kijiji 0ntario The Supreme Court has dismissed three Fundamental Rights Applications Nos. 198/2024, 254/2024, and 263/2024, which challenged the opening of the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of LTL Holdings Ltd., on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Upon hearing the submissions of all the Petitioners and the Respondents, the Supreme Court before Chief Justice Murdu N.B. Fernando, PC and Justice E.A.G.R. Amarasekara refused to grant leave to proceed and dismissed all three cases. LTL Holdings was on course to complete the biggest IPO worth Rs. 20 billion before the litigation. In September LTL launched its IPO primarily to support two major projects — Rs. 13.5 billion will be utilised to part finance the equity investment towards the construction of a 350 MW combined cycle power plant in Kerawalapitiya (Sahasdhanavi Ltd.), which would be the second power plant to operate on LNG in Sri Lanka and Rs. 6 billion towards investing in a 50% equity stake in the 100 MW Siyambalanduwa Solar Power Project Rividhanavi Ltd. The IPO was for 22.3% stake or 1,379,310,400 new ordinary voting shares at an issue price of Rs. 14.50 per share and aimed to raise Rs. 16 billion, with a green shoe option to increase the total to Rs. 20 billion. The joint managers and financial advisors to the issue are NDB Investment Bank Ltd.Defence Minister Judith Collins says it makes sense for the armed forces to tap more into the local high technology industry to counter growing threats . The Defence Force (NZDF) has been making moves this year to link more strongly with high-tech companies, in line with a push by militaries globally to acquire much more "emerging technology". Collins told Corin Dann on Morning Report on Thursday this was a sensible way for the country to prepare for future threats. "We should certainly make use of the fact we have some great tech going on here, particularly around things like surveillance but also around drones," she said. Was making lethal tech on the table? "Well, of course, when someone is trying to take you out, in terms of a country, you need to be able to defend yourself." New Zealand's allies the US, UK and Australia have begun developing and sharing more advanced defence technology under the Aukus pact. But Collins, asked if New Zealand could get the defence tech it needed and not be in Aukus Pillar Two, said, "Well, of course, and that's what we are doing. "This has always been about tech. "Defence has not been about looking to the past. It's always about what might be on the horizon, what might be a future threat. "If we sat around and said let's just have the cavalry out there, I mean, you would be laughing at us." The latest official briefings say New Zealand is still exploring joining Pillar Two but needed a "clear picture of specific technology areas". There are eight general areas, including quantum computing, autonomous systems (which NZDF has been buying more of) and hypersonics. Collins said wonderful work was going on at NZDF's Science and Technology unit (DST), and among private local tech companies, to be able to "properly surveil, to deal with issues like what's going on in Ukraine at the moment". DST is at the forefront of exploring joining Pillar Two, papers show. Asked if China was the biggest threat, as is indicated in internal official briefings to ministers, Collins said everyone in defence and the Pacific was very aware that after Beijing's launch of an intercontinental missile into the Pacific recently, "things have changed unfortunately". "We believe that we've just got to do our part and make sure that we protect New Zealand." One high-tech addition no longer in the government's scope, though it was up until a few months ago, is a rocket launchpad south of Christchurch. Collins has ruled out subsidising any vertical rocket launches from the fledgling Tāwhaki aerospace centre at Kaitorete Spit, to focus instead on the horizontal launches off its new runway that advanced aircraft like drones can use. Earlier official studies said vertical launchpads could be viable, including for military or dual-use launches - and there remains the option of private investment going towards that - but Collins told RNZ: "When you are talking about vertical launches as opposed to horizontal launches, that requires an enormous amount of money. "We don't actually have spare money. "But also, you need to have customers. Because this is not a Kevin Costner movie - we can't just build it and hope that they're going to come." However, Tāwhaki said talks with potential partners for vertical launch were carrying on, and the aerospace industry said it new of customer interest here and overseas, if facilities were built. Tāwhaki earlier in the year alluded to being a "white elephant" if it did not get launchpads. Collins noted New Zealand was among the world's busiest rocket launch sites anyway. However, these all rely on Rocket Lab's private and exclusive launchpad at Māhia.None

