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Personal 3D printers have become more accessible than ever, with various brands offering all kinds of models . Even if you can only make things out of plastic filament , the fact that you can create solid objects and elaborate constructs where once there was nothing is absolutely incredible in the grand scheme of things. To have such power in the comfort of your home can almost be a paralyzing prospect — when you've got that kind of functionality readily available to you, how could you possibly decide what to do with it? Before you decide to create some kind of world-saving robot with your 3D printer, though, you might want to start with some humbler goals. A 3D printer can be used to create all kinds of nifty gadgets and gizmos, after all, and if there were ever a place that could always use more gadgets and gizmos, it's your own home. With a big spool of filament and some crafty ingenuity, you'd be surprised what kind of cool things you could print, whether it's practical household helpers or just some neat junk to give your living space a little zing. The best way to really make a living space reflective of its owner is to fill it up with nifty tchotchkes and knick-knacks. A little statue on a shelf here, a framed photograph there, and suddenly an empty room looks like a lived-in space. However, even if you have fairly loose stylistic requirements, you might not always be able to find knick-knacks that meet your stylistic requirements in a store. As the old saying goes, if no one will sell it to you, just make it yourself. With a 3D printer, you can create just about any knick-knack your heart desires. Make a festive frame for your favorite family photo, a weird little holder for your work pens and pencils , or just a silly-looking statue to serve as a talking point on the coffee table. 3D printing gives you the flexibility to print just about any simple construct, and crafting simple things in this way is also a great way to practice using your 3D printer . Whether you're using pre-made printing files you find online or designing something from scratch, it's a nice low-stakes way to get acquainted with the printing process. Just about any stationary object in your home has a nonzero chance of being jostled around on a regular basis, and in some cases, you would really rather they not be. Whether you've got a bicycle that keeps falling over or a water dispenser in your fridge that doesn't slide far enough, these are both problems that can be solved with the help of a 3D printer. With a bit of measurement and tinkering, you can create all kinds of helpful mounts to keep tools, appliances, and other assorted objects nice and steady. In the case of a falling bicycle, for example, you can print a simple wall mount tailored to your bicycle's exact dimensions. All you need is an anchoring point to secure the dowels to the wall, and you've got a perfect rack to keep your bicycle suspended safely off the ground. Or, in the case of the refrigerator water dispenser, you can print a platform to raise it slightly off the shelf so it can safely slide out and dispense water. These are just a couple of examples of stabilizing, elevating mounts you can create with little trouble using your 3D printer. Here's an annoying scenario: the batteries in your TV remote die, and you need to replace them. You pop off the back cover and swap the batteries out, only to find that the cover has spontaneously vanished. Maybe you dropped it behind the couch without realizing it, or maybe the dog made off with it; whatever the cause, you've got a remote with exposed batteries on your hands. It's neither smart nor safe to leave the batteries hanging out like that, but how are you supposed to cover them up without the cover? Once again, it's your 3D printer to the rescue. By taking measurements of your remote, particularly noting any points where the cover was secured in place, you can create a near-exact duplicate of the lost cover using a 3D printer. This does require some skill with a caliper and a 3D modeling program, but the payoff is an immediate cover replacement rather than needing to call the remote manufacturer for one. In a similar vein, a 3D printer can also be used to create protective covers for small charging cables that have begun to fray. Rather than leaving those wires exposed, you can create a fitted shell to keep them held in place and protected from the elements. Let's say you've just popped a fresh bag of popcorn for movie night, but can't find a good bowl to keep it in. A regular dinner bowl is usually too small for a full bag of popcorn, but you can't seem to track down a well-sized bowl to fit all of it. If you frequently find yourself lacking in good snack-handling options, then rather than spending an hour browsing at a store, why not make the perfect bowl yourself? Whether with pre-made designs or from scratch, you can create perfect