When designing the Great Seal of the United States, the Founding Fathers wanted a symbol to convey the strength and independence of the new nation. So they chose the bald eagle.
On the seal — used to authenticate treaties and other official documents — the white-crowned eagle clutches an olive branch (representing peace) in one talon and arrows (representing war) in the other. The eagle faces the olive branch, symbolizing America’s preference for peace.
After the adoption of the seal on June 20, 1782, the bald eagle quickly spread through American culture as a symbol of freedom, patriotism and power , says Preston Cook, a collector of eagle memorabilia and author of American Eagle: A Visual History of Our National Emblem.
The majestic bird, with a wingspan of 1.8 to 2.3 meters (6 feet to 7.5 feet), can spot prey 5 kilometers (3 miles) away, making it a match for a country of natural grandeur and vast, wild landscapes.
The bald eagle has become a decorative motif for everything from furniture and textiles to metalwork. U.S. gold coins have been known as eagles since 1795. Eagle-inspired hood ornaments adorned classic American cars of the 1930s through the 1950s. Philadelphia, which served as the first U.S. capital, has adopted the eagle as its professional football team’s mascot.
Eagles have symbolized power since ancient times, when Roman legions decorated their battle flags with images of the raptors. The Founding Fathers chose the bald eagle to represent their nation because the bird is indigenous to North America, according to Jack E. Davis, author of The Bald Eagle: The Improbable Journey of America’s Bird. But by the 20th century, bald eagles’ numbers in the wild had declined from habitat loss, illegal hunting and the pesticide DDT.
Conservation measures, including the U.S. government’s 1972 DDT ban, increased bald eagle populations. The species was removed from the endangered species list in 2007 and now lives in every U.S. state except Hawaii and in many areas of Canada as well.
The National Eagle Center , located in Wabasha, Minnesota, showcases bald eagles and highlights their connection to American values of freedom and courage. Visitors can meet live birds and, in the summer, take river cruises to spot bald eagles in their natural habitat.
Cook, the collector, donated some 40,000 eagle-related items to the National Eagle Center, including a drum from the U.S. Civil War painted with a bald eagle.
Eagle art on a Civil War drum (Courtesy of National Eagle Center)
After years of researching the bald eagle’s ties to American culture, Cook was surprised to learn the bird had never been officially recognized as a national symbol.
Members of the U.S. Congress from his home state of Minnesota offered legislation he drafted to make the bald eagle the U.S. national bird. In December 2024, Congress unanimously passed the bill and it was signed into law.
Cook continues working with the National Eagle Center and with curator Alex Lien on bald eagle exhibits. The center is planning a new educational exhibit for the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.
Eagles, especially bald eagles, “are in every aspect of American culture throughout the past 250 years,” Lien
For the Silo, Lauren Monsen/ShareAmerica. Featured image via State Dept./S. Gemeny Wilkinson.
Our friends at the Porsche Club of America (they have many chapters in Canada btw) sure have and they have a lot of interesting things to share in the following podcast.
Little brothers and ugly cousins
This time, it is Episode 199 where PCA welcome Mike Maurer who sold new Porsches for over 30 years. They are chatting about Porsche’s past entry level cars. How they came to be, and how Porsche enthusiasts accept them (or don’t), what the media at the time thought of those new entry level models when they launched and perhaps most importantly, how entry level Porsches are regarded now.
The original 1997 first gen Porsche Boxster might not be considered entry level by most drivers and automotive reviewers- especially when you consider the cost for a base model at time of launch was $57,000 usd/ $71,400 cad – (adjusted into todays currency for inflation, that works out to $111,100 usd/ $152,500 cad. Big money for an ‘entry level’ car).
When introduced in 1975, the Porsche 924 cost 5,625 British Pounds / $10,400 cad/ $7,560 usd. Accounting for inflation this equals $62,608 cad/ $45,500 usd.
It’s an informative episode that will have you thinking back to a car or two you may have owned. If so, please do leave a comment below…..
This rare and refurbished 1969 Vintage Moog Model IIIP Modular Synthesizer System lights up like a Christmas Tree and Is Now For Sale.
This unit has been disassembled, cleaned inside and out, fully refurbished by vintage synth specialists with decades of experience (our friends at tonetweakers.com), systematically tested by perfectionists over a long period and working like new again after 56 years! Few sellers invest the time, love and money tonetweakers do in the preparation of gear, and this is justifiably reflected in their prices.
The Moog modular was one of the first commercially available synthesizers.
Sold in different configurations, the IIIP consisted of 3 portable cabinets of modules. Containing ten (!) 901 series oscillators, the best lowpass and highpass filters in the biz, and a magical spring reverb that makes things sound more organic, I can’t think of any other synth that matches the warmth and fatness of this genuine 1969 vintage Moog modular. Wendy Carlos’s classic album Switched on Bach and I Feel Love by Donna Summer were recorded on similar Moog modular systems.
Tonetweakers just finished refurbishing this gorgeous example (assuming they don’t find any problems as they continue to test every single part of it). Restoration was done in stages and took many months to complete. Total tech time spent was around 85 hours. They hit a snag when some parts ordered turned out to be fakes – a sadly common occurrence these days – but they eventually managed to track down some legit replacements.
They also have a smaller (single cabinet) real vintage Moog Model 15 that’s ready for sale. (Search their website for Moog Model 15).
The first photo and video of this unit in their studio shows 2 switch modules in the right most cabinet which were removed from this system since it does not belong with it. They were replaced with a blank .com metal panel. All other pics here show the .com panel in place.
This system came to tonetweakers without a keyboard. A Kenton Pro-2000 MIDI to CV converter and a MIDI keyboard is a much better option than the original Moog keyboard anyway as it offers so much more control. One of the cases does not have a front cover, which means less closet space wasted once you set it up in your studio.
Tonetweakers are all about negotiation and only ask that interested parties make a serious offer.
Trades of similar vintage modulars considered (ARP 2500, Roland System-700, Buchla Electric Music Box, EMS Synthi 100, Buchla 200/300, Polyfusion, Emu modular, etc). If we don’t get any offers we like, this classic instrument will likely end up in a vintage synth studio museum we may eventually open up here in New York City. Please message us if you’d like to be involved, if and when that happens. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
Here are a couple videos of this incredibly tight Moog IIIP in action:
Part of what makes this hobby and the markets surrounding it so interesting is how organic and ever-changing they are. Tastes shift, new people start participating in the old car world, and prices adjust to reflect that. That’s why Hagerty updates our price guide four times per year.
Over the past 12 months, words like “cooling,” “softening,” or “more cautious” have dominated conversations about the market as a whole, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t big moves for certain individual vehicles. Below are the ones that moved the most up, and the most down, in 2025.
These pickups were showroom rivals to GM’s Advanced Design line. They were also Ford’s first all-new postwar vehicles, as well as the very first F-Series, which has since become the most recognized and best-selling line of pickups out there.
The field of classic trucks, however, is a crowded one. Although these first-gen F-Series effectively doubled in value from 2015 to the early 2020s, they’ve been sliding since the beginning of 2024. The current median #2 value is $31,800 usd/ $43,887 cad, which is lower than it was at the beginning of 2019, before even adjusting for inflation.
Fiat marketed attractive convertible models in the U.S. and Canada starting in the 1950s. They were typically lower-priced but less lively than the alternatives from Alfa Romeo. This trend continued into the 1960s with the 124 Spider, introduced in 1966. The handsome, Pininfarina-styled convertible started with a 1.5-liter twin-cam engine but displacement changed over the years, even if the basic styling and layout of the car didn’t. After Fiat left the U.S. market (for the first time) in ’83, Pininfarina picked up the mantle and sold the same basic car as the “Pininfarina Azzurra” for another few years. For decades, these svelte Fiats and Pininfarinas were one of the cheapest ways into motoring dolce vita, but prices have definitely gone up, especially this year.
This is less a story of big-dollar gains than it is one of percentages. In excellent condition, most Fiat-badged versions can be had in the low-$20K usd/ $27,600 cad range. The Pininfarina versions are rarer, supposedly better built, and have a more premium badge, but they still sit at $33K usd/ $45,540 cad in excellent condition. Few classic Italian drop-tops can be had for so little.
Hornets are neat cars. They rode on Hudson’s unique “step-down” chassis that gave it a lower, sleeker profile and driving position than other American cars of their day, and despite the early models’ six-cylinder engines, Hornets regularly bested more powerful competition in early ’50s NASCAR racing.
But Hudson also became a defunct brand before many car enthusiasts were even born. Even with some star power as “Doc Hudson” in the Pixar movie Cars, the Hornet doesn’t have the staying power and wider cultural relevance as something like a Tri-Five Chevy, ’57 Thunderbird, or ’59 Cadillac. Hornet prices grew a bit during the early 2020s along with just about every other classic car, but have been falling since last year. The current median #2 value of $32,300 usd/ $44,577 cad is roughly the same as it was three years ago in pure dollar terms. Adjusted for inflation, though, the value is about where it was in 2013.
Honda’s famous two-seater hatchback, the CRX, brought cheap and cheerful fun to enthusiasts across North America and became an icon of tuner culture. These little cars are definitely still cheerful, but they’re not so cheap anymore, as the supply of clean, unmodified, low-mileage examples has dwindled in front of higher demand.
Indeed, the CRX has made several of these “winner” lists from the Hagerty Price Guide in recent years, and since the beginning of 2020 the median condition #2 value is up by a whopping 168%. The desire for these pocket rockets is so strong that one of the 1988-91 cars in excellent shape is currently worth $45,500 usd/ $62,100 cad. That much money will almost buy you a brand new Civic Type R, which comes with exactly triple the horsepower as well as a warranty, but doesn’t come with the same old-school charm.