The demise of NASA's NEOWISE telescope has unveiled a treasure trove of previously unseen cosmic imagery. The space telescope concluded its celestial journey on November 1, re-entering and disintegrating in Earth's atmosphere. NASA reguarly uses its telescopes to track anything flying in the sky or space, like UFOs or new star systems, capturing their beauty in detail only possible by their technology. Space scientists capture startling new image of Sombrero galaxy NASA discovers hidden military base deep within Greenland ice sheet The team at IPAC, a science center affiliated with Caltech Research University in Pasadena, has released six new images from the mission's archival data as an homage to this groundbreaking project. Termed as "one further gift from the prolific mission," the final data release from NEOWISE was made available to the astronomy community on November 14, featuring over 26 million images and nearly 200 billion sources detected by the telescope. Among these are a region named the "Gecko Nebula" due to its likeness to a downturned head with a pointed snout, a tadpole-shaped nebula known as CG12, and the expansive California Nebula, stretching 100 light-years across space. Originally launched as the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) in 2009, the telescope was reactivated in 2013 as NEOWISE, marking the asteroid-hunting phase of the mission. The infrared space telescope surveyed the entire night sky, conducting 21 complete sky surveys during its decade-long operation. While the mission primarily aimed to identify and study small objects in our solar system, like asteroids and comets, also referred to as near-Earth objects (NEOs), the infrared data gathered by the telescope has proven invaluable across various areas of astronomy. NASA panic over 'toxic smell' coming from Russian spaceship Moment 5 galaxies collide at 2,000,000mph in 'intergalactic sonic boom' NASA shares 'eerie' snaps of clouds 'linked to UFOs' - locals left puzzled The mission wrapped up its operations in July 2024, and over its 15-year tenure in space, scientists had the opportunity to repeatedly observe the same sky regions, with most areas being surveyed by NEOWISE at least 220 times. This consistent observation aids astronomers in identifying and studying celestial bodies that fluctuate in brightness or position. "Being able to watch the changing sky for nearly 15 years has opened a new avenue for time-domain science, for everything from the closest asteroids to the most distant quasars," expressed Joe Masiero, Research Scientist at IPAC and the Deputy Principal Investigator of the mission.For the second year in a row, Baltimoreans will be able to listen to one of the defining songs of the holiday season — Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” — from the queen of the season’s own mouth. Carey is scheduled to visit Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena on Dec. 7 as part of her 20-city “Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time” tour. This visit follows not quite a year after her Dec. 15, 2023 concert, which was part of her “Merry Christmas One and All!” tour. This year’s concerts are being produced by LiveNation, according to a news release. They are described as being the singer’s “grandest holiday spectacle to date” in celebration of the 30th anniversary of her the record-shattering song. Since the single was released in 1994 as part of Carey’s “Merry Christmas” album, it has become such a ubiquitous staple of holiday music that it is difficult to imagine getting through December without hearing it at least once. The show will also feature other holiday classics by Carey, alongside fan-favorite chart-toppers, according to the news release. Carey is the best-selling female artist of all time, according to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has written or co-written 18 of her 19 number one songs on the Billboard Hot 100. Tickets cost between $51 and $862 including fees, and can be bought at ticketmaster.com. Have a news tip? Contact Mary Carole McCauley at mmccauley@baltsun.com and 410-332-6704.First treatment in 50 years for serious asthma attacks is ‘game-changer’

Sudan’s Tagadum coalition refers key issues to political mechanismNigeria’s electoral process is improving with each election, according to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. Soludo, the National Leader of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), acknowledged that while there were shortcomings, each electoral phase has shown notable progress. He made this remark on Friday in Abuja during the party’s first National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting since the recent Supreme Court decision recognizing Mr. Sly Ezeokenwa as the National Chairman of APGA. The Anambra governor commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, the widow of the late Biafran warlord Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, as a minister. Mrs. Ojukwu, a former ambassador, now serves as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Speaking further, Soludo said: “Our electoral process is improving. I say this because I have been a participant and observer. “We witnessed what happened in 1999, 2003, 2007, and subsequent elections. What I can confidently say is that our electoral process is getting better with each election.” Regarding the Supreme Court’s judgment on the APGA leadership crisis, Soludo remarked: “No matter what we may think of our judicial system, with all its imperfections, I had no doubt that after the madness, sanity would prevail.” ALSO READ: UK: Five things you didn’t know about Storm Darragh He praised the judiciary for upholding justice and the rule of law, adding that the party is ready to collaborate with progressive minds to reposition Nigeria. Earlier, Ezeokenwa announced an amnesty for genuine party members willing to join the new rebuilding process. He also expressed gratitude to Soludo for consistently supporting APGA. Among other resolutions, the NEC appointed additional members to the Board of Trustees, subject to ratification at the next national convention. Besides Soludo, Bianca Ojukwu, and Ezeokenwa, other notable attendees included Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe and Hon. Alex Ikwueche. Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel nowBengaluru: Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a necessity as the world grapples with consequences of climate change and resource depletion. Bengaluru, known for its innovation and vibrant community spirit, is leading the way in embracing sustainable practices . From startups promoting circular economies and eco-conscious technologies to architects conserving heritage and artists embracing sustainable materials, a few firms in the city are setting an example for urban resilience and environmental responsibility. Eco Dhaga collected around 6,800 kilograms of post-consumer textiles recently. The used or discarded clothes were recycled and turned into funky table mats and coasters. "It also enabled us to reduce landfill waste," said Sanjana Swaroop, founder of Eco Dhaga. Sanjana was talking about circular economy and what her organisation has been doing in the space at a panel discussion on sustainable designs, moderated by MXR co-founder Madan Mohan Rao at M Cube Spaces here on Saturday. "Fashion industry is one of the largest polluters. We are trying to create awareness on what you can do to improve the environment with your closet itself," said Sanjana. Some startups like Reusall are coming up with a software solutions for resuablity. "We are creating an intuitive app and an impact dashboard where you can track your footprint and habits you have been following," said Shravan Boska, founder of the startup based in Hyderabad and Bengaluru. Masons Ink focuses on three verticles — sustainable construction , heritage conservation and social architecture. Sridevi Changali, co-founder and principal architect, Masons Ink, believes that it is important to extend the life of buildings to achieve the goal of sustainability. "Buildings that were built 100 or 200 years ago are still standing pretty wonderfully today," she said, adding, one can learn a lot from them. According to her, there's definitely been a tangible increase in the number of inquiries on sustainable construction practices. "There are many takers for mud houses nowadays. Whether it's a trend or whether it's here to stay, we'll see in the next 10 years," she said. Sustainability is the buzzword in art too. Priyanka Thaker, founder of House of Beserk, an art studio, has been conscious of how they package and send their installations. "We are also trying to work with materials like terracotta that come from the earth," said Priyanka.

NoneOfficers investigating Louise Haigh's "stolen" phone believed a photo she submitted of the handset had been taken after the alleged theft, Sky News has been told. Two sources said after looking at metadata attached to the photo - information that often details when photos were captured - officers believed it had been taken after the date at which Ms Haigh alleged the phone had been stolen. Sources close to Ms Haigh did not respond when approached about the allegation. The Sheffield MP resigned as transport secretary on Friday after Sky News revealed she pleaded guilty and was convicted in 2014 in relation to an allegedly stolen phone. The conviction is believed to relate to fraud. The now former transport secretary claims the incident was a "genuine mistake" from which she did not benefit. However, Sky News has spoken to three sources who say the stolen phone report was pursued by Ms Haigh for her own personal gain. More on Labour Louise Haigh's resignation prompts internal Labour blame game How a mobile phone brought down a cabinet minister Heidi Alexander named new transport secretary after Louise Haigh's resignation over mobile phone guilty plea Related Topics: Labour Sky News had also spoken to one source who alleged that the handset was used to call Ms Haigh's mother soon after the reported theft, but had been unable to verify the allegation. On Thursday night, Ms Haigh said the incident arose after she was "mugged while on a night out" in 2013. She said she reported the incident to the police and gave officers a list of items she believed had been taken - including a work mobile phone. However, in her statement to Sky News, she said she discovered "some time later" that "the mobile in question had not been taken". In the interim she was issued with another work phone. When she turned on the original work device, it "triggered police attention and I was asked to come in for questioning", she said. "My solicitor advised me not to comment during that interview and I regret following that advice," she added. "Under the advice of my solicitor I pleaded guilty - despite the fact this was a genuine mistake from which I did not make any gain. "The magistrates accepted all of these arguments and gave me the lowest possible outcome (a discharge) available." Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free It is understood Ms Haigh believes she disclosed the incident in full when she was appointed to the shadow cabinet in 2020. However, Downing Street said on Friday that Ms Haigh resigned after "new information" emerged, but declined to say officially if the prime minister knew about the conviction when he appointed his cabinet in July. On Friday, a source told Sky News' political editor Beth Rigby that the story that emerged on Thursday was "inconsistent" with what Sir Keir had been told when Ms Haigh was appointed to his shadow cabinet. Follow our channel and never miss an update. It is understood the prime minister was "not able to square the circle" and as a result the cabinet minister was advised to resign. Friends of Ms Haigh insist she shared the "full facts" of the conviction and that Sir Keir "had expressed sympathy that police had taken the decision to prosecute her".