snack bowls and plates for any entertaining occasion. Not only will they be perfectly sized for the volume of snacks you're consuming, but you can also put fun spins on them, like a skull-shaped bowl for holding Halloween candy . Just remember that this trick is best only used for dry snacks like chips, M&Ms, nuts, or popcorn, as the plastic material may not be safe to use with hot meals. Double-check the filament you're using to ensure it's FDA-approved for food contact safety. Here's a fun fact: most action figures are made of simple composite parts, molded separately before being fitted together. Considering that, it's actually quite possible to make similar toys with your 3D printer by printing the parts onto runners and assembling them afterward. They might not be as detailed as what you'd get from the toy store or have all the wacky features built in, but you can still make some pretty cool toys from scratch. For example, by printing in flexible joints, you can create cute and nifty animals like a T-Rex or a shark that offer a degree of posing ability while also being able to withstand the rigors of playtime. Or, if you want something a little more dramatic, you can create a dynamic, fully poseable action figure from composite printed parts. After you make the main figure, you can also print accessories like armor and weapons if you want. These toys make great spur-of-the-moment gifts for the young and young-at-heart, as well as a fun way to get your kids involved with your 3D printing hobby.Short-sellers are targeting Globe Life Inc. GL , alleging agency closures, and questionable business practices at the company’s subsidiary. According to JPMorgan analyst Jimmy S. Bhullar, the allegations made in the short-seller report lack credibility and are riddled with inaccuracies. More Bluster Than Substance The short-sellers argue that there’s federal action being taken against American Income Life (AIL), resulting in disconnected phone numbers and shuttered offices. Bhullar's investigation turned up starkly different results. Of the 45 supposedly "disconnected" phone lines, the majority were either routed to voicemail or connected to active agents. A few offices named as "closed" were misrepresented. At least one office is still housing AIL agents while a neighboring tenant vacated, he says. Read Also: $3 Trillion Opportunity: Infineo Chief Economist Discusses Blockchain And The Future Of Life Insurance Globe Life also clarified that any vacant offices reflect a transition to remote work—not signs of distress. AIL has increased its agent count in recent years, defying the short report’s implications. Globe Life also debunked claims about predatory cold-calling and mismanagement of stock buybacks, underscoring the accretive value of repurchases executed below historic highs. A Bullish Outlook On A Strong Franchise Bhullar remains undeterred by the report, reiterating an Overweight rating on Globe Life and a price target of $136 by year-end 2025. The stock's current valuation is compelling, especially considering its resilience against industry challenges. Despite regulatory inquiries hanging in the background, Bhullar views a resolution as a potential catalyst for recovery. For investors willing to bet on solid fundamentals, Globe Life appears to be a life insurance leader unfairly caught in the short-sellers' crosshairs. With a proven franchise, improved earnings projections, and no signs of business distress, Globe Life's trajectory looks far from short-lived. Price Action: Globe Life stock was trading at $106.61 at the time of publication. Read Next: Short Sellers Are Back – Flurry Of Big Calls From Muddy Waters, Citron And Others Raises Questions: Why No w? Image: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Sean Gentile Launches "Parent of the Year" Contest to Celebrate Exceptional Parenting 12-05-2024 10:28 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Erase Technologies, LLC Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1733424186.jpeg Sean Gentile, Parent of the Year Content, Oakland Park, FL, USA Sean Gentile, MBA, launches the "Parent of the Year" contest to celebrate exceptional South Florida parents, inviting them to share their unique parenting strategies and stories, with details available starting January 1, 2025, at www.nonattorneydivorce.com Oakland Park, FL - Sean Gentile, MBA, a Certified Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator and parenting advocate, is proud to announce the launch of the highly anticipated "Parent of the Year" contest. This exciting initiative is designed to honor South Florida parents who demonstrate unwavering dedication, creativity, and love in raising their children. Launching on January 1, 2025, the contest details and entry requirements will be available on www.nonattorneydivorce.com [ http://www.nonattorneydivorce.com ]. The "Parent of the Year" contest is a unique opportunity for parents to showcase