On the new car market, the love for pricey, premium luxury 4x4s in North America is as strong as ever. The roots of our affection for luxury SUVs go back a lot further, though, and Jeep’s 1984-91 Grand Wagoneer was the weapon of choice in the affluent suburbs and vacation towns of yuppie-era America.
Nostalgia for those woodgrain-clad boxes helped pull prices up in the late 2010s and values exploded during the early 2020s. In the gotta-have-it, pay-whatever-it-costs craziness of 2022, we even asked if a $154K usd/ $212.5 K cad Grand Wagoneer sale was “peak market insanity.” Yep, turns out it was. Sale prices have definitely come back down to earth since. The median #2 value for Grand Wagoneers at the end of 2025 is $45,900 usd/ $63,350 cad . At first glance that looks a lot higher than the $36,600 usd/ $49,680 cadit was at the beginning of 2020, but when you adjust for inflation the two numbers are within a hundred bucks of each other.
Like the Grand Wagoneer in the ’80s, the Mercedes G-Wagens mostly serve as bougie-mobiles that don’t see anything rougher than a gravel driveway, but the earliest versions (aka the W460) were rugged and relatively simple off-roaders, sort of like a German Land Rover. Mercedes-Benz didn’t market the W460 in America, as we identified the three-pointed star with luxury and high-performance, whereas this was a spartan runabout with underpowered four-, five-, and six-cylinder gas or diesel engines. W460s are therefore pretty rare here.
Several huge sales over the past 12 months have been impossible to ignore, however, and it appears the W460 is gaining a big following. Current values vary widely depending on body style, engine, and model year. Certain hardtop wagon models can be had for under $40K usd/ $55.2 cad (exchange rate at time of posting) in excellent condition, while certain convertibles are nearly 90 grand. For the Silo, Andrew Newton.
Because writing is generally a solitary activity, writers need to cultivate and maintain social contacts. For me the Cape Cod branch of the National League of American Pen Women serves as both a social and professional outlet. The following 1,000-word article was composed as the first in a series intended to deepen the connection between artists and writers who make up our organization.
A four-hour interview with photographer/writer Linda Ohlson Graham was the article’s basis. I think it is a good example of how the methodical collection of information serves a writer. Other than the correct spelling of her name, her town of residence and the general impression that she led an interesting life, I had no specific knowledge about Linda prior to our interview. I’ve conducted countless interviews (and will write about the process in future posts!), but, regardless of length, each one requires people to trust me with something that belongs to them.
A PROVINCETOWN ARTIST: LINDA OHLSON GRAHAM
Linda Ohlson Graham is a woman whose life and art have been defined by space and place. Her stunning photographs of sprawling, near shapeless coastal landscapes depict the glorious union of earth, sea and sky, a theme that has become the core of her writing as well as her photography. Her tiny 200-square-foot room on the ground level of a hilltop house behind Bradford Street in Provincetown, on the very tip of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, USA seems an anomaly until one learns she lived aboard a sailboat for five years and has survived three near-death experiences.
Born and raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, Graham moved to Provincetown at nineteen. Unhappy with the town’s in-season chaos, she decided to visit Detroit and stayed for six months, working in a restaurant and spending long, peaceful days in the presence of the grand frescoes of Diego Rivera in the Detroit Institution of Art. When she returned to Provincetown, she worked at several restaurants, but left again when the opportunity to go sailing arose.
EARTH OCEAN HEAVENS- with love. Photo- Linda Ohlson Graham.
She spent most of her late 20s and early 30s on several boats, exploring the Inland Waterway and covering 12,000 miles visiting ports in the Caribbean and Central and South America. Within these years she learned to meditate and chant, and cites an example of their benefit on a day the boat was becalmed and the engine “clanged and banged, then died,” says Graham. “We chanted for the wind and it came up.” In her travels she used a Canon Rebel with Fuji film to photograph people from diverse cultures and countries and has some particularly striking images of Haitians whom she describes having “joy in their hearts and a lilt in their voices.”
Graham also began developing a skyscape collection. “I always wanted the (shipboard) watches at sunrise and sunset because of the spectacularly gorgeous streams of color,’ she said. “Sunrises and sunsets are each so individual. The name “EARTH OCEAN HEAVENS came to me like a lightning bolt out on the open ocean, with the thought that I would publish a book some day by that title.”
After returning to Provincetown in the fall of 1978, she took a job cooking at the Café Edwige. She also crewed occasionally for the Hindu, a 65-foot, two-masted schooner that made cruises and day trips out of Provincetown. When she was 32, her mother encouraged her to come out to Colorado. In Denver she married Douglas Graham, twenty-three years her senior, who owned an extraordinary 1,000-piece collection of works by English Romantic landscape artist J. M. W. Turner. Together they opened his home as a Turner museum, and in it their daughter Isis was born. “I was proud of the museum and loved living in it,” Graham says. “We had popular concerts there once a month.”
PARADISE
She had not sought an explanation for her dizzy spells until she and her husband separated after nine years of marriage. A physician insisted she have a CAT scan immediately. It revealed a golf ball-sized cyst. She had brain surgery the next day. After surgery she began writing, a voluminous collection now titled “Notes from My Journal Immediately Following Brain Surgery.” She says that the writing simply flowed, and from it she began to pull out single lines or passages that particularly appealed to her. She has made framed work that incorporates both her photography and writings.
When she returned to the Cape in 1996, there was a rainbow over the Sagamore Bridge. Coming back to Provincetown “was heaven,” she says. “It was home in my heart. I know so many people here; I have so many longtime friends here. I’ve known one since he was fourteen. “
Photographs and Mementos
On a recent occasion she was heading back to Provincetown from an Upper Cape meeting on global peace. Her violet wool beret, plum-colored scarf, long black skirt, socks and clogs readily identified her as artistically inclined. She stepped aside to let a visitor enter her L-shaped room which contains a bed, two large chairs, four small chairs, two tables and an inestimable number of books whose titles reveal her interests and passions: Dead Sea Scrolls, the Gnostic Bible, Pablo Neurda, Milton, Discourses on Rumi. Photographs and mementos are everywhere. Colorful rugs cover the floor and a small bowl of dried leaves and silky white milkweed seeds serve as decoration, as do a collection of necklaces, horseshoes, and her daughter Isis’ artwork.
Inches, not feet, separate the components of her home.
A small refrigerator is a few steps away from her bed, table and chairs, and Graham says she does a lot of cooking on the diminutive stove nearby. Perhaps it is her Thoreauvian lack of material burdens that enables Graham to explore whatever interests her, whether Stonehenge monoliths and crop circles in England or Caribbean shores.
But for a free spirit, she has quiet ways. In conversation her dark chocolate brown eyes may glance mischievously for a listener’s response to some surprising revelation or turn aside to watch a distant idea take shape. She plays with her glasses as she recites a poem, one of many she has memorized. She has a soft speaking voice, but demonstration of a chant proves it to be surprisingly loud.
Graham has been a member of the Salt Winds Poets in Harwich and Gulf Gate Poets in Sarasota, Florida. Her art work has been displayed in solo exhibits at the Cape Cod Museum of Fine Art, Falmouth Library, and Cape Cod 5 Bank in Orleans, among others. Out of the majesty of her photographic images and the personal urgency of her prose writing has come a purpose, a mission: global peace.
She has worked on several peace initiatives and was named poet laureate of Colorado’s Department of Peace. Graham believes it is attainable through quieting the human mind. One of her favorite personal writings is “Please hold the thought with me that peace on earth and calm weather patterns can easily happen … in a moment or two of silence in enough of the collective mind.” She continues to write and photograph in hope that her vision of peace will find universal acceptance, if not today, perhaps tomorrow.
LA’s Stahl House – Most Famous US Modern Home Since Fallingwater – Lists $25 Million usd/ $34.3 Million cad
In 1945, Arts and Architecture magazine commissioned major architects to create the Case Study Homes, an experiment in architectural design intended as a creative solution to the impending post-war housing boom. Constructed from industrial materials, these homes would help to define the mid-century modern movement, none more so than Case Study House #22, known as the Stahl House.
The Pierre Koenig masterpiece is cantilevered over a Hollywood hillside, which had been deemed unbuildable by previous architects. The home was immortalized by renowned photographer Julius Shulman in an image that shows two women in white party dresses lounging in the living room that seems to float above the glittering city.
It is perhaps the most famous modern-style US home and architectural photograph since Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1930s Fallingwater. A true cultural landmark, the home is a City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Owned by the Stahl family since its inception, this one-of-a-kind icon of modern design has hit the market for the first time.
Representing the optimism of the atomic age, the Stahl House features the steel-and-glass construction so emblematic of the modern movement. Its legendary glass walls were created from the largest glass panels commercially available when it was built between 1958 and 1960. They offer sweeping 270-degree views of Los Angeles. A picture window in the primary bathroom frames the Hollywood Sign.
An airy open floor plan connects the living spaces in the 2,200-square-foot home, anchored by a central fireplace with natural stone details. Blonde wood enhances the charming kitchen, which features a spacious island with counter seating that ingeniously tucks away when not in use. The concrete floors sport radiant heating for ultimate comfort. Sliding doors open onto the gorgeous pool deck with an expansive swimming pool and more awesome views. Situated at the end of a gated drive, the property offers a rare combination of discretion, security, and serenity high above the city. Since 2007, the house has offered public tours, and the family seeks not just a buyer but a custodian who will honor the house’s history, respect its architectural purity, and ensure its preservation for generations to come.
Located in the Hollywood Hills, the house is about a mile from the legendary Sunset Strip, the epicenter of LA’s rock-and-roll scene in the 1960s and still home to top-notch venues for music, comedy and food. The neighborhood is very popular with celebrities, with A-listers like Leonardo DiCaprio, Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry and Taylor Swift owning homes in the hills. The Stahl House is a celebrity in its own right, having been featured in numerous films and TV shows, including Columbo, Nurse Betty and Galaxy Quest. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
Tim Allen playing Jason Nesmith in 1999 Galaxy Quest – The Stahl house
The listing is held by William Baker of the Agency Beverly Hills.
