and safety. You can choose from two different warmth settings and sit back and relax as the auto sensors power them on at dusk and off at dawn. Most impressively, the built-in sockets ensure that you can use the night-lights without losing outlet space. 27 Protective cat shields that guard your furniture from scratches Your furniture can represent a significant investment, so help protect it with these cat shields . These clear, flexible barriers come six to a set and can be trimmed into whatever unique shape your furnishings require. All you have to do is stick a shield directly onto your couch or chair and let it deter your cat from scratching. 28 Stretchy furniture leg protectors that help prevent scuffs & scraping The stretchy design of these chair leg floor protectors will make them a versatile part of your home-care tool kit. Because of the flexible silicone construction, these protectors will expand to fit a range of table and chair leg shapes. And thanks to the felt padding on the bottom, they make for a smooth glide across your flooring, which will help prevent scratches and damage. Available colors: 5 29 Durable lock box that can even withstand fire Keep your valuables as safe as possible with this fire-resistant lock box that’s perfect for personal documents, jewelry, and more. This sturdy case comes with a convenient carrying handle and a lock and key for privacy. Most impressively, it can withstand fire and temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit for up to 30 minutes. 30 Grippy pads to keep your furniture from shifting around Keep your home furnishings as stable as possible with these nonslip furniture pads that even work on items with wheels. The grippy rubber coasters prevent furniture legs from sliding around, which will help shield flooring from scratches and scuffs. They’re safe to use on carpet, hardwood, tile, and more. 31 Gutter guards to prevent house-damaging clogs Keep your home downspouts clean and protected with these durable aluminum gutter guards . Designed to be used in addition to regular gutter maintenance, they can help prevent downspout clogs from leaves and debris, saving you both time on cleaning and costly repairs. They’re flexible and easy to install — no tools needed — and help ensure smooth water flow. 32 Knife sharpener that helps enhance safety while slicing & dicing Dull knives are more dangerous to work with than sharp ones, so keep yours in good condition with this three-step knife sharpener . It features three slots that repair, sharpen, and polish blades to perfection in just seconds. It’s easy to use, thanks to the nonslip base, and comes with a pair of cut-resistant gloves, too. 33 Waterproof pet blanket that protects your furniture Keep your furry friend warm and your furniture protected with this cozy waterproof pet blanket . Featuring sherpa fleece on one side and flannel on the other, it’s super soft, durable, and reversible. It has a waterproof inner layer to guard against slobber and accidents, and it comes in 15 colors. Available colors: 15 34 Upholstery repair kit that’s easy to use & saves money, too Tackle tough upholstery repairs easily with this highly rated upholstery repair kit . It comes with two spools of heavyweight nylon thread, plus a variety of straight and curved needles. It works well on carpets, sofas, recliners, stools, and even leather items. 35 Pet stain & smell remover that actually works Pet stains can quickly ruin carpet and upholstery, so eliminate them quickly with this no-rinse carpet stain remover . The formula is made from over 99% plant-powered ingredients designed to tackle spots, smells, and stains with ease. Just spray generously, let dry, then vacuum. Plus, it’s safe for use around pets. 36 Stainless steel cleaning kit that tackles fingerprints & smudges Stainless steel is one of those things that’s nice to have, but a pain to keep clean — until, that is, this stainless steel cleaner kit came along. Boasting a 4.7-star overall rating after 20,000 reviews, the three-piece set includes a spray, wipes, and a microfiber cloth, all specifically designed to clean, polish, and protect stainless steel. The pH-neutral formula removes fingerprints, dirt, and smudges — and even helps prevents future marring. 37 Cut-resistant gloves to help keep your fingers safe Help keep your hands safe and protected while meal prepping with these cut-resistant gloves . Boasting a design that’s four times stronger than leather and 10 times stronger than steel, they keep your fingers safe from cuts and nicks whenever you’re using sharp kitchen tools. They’re also food safe and machine washable. Available sizes: 5 Available colors: 3 38 A roller stamp to keep your personal info private Keep your personal information just that — personal — with this identity theft protection roller stamp . It has a wide roller to cover lots of surface area and specially formulated ink to hide any sensitive data on paper in just seconds. The kit also includes six ink refills plus a bonus e-book on being proactive with identity theft solutions. Available options: 7 39 Bathtub mat that adds grip to a slippery surface Give your shower or bath a safety upgrade with this nonslip bath mat . Available in five sizes and five colors, it has a nonslip backing for extra grip that helps keep you steady on your feet. Meanwhile, the textured, loofah-like surface adds cushioning while promoting drainage, so you won’t be standing in a puddle. Available sizes: 5 Available colors: 5 40 Color-coded cutting boards to help prevent food contamination Keep things sanitary while you cook with this color-coded cutting board set that helps prevent cross-contamination. The set includes a variety of colored boards, each with an icon indicating the specific type of food it’s meant for: meat, fish, produce, and cooked food. The nonslip design and silicone corners keep everything in place while you chop. 41 A comprehensive first aid kit that makes preparedness fun Be prepared for any bumps, bruises, or cuts that might come your way with this first aid kit by Welly . The tin box is packed with assorted bandages in fun colorful, designs, all of which are individually wrapped for easy access. You’ll also get other first-aid essentials like tape, ibuprofen, cleansing wipes, and ointments. 