( MENAFN - Jordan Times) Jordan stands at a crossroads. Blessed with a young, tech-savvy population and a thriving IT sector, the country possesses the ingredients for a sustainable and prosperous future. However, a high youth unemployment rate casts a shadow on this potential. The question here is how can Jordan leverage its strengths to empower its youth, transforming a challenge into an opportunity. Jordan boasts an impressive foundation for an IT-driven future. With a literacy rate exceeding 98 per cent and near-universal internet access (97 per cent), the population is primed for technological advancement. The IT sector itself contributes a significant 13 per cent to Jordan's GDP, highlighting its potential as an economic engine. Jordan's leadership in Arabic internet content creation further demonstrates its existing expertise in the digital domain. Despite these advantages, Jordan faces a stark reality; a youth unemployment rate of 22 per cent. This disconnect between a highly educated populace and a lack of job opportunities necessitates immediate action. Developed economies like Singapore and Japan prioritise education and invest heavily in cultivating a skilled workforce. Singapore's focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education has fuelled its IT sector's global dominance. Japan's emphasis on vocational training, meanwhile, ensures a steady stream of skilled professionals entering the workforce. It is strategically wise to consider an intensive education and training programme in the IT sector. Such initiative would drive economic growth, elevate educational standards and reduce unemployment by equipping the workforce with essential skills for the IT sector. Key objectives include economic diversification, educational excellence and increased employment opportunities. Expected outcomes are a highly skilled workforce, significant job creation, sustainable economic development and improved educational quality. This strategic investment promises to transform challenges into opportunities, positioning Jordan as a leader in the IT landscape. Also, IT companies can invest in scholarship programmes that target promising students from underprivileged backgrounds. This ensures a diverse and talented pool entering the workforce. Additionally, establishing internship programmes allows companies to identify and mentor future employees, while providing students with invaluable real-world experience. Partnerships with IT certification bodies like Microsoft, Cisco, or CompTIA can offer industry-recognised certifications within the educational curriculum. Earning these certifications can give Jordanian graduates a competitive edge in the global job market. These intensive programmes should focus on high-demand, industry-specific skills. This could involve bootcamps in web development, data analysis, mobile app development or cybersecurity. The curriculum should be designed for rapid skill acquisition. Jordan can create a future-proof workforce by prioritising these emerging technologies. AI expertise can empower young Jordanians to develop innovative solutions in healthcare, finance and transportation. Also, strong cybersecurity skills will safeguard Jordan's growing digital infrastructure, while cloud computing proficiency will enable businesses to operate with greater agility and scalability. Establishing technology-focused incubators and accelerators that provide young entrepreneurs with co-working spaces, mentorship from experienced professionals, and access to seed funding. These programmes can nurture promising ideas and transform them into viable businesses. By implementing these multifaceted strategies, Jordan can create a dynamic ecosystem that fosters continuous learning, industry collaboration and practical skill development. This will equip its young population with the tools they need to thrive in the ever-evolving IT landscape, solidifying Jordan's position as a leader in the regional technology sector. Though fostering a culture of innovation and providing the necessary support systems, Jordan can empower its young people to become not just employees but also job creators. This entrepreneurial spirit will drive the development of homegrown Jordanian tech companies, and fostering economic growth for generations to come. Accordingly, Jordan can transform its youth unemployment challenge into a springboard for sustainable development. Hamza Alakaleek is a corporate lawyer and tax attorney MENAFN02122024000028011005ID1108949042 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Fasenra, an injectable medication developed by AstraZeneca for severe asthma, has proven more effective during attacks than traditional oral steroids. A recent study shows it reduces the necessity for further treatment by 30%. King's College London led the research with 158 UK patients vulnerable to asthma and COPD attacks, revealing the drug's superiority over oral