Photo Credit: Cameron Carothers; Original Photos by Julius Shulman, courtesy of The Getty Museum
Featured Conversation: In this episode, a talk with Dr. Carlos Canales about his transformative journey from Peru to becoming a pioneering voice in somatic group therapy.
Dr. Canales shares how his experience of separation and cultural displacement in early life shaped his innovative integration of Somatic Experiencing with group psychotherapy.
Our Bodies Carry Culture
We explore what it means to be truly grounded, how our bodies hold both individual and collective trauma, and why attending to physiological responses deepens rather than diminishes group intensity. Dr. Canales offers powerful insights about cultural difference in groups and demonstrates how recognizing and regulating the body creates space for genuine connection—wisdom born from finding belonging between worlds. Throughout, he makes a compelling case for why attachment theory must evolve to address how our bodies carry culture, while sharing his vision for a future of group therapy that integrates generosity and play alongside rigorous clinical work.
For the Silo, Angelo Ciliberti/The Group Dynamics Dispatch.
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. 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.***
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 2025 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.***
It’s that time of the year again and giving is caring. 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:
coming soon- NASA CHRISTMAS SPACE MEMORABILIA AUCTIONIS SATURDAY, DEC. 6TH PLACE BIDS VIRTUALLY AT NOON EST
Our friends at Bid Again Auctions of Orlando have more than 200 lots of holiday cheer for that space lover on your gift list at the Saturday, Dec. 6th virtual “NASA Christmas 2025 Space Memorabilia Auction,” a charity fundraiser for the American Space Museum in Downtown Titusville, Florida.
Pre-bids are being taken now on this rich collection of space items. The final hammer falls beginning at 12 noon EST on Dec. 6. The 217 lots range from a rich collection of authentic moonwalker autographs to NASA photographs to real Space Shuttle Thermal Protection Tile. There are dozens of lots with space flown hardware, and even insulation “Kapton foil” flown to the Moon and back covering the Apollo Command Modules.
Auctioneer Chuck Jeffery, and ASM’s collection analyst, had hand-picked some amazing artifacts of the space age that will satisfy any collector at any level. These auctions support the non-profit museum with an added charity fee of 20% that is the bidders in-kind donation to the U.S. Space Walk of Fame Foundation. This is the 41st American Space Museum Charity Space Memorabilia Auction conducted by Bid Again Auctions. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
Questions about auction items? Call Bid Again Auctions at: (407) 947-8954 or email: [email protected]. Click on the text block below to preview all auction lots.
Restored in its originally delivered livery of Speedster White over Red leatherette
Considerable history dating back to the late-1970s, documenting long-term preservation into the late 2010s
Original U.S.-specification 1600 Speedster delivered to Hoffman Motors
Fitted with a period-correct 1956 1,600-cc engine with twin Solex carburetors paired with its numbers-matching transmission
Furnished with a copy of its factory Kardex warranty card, Porsche CoA, owner’s manual, and toolkit
Chassis No. 82181
Engine No. 63249 Transmission No. 8775
USD 485,000$/ CAD 678,130$ (exchange rate at time of posting)
Dispatched to Hoffman Motors in New York City in the spring of 1956, this 1956 Porsche 356 A 1600 Speedster was among those U.S.-market examples delivered via the legendary American-market distributor and tastemaker. It left the factory wearing Weiss (White) paint over Red leatherette, the same striking livery it wears today. Additional options noted on the Kardex include a speedometer in miles and sealed beam headlights.
The earliest history of the car dates to the late 1970s when it was sold via Weldon Scrogham’s G&W Motorwerkes to R.A. Hendricks of Waynesboro, Virginia. Service invoices show that by at least 1983 the car was in the hands of long-term owner Carter Elliott based in nearby Charlottesville. Elliott would take fastidious care of the car while under his ownership, a span that would last over three decades.
Invoices on file reveal more
Invoices remain on file showing parts purchases and work completed by the best suppliers throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including Stoddard, Performance Products, and H.G. Bieker. In 2018 the story of Speedster chassis number 82181 simultaneously began anew and circled back to familiar hands when noted 356 Porsche expert and restorer Cole Scrogham (son of Weldon) was tasked with a thorough refresh. Directed by its then-owner to keep as much of the original car intact as possible, Scrogham is said to have been able to retain the majority of its original, Reutter-built sheet metal with an eye on preservation while the car was refinished to “show quality” in its original shade of Speedster White.
A period-correct 1,600-cc flat-four (serial number 63249) from a 1956 356 A powers the wheels through its numbers-matching transmission. In the nicely detailed engine compartment, you’ll find proper FRAM and Bosch decals, correct finishes and components, as well as a pair of Solex carburetors topped by silver Knecht air cleaners.
Today, this Speedster appears just as Max Hoffman and the Porsche factory intended: in elegant White over Red, with such details as accessory chrome guards protecting the sealed-beam headlights, period-style Michelin XZX 165 tires, and gold-tone badging serving as clear indicators as the quality of its restoration. A matching red vinyl boot (trunk) covers the occasional soft top when it’s folded. Inside, the red vinyl bucket seats made famous by the Speedster wear contrasting ivory edge piping. A correct ivory two-spoke steering wheel with a horn ring frames a body color dashboard covered with a red upholstered top. VDO instruments feature with correct green lettering — including a miles-per-hour speedometer, as specified in the original Kardex. In a smart nod to modernity, the car is equipped with a pair of vintage style lap belts. Otherwise, Speedster chassis number 82181 presents very much as it did when delivered new in 1956 — down to its exquisite color selection.
In addition to extensive documentation dating back more than four decades, this iconic 356 A Speedster is furnished with a toolkit, a spiral-bound driver’s manual, a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, a copy of its Kardex warranty card, and side curtains with their protective case.
Canada’s fertility rate has just hit a record low.
In case you missed it- the world is quietly entering a population crisis. Global fertility rates have plunged to their lowest level in 60 years, raising profound questions about how societies will sustain themselves in the decades ahead. In Canada, births have fallen to just 1.25 children per woman, the lowest in our history. Behind the numbers are shifting values, economic pressures, and growing uncertainty about the future. This week, let’s examine the global decline in birth rates and explore what’s driving it—and what it means for the economy, family, and national identity.
An Impending Population Crisis? World Fertility Rate Hits 60-Year Low For the Silo, By Sylvia Xu / Epoch Times.
Fertility rates have plummeted worldwide over the past six decades, leading experts to warn of dire consequences as the downward trend continues. Continued low fertility rates will cause “a gradual implosion of the world’s economy as the population ages and dies,” Steven Mosher, president of the Population Research Institute. Mosher is an expert on population control, demography, and China.” This will not occur overnight, of course, but once it is well underway, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse course,” he said. The fertility rate is the average number of children born to a woman in her lifetime; the birth rate is the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population over a given period. Macroeconomist Jesús Fernández-Villaverde called low fertility rates “the true economic challenge of our time” in a February report for the American Enterprise Institute. In 1960, the fertility rate was between four and five. By 2023, that number had halved to 2.2, approaching 2.1, the level at which a population replaces itself from one generation to the next.In July, the U.S. Census Bureau projected that the world’s population will reach 8.1 billion this year. Experts say that although the figure has grown from 3 billion in 1960, the number to watch is the pace of population growth.” The rate of growth peaked decades ago in the 1960s and has been declining since and is projected to continue declining,” the Census Bureau stated. Fernández-Villaverde warned that although the sagging rate of growth may not have immediate consequences, in less than 50 years, declining fertility will affect the world economy. Countries with low or negative birth rates will contend with a shrinking workforce and the ballooning costs associated with an aging population. Global Fertility Rates Only about 4 percent of the world’s population is in countries with high fertility rates—more than five children per woman—and all of those nations are in Africa, according to the Census Bureau. Even in those countries, fertility rates are generally lower than they once were. The Census Bureau reported that nearly three-quarters of the world’s population is in countries where fertility rates are at or below the replacement level. The fertility rate in India, the world’s most populous country, has steadily declined over the past six decades. In June, the U.N. Population Fund reported that India’s fertility rate stood at 1.9 children per woman, down from five or six children in 1960. In Canada, fertility rate fell to 1.25, well below the replacement level of approximately 2.1 children per woman needed to maintain a stable population. In 1990, China’s fertility rate was 2.51, despite its one-child policy. By 2023, it had dropped to less than one birth per woman, according to the U.N.’s population division.In the United States, fertility has undergone a persistent decline. It fell below the replacement level in 1972, and in 2023, it reached 1.62—a historic low.Asian and European countries have the lowest fertility rates in the world, and South Korea (0.72), Singapore (0.97), Ukraine (0.977), and China (0.999) all have rates below one. (Read More →)
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. We 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 usd/ $1,410 cad (exchange at time of article) 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 (or Pollpay depending on your region), they are awesomely obsessed with reporting on all the things that online shoppers value. For the Silo, shopzilla.com/Jarrod Barker.
Supplemental-
What were shoppers interested in 13 years ago? Take a look at this data chart from 2012.
When a child misbehaves—either through screaming, hitting, or freezing up—parents will naturally feel flabbergasted or at a loss. One might ask, “Why is this occurring?” or “Is this simply bad behavior?” The reality is, behavior is communication. Regardless of the action, even behavioral actions, it’s for a reason.
Knowing the four functions of behavior allows support persons and professionals to respond with strategy and empathy. The functions are not simply clinical ideas—men can be observed with these functions around the block and with both kids and grown-ups. With proper support, families are able to more effectively handle these behaviors and bring about positive change with the help of something like Toronto, ON’s SenseBloom Therapy or at-home ABA therapy.