42 Moth traps to help fend off damage to your clothes Prevent pesky moths from damaging your clothes with these moth traps . They’re super easy to use — just peel back the paper to expose the sticky side, then fold the trap to set it on a closet shelf or simply hang it on the rod. The unobtrusive design will take up minimal space. 43 Grippy tape that adds traction to slippery surfaces Make steps and walkways a bit safer in all weather conditions with this anti-slip grip tape . Made from durable material, it remains functional in extreme temperatures without cracking or peeling — so it can be used indoors or out. Just apply it like tape to stairs, ramps, curbs, and anywhere else you might need some extra grip. Available sizes: 17 Available colors: 5 44 Smart light bulbs that make it look like you’re home when you’re not Automated lighting is a genius way to help deter would-be intruders when you’re away from home and these smart light bulbs offer just that and more. Besides setting them on schedules, you can also turn them on and off from your phone from anywhere in the world with Wi-Fi. They can also be used to create a fun ambiance when you are home — you can toggle through millions of colors and even use voice control if you have a smart assistant. 45 Motion-sensor security lights for increased outdoor safety Give yourself an added sense of security while home or away, thanks to this two-pack of solar-powered security lights . The lights operate on your choice of three lighting modes — motion-sensor activation, continuous lighting, and smart brightness control — and deliver wide-angle illumination. They’re waterproof and don’t require any wiring for installation. 46 Carbon monoxide detector that’s a must for every home Relax at home knowing you’re protected from the hidden dangers of carbon monoxide, thanks to this carbon monoxide detector . It operates on the two included AA batteries, so you can rest assured it’ll work even if the power goes out. 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Available colors: 3 49 Garbage disposal cleaner that keeps things running smoothly Keep your kitchen garbage disposal functioning optimally and smelling fresh with this powerful garbage disposal cleaner. The foaming powder eliminates buildup and odors in kitchen sinks and drains, while the specialized foam scrubs the side walls, blades, and under the splash guard. It has a fresh lemon scent and can be used weekly for maintenance. 50 Drain clog removers that prevent unnecessary plumber visits Treat pesky drain clogs yourself with this three-pack of drain clog removers . The set includes three 20-inch drain sticks, each with a flexible design and barbs along the length that grab hair and other debris. Simply insert into the drain, twist, and pull up. 51 Air purifier for cleaner air & fewer allergens Give your lungs some TLC with this air purifier . It captures up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 micron, including pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander. Covering up to 880 square feet, it has easy-to-replace filters and operates silently while in sleep mode so as to not disrupt your rest. It’s also free of ozone, too. Available colors: 4 52 Meat thermometer that helps ensure your food is properly cooked Now you can take the guesswork out of cooking with this accurate meat thermometer that helps ensure your foods are cooked through. It delivers precise temperature readings in just seconds, displayed on a backlit LCD screen. It’s also foldable and compact, and it even has a temperature chart on the back for various foods. Available colors: 2 53 An easy way to eliminate humidity & odors Effortlessly reduce humidity and smells in your home with this three-pack of moisture and odor eliminators by Arm & Hammer. Just open them up to attract and trap excess moisture, which will help prevent any mustiness and mildew growth. Each 14-ounce tub lasts up to 60 days, depending on the temperature and the humidity levels in your home. 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SpaceX in discussions over share sale at $350 bln valuation- BloombergWith rapid expansion in the gaming world, the notion of inclusivity is at the forefront of every design. As expansion occurs in all industries, more awareness is established regarding an incredible spectrum of players' needs, including those with hearing impairments. According to the research conducted by the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population – about 430 million people, including 34 million children – experience disabling hearing loss that requires rehabilitation. For any deaf gamer, inadequate features of access will turn their enjoyable play from pleasurable into nagging. In this article, we will explore the challenges that hearing-impaired players face and offer solutions that can be endorsed to make the gaming experience more inclusive for all. Recognizing the Challenges The gaming experiences of people who are deaf or hard of hearing are far more different than those of someone with adequate hearing. Audio cues support gameplay in many ways, such as with the movement of enemies, changes in the environment, or the plot of a game. Without those cues, deaf players can miss essential moments that might leave an impression on the gaming experience and immersion. The missing audio cue may then have profound, sometimes devastating