prednisolone, especially in emergency exacerbations. This promising result could transform how severe asthma and COPD are managed. The findings indicate Fasenra's potential for at-home use during life-threatening episodes, significantly reducing hospitalizations. Published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the study amplifies the impact of this breakthrough treatment, AstraZeneca's second-best selling respiratory drug. (With inputs from agencies.)NoneUFC superstar Conor McGregor was found guilty of sexual assault from an incident that occurred with Nikita Hand at the Beacon Hotel in Dublin on December 9, 2018. McGregor was tried in a Dublin High Court, and the jury found him liable for sexual assault, and the MMA star was ordered to pay more than €248,000 in damages to Hand. Read more: UFC Superstar Conor McGregor Found Guilty of Sexual Assault, What Comes Next? The aftermath of the sexual assault conviction is now starting to role out, as McGregor has now been dropped by Proper Twelve's parent company Proximo Spirits. Proximo Spirits released a statement to the Irish Independent , stating, "Since 2021, Proximo Spirits has been the 100pc owner of Proper No 12 Irish Whiskey," it said. "Going forward, we do not plan to use Mr McGregor's name and likeness in the marketing of the brand." McGregor started the Proper No. 12 whiskey brand back in 2018 in Ireland and the United States, which quickly grew in popularity. Following the surge of the brand, McGregor and his partners sold their stake to Proximo Spirits in 2021 for a reported $600 million. Now, Proximo Spirits has announced they will be dropping McGregor's name and likeness from the brand moving forward. A number of retailers were already set to pull the Proper No. 12 whiskey off shelves, which includes Musgrave, owners of SuperValu and Centra. Tesco also stated they would pull the whiskey, and a spokesperson stated, "We can confirm that we are removing Proper No 12 from sale in Tesco stores and online. Tesco does not stock Forged Irish Stout." Irish Independent also indicated that "Costcutter and Carry Out off-license outlets also dropped the brands. It said: 'Barry Group has made the decision to remove Forged Stout and Proper 12 from circulation to our network of Costcutter and Carry Out retail outlets. This action reflects our commitment to maintaining a retail environment that resonates with the values of our customers and partners.'" Simply put, a staggering amount of retailers are dropping the whiskey, leaving Proximo Spirits to distance itself from McGregor. Spirits isn't the only brand with McGregor being affected, as the "Hitman" video game also announced they would drop content that showcased McGregor. More news: McMahon Family Member May Return to WWE McGregor released a statement on the ruling, stating that he plans to appeal the decision made in court. According to his statement on X : "People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That's all on me. As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath. I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision. I can't go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side. That's it. No more. Getting back to the gym- the fight game awaits!" For more on the UFC, head to Newsweek Sports .

PM Modi, addressing party workers in Bhubaneswar, also said that the opposition has only one aim,“to somehow capture power by misleading people”. “Those who consider power as their birthright have not been in power at the Centre for the last decade,” he said in an apparent dig at the opposition. The prime minister said it is quite natural that there would be ideological differences among political parties on different issues, and that they have the right to express their views and resort to agitations. “During my tenure as Chief Minister and PM, I saw different colours of politics. I admit that a constructive opposition is normal in a democracy. There can be differences of opinion on any decision,” he said. PM Modi said everyone, however, can now feel a big difference in the manner protests are organised.“The spirit of the Constitution is crushed and all the norms of democracy are rejected.” The PM said that from the very beginning, the opposition parties were not ready to accept the fact that people gave their mandate to the BJP-led NDA. “Denied of power for the last decade, such parties are now filled with so much anger that they do not hesitate to conspire against the country and its people. They are misleading people with 'jhoot aur afwah ki dukan' (lies and rumours),” he said. PM Modi noted that such false propaganda is a big challenge for people of India, and BJP workers and“those who love the country and respect the Constitution should be more alert and vigilant to foil such attempts and expose the lies”. He also said the BJP dedicatedly worked for the development of Odisha even when the party was not in power in the eastern