their strategies, share their struggles, and celebrate the triumphs of raising children in today's fast-paced world. Participants will complete a questionnaire addressing key aspects of parenting, including safety education, conflict resolution, academic support, and teaching financial literacy. Entrants will also share their personal stories, including the challenges they have overcome and the creative ways they nurture their children's hobbies and talents. "Parenting is one of the most impactful yet undervalued roles in our society," said Sean Gentile. "This contest is my way of recognizing the incredible work parents do every day and providing a platform for them to inspire others. Each parenting journey is unique, and we want to honor those who go above and beyond for their children." The contest includes questions that explore critical parenting topics, such as: * Teaching Safety: How do parents create a safe environment for their children, both at home and in public? From locked doors to body safety discussions, safety is a foundational element of parenting. * Effective Communication: How do parents teach their children to express themselves thoughtfully while managing their emotions constructively? * Conflict Resolution: Parents are asked to share how they teach kindness and thoughtfulness, fostering an approach to life that minimizes conflict. * Educational Support: How do parents ensure their children are meeting academic goals, such as daily reading and consistent engagement with teachers? * Financial Literacy: What strategies do parents use to teach the value of saving, budgeting, and financial goal-setting? * Hobbies and Talents: How do parents encourage their children to explore and develop their interests, whether in sports, music, or the arts? Prizes and More The contest will feature multiple winners to reflect the diverse and extraordinary approaches to parenting. Winners will be recognized on the website and celebrated for their dedication, resilience, and creativity in raising their children. About the Parent of the Year Contest The Parent of the Year contest is a South Florida-based initiative launched by Sean Gentile, MBA, to honor and inspire parents in the community. Contest details, prizes, and deadlines will be announced on January 1, 2025, at www.nonattorneydivorce.com [ http://www.nonattorneydivorce.com ]. To read more about the Parent of the Year contest, please click here [ http://www.nonattorneydivorce.com ]. Contact: seangentile009@yahoo.com Media Contact Contact Person: Sean Gentile Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=sean-gentile-launches-parent-of-the-year-contest-to-celebrate-exceptional-parenting ] City: Oakland Park State: Florida Country: United States Website: https://www.nonattorneydivorce.com/ This release was published on openPR.Enhancing the scratch resistance of PC/ABS materials: Applications and advantages of Silicone Anti-scratch Masterbatch
My love of movie scoundrels has been sorely tested this year. When I was young, I daydreamed of exotic heists, slick con artists and lovable crooks I’d seen on screen. For most of my moviegoing life, I’ve been a sucker for larceny done well. Most of us are, probably. Related Articles Movies | Review: Angelina Jolie glides through ‘Maria’ like an iceberg, but a chilly Callas isn’t enough Movies | ‘Sweethearts’ review: Breakup-focused romcom is largely engaging Movies | Making ‘Queer’ required openness. Daniel Craig was ready Movies | 18 most anticipated movies in holiday season 2024 Movies | ‘Moana 2’ review: Sequel hits big screen unable to shake its small-screen DNA But now it’s late 2024. Mood is wrong. In the real world, in America, it’s scoundrel time all the time. Maybe Charles Dickens was right. In “American Notes for General Circulation” (1842), the English literary superstar chronicled his travels and detected a widespread, peculiarly American “love of ‘smart’ dealing” across the land. In business and in politics, Dickens observed, slavish admiration of the con men among them “gilds over many a swindle and gross breach of trust.” And here we are. It’ll pass, this scoundrel reprieve of mine. In fact it just did. All it took was thinking about the conspicuous, roguish outlier on my best-of-2024 list: “Challengers.” It’s what this year needed and didn’t know it: a tricky story of lying, duplicitous weasels on and off the court. The best films this year showed me things I hadn’t seen, following familiar character dynamics into fresh territory. Some were more visually distinctive than others; all made eloquent cases for how, and where, their stories unfolded. “All We Imagine as Light,” recently at the Gene Siskel Film Center, works like a poem, or a sustained exhalation of breath, in its simply designed narrative of three Mumbai hospital workers. Fluid, subtly political, filmmaker Payal Kapadia’s achievement is very nearly perfect. So is cowriter-director RaMell Ross’ adaptation