consequences: failure to detect an incoming attack, losing track of significant storyline development, and so on. Overall, it would then make gameplay more challenging and, of course, less enjoyable. Communication plays a more critical role in multiplayer games. Some games are team-based, depending on real-time coordination, which most commonly uses voice chat. Though most video games usually have a text chat facility, voice communication is limited to fewer games. It is thus a significant challenge for hearing-impaired players to keep track of the rapid flow of gameplay. Isolated or marginalized players who cannot participate in voice chat may feel competitively disadvantaged against their hearing counterparts. Technological Advancements and Solutions Despite all these challenges, the gaming industry has gone a long way to serve inclusively. Presently, developers are ever so aware of the need for accessibility features and are actively working on creating solutions that make gaming more enjoyable for the hearing-impaired. Some of the most effective solutions in this regard are as follows: Subtitles and Closed Captions Captions have been a synonym for accessibility since the old days of video games for hearing-impaired players. They transcribe spoken dialogue so players may continue understanding what is happening in the game. The closed captions extend the reach further by encompassing the descriptions of the non-verbal sounds, such as footsteps and environmental noises, and the sound effects in the context of explosion sounds and creaking doors. The disabled players, unable to fully hear everything in the game, can stay engaged in the action without missing the important audio-based clues. Having subtitles become extremely common in many games is very beneficial not only to deaf players but also to offer a better experience for those who find it easier to play games without sound. Visual Indicators A hearing-impaired gamer can be similarly notified of important events in a game by using visual cues to replace or supplement audio cues. For example, Fortnite and other games have used visual indicators that alert players to nearby sounds, such as footsteps or gunfire, through on-screen visual cues. The indicators may appear color-coded, flashing, or displayed at certain locations on the screen for quick notice. They could use visual signals for a threat or objective, such as flashing an icon when an enemy is close by or pulsing an area indicating in-game activity that needs attention. This will level the playing field so the hearing-impaired player will be able to react to threats at the same rate as their hearing peers. Haptic Feedback One of the emerging solutions is haptic feedback, or vibration, providing tactile responses to in-game events. This way, the player can "feel" the game as an alternate way of experiencing the audio cues. For example, a rumble in the controller could signal the incoming attack or an explosion near you to tell you what's essential in the game through touch. For instance, in Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, they used haptic feedback to create a sensory-rich environment where specific vibrations are carefully adjusted with the specific emotional and environmental moments. This is a great way to communicate the intensity of something happening or bring a player's attention to some danger close by for deaf players. Customizable Audio Settings This factor significantly increases the accessibility of a game for hearing-impaired players by offering customizable audio settings. That is because the user can control the audio experience, finding it as perfect as possible for their needs. This could be in the form of amplifying specific sounds, say dialogue or environmental noise, while diluting background music or sound effects that might be harder to listen to. Others may allow users to alter the frequency range of particular sounds to be more perceivable for gamers with partial hearing loss. By tailoring the audio experience, hearing-impaired players can be confident of getting the most out of the game by not missing critical audio cues. The Role of Game Developers Game developers are clearly at the top when it comes to developing accessible gaming experiences . By incorporating accessibility features at the onset of game design, developers can ensure games are fun for hearing-impaired gamers and all types of players. Committing to this will help developers reach a wider audience, better player satisfaction, and improvement in the gaming community at large. According to Private Internet Access (PIA), inclusivity in game design should be central, not something to be tacked on at the end. Accessibility features in the case of a study show that hear-impaired players benefit not only the targeted individual but also the layman, who might experience partial hearing loss or who merely prefers this accommodation. With this increased awareness of accessibility issues, more game studios have begun incorporating features that support diverse gamers in a more comprehensive, inclusive community. Conclusion Inclusion gaming isn't about adding features; it is more about creating a world where everyone is appreciated and included, regardless of their abilities. The deaf gaming community will always benefit from the proper accessibility options put together thoughtfully in their game: subtitles, visual cues, haptic feedback, and customizable audio settings. As technology evolves, the door will open even more for the tearing down of barriers between the industry and inclusive experiences, allowing every player, irrespective of their ability to hear, to enjoy the world of his favorite games without limit. It is a matter of all the developers, the community, and gamers themselves to make this dream a reality when everybody can be given joy.