What are the 4 Functions of Behavior?
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), all the behavior—particularly troublesome behavior—always comes under four basic functions:
Attention
Escape or Avoidance
Access to Intangibles (Services or Events)
Reinforcement
Image- autismspeaks.org
Sensory or Automatic Reinforcement
Both these functions account for the fact that the behavior is occurring. The proper function is the first step toward responding with a view to training for preferable behavior and the diminishment of suffering—for all parties.
1. Attention Seeking Behavior in Daily Life
Kids are naturally attention seekers, and that is all part of the developmental process. But if the attention is sparse or delayed, then the child will utilize negative actions to receive it. Some examples include whining, interrupting, or even violent temper flailing.
Real-life example: A kid begins screaming at dinner. The parents immediately go to try to settle the child down. The child learns that screaming gets an immediate response—albeit a negative one.
What to do: Integrate frequent, positive attention throughout the day. Reward tiny, proper behaviors (“Good job, waiting your turn”) and dismiss meek attention-seeking actions when it is safe to do so. Such services as at-home ABA treatment tend to assist parents in identifying and reacting to these instances with calm consistency.
2. Escape or Avoidance Behavior
When an activity is overwhelming, boring, or challenging, a child will attempt to escape it with tantrums, fleeing, or freezing. The function is particularly prevalent with transitions or new procedures.
Real-world application: The child balks at doing homework. The parent withholds the task until the child is relaxed. The child now equates that action with evading work.
How to assist: Divide tasks into minuscule steps. Apply visual schedules and explicit expectations. Reward effort, not merely completion. When the function is escape, do not reinforce it by retaining expectations and providing support. SenseBloom Therapy applies personalized strategies for children to eventually tolerate and execute challenging tasks.
3. Tangible Commodites Access
Occasionally, behavior is exhibited due to the want of something—such as a toy, a snack, or TV time. When an object is provided for following through with a behavior such as crying or hitting, that behavior tends to follow.
Real-world example: The child yell at the store for a candy bar. To prevent a scene, the parent purchases it. The child learns that yelling results in a reward.
How to assist: Educate children to ask for items politely. Give choices and incorporate “yes” opportunities the remainder of the day. Enforce boundaries firmly and steadily. Speak with a calm, firm voice and support waiting or saying the words. Instruction of these substitutes is an integral component of ABA therapy at home, aiding skill acquisition for the child within the natural environment.
4. Automatic or Sensory Behavior
Certain behaviors are to serve a sensory purpose—they are comforting or assist with emotional regulation. These are not other PEOPLE’s reactions, but rather self-needs. Some examples are hand-flapping, dancing or rocking, or humming.
Real-world example: A child rotates around and around. Even without an audience or reactions, the child repeats it because the feeling is soothing or exciting.
How to assist: Offer sensory-safe, age-appropriate outlets for sensory requirements. Fidget tools, movement time, or sensory routines are potential examples. Family collaboration with occupational specialists and ABA specialists is able to assist relatives to determine what sensory supports are the most effective. Clinics for sense, for example, SenseBloom Therapy, utilize sensory-sensitive areas to facilitate this process.
Why Knowing the Function Matters
Responding to a behavior without an understanding of why it’s occurring can result in band-aids for the moment—but not permanent repairs. Taking punishment for an attention-seeking child, for instance, can inadvertently strengthen the action if it affords interaction.
When the behavior is understood, the caregiver is able to substitution with a healthier, more effective behavior. The consequence is the encouragement of the emotional safety and ultimate success.
Effective Strategies for Caregivers and Parents
Note patterns: Carry around a mini-journal to mark when behaviors occur, what causes them, and the consequence.
Remain constant: Kids do best with clear expectations and definite consequences.
Model communication: Encourage children to verbalize with words, use gestures, or point with visuals.
Use soothing reactions: Refrain from reacting angrily. Remaining regulated enables the child to remain regulated too.
Receive professional help: Consulting with ABA therapists, particularly with in-home ABA therapy, allows for personalized techniques with your child’s requirements. A Humane Response to Behavior Behavior always has a meaning. Kids are not being obstinate—kids are communicating the best that they can. When families understand the four functions of behavior, families can respond with patience, with structure, with an awful lot of loving. With proper direction, all children can be taught to do it differently. Whether through formal sessions at SenseBloom Therapy or child-centered support at home, change is always achievable.
From Black Friday electronics deals and top appliance discounts to the best savings on furniture, sporting goods, and smartphones, North America’s biggest shopping event is fueled by one major factor: the use of credit cards for Black Friday purchases.
To understand how spending patterns have evolved, and how credit cards shape the Black Friday season, researchers from our friends at InvestorsObserver analyzed Black Friday shopping trends over the past three decades.
Though the focus was USA based (looking at trends on state-by-state and national sales data for durable goods, credit card transaction volumes, and shifts in consumer spending across key product categories like electronics, appliances, furniture, sporting goods, and jewelry), some parallels can be drawn between Canada and Mexico shopping habits.
The report reveals what was really driving Black Friday sales from 1997 till 2024. It shows which states and product categories had the biggest surge in spending, how much of that growth was fueled by increased credit card use, and which items have fallen out of favor with today’s shoppers.
Essentially, North Americans are using credit to buy smarter, invest in technology and fitness, and adapt their Black Friday shopping to reflect quickly changing priorities and lifestyles.
Key findings
Nationwide, US inflation-adjusted spending on durable goods during the Black Friday season increased by over 90% between 1997 and 2024, with states like Florida and Texas more than doubling their totals. Inflation is also a factor in Canada and Mexico.
Spending on telephone and related communication equipment surged over 600% in the top states.
Average credit card balances at major issuers (Amex, Discover, Capital One) have grown at an average monthly rate of 0.5% (approximately 6% per year) since 2020, with bold spikes during the Black Friday season.
Spending on traditional Black Friday luxury items, such as jewelry and new vehicles, dropped in several states.
Spending on sporting equipment, guns, and related goods soared, making these some of the fastest-growing Black Friday categories nationwide.
The 10 states where Black Friday spending on durable goods has skyrocketed
Over the past 30 years, Black Friday has exploded into a huge shopping event, totally changing how and where North Americans splurge on big-ticket items.
A few states are crushing it, with locals ramping up real spending on durable goods at huge rates during Black Friday season. The top 10 show not just wild shopper hype, but big shifts in what people actually purchase when those deals drop.
These states have seen their Black Friday durable goods spending, especially in technology, surge ahead of the national average. When Black Friday advertising kicks in, shoppers increasingly target the best deals on electronics, particularly smartphones, tablets, and communication devices.
Retailers have responded to it, making Black Friday the primary opportunity to upgrade devices and connect households at a fraction of the regular price.
North Carolina and North Dakota lead with over 600% growth, showing how the appetite for electronics has exploded since the late ‘90s, as more homes gained internet connectivity and mobile devices.
The Pacific Northwest and Sun Belt, including Washington, Nevada, and Texas, have also surged, which aligns with fast-growing populations and tech-forward consumer culture.
Hawaii and Maine’s high growth rates highlight how even small, geographically unique states have embraced Black Friday to shop for technology that bridges distances – both literal and social.
The overwhelming increase in spending on communication technology during the Black Friday season shows how the event has become less about traditional holiday shopping and more about allowing households to seize the latest digital opportunities. For millions of North Americans, Black Friday is now the time to connect and upgrade their devices.
Where Black Friday spending fell: Top 10 states with the biggest drops in durable goods purchases
While most states saw Black Friday spending on durable goods soar over the past 25 years, not every category or region had gains. In fact, several states experienced notable declines, particularly in traditional big-ticket Black Friday items like jewelry, watches, and new cars.
This change reveals new consumer values, the impact of modern technology, and a growing focus on more practical or tech-driven purchases.
Jewelry and watches in retreat
The sharpest drop comes from jewelry and watches. Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, Iowa, and Michigan all had double-digit declines. This suggests that big-ticket jewelry has lost its luster as a Black Friday buy. Americans may be choosing technology upgrades and home improvements over luxury items that were once holiday staples.
New motor vehicles lose their spot
For decades, Black Friday was also the season of auto deals and year-end vehicle promotions. However, states like Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan, and Ohio had a significant real decline (–10 to –15%) in Black Friday spending on new cars. Today’s shoppers may be holding onto cars longer, buying used, or shifting their big December purchases toward electronics and appliances.
The fall of traditional electronics
West Virginia stands out as one of the few states where spending on video, audio, photographic, and information processing equipment has actually declined since 1997, dropping by 16% when adjusted for inflation. West Virginians are moving away from traditional Black Friday electronics, like older TVs, cameras, and stereo systems, and are investing less in these categories than they did a generation ago.
What’s behind these Black Friday drops?
Priorities are changing. North Americans are investing in what makes daily life more comfortable and modern, leaving behind items seen as old-fashioned luxuries.
The tech has taken over. Gadgets, home entertainment, and fitness equipment now win out over jewelry and autos for Black Friday deals.
Economic reality has shifted. The increasing role of credit cards and shifting family budgets means shoppers are looking for purchases that deliver daily utility rather than show status.
In other words, today’s Black Friday is less about “once-in-a-lifetime” traditional purchases and more about value, technology, and practical upgrades. The states with the biggest declines in jewelry and car sales are signals of this broader cultural and economic change.
America’s top 10 states for Black Friday durable goods spending (2024)
Black Friday remains the biggest shopping event of the year, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the nation’s leading states for durable goods purchases. Some states outpace the rest of the U.S. in total spending on high-value items, like appliances, electronics, home furnishings, and more, during the Black Friday season. Their money and excitement drive shopping trends across the country.