of the Colson Whitehead novel “The Nickel Boys,” arriving in Chicago-area theaters on Jan. 3, 2025. “Nickel Boys,” the film, loses the “the” in Whitehead’s title but gains an astonishingly realized visual perspective. If Ross never makes another movie, he’ll have an American masterpiece to his credit. The following top 10 movies of 2024 are in alphabetical order. Both a mosaic of urban ebb and flow, and a delicate revelation of character, director and writer Payal Kapadia’s Mumbai story is hypnotic, patient and in its more traditional story progression, a second feature every bit as good as Kapadia’s first, 2021’s “A Night of Knowing Nothing.” Mikey Madison gives one of the year’s funniest, saddest, truest performances as a Brooklyn exotic dancer who takes a shine to the gangly son of a Russian oligarch, and he to her. Their transactional courtship and dizzying Vegas marriage, followed by violently escalating complications, add up to filmmaker Sean Baker’s triumph, capped by an ending full of exquisite mysteries of the human heart. As played by Adrien Brody, the title character is a visionary architect and Hungarian Jewish emigre arriving in America in 1947 after the Holocaust. (That said, the title refers to more than one character.) His patron, and his nemesis, is the Philadelphia blueblood industrialist played by Guy Pearce. Director/co-writer Brady Corbet’s thrillingly ambitious epic, imperfect but loaded with rewarding risks, was shot mostly in widescreen VistaVision. Worth seeing on the biggest screen you can find. Opens in Chicago-area theaters on Jan. 10, 2025. Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor play games with each other, on the tennis court and in beds, while director Luca Guadagnino builds to a match-point climax that can’t possibly work, and doesn’t quite — but I saw the thing twice anyway. In Bucharest, production assistant Angela zigzags around the city interviewing people for her employer’s workplace safety video. If that sounds less than promising, even for a deadpan Romanian slice-of-life tragicomedy, go ahead and make the mistake of skipping this one. llinca Manolache is terrific as Angela. Like “Do Not Expect Too Much,” director Agnieszka Holland’s harrowing slice of recent history was a 2023 release, making it to Chicago in early 2024. Set along the densely forested Poland/Belarus border, this is a model of well-dramatized fiction honoring what refugees have always known: the fully justified, ever-present fear of the unknown. A quiet marvel of a feature debut from writer-director Annie Baker, this is a mother/daughter tale rich in ambiguities and wry humor, set in a lovely, slightly forlorn corner of rural Massachusetts. Julianne Nicholson, never better; Zoe Ziegler as young, hawk-eyed Lacy, equally memorable. I love this year’s nicest surprise. The premise: A teenager’s future 39-year-old self appears to her, magically, via a strong dose of mushrooms. The surprise: Writer-director Megan Park gradually deepens her scenario and sticks a powerfully emotional landing. Wonderful work from Aubrey Plaza, Maisy Stella, Maria Dizzia and everybody, really. From the horrific true story of a Florida reform school and its decades of abuse, neglect and enraging injustice toward its Black residents, novelist Colson Whitehead’s fictionalized novel makes a remarkable jump to the screen thanks to co-writer/director RaMell Ross’s feature debut. Cousins, not as close as they once were, reunite for a Holocaust heritage tour in Poland and their own search for their late grandmother’s childhood home. They’re the rootless Benji (Kieran Culkin) and tightly sprung David (Jesse Eisenberg, who wrote and directed). Small but very sure, this movie’s themes of genocidal trauma and Jewish legacy support the narrative every step of the way. Culkin is marvelous; so is the perpetually undervalued Eisenberg. To the above, I’ll add 10 more runners-up, again in alphabetical order: “Blink Twice,” directed by Zoe Kravitz. “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger. “Dune: Part Two ,” directed by Denis Villeneuve. “Good One ,” directed by India Donaldson. “Hit Man,” directed by Richard Linklater. “Joker: Folie a Deux,” directed by Todd Phillips. “Nosferatu,” directed by Robert Eggers, opens in Chicago-area theaters on Dec. 25. “The Outrun,” directed by Nora Fingscheidt. “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat,” directed by Johan Grimonprez. “Tuesday,” directed by Daina O. Pusić. Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesia75 iconic lighthouses in India saw more than 10L visitors till September