state. “The Odisha poll results surprised many big political experts, who had completely rejected the idea of BJP forming government in the state... BJP's election success in Odisha, Haryana, and Maharashtra has created a new confidence in the entire country. This is the specialty of BJP and the capability of our workers,” asserted PM Modi. The BJP respects and gives priority to the rich culture and tradition of Odisha, he said. “I am happy that due to the efforts of the BJP, Odisha's tribal daughter Droupadi Murmu ji is the President of the country today. This has boosted the confidence of daughters from all sections of society. Her journey will inspire many generations to come,” the PM said. On the All India DGP/IGP Conference that got underway in Bhubaneswar, he said it is being held in Odisha for the first time, though the event has been taking place since the British period. “We want to give priority to Odisha not only in the country but also on the world map,” he said, adding that after the BJP formed government in the state, it has implemented the National Education Policy and other central schemes. Besides, 'Operation Demonstration, 2024′ will be organised in Puri on the occasion of Navy Day on December 4, and the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Divas' in Bhubaneswar from January 8-10. PM Modi said the BJP government has also started fulfilling the promises made during the election. “The state has launched the 'Subhadra Yojana', which will be a symbol of women empowerment. Under the scheme, the government promises to provide ₹ 50,000 to one crore women in five years. Similarly, the government has started procuring paddy at a price of ₹ 3,100 per quintal as was promised,” he said. Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group : Join Now Be Part of Quality Journalism Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. CLICK FOR DETAILS MENAFN30112024000215011059ID1108941990 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Mumbai property market continues to scale new peak, records best-ever NovemberBills' push for AFC top seed continues with visit to Rams, who need to keep pace in NFC West

Democrat Adam Gray has expanded his wafer-thin lead to 190 votes as counting continues in the battle for California's 13th Congressional District, the only House race yet to be called by The Associated Press (AP). According to AP, as of around 2 a.m. ET on November 28, Gray had 104,991 votes against 104,801 for GOP incumbent Representative John Duarte, with an estimated 99 percent of the votes having been counted. The Republicans held the House on November 5 with 220 confirmed representatives, just over the 218 needed for a majority, against 214 for the Democrats . They also flipped the Senate , where 53 Republicans were elected against 47 who caucus with the Democrats, and presidential candidate Donald Trump was returned to the White House for a second term. Gray's lead has increased slightly from November 27, when his lead was 182 votes with 104,503 ballots cast in his favor against 104,321 for Duarte. According to California Globe, Duarte led Gray by 56,785 votes to 53,596, or 51.4 percent against 48.6 percent, after around half the votes had been counted leading some analysts to call the race in the Republican 's favor. However as more votes were cast this lead evaporated, and on Wednesday Gray pulled ahead due to mail-in votes. Newsweek contacted Rep. John Duarte and Adam Gray for comment, via online campaign inquiry form and email respectively, on Saturday outside of regular office hours. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has filed a lawsuit against the state of California in a bid to stop the counting of mail-in ballots after Election Day. In a post on X, formerly Twitter , RNC Chair Michael Whatley wrote: "It is absurd for California to accept ballots by mail up to 7 days after Election Day and take almost a month to count them. "The RNC, alongside the California Republican Party , will continue to fight aggressively to force all states to stop accepting ballots after Election Day." Speaking to California Globe, Anne Granger, a political scientist who monitors western states' House races, said mail-in ballots could be decisive in California's 13th congressional district. She said: "The GOP is doing everything they can to get cured vote signatures right now, but the mail-in ballot are what turned things around here last minute. "If there was no acceptance of mail-in ballots up to a week after, Duarte would have won and Steel probably would have won too. The RNC is really going to go after California on his." In 2022, Duarte defeated Gray by 564 votes to flip California's 13th congressional district. California's 13th congressional district was one of 29 Republican-controlled districts identified as under threat for the GOP in October by the Cook Political Report, a group that provides nonpartisan election analysis.