Massive market size
California, Texas, and Florida are not just the largest states by population. They’re also the biggest spenders. Together, they account for nearly a quarter of all U.S. durable goods bought during Black Friday. This shows the influence of large, diverse, and economically dynamic populations.
Urban economies and consumer power
States such as New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania maintain their spots in the top ten thanks to their large metropolitan areas and strong traditions of holiday shopping, where residents spend big on household upgrades and electronics.
Quick growth in the Sun Belt
North Carolina and Georgia have shot up the rankings in recent years. Their booming real estate, ongoing migration trends, and family-driven consumption translate into strong demand for appliances, furniture, and home technology each Black Friday.
Consistent Midwest and Northeast strength
Ohio and New Jersey round out the list, proving that established economies with significant suburban populations continue to drive major Black Friday spending, particularly for goods that make life more comfortable and connected.
In essence, these top 10 states are the engine rooms of North American Black Friday shopping. Their combined impact shapes national retail sales and spotlights where the most dollars flow when the country’s biggest holiday deals are up for grabs.
Top 10 increases in durable goods spending 2020–2024
The years since 2020 have been some of the most dynamic for Black Friday shopping in North American history. Faced with a global pandemic, shifting work habits, and new priorities at home, North Americans unleashed a wave of spending on major purchases, especially during the Black Friday season when deals were too good to pass up.
Some American states stand out for their extraordinary growth in durable goods spending, which reveals where the economic recovery and post-pandemic demand have hit hardest and fastest.
Pandemic-era investment in the home
From 2020 to 2024, North Americans spent more time at home than ever before, fueling a rush on Black Friday for home electronics, appliances, workout gear, and home office upgrades. For example, this is reflected in the double-digit growth seen in states like North Carolina, Nevada, and Texas.
Southern and Mountain West States are leading
The Sun Belt and fast-growing Western states dominate the top of the list. With population inflows, a hot housing market, and greater focus on quality-of-life purchases, places like Florida, Nevada, and Idaho led the way in increased spending.
Credit card power and Black Friday strategy
More consumers used credit cards to access historic Black Friday discounts, and they didn’t hold back. Their willingness to borrow, upgrade, and outfit homes helped power this unprecedented jump in durable goods purchases.
The return of consumer confidence
After the initial shock of the pandemic, these states came roaring back with strong job markets and economic growth. This confidence spilled over into Black Friday shopping, with many households finally making upgrades or purchases they had delayed.
Not just the big states – smaller markets shine
States like Idaho, Utah, and New Hampshire emerged as “growth champions,” showing that the Black Friday boom was not limited to the biggest economies, but spread across America’s most dynamic regions.
In essence, between 2020 and 2024, Black Friday’s power as an engine for big purchases was on full display in these top 10 states. The post-pandemic years became a transformation period for millions of households, with Americans seizing the moment – and Black Friday deals – to upgrade, renovate, and invest in what matters most.
Methodology and sources
The Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) data is collected from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The data is provided for every U.S. state.
For each state, we collected data on consumption expenditures in the following categories:
Durable goods: New motor vehicles; Furniture and furnishings; Household appliances; Tools and equipment for house and garden; Video, audio, photographic, and information processing equipment and media; Sporting equipment, supplies, guns, and ammunition.
Other durable goods: Jewelry and watches; Telephone and related communication equipment.
Expenditures are expressed in millions of dollars. The data covers the years 1997 through 2024. Each year’s data is adjusted for inflation using the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in the U.S. City Average (CPIAUCSL)
We calculated how expenditures have changed over time (1997–2024). All calculations are inflation-adjusted.
We pulled monthly credit loan issuance data (2018–2025) for American Express, Discover, and Capital One straight from Bloomberg.
The sport, which started in the U.S., is now played in 60 countries including Canada, where the women’s team won a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020.
Softball joins baseball as a combined 2028 Olympic sport, with women playing softball and men, baseball. Lacrosse and cricket also return, while flag football and squash debut. (Photos: Shutterstock.com)
Softball’s return to the Olympics, for the games to be held in Los Angeles in 2028, will mark the first time a nation has twice hosted the sport for Olympic competition, a fitting tribute for the country where the game began.
Softball’s origins date to 1887, when reporter George Hancock saw someone in Chicago hitting a boxing glove with a broom handle. In 1895, firefighters in Minneapolis played a similar game using a ball of yarn wrapped in leather.
Originally called “indoor baseball,” the game later moved outside to fields that were too small for a baseball diamond. In 1926, Walter Hakanson, who would later become president of the Amateur Softball Association, proposed unifying the various versions of the game into one sport called softball.
While the rules and size of the ball have varied over the ensuing decades, different versions of softball are still played across the United States and the world.
An Olympic return
At the LA28 Olympics, softball joins baseball as a combined Olympic sport, with women playing softball and men playing baseball.
“It’s great for the sport that we’re back,” USA Softball Executive Director Craig Cress said, noting softball’s U.S. popularity helped get the sport included in the 2028 Olympics.
Upward of 9 million people played softball in the United States in 2023, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. And Little League Softball , started in the United States in 1974, has expanded to where 300,000 participants now play on 25,000 teams across 25 countries.
It’s important for us to “show the values of what our sport does, and how important it is,” to the United States and other countries, Cress said. More than 60 countries compete internationally in softball.
LA28 marks softball’s sixth appearance in the Olympics. Softball debuted as a medal sport in Atlanta in 1996, then was played in Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Tokyo 2020.
How to play
Although similar to baseball, softball is played with a larger ball and on a smaller field. The pitcher throws underhand using a fast windmill motion that can generate pitches in excess of 112 kilometers per hour (70 miles per hour). Pitchers throw from a flat circular area, in contrast to baseball where pitchers stand on a raised mound. A softball game is also shorter than baseball, with only seven innings compared to nine.
The 2028 Olympic softball games will be played in Oklahoma City, 2,000 kilometers (1,243 miles) east of Los Angeles. Oklahoma City’s 13,000-seat stadium will allow players to compete on an existing field made for softball, rather than a reworked baseball field or a newly constructed complex.
Six countries will compete in the Olympic softball tournament. As the host nation, the United States is guaranteed entry. Other qualifiers will include the winners of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s 2027 Women’s Softball World Cup, regional championships and a last-chance qualifier tournament.
The teams competing in the 2028 Olympics will first compete against each other in a preliminary round, with the gold medal game scheduled for the day before the Olympic closing ceremony.
The formula for a life well lived might look something like this: Dive in head first > fail > repeat.
Life is a series of cycles.
There is of course the broad cycle, we are born, we live, we age, we die. But within this scope are countless other cycles for every part and parcel of our time on the planet. The cycle of making mistakes, of continually pouring your guts out to the world and enduring the consequences, is one of the most important there is for artists. From this process you learn the most about who you are, and how you fit in the world. There will be plenty of moments when you are a total mismatch, when you throw yourself into the deep end and struggle to stay afloat. Under no circumstances should these moments be viewed as set-backs or failure.
Salvador Dali once said, “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” Take a minute to consider that.
Really let it sink in. Let your mind internalize this notion and let it unleash a wave of relief through your whole body. What fantastic news this is, no matter what you do, no matter how long you live, you, I, we, not one of us, will ever be perfect. So how can you take this beautiful knowledge and use it to your own advantage? Once you are free from the restraints of perfection, how can this inform the way you continue on your path?
By adopting the formula above and not letting go no matter what.
You probably know stories about how mistakes have changed history for the better over and over again. The accidental discovery of Penicillin because scientists noticed that the mold on some forgotten fruit killed bacteria. Or the invention of silly putty (perhaps not on par with life-saving antibiotics when it comes to historic moments, but a great boon to childhood all the same) quite by accident in a military lab as scientists tried to create an inexpensive substitute for rubber. But have you ever really stopped to consider what these stories mean to an artist? How they can be freeing examples of the importance of making mistakes?
There is likely not a person out there who truly believes that perfection is attainable, but we are told far too often that we ought to strive for it. This leads to untold restraint, dissatisfaction, and who knows how many missed opportunities for glorious screw ups. Do not let this trap take hold of you. Throw your best and worst, craziest and most tame ideas out there for all the world to see. Who cares if you land flat on your face, as long as you’re still able to pick yourself up there’s no harm done.
As an artist you will be the recipient of rejection letters and emails.
Stacks of them. Count on it. In every creative field, there are piles and piles of rejections to be gone through. Walt Disney was once fired for what his editor deemed a lack of imagination. Countless famous artists throughout history were rejected in their lifetimes, some only achieving posthumous success. Van Gogh, Manet, Turner, they all have in common that they faced painful rejection in their lifetimes. They also have in common that they didn’t give up their unique perspective on the world nor did they allow something as insignificant as rejection stand in the way of their forward momentum.
Collect your rejection letters. Create a special binder for them. Own them with pride knowing that you earned each and every one of them by putting a piece of yourself out into the world. Begin to think of rejection as a victory in itself because it means you tried. The moment you receive a rejection letter, consider that at that same moment, had you not tried, there would be nothing at all. Not trying isn’t really a way of avoiding rejection, it is simply a way of hiding from the world. You will never get anywhere at all if you don’t reveal yourself.
Artists are perhaps particularly vulnerable when it comes to the consequences of baring their souls to the world. Art is highly personal and the thought of making a mistake when the stakes are so intimately high can be enough to frighten even the boldest spirit. Rejection can feel like a very personal affront and can make it difficult to want to try again. It comes down to a choice really, to stay safe and make no progress, or let it all hang out and learn from every single mistake.
Just like with everything else in life, you will become accustomed to accepting rejection and mistakes as par for the course. There will come a day when you will leaf through your binder of rejection letters with a wisdom that can only be gained through the repeated process of failing. For the Silo, Brainard Carey.
If you thought that ageing was boring, you were wrong. Gone are the days of the bingo-playing Senior (although, there’s nothing wrong with a little bingo). Nowadays, you can find Seniors engaging in activities of all sorts.