Trump threatens to try to take back the Panama Canal. Panama's president balks at the suggestionSprawled out on the turf at his home stadium on homecoming, Brett Gabbert wondered if this was it. The fifth-year senior at Miami (Ohio) had suffered a horrific injury, breaking the tibia and fibula in his right leg against Toledo on Oct. 21, 2023. Michael Lev is a senior writer/columnist for the Arizona Daily Star , Tucson.com and The Wildcaster . “The most gruesome thing I’ve ever been a part of,” RedHawks coach Chuck Martin recalled. Martin tried to comfort his veteran quarterback as trainers and medical personnel surrounded him. The scene was surreal. Gabbert was in agony. “I remember laying on the field,” he said. “I was like, ‘Dang, this is really how I’m gonna go out?’” It wasn’t how Gabbert wanted his story to end. He already had come back from a broken left collarbone and a severe ankle sprain. He’d come back to Miami after a brief stint in the transfer portal to finish his career there the right way. This wasn’t that. So Gabbert decided to go for it. One more comeback. One final season of college football. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert looks to throw a pass during the first half against Notre Dame on Sept. 21, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. Gabbert was back on the field less than a year after suffering a broken leg vs. Toledo. Despite the pain and frustration — hurdles both physical and psychological — Gabbert made it through to the other side. He started all 13 games this season for the RedHawks, and he’s about to make it 14 when Miami faces Colorado State in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl on Saturday. As he practiced with his teammates Thursday morning at Arizona Stadium — flinging passes all over the yard — Gabbert wore a long white sleeve on his right leg. It was the only sign of the trauma he’d endured. ‘Like a war movie’ Miami trailed Toledo 21-10 late in the third quarter, but the RedHawks were on the doorstep. They faced second-and-goal from the 2-yard line. The call was a QB run. “I’m running into D-lineman, a bunch of big guys, O-line. It’s a big pileup,” Gabbert said. “My leg got caught, and I got bent backwards. Unfortunately, my tibia and fibula snapped.” Toledo defensive tackle Judge Culpepper, listed at 6-4, 293 pounds, got credited with the tackle. Gabbert is listed at 6 feet, 210. Teammates show their support for Miami (Ohio) QB Brett Gabbert, who needed surgery to repair a broken leg suffered against Toledo on Oct. 21, 2023. This was an uncommonly bad injury. Think Joe Theismann. Or Alex Smith. The kind of injury they show only once on TV. The kind that can end a career. “I was sitting there on the field trying not to look at it, holding his hand,” Martin said. “He was screaming. It was like a war movie.” In that moment, Gabbert was ready to walk away — metaphorically, at least. No one, including his coach, would have blamed him if he had. “‘I’m done. I can’t do this anymore,’” Martin recalled Gabbert saying as his leg was being cleaned, set and air-casted. “I’m like, ‘I’m with you, brother.’” When healthy, Gabbert had been Miami’s starter since 2019. That year, the younger brother of longtime NFL quarterback Blaine Gabbert became the first true freshman to start a season opener at quarterback in program history. He was named the MAC Freshman of the Year. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Blaine Gabbert gives a thumbs up after undergoing successful surgery to repair a broken right leg suffered against Toledo on Oct. 21, 2023. Because the pandemic season of 2020 didn’t count, and he appeared in only four games in 2022 (collarbone, ankle), Brett Gabbert had one more year of eligibility. But as the next several weeks unfolded, he wasn’t feeling it. “I was bedridden for probably three weeks,” Gabbert said. “I couldn’t move my leg. I’m in a wheelchair. ... I wasn’t even using crutches yet. I was pretty much helpless. I couldn’t do anything on my own. That was probably the hardest part.” Gabbert had all but made up his mind that his football-playing days were over. Then “someone special” sent him an inspirational text. He declined to say who it was. But the message “changed my perspective on the whole deal.” “I was like, ‘You know what? I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I don’t at least try and come back from this.’ So that’s what I did,” Gabbert said. “I gave it everything I had — full well knowing that I might give it everything I have and it might not be enough.” Rehab isn’t fun. It will test your patience and resolve. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert (5) prepares to take the snap during the first half against Miami (Fla.) on Sept. 1, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. “We had to take it one step at a time,” Gabbert said. “There had to be small wins. It was like, ‘All right, you can bend your knee 10 more degrees.’ That was a big win in my book.” Gabbert repeatedly gave credit to everyone who helped him along the way, from first responders to doctors to physical therapists to trainers. He needed their encouragement during a period when it was so easy to feel discouraged. He truly couldn’t have done it without them. “They did everything perfect,” Gabbert said. “They got me where I am today.” From rusty to red-hot Gabbert missed most of the offseason. He was cleared to play in the Aug. 31 opener at Northwestern. But he had another mental obstacle to clear: taking a hit. “It’s in the back of your head,” Gabbert said. “Like, you hadn’t taken a hit in a long time, and the last one you did, you snapped your leg in half.” Fortunately, football is fast and furious. Once you’re on the field, there’s so much else to think about — especially for a quarterback. Gabbert got past it. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert, left, carries the ball against Cincinnati on Sept. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. But he wasn’t operating at full capacity after missing so much time. Over the first five games, Gabbert completed only 55.1% of his passes with a 5-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The RedHawks were 1-4. Then Gabbert got hot — and so did Miami. The RedHawks won their final seven regular-season games. Over that stretch, Gabbert posted a 60.9% completion rate with 16 touchdowns and three picks. Gabbert finished the season with a career-best 2,737 passing yards. He was named first-team All-MAC. He ranks in the top three in school history in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense. But one accomplishment stands above the rest. “Everybody at Miami, more than anything, was just happy to see Brett Gabbert make it through 14 games,” Martin said. ‘It means everything’ Why were RedHawks supporters rooting so hard for Gabbert? Because loyalty is a two-way street. Gabbert could have left Miami for a bigger school after his breakthrough season in 2021 (2,648 passing yards, 26-6 TD-INT). He could have left after the injury-shortened ‘22 campaign. If you’re a Group of Five player with talent, production and eligibility, it’s what you do nowadays. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert (5) looks to throw against Cincinnati on Sept. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. Gabbert did, in fact, enter the portal after the ‘22 season. He had played in only four games that year. He had suffered two significant injuries. “Nothing was really going right for me, and I was just frustrated,” he said. “I was mad at the world. I was just mad. “I made an impulse decision — something I regretted.” Gabbert quickly determined that he’d made a “stupid” choice. Why? “There’s 130 teams in FBS football,” he said. “So I’m one of 130 people in the world that gets to be a starter for a college football team.” Gabbert would have had no such guarantees at another school. There’s something to be said for appreciating what you have where you are. “Yeah, exactly,” Gabbert said. “I took for granted what I had and ... I realized that very quick.” Gabbert removed himself from the portal. He returned to Miami — he never left, really — with a renewed sense of purpose: Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against Cincinnati on Sept. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. “I want to be here. I committed to Miami. I want to stay here. I want to live up to that commitment.” Now Gabbert gets one more opportunity to wear the red and white alongside his teammates. A little over a year ago, that opportunity wasn’t promised. “It means everything,” Gabbert said. “Can’t wait.” Contact sports reporter/columnist Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com . On X (Twitter): @michaeljlev. On Bluesky: @michaeljlev.bsky.social Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sports Reporter/ColumnistWith just three weeks left in the year (as of this writing), the S&P 500 is up nearly 27% in 2024. To illustrate how great this gain is, if someone invested $10,000 and gained 27% annually, they'd have over $100,000 in just 10 years. In short, 2024 was a great year to earn merely "average" stock market returns. But, alas, not all stocks are performing as well as the average for the stock market. This includes shoe company Crocs ( CROX -1.08% ) , sporting goods retailer Academy Sports and Outdoors ( ASO 1.90% ) , and display technology company Universal Display ( OLED 1.05% ) . All three are underperforming the S&P 500 in 2024, and two of them have actually lost money for investors this year. ^SPX data by YCharts. This trio has provided investors with lackluster returns in 2024. But I believe 2025 will be quite different. Here's why. 1. Crocs Crocs is a cheap stock, trading at just 8 times earnings whereas many stocks trade at over 20 times earnings. But whether Crocs stock is also undervalued has a lot to do with the sustainability of its profits and how management uses cash. After all, Crocs wouldn't be a good investment if profits plunged in the future or capital was mismanaged. But there's good reason for optimism here. Crocs owns the HeyDude shoe brand, but 80% of the business is still the Crocs brand. This core brand is still growing, with 8% year-over-year revenue growth expected this year. Moreover, profit margins for this brand are stable, which allows the company to earn plenty of operating income . Regarding its use of cash, Crocs took on loads of debt when it acquired HeyDude, but it's already paid back more than $1 billion over just the past two years. Now that its debt is getting more under control, it's started repurchasing shares at these cheap levels. I believe Crocs can be a good performer on the strength of its core brand alone. The HeyDude brand is admittedly performing quite poorly, with a 15% drop in revenue expected this year. But if management can turn things around for HeyDude, then this will be the icing on the cake for an already attractive opportunity. 