Sinn Fein actively pursuing route into government, insists leader McDonald

DENVER — Amid renewed interest in the killing of JonBenet Ramsey triggered in part by a new Netflix documentary, police in Boulder, Colorado, refuted assertions this week that there is viable evidence and leads about the 1996 killing of the 6-year-old girl that they are not pursuing. JonBenet Ramsey, who competed in beauty pageants, was found dead in the basement of her family's home in the college town of Boulder the day after Christmas in 1996. Her body was found several hours after her mother called 911 to say her daughter was missing and a ransom note was left behind. The gravesite of JonBenet Ramsey is covered with flowers Jan. 8, 1997, at St. James Episcopal Cemetery in Marietta, Ga. JonBenet was bludgeoned and strangled. Her death was ruled a homicide, but nobody was ever prosecuted. The details of the crime and video footage of JonBenet competing in pageants propelled the case into one of the highest-profile mysteries in the United States. The police comments came as part of their annual update on the investigation, a month before the 28th anniversary of JonBenet's killing. Police said they released it a little earlier due to the increased attention on the case, apparently referring to the three-part Netflix series "Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey." People are also reading... In a video statement, Boulder Police Chief Steve Redfearn said the department welcomes news coverage and documentaries about the killing of JonBenet, who would have been 34 this year, as a way to generate possible new leads. He said the department is committed to solving the case but needs to be careful about what it shares about the investigation to protect a possible future prosecution. "What I can tell you though, is we have thoroughly investigated multiple people as suspects throughout the years and we continue to be open-minded about what occurred as we investigate the tips that come in to detectives," he said. The Netflix documentary focuses on the mistakes made by police and the "media circus" surrounding the case. A police officer sits in her cruiser Jan. 3, 1997, outside the home in which 6-year-old JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered Dec. 26, 1996, in Boulder, Colo. Police were widely criticized for mishandling the early investigation into her death amid speculation that her family was responsible. However, a prosecutor cleared her parents, John and Patsy Ramsey, and brother Burke in 2008 based on new DNA evidence from JonBenet's clothing that pointed to the involvement of an "unexplained third party" in her slaying. The announcement by former district attorney Mary Lacy came two years after Patsy Ramsey died of cancer. Lacy called the Ramseys "victims of this crime." John Ramsey continued to speak out for the case to be solved. In 2022, he supported an online petition asking Colorado's governor to intervene in the investigation by putting an outside agency in charge of DNA testing in the case. In the Netflix documentary, he said he advocated for several items that were not prepared for DNA testing to be tested and for other items to be retested. He said the results should be put through a genealogy database. In recent years, investigators identified suspects in unsolved cases by comparing DNA profiles from crime scenes and to DNA testing results shared online by people researching their family trees. In 2021, police said in their annual update that DNA hadn't been ruled out to help solve the case, and in 2022 noted that some evidence could be "consumed" if DNA testing is done on it. Last year, police said they convened a panel of outside experts to review the investigation to give recommendations and determine if updated technologies or forensic testing might produce new leads. In the latest update, Redfearn said that review ended but police continue to work through and evaluate a "lengthy list of recommendations" from the panel. True crime's popularity brings real change for defendants and society. It's not all good How The Monkees ended up with an FBI File | Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles podcast Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Giants' 10th straight loss showed once again that they need a young QB