1. An Our Place ovenware set complete with three gorgeous stone baking dishes perfect for cooking and serving, as well as the top-rated Oven Pan that they'll be able to use for just about anything. As a giant stove griddle for less dishes? Yep! In the oven for baking and roasting? Well, of course. It's cute and multifunctional! With the set, they'll be able to bake, roast, braise, serve, and SO much more. Promising review: "This ovenware set is wonderful! The different pieces are so versatile,... t hey’re a breeze to clean , and look so pretty that they can go from oven to table. I’m in love with them!" — Stephanie S. Shipping info: All orders with in-stock items take up to two business days to process and generally take 1-7 business days for delivery. Get it from Our Place for $115 (originally $195; available in four colors). 2. A fancy set of truffle-infused hot sauces for the person who loves to add some spice to their meals. With this set, they'll get a ~sophisticated~ spice with three different levels of hotness. Promising review: "I'm loving this variety pack!! The flavor is sweet and earthy with just a bit of spice (the black one is very mild, and the hotter one is more like low medium heat). I'm eating it on everything! One of my favorite simple things to have it on is rice with just a little bit of butter and Truff. Unbelievably good!!" — L. Get it from Amazon for $69.99 (also sold individually, in two-packs, and packets). 3. An easy-to-use SodaStream so they'll have yummy, refreshing sparkling water whenever they want it! Not only will this limit plastic bottle use, but you're helping them save tons of $$$ not buying cases of LaCroix every month. 😅 The SodaStream also comes with a 60-liter Co2 cylinder, a one-liter BPA-free reusable carbonating bottle, and lime flavoring! Reviewers suggest also buying two CO2 cartridges and trying various natural fruit flavors to spice things up! Promising review : "Why didn't I buy this sooner? Let me start by saying I drink a lot... A LOT... of seltzer. I was going through multiple cans a day which added up quickly in my garage and was a hassle to return). The Sodastream Terra has been a welcomed change in our household. I keep three 1L bottles cold on hand in the fridge at all times and rotate them around as we use them. The machine itself is so easy to use and fits right under the cabinets in my kitchen with very little footprint. The first canister lasted around a month, depending on how much fizz you enjoy it could last more or less. The CO2 quick connect is very easy to install as well making this item 1000% worth the time and energy to make my own seltzer vs buying at the store." — MM Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors). Check out BuzzFeed editor Abby Kass's full SodaStream review . 4. An indoor herb garden for those who love gardening, but don't have the yard to do so. This compact garden features two different grow modes (for fruit and veggies) and has a built-in LED grow light to help them flourish indoors. Promising reviews: " Easily grow vegetables all year round indoors without having to worry about bugs! I love this product. It looks sleek on my countertop. Inbloom Hydroponic growing systems also make great gifts. Excellent quality and price point!" — Carolyn Davis "I purchased this as a gift for a friend and it was most enthusiastically received. Apparently, it was one of their most requested items, and they were absolutely thrilled to be gifted this hydroponic garden. The product is easy to use and doesn’t take up too much space. Such an ideal gift for new homeowners and those wanting to begin growing their own produce in a small space without being overwhelmed. Highly recommend!" — Samuel Brown Samuel Brown Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in two sizes, two styles, and three colors). And grab an herb seed growing kit to complete the gift! 5. An Ember temperature-control smart mug because it can keep their coffee and tea as hot as when they first poured it. It's aaaall controlled through the app where they choose their desired temperature and can even make presets for specific beverages. Fancy stuff, right? Promising review: "Best thing since sliced bread! I hate when my coffee gets cold. I was originally looking for one of those warming coasters, but then, I saw the Ember mugs. ... There was no turning back. I can take my coffee with me into my boss's office, and it still stays hot?? Yes, please. I used that app and have adjusted my temp down to 127 degrees. It stays at that temperature the entire time. I’ve not had an issue with battery life either, doesn’t take me more than an hour to polish off a cup of coffee. I HIGHLY recommend." — Mathews Get it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors). 6. A set of the fanciest olive oil, vinegar, and honey they will be bragging about any chance they get! The olive oil is handcrafted from California olives, the vinegar is made with chardonnay grapes and Valencia oranges, and the honey has a surprising orange blossom twist. How delicious does that sound!? Brightland Co. is a small business based in California. Promising reviews: " Wonderful, flavorful high-quality products. I love it all so much! Bright, interesting, and complex flavors in all three! I sent [this set] to my best friend for her birthday — that's how good it is! :) I will definitely buy again. Highly recommend." — Diane V. "WOW — the flavor, the packaging, ALL OF IT! I received Brightland as a gift, and If I had not received the gift, I would not have known about these amazing oils. The flavor is great, the packaging is great, and just the overall experience was amazing. Will purchase again." — Brittany Shipping info: Orders are typically processed within 1–3 business days. Expedited shipping is available for an additional cost at checkout. Get it from Brightland Co. for $88 . 