2. Academy Sports Also trading at about 8 times earnings, Academy Sports stock is as cheap as Crocs stock. I believe Crocs can perform well by simply maintaining its current level of business, and the same could be true of Academy Sports as well. That said, Academy Sports stock is positioned for much better growth, making the long-term opportunity even more attractive. Academy Sports attempts to differentiate itself from competitors by offering more localized merchandise as opposed to merchandise with broader appeal. The strategy appears to be working. In 2023, its stores generated $22 million in sales on average, far outpacing peers. Moreover, its net profit margin has improved to over 7%, whereas its profit margin was lower than 2% five years ago. It only has about 300 stores today, but Academy Sports is aiming for more than 800 locations in the long term. In 2025, management plans to open up to 25 new stores, which is almost 8% growth. Of course, there are a lot of important details here. But at the risk of oversimplifying things, the company's profits should also be higher in 2025, thanks to these new locations. Since the stock is already cheap, I believe these higher profits will push shares higher next year. Profitability is such an important thing for investors in the long term, not just with Academy Sports but for Crocs as well. Both companies are paying down debt fast, and both are repurchasing shares, as the two-year chart below shows. These two stocks might not necessarily go up in 2025 -- predicting the timing is tough. But this combination of debt reduction and stock buybacks will likely provide a big boost sooner or later. CROX Total Long Term Debt (Quarterly) data by YCharts. 3. Universal Display Many people own an electronic device with an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. The technology isn't new. But Universal Display has a competitive advantage in the space with over 6,000 patents, and it's one breakthrough away from kicking off a new lucrative cycle in the space. Technology hardware companies -- particularly those that make mobile devices -- are interested in extending battery life more than anything. It's a problem as mobile devices become more powerful. That's why they turn to OLED technology in the first place. First and foremost, it's more energy-efficient. Through licensing its technology and selling the materials, Universal Display is a high-margin business with a net -profit margin of 37%. Management plows a lot of cash into research and development to stay in front of competition. Right now, it's working on the next iteration of OLED tech, called phosphorescent OLED, or PHOLED. Universal Display needs three primary colors to make its displays work: Red, green, and blue. It already has PHOLED red and green. But PHOLED blue has been a hard challenge to overcome. Management had hoped to have it this year but ultimately couldn't make it happen. But management says it's "very close" to commercialization. According to Universal Display's management, PHOLED blue alone will make its displays 25% more energy-efficient, making them a no-brainer upgrade for device manufacturers. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect the technology for blue to be ready in 2025, unlocking fresh growth for the business. At over 30 times earnings, I'm not necessarily saying that Universal Display stock is cheap. I do nevertheless believe it's undervalued (there's a difference) when considering the long-term potential as adoption of its products soars in future years. Here's to 2025 Crocs, Academy Sports, and Universal Display are among my highest-conviction investment ideas for 2025. I believe all three could do very well, and I believe the downside risk is low in each case. My conviction is based on the strengths of the businesses and the belief that each stock is undervalued. Stocks can be underappreciated and consequently undervalued for years. Therefore, it's possible that shares of Crocs, Academy Sports, and Universal Display will all underperform again next year even if the businesses do well. That's fine with me. Investing is about the long term. And I feel good about these businesses for the next five years, at least.