Well-rounded activities aren’t limited to nursing homes or assisted living centres. Because more and more people are choosing to age at home, you can find Seniors participating in community and neighborhood events. Find the right home health care agency for your loved one so he or she can reap the benefits of a Personal Support Worker (PSW) and an in-home caregiving team!
With home health care, your family member or friend can engage in activities right in the comfort of their own home and community. Professional caregiving teams can help find clubs and activities for Seniors that are accessible and in the neighborhood.
Consider these fun activities that older adults can enjoy.
Walking Clubs
Walking around the community is an excellent way for Seniors to fit exercise into their daily routine. When done with others, it’s also a way to make friends and to keep social. Many communities organize special transportation so that club members can walk in nearby parks or walking paths.
Group Exercise Classes
Group exercise classes such as chair yoga, tai chi, or ballroom dancing are engaging ways to keep Seniors physically active. It’s also another opportunity to meet other people and to make friends who have similar interests.
Regular physical activity will also keep Seniors in shape and is a good preventative measure against falling because it increases stability through muscle strengthening and stretching.
Book Clubs
It’s also important for Seniors to exercise their minds, and to incorporate reading into their routines.
Senior book clubs exist in many community centres and churches, and becoming a member is always a good idea. It encourages people to read so that they can participate in book club discussions with fellow members.
Seniors will maintain sharp mental awareness and make a few friends in the process!
Gardening Clubs
Seniors have more time to devote to hobbies than when they were working full-time or had a family to raise. When people choose to stay at home and have access to a yard or even a balcony, they can cultivate a garden and exercise that green thumb.
Gardening is an excellent way to relax, and the feeling of harvesting flowers, vegetables, and fruits and watching them grow is a truly unique experience.
Participate in Charitable Works
Giving back to the community is a great way to stay engaged and participate in worthwhile and meaningful activities. Donating one’s time to a charitable endeavor gives Seniors a sense of purpose.
Contact local charities, churches and spiritual centers, museums and other cultural institutions, health organizations — the list goes on and on — to see if your loved one can contribute to particular projects and events.
It’s also a great way to meet people and to stay connected to the community.
Although playing bingo is entertaining on occasion, there are so many other fulfilling activities out there for Seniors. Explore what your loved one’s community has to offer! For the Silo, Mila Urosevic.
A few years ago, Keiran and I were visiting antique stores in Connecticut when we came across an American flag that had fallen from its flagpole and was lying on the steps to a manor house, which doubled as an antique store.
We looked at each other in horror. This was one of those All-American towns where flags flew proudly and the anthem played on the radio. The store owner probably played quarterback in high school. What would his reaction be to learn his flag had been desecrated?
Flags aren’t such a big thing in Canada, so I’m not entirely sure of the rules.
But I’m fascinated by the strict set of protocols for displaying and respecting flags, an inanimate object. Can you wear them? What happens if you accidentally fly one upside down? How do you store one? What spell do you have to cast if it accidentally falls on the ground? And most pressing: why?
The artist Carla Edwards is also interested in the state-issued protocols for handling the American flag, and sets out to upend said formal rules by dismantling, dyeing, and reconfiguring standard-issue American flags in her Flag Series. The work becomes unrecognizable from its origin, transformed into patterned tapestries with abstractions that harken to the domestic activity of quilting.
Edwards’s sculptural work, made from rope configured in gravity-dying shapes that come to take on human-like qualities, continues her pursuit of shifting materials through rigorous process. Just like a flag, it seems like ropes and knots come with their own set of rules: how to tie them properly, and the practical roles they play.
I think about all the metaphors we have for ropes and knots: walking a tightrope, enough rope to hang oneself, tied up in knots, tying the knot.
Another inanimate object takes on outsized proportions.
Edwards takes it even further, imbuing pieces with energy and anthropomorphic qualities that make the viewer think for a beat longer about what these objects mean—and, most importantly, why.
Below is a look inside Carla Edwards’s studio in Brooklyn, NY. The artist will have work at Art Basel Miami with Night Gallery.
Carla Edwards (b. Illinois) received her MFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally, including at the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, NY; Louisiana State University Museum of Art, Baton Rouge, LA; Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR; Paula Cooper, New York, NY; Nuit Blanche Toronto, Canada; Volta5, Basel, Switzerland; Night Gallery, Los Angeles, CA; and Lyles & King, New York, NY, among other venues. She has exhibited public sculpture at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, NY and at Lighthouse Works, NY. The artist is an alumna of Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and was a studio fellow in the Whitney Independent Study Program. Her works are included in numerous private collections and the public collections of Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville, AR; Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, FL; Vera Institute of Justice, Brooklyn, NY; and JP Morgan Chase. She lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.
Image and article via our friends at The Epoch Times The world is quietly entering a population crisis. Global fertility rates have plunged to their lowest level in 60 years, raising profound questions about how societies will sustain themselves in the decades ahead. In Canada, births have fallen to just 1.25 children per woman, the lowest in our history. Behind the numbers are shifting values, economic pressures, and growing uncertainty about the future. Let’s examine the global decline in birth rates and explores what’s driving it—and what it means for the economy, family, and national identity.
Fertility rates have plummeted worldwide over the past six decades, leading experts to warn of dire consequences as the downward trend continues. Continued low fertility rates will cause “a gradual implosion of the world’s economy as the population ages and dies,” Steven Mosher, president of the Population Research Institute, told The Epoch Times in an email. Mosher is an expert on population control, demography, and China. “This will not occur overnight, of course, but once it is well underway, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to reverse course,” he said. The fertility rate is the average number of children born to a woman in her lifetime; the birth rate is the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population over a given period. Macroeconomist Jesús Fernández-Villaverde called low fertility rates “the true economic challenge of our time” in a February report for the American Enterprise Institute. In 1960, the fertility rate was between four and five. By 2023, that number had halved to 2.2, approaching 2.1, the level at which a population replaces itself from one generation to the next.In July, the U.S. Census Bureau projected that the world’s population will reach 8.1 billion this year. Experts say that although the figure has grown from 3 billion in 1960, the number to watch is the pace of population growth. “The rate of growth peaked decades ago in the 1960s and has been declining since and is projected to continue declining,” the Census Bureau stated. Fernández-Villaverde warned that although the sagging rate of growth may not have immediate consequences, in less than 50 years, declining fertility will affect the world economy. Countries with low or negative birth rates will contend with a shrinking workforce and the ballooning costs associated with an aging population. Global Fertility Rates Only about 4 percent of the world’s population is in countries with high fertility rates—more than five children per woman—and all of those nations are in Africa, according to the Census Bureau. Even in those countries, fertility rates are generally lower than they once were. The Census Bureau reported that nearly three-quarters of the world’s population is in countries where fertility rates are at or below the replacement level. The fertility rate in India, the world’s most populous country, has steadily declined over the past six decades. In June, the U.N. Population Fund reported that India’s fertility rate stood at 1.9 children per woman, down from five or six children in 1960.In Canada, fertility rate fell to 1.25, well below the replacement level of approximately 2.1 children per woman needed to maintain a stable population. In 1990, China’s fertility rate was 2.51, despite its one-child policy. By 2023, it had dropped to less than one birth per woman, according to the U.N.’s population division .In the United States, fertility has undergone a persistent decline. It fell below the replacement level in 1972, and in 2023, it reached 1.62—a historic low.Asian and European countries have the lowest fertility rates in the world, and South Korea (0.72), Singapore (0.97), Ukraine (0.977), and China (0.999) all have rates below one.
On Sunday, October 19, a burglary took place at the Louvre — one of the best known museums in the world. In broad daylight, minutes after the museum opened, thieves broke into the Apollo Gallery and stole the French Crown Jewels, valued at around 88 million EUR/ $142.5 million CAD.
While criminals entered the famous museum through a window, the robbery exposed a whole host of security problems at the Louvre, including issues with digital security. For example, French media claim that according to the documents they’ve seen, the server managing the museum’s video surveillance was once protected by a weak password “LOUVRE.”
Media in France cite audit documents which show that the Louvre neglected security issues for years, including holes in physical security, outdated software, shoddy maintenance, and poor password and cybersecurity management.
Karolis Arbačiauskas, Head of Product at the cybersecurity company NordPass, comments:
“Publicly available information increasingly suggests that the museum’s IT security system — which manages access control, alarms, and video surveillance — suffers from numerous vulnerabilities. According to a 2014 audit by the French National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), the museum’s system also relied on insecure passwords. For example, the server managing the museum’s video surveillance was protected by the password ‘LOUVRE.'”
“This is horrible. Such a password breaks all the principles of creating secure passwords. On the other hand, it’s not that shocking. Truth to be told, our own research shows that cybersecurity in the public sector is not the best. Tens of thousands of public sector employee passwords are already on the dark web.”
“But we need to be careful and refrain from pointing fingers until the investigation is completed. The audit data cited by the media is quite old, and we don’t know if the Louvre took ANSSI recommendations into account. Crucially, poor passwords were not the point of entry for the criminals; they gained access through a window, indicating a broader, comprehensive security failure.”
“Personally, I would like to see a positive side to this horrible story. This theft has become the ultimate penetration test for the Louvre, so I hope it will serve as a stimulus to review and upgrade all of the museum’s security systems and policies, including passwords and outdated software. Otherwise, this robbery may embolden criminals and potentially lead to more crimes in the future”
“Proper password should be at least 20 characters long and consist of a random combination of numbers, upper and lower case letters, and special symbols. Passwords on routers and security systems, including those that manage security cameras, must be extremely strong and perhaps go beyond what is considered a strong password, as these systems can literally and figuratively open almost any door. It is also paramount to never reuse passwords. The rule of thumb is that each account should have a unique password because if one account gets taken over, hackers can use the same credentials for other accounts.”