Nikola Jokic doesn't wear his wedding ring for this surprising reason even though his wife has tried everything to get him to wear itregularly , who turns two in January, and it seems the . Taking to her social media feeds on Friday, the mother-of-one shared several glimpses inside their celebrations. Among the sweet images shared was one of Minnie standing at the side of the family's bathtub with a reindeer balloon. The little , although Minnie's hadn't started flowing down her shoulders yet. Another image in the carousel seemed to indicate what Minnie got for Christmas, with the shared a picture of a buggy adorned with Peppa Pig print, alongside a plush toy of the titular character. Most read In her caption, Stacey wrote: "Hope you had the BEST BEST DAY Sending love and joy ONLY S x." Fans quickly commented on the photo, as one penned: "Hope you had a lovely Christmas. Looks like Minnie's got her hands full with a very cute Rudolph the red nosed reindeer and a sparkly Peppa Pig, perfect." A second added: "Merry Christmas to you and Kev, Stac all the best," while a third said: "Our house is full of Peppa pig stuff too, merry Christmas." Fans have long and last month, the pair were identical when they . Minnie rocked a pair of olive-hued ballet pumps with her fairy-like white tulle dress and carried a crossbody bag. She accessorised with a bright necklace adored with vibrant charms. Stacey, who chooses not to share her daughter's face online, looked equally chic in a sheer power suit for the romantic occasion. The former winner slipped into metallic floaty trousers paired with a loose-fitting pearly-hued shirt, layering with a vibrant ocean blue bag and strappy heels. Stacey and Kevin , with Kevin announcing the news via Instagram with the sweetest message: "Our daughter is here. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen. So proud of u @sjdooley. Love u Minnie, Love u Stace x." In an interview with last year, Stacey said: "Becoming a mother myself I have a whole newfound respect for my own mum. It changes the dynamics. I have an amazing partner, a stable job, a home, no massive complications and it's still so daunting and knackering at times. "My mum was a single parent before meeting my stepdad and I just have no idea how single parents do it. Actual heroes, honestly."2024 Los Angeles Auto Show: Hits and Misses
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The Cannabist Company and Flower by Edie Parker Launch Partnership in Virginia and Colorado
S&P/TSX composite rises Thursday, U.S. markets down
A young man has triggered backlash on social media after advising men to invest in their girlfriends rather than their mothers In a controversial video on TikTok, he stated that the only thing that a mother will offer to her struggling child is emotions Social media users who came across his video on the platform stormed the comments section to share their opinions Don't miss out! Join Legit.ng's Sports News channel on WhatsApp now! A Nigerian man sparked sparked outrage online after suggesting that men should prioritise investing in their romantic partners over their mothers. The advice ignited a firestorm of criticism, with many users taking to the comments section to express their strong disagreement. Man advises men to prioritise girlfriends The man, identified as @ o_powersolution3 on TikTok , claimed that mothers could only offer emotional support to their struggling children, implying that this was insufficient. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! He further asserted that the root cause of poverty in many families lay with the decisions made by the father. Read also Video of old Nigerian couple fighting at home trends online, people react His remarks were met with fierce opposition, with many accusing him of disrespecting the selfless love and sacrifices that mothers often make for their children. The young man attempted to clarify his stance, stating that his comments were not intended to convey a lack of love for his own mother. In his words: "Investing on your girlfriend is better than spending for your mother. Your father is the reason why your family is poor. "The best thing your mother can offer you in time of struggles is emotions. Asides that, nothing else again. The reason some families are suffering is because of the kind of decisions their father made. If you follow that mentality, you as the child will still raise a family of poverty. "You will think because I am talking like this, I don't love my mother. I love my mother but I still love my wife and my girlfriend than my mother. Simply because she's just my mother. My father is her husband, I'm not. Read also After building his house, Igbo man erects another costly duplex beside it for wife, video trends "You have to be able to differentiate these things. You understand. The best help you will receive in your life will come from strangers or friends not even your family. Not even your mother can even give you the ability to success. Think am well." Reactions trail man's controversial advice TikTok users shared their opinions in the comments section. @David Walker said: "This issue is really sensitive. Few days ago my father was regretting that he couldn't lay a good foundation to free us financially. Sometimes too it's d system we find ourselves. Africa is broken." @Potential Pee commented: "Guy this is your perspective, don't impose it on us Nigerian. So all those ones wen dey stand for road still follow join? Abi those people no get boyfriend?" @Tailoredbybuike reacted: "You’re making sense shaa but e be like say girl never betray you before and still asked “what have you done for me?” Read also Man cries out as dove flies and stays on his newborn baby in video, wonders what it means @Sir.skillful said: "Mama wey dey send me foodstuff when I broke, she come carry me when I sick while struggling, arindin nie." @Amco commented: "Everything we you talk now I no see any prove of what you re preaching cos how sales girl relate to investing in your wife or girlfriend. So all the sacrifices of your mum na waste." @Special man added: "Which one be invest in girlfriend, she go give me return on investment??" Watch the video below: Lady chooses man over her mum Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a Nigerian lady moved out of her home to stay with her then-20-year-old boyfriend and is now reaping the benefits of that risk. Years down the line, she shared how they moved from grass to grace and how things turned around for them when she got pregnant for him. PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ng
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