Rolling Hills School: Where Classrooms Meet the Fields
ROLLING HILLS, Alberta — On a crisp fall morning, the hum of tractors in the distance blends with the chatter of children filing into Rolling Hills School. For many of these students, the day began not with cartoons or cereal, but with feeding calves or checking irrigation lines before the bus arrived. Here, agriculture isn’t just a subject in the curriculum—it’s the backbone of the community, and the school has embraced that identity wholeheartedly to create a unique practical learning environment that is innovating and providing students with real world skills.
A School Where Learning Meets The Land
Rolling Hills is a small K–9 school in a hamlet of just a few hundred people, surrounded by endless prairie fields. “Our kids live and breathe farming,” says one teacher. “It only makes sense that their education reflects that.”
From science lessons on soil composition to math problems based on crop yields, the school finds ways to connect classroom learning to the realities of rural life. Students don’t just read about ecosystems in textbooks—they see them unfold in the fields outside their windows.
The Community as a Classroom
What sets Rolling Hills apart is the way the wider community steps in as co-educators. Parents and neighbors, many of them farmers, regularly bring their expertise into the school. A rancher might arrive with a trailer of calves for a hands-on biology lesson, while a grain farmer explains the mechanics of GPS-guided combines during harvest.
“It’s not unusual for a student to raise their hand in class and say, ‘That’s how we do it on our farm,’” notes the principal. “That lived experience enriches the whole classroom.”
Students attend a live stock auction.
The school also doubles as a gathering place. Harvest suppers, farm safety days, and 4-H showcases bring families together, blurring the line between school events and community traditions.
A New Chapter: The Agricultural Academy Barn
This year, Rolling Hills School received a $10,000 cad grant to support the construction of an Agricultural Academy Barn on school grounds. The barn will serve as a hub for hands-on learning, giving students the chance to work directly with animals, crops, and agricultural technology in a structured environment.
“This is a game-changer for us,” says a staff member involved in the project. “The barn will allow students to experience agriculture in a way that goes beyond the classroom or even their family farms. It’s about creating a shared space where learning, innovation, and tradition come together.”
The barn is expected to host projects ranging from animal care and feed management to experiments in sustainable farming practices. For younger students, it will be a place to nurture curiosity; for older ones, it will provide practical skills that could shape future careers.
Learning by Doing
The barn will complement existing initiatives like the school garden, where students plant, tend, and harvest vegetables. Together, these projects reinforce the idea that education is not just about absorbing information but about applying it in meaningful ways.
Older students already take on complex projects—experimenting with irrigation techniques, studying crop rotations, or shadowing local farmers. With the barn, these opportunities will expand, offering a year-round space for agricultural exploration.
Growing More Than Crops
Agriculture teaches patience, responsibility, and resilience—qualities Rolling Hills School works hard to instill. Students who care for animals through 4-H or classroom projects learn that consistency matters, whether it’s feeding livestock or showing up prepared for class.
Environmental stewardship is another theme. With water scarcity and soil health pressing concerns in southern Alberta, the school emphasizes conservation and sustainable practices. “We want our students to see themselves as caretakers of the land,” says a teacher. “That’s part of their legacy.”
A Model for Rural Education
In an era when many rural schools struggle to maintain enrollment and identity, Rolling Hills stands out as a model of resilience. By leaning into its agricultural roots—and now investing in the Agricultural Academy Barn—the school has created a learning environment that is both relevant and inspiring.
Graduates leave with more than academic knowledge. They carry with them a sense of pride in their heritage, practical skills rooted in real-world experience, and a deep connection to their community.
As one parent put it during a recent harvest supper: “This school doesn’t just teach our kids—it raises them, alongside the land that raises us all.” UFA Foundation/ Copilot.
Initially divisive, the 996’s integrated headlamp clusters (combining main, high, and indicator lights under one cover) represented Porsche’s first major step into modern production efficiency. The “Fried Egg headlight” design was so controversial that when introduced, many car purchasers (especially those owning the first generation Porsche Boxster 986) modified the headlights with window tint to “hide the yolk”!
Regardless of how acceptance was split, the design was sensible and borrowed from the 911 GT1 race car, this setup improved aerodynamics and manufacturing simplicity. Over time, enthusiasts have come to appreciate its boldness, and we’re going as far as naming it in our top 10 list of the coolest Porsche headlights ever!
9. Porsche 911 RSR (2017–Present) — The Perfect Fusion of Heritage and Function
The 911 RSR’s headlights combine classic round symmetry with cutting-edge LED tech and aerodynamic sculpting. The signature four-point LEDs maintain Porsche’s unmistakable night-time identity. In endurance racing, where function dominates, the RSR’s lights prove that beauty and performance can coexist perfectly.
8. Porsche 917K (1970) — Racing Eyes Built for Le Mans
The 917K’s headlights weren’t just for show; they were shaped by necessity. With their low, wide fairings and Plexiglas covers, the lights became a critical aerodynamic component at speeds exceeding 220 mph. Their integrated look and teardrop housing gave the car a menacing, purposeful face that influenced Porsche’s endurance racers for decades.
7. Porsche 918 Spyder (2013–2015) — Laser Precision and Modern Drama
A leap into the hybrid era, the 918 Spyder’s four-point LED headlights introduced a motif that defined Porsche design for the next decade. Their sharp-edged housings and distinctive daytime running light pattern made them unmistakable, even in the dark. They also pioneered Porsche’s adaptive light technology, blending form, function, and digital precision.
6. Porsche 993 (1993–1998) — The Last of the Classic Round Lamps
The 993 introduced a new, sloped front end with headlights that followed the hood line, a significant break from tradition. The design, though controversial at launch, ultimately modernized the 911’s appearance and improved aerodynamics. Its flush, oval lenses became icons of the 1990s Porsche aesthetic and marked the final air-cooled era’s visual identity.
5. Porsche 911 (964) — Classic Form Meets Modern Function
The 964 retained the round 911 lights but subtly reshaped them to fit new, smoother bodywork. They were slightly more upright and used improved reflectors and halogen elements for better illumination. This generation is often overlooked, but its headlights mark the bridge between old-school air-cooled charm and modern Porsche precision.
4. Porsche 356 (1948–1965) — The Blueprint for Porsche’s “Eyes”
The 356 established the signature oval headlight shape that became Porsche’s visual identity for decades. Mounted high and slightly reclined, the chrome-rimmed lenses gave the car a friendly yet purposeful look. Though rooted in postwar simplicity, their integrated design flowed seamlessly with the rounded fenders, a foundational cue that carried into every 911 thereafter.
3. Porsche 959 (1986–1988) — Aerodynamic Function in a Supercar Form
The 959’s headlights were a turning point for Porsche’s design language. They maintained the classic round outline but were deeply recessed into the front fenders for aerodynamic efficiency. Flush glass covers gave the car a sleek, cohesive face that previewed Porsche’s shift toward modern integration and minimal drag. Beneath the surface, their lighting performance outclassed most of the era’s supercars.
2. Porsche Mission R Concept (2021) — The Future in Plain Sight
With its slim, vertically stacked LED units framed by a minimalist housing, the Mission R’s headlights reimagined Porsche’s “four-point” look for the electric age. They were both expressive and efficient, incorporating cooling ducts and DRL elements into a single sculptural assembly. The design hints at the next generation of motorsport and production cars from Porsche.
1. Porsche Carrera GT (2003–2007) — Pure Function, Clean Form
The Carrera GT’s headlights embodied Porsche’s design minimalism at its finest. With visible projector lenses under a clear polycarbonate cover, they echoed the look of endurance racers while maintaining a sculptural, lightweight appearance. The compact design allowed for large air channels around them, aiding cooling and aerodynamics, beauty born from engineering.
Click on the full auction catalog below to learn about this unique car.
The Zürich Auction1 November 2025 The Dolder Grand – Zürich, Switzerland
Swiss-Sourced Collector Cars
It is no surprise that our friends at Broad Arrow are proud to present a selection of Swiss-sourced vehicles to be offered at their inaugural Zürich Auction. The vehicles are varied and exceptional and the setting could not be better.
Switzerland’s reputation for precision, care, and high standards extends beyond its watches and craftsmanship. These qualities are frequently reflected in the quality of its vehicles with Swiss-sourced cars often offering distinct advantages including:Exceptional Maintenance Standards: Thanks to strict technical inspections, such as the MFK, Swiss vehicles are typically kept in excellent condition. Low Mileage: Cars in Switzerland generally show less wear, as average annual mileage trends lower than many other markets. Clean, Verifiable History: Rigorous registration and control systems mean provenance is often clear and verifiable. Favorable Tax Conditions for Classic Cars: As with several European countries, vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for reduced VAT rates. Reliable Logistics Support: Broad Arrow has established partners throughout the region available to assist with customs, shipping, and other logistical needs. For more information on any of the offerings in our Zürich Auction, and for a complete list of Swiss-sourced vehicles, I invite you to contact their knowledgable team of specialists, or to reach out to their client service team.
Bidder registration is open with options for in-person, telephone, internet, and absentee bidding available. Contact their client service team for personalized assistance at [email protected]. Please mention the Silo when contacting. For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.
Our friends at kommandostore talk about the Cold War on their site so often, it’s become one of their defining aesthetics…..and that’s a good thing- read on!
Grand armies and weapons are arguably less than half of the story.
Many of the cold war ‘battles’ from the 1950s through the 1990s took place in the minds and on the wrists of millions of people. Some might say they certainly still do…
Rogue media campaigns, protests & activism, black ops — they defined the hottest parts of the Cold War. But what if we told you that the watch you were wearing was just as important? The Soviet Union sure thought so…
Having gotten sucked into the almost endless lore rabbithole of watches, the first thing that kommandostore sought to bring back from obscurity was the Elektronika 55B — the soviet union’s most popular digital watch that went the way of… well, the Soviet Union… When it collapsed in ’91.
Above all else, there’s one story about this watch that truly stands on its own, a story that will make you realize that there is much more to this little watch that jovially plays chiptune soviet music…
It involves two of the most powerful men in the world, Leonid Brezhnev and Henry Kissinger convening and comparing their new digital watches.
Ok, they weren’t really wearing the watches in that photo, but such an encounter really did happen between the two gentlemen in the early 70s, one that subtly let the United States know that the Soviets were right on the US’s tail for semiconductor technology.
On a somewhat-routine visit to Moscow, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger wore a Pulsar P2 Watch — one of the very first digital watches. Known for it’s striking red LED display and appearance on the wrist of none other than James bond.
It also carried a hefty price tag, with the 21k gold edition costing enough to buy you a car in today’s money.
You tell us, is $1800 usd/ $2,526 cad in today’s money worth it for one of the two base models?
The meeting was with Leonid Brezhnev, General Secretary of the Soviet Union. He remarked that he did indeed like Kissinger’s watch, being a man of taste.
Then he told Kissinger that the USSR had already developed a prototype using the very same technology.
Kissinger was reportedly astonished — and was presented with a functioning Soviet-Made digital wristwatch, the Elektronika B6-02. Featuring CMOS circuits, it was blocky, brutalist, and affordable enough for practically anyone to buy when it officially launched.
The whole Elektronika series carried this statement — the latest fancy tech of the west is cool, but when it’s done the soviet way, for way cheaper, it’s not a luxury to be worn by only the elites.
It didn’t take a horology enthusiast to buy and wear this watch. It’s Kalashnikov-esque ubiquity meant it was worn by everyone from party members to coal miners.
Sure, in 1969 we brought a luxury-watch masterpiece, the Omega Speedmaster, to the Moon before the Soviets were able to. But as a tool of propaganda, the USSR might have had us beat, and the Elektronika 5 appeared in space several more times…
We found it intriguing and somewhat disheartening that Elektronika, what seemed to be the people’s choice, was snuffed out much in the same time period as the Soviet union.
In a world full of Casios & Timexes, who can’t help but succumb to the charm of the plucky Elektronika, so why not give it the wrist time it deserves…because it is now available once again and this time in a near perfect reproduction right down to the packaging.
A 1:1 functional replica of the original Elektronika with 4 new Slav-approved “Melody” alarms. Sanctioned to the second-hand market (pun intended), thankfully kommandostore thought that the watch deserved a proper revival after its unceremonious disappearance following the collapse of the USSR.
Just like the original, it’s an affordable and reliable piece with just enough fun to get even the most uptight horologists asking you questions. But unlike the OGs, the sad truth of capitalism is that we’re slaves to supply and demand. They are running out fast, and even though there are plans to quickly continue production, there may be a slight gap. So, if you’re interested, this is kind of a last call.
Click the following link to place your order while supplies last.
I was doing a bit of ‘specific purpose’ shopping at a local grocery store to pick up some of their No Name Yogurt. I buy this all the time and use it mixed with fruit, or when making a smoothie with yogurt, milk and berries.
It is worth noting, that some consumers remain staunchly brand-loyal and even brand-dependent.
They believe that no-name products are ‘not as good’ as the brand name products that they favor. In reality many no-name brands are manufactured using the same ingredients and at the same factory as the brand product, the only difference being the price and the look of the label. That being said, I’m not ready to trade in my Heinz ketchup for the no-name brand….but Aylmer is a close second. Can you taste the difference?
As I was about to take several tubs (5) off the shelf, I noticed a pad of tear-off coupons right above the yogurt. They were for $1.00 (Cdn) off each tub of No Name Yogurt that you purchased. Since I had 5 tubs in my tote basket, I peeled off 5 coupons. When I got to the check-out, I put the coupons on each tub and the cashier deducted $5.00 off my bill. The regular cost was $1.97 a tub, which would have made the total cost $9.85. I paid $4.85. I was very, very happy. I got the yogurt that I intended to buy, and I got a bargain. Also the empty tubs can be put in recycling bins, or used as food-savers for leftovers.
The ‘no-name’ brand Loblaws Canada use bright black on yellow packaging.
A friend of mine, Ken, who worked in the food industry, once told me, “Coupons are an easy way for customers to save money. The store does not loose any money, the coupons go right back to the company.”
A few years back, I decided to see if coupons did save me money. Each week I went through the newspapers, magazines, online site and store coupons I had collected as well as free coupon bins in their stores. These bins are there for customers who don’t want to use their coupons, but throw them in a bin so that other customers strolling by can scoop up whatever they want to use. I used an old duo tang notebook to record my savings, a ruler, line paper, and a pen. I drew lines across the page. I also drew lines vertically down the page for categories.
The first category was NUMBER, and then ITEM PURCHASED, then COUPON PRICE, and lastly PRICE TOTAL. I found an old, very large mayonnaise jar with a lid (the kind they used in restaurants that buy in large quantities). I put a slot in the top of the lid so that it was more convenient to drop coins into the jar rather than unscrewing the cap each time.
I labeled the jar, “Coupon Money.” Every time I went to the store and used a coupon, I put the actual money I saved into the jar. It may have been only 35 cents, or 50 cents. Then I recorded the information in my duo-tang.
I decided to do this project for one year. I started in February. I never told anyone what I was doing. If my wife used a coupon, she also added the money to the jar, and recorded the information. Never did I use the proceeds from the jar during the year, but I was tempted many times. Over the months of the year, I took the change that was accumulating and transferred it into bills, starting with $5.00, then $10.00, then $20.00 bills. The idea was to use coupons on products that I normally purchased, not to get 50 cents off a product I wouldn’t normally buy.
I was very diligent with my project that year. It was kind of a game made especially fun when I would get the jar out and look with envy at all the bills stuffed in there.
As the year anniversary was approaching, my wife started telling people about the “Coupon Project.”
I heard comments like, “How silly.” “Why would you want to waste your time doing that?” “When I get coupons I throw them out.” “You won’t make any savings on them.” But at the end of the year, the jar contained $520.00. As it turned out, we needed a new couch. We purchased a brand new bed-chesterfield, including delivery, for $500.00
A week later, two friends who had thought that my “Coupon Project” was nonsense, remarked on how beautiful and expensive our couch looked. They asked, “How did you afford to buy such a beautiful couch?” I replied proudly, “coupons.” For the Silo, Blair R. Yager.
35 years ago, a mysterious and strikingly beautiful aircraft touched down on a dusty airfield in the Nevada desert. Can you imagine what kind of advanced aircrafts are being developed now?
The F-117 Nighthawk
Since its public reveal decades ago (consider that development started in the 1970’s on this amazing machine), the Nighthawk served with quiet distinction through the latter half of the Cold War, the first Gulf War, a kerfuffle in Yugoslavia (bet you don’t remember that one) , and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Despite and official ‘retirement’ in 2008, the F-117 still gets spotted in the skies over Nevada where it is rumored to serve as an ‘aggressor aircraft’, helping to train pilots.
What’s the F-117 about?
With it’s cyberpunk like profile and stunning angles, the F-117 Nighthawk instantly captured the public’s imagination and birthed a lot of UFO /UAP stories, especially in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s when it’s unusual shape confused expectations of what an aircraft could and should look like. A radical departure from the retro-aerodynamic curves of traditional aircraft design, the F-117’s odd shape serves a singular purpose.
Stealth.
The Nighthawk was conceived by Lockheed’s Skunk Works, a secretive development team responsible for some of the most capable aircraft of the 20th century. Designed to slip through deep Soviet territory, the Nighthawk incorporated radical new technology to achieve an incredibly small radar and thermal signature. Hard edges, radar-absorbing coatings, a unique twin-tail, and special endinge cowlings reduced the aircraft to the size of a sparrow on Soviet radar. The Nighthawk was deemed fully operational in the early 1980’s and nearly a decade her pilots and crew flight night sorties in complete secrecy. Seven years later, the USAF and the Department of Defense decided the Nighthawk would work better as a deterrent if the world knew about it and it’s capabilities.
Plans were made to reveal the aircraft to the world at Nellis AFB on April 21, 1990. Those of us who saw this event live on television will always remember the shock and awe inspiring gasp it created- nothing like it had ever been seen before and it surely looked like something from a science fiction novel or movie. On a hot spring day, a flight of two F-117s landed in front of thousands of cheering spectators, kicking off one of the most memorable air shows in US history. After opening the show, the F-117s sat quietly on the tarmac surrounded by an entourage of armed airmen and curious onlookers. Although little was said about the new “stealth fighters”- blimps, fighter jets, and mock dog fights continued the day’s entertainment in style.
Even with talks of ‘spending prioritization’ and ‘doctrinal appropriateness’, the Nighthawk has endured, in it’s own special way, for nearly 40 years. Everything about the F-117 that made it great in the 1980’s still captivates us today. It’s razor-sharp edges, futuristic technology, and it’s family tree of stealthy cousins (foreign and domestic). Here is hoping many more years of this little black triangle up in the sky… via our friends at kommandostore.com
In case you missed it- the world is quietly entering a population crisis. Global fertility rates have plunged to their lowest level in 60 years, raising profound questions about how societies will sustain themselves in the decades ahead.
In July, the U.S. Census Bureau projected that the world’s population will reach 8.1 billion this year. Experts say that although the figure has grown from 3 billion in 1960, the number to watch is the pace of population growth.”
Asian and European countries have the lowest fertility rates in the world, and South Korea (0.72), Singapore (0.97), Ukraine (0.977), and China (0.999) all have rates below one. (
Source: Statistics Canada
As an artist you will be the recipient of rejection letters and emails.