7. An enameled, cast-iron Le Creuset Dutch Oven I'm positive they'll be cooking out of for years to come (seriously, reviewers say they last forever!). It's easy to clean and won't chip or crack even after years of use. Promising reviews: " Best cooking item I've ever bought . It really pays to buy the absolute best sometimes, and this is it in Dutch ovens. I've used it at least twice a week since I bought it. It's such a delight to use." — Consuela S. , Sur La Table customer " A must-have for your kitchen. Beautiful, high quality. Even temperatures and great for roasting anything. So easy to clean also. The hardest decision is the color and size!" — Gail C. , Sur La Table customer Get a 5.5 qt. from Sur La Table for $419.95 (available in 15 colors) or from Amazon for $399+ (available in 10 colors). 8. A Keurig K-Mini coffee maker for a quick and delicious cup of joe before starting their day. Will they get up early enough to stop at the cafe? Debatable. But will they have an easy, single-serve coffee maker at home? Yep, thanks to you! Need some coffee to go with? Try this variety pack of 60 K-Cups ( $36.09 ) or these reusable K-Cups ( $13.95 ) for a low-waste option. Promising review: "It’s the PERFECT size for my dorm room. Super pretty color and super cute. Nothing bad to say about this product. Shipped quickly and works great. Can’t wait for my 2 a.m. essay coffees with this bad boy!" — Mary Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (originally $99.99; available in six colors). 9. A *mini* KitchenAid stand mixer so they can bake to their heart's desire, without taking up a ton of counter space in the kitchen. This baby comes with over 10 attachments that'll allow them to mix dough for cookies, batter for pancakes, and SO much more. Promising review: "This mini is perfect for everything that doesn't need the capacity of my full size KitchenAid. It's great for beating eggs, whipping cream, etc., but it's also ideal for making small-batch cookie dough, dinner rolls, single loaves of yeast bread, crumble toppings, and on and on." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $279.95+ (available in eight colors). 10. An electric wine opener because opening a bottle of vino should be as stressless as possible. They are, after all, about to sit and relax with a glass, right? The modern and sleek design makes it stylish enough to sit right on top of their kitchen counter, too. They'll love it! Promising review: "Luxurious look. This product has a fancy design and is super quiet! It's easy to use, and within seconds, you will have wine ready to pour. Hassle free and a neat way to open bottles of wine. It lights up blue, easy to recharge, and most definitely a good product to give as a gift." — Babi Gendut Get it from Amazon for $19.80 . 11. A chic and compact Beast Blender — a mini version of the viral original but with *way* more color options. The ribbed design helps things blend faster and more smoothly. And bonus points for the matching to-go drinking lid, straws, and storage cap that's included! Promising review: "I bought this for my husband who has started drinking protein powder drinks every morning. The switch from typical blender to The Beast is a much quieter, cleaner, and more compact process... he's very happy with his Mini Blender, and the color Terra is lovely!" — Jan B. Beast Shipping info: Orders typically shipped within 48-72 hours of purchase. Free standard shipping for all domestic orders over $85+. Expedited shipping options also available. Get it from Amazon for $119+ (available in five colors) or straight from Beast for $84.15+ (originally $99+; available in five colors). Check out BuzzFeed's full review of the Beast Blender for more details. 12. An ~app-controlled~ touchscreen air fryer for make quick and delicious meals! With the help of five cooking presets, this Cosori air fryer can help even the worst of cooks make something great. Reviewers rave about making everything from french fries to whole steaks (and some yummy reheated meals in between). Promising review: "I'm obsessed with it. This Cosori air fryer is incredibly easy to operate and clean. The design is sleek and appealing (I leave it out on my counter). And the results have greatly exceeded my expectations. I'm hooked and I think for the foreseeable future I will be using this almost every day. Here are just a few examples of what I've made so far:- Brussels sprouts: the results of cooking these at home in a normal gas oven have always sucked. While not quite restaurant quality (restaurants use oil fryers) the Cosori comes incredibly close and shaves about 10 min of cooking time. - Reheating french fries: This alone was worth the purchase. They were crispy and just as delicious as the night before. - Reheating steak that I cooked to a rare temp the night before on the pan: no complaints and super easy to clean afterward. - Bacon: Way faster, way cleaner (and can easily save the bacon fat) and turned out perfect. I'm so excited to experiment more with this awesome machine. 5/5" — Nolan S. Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in three colors). 13. OR, a Dash compact air fryer that won't take up much space, but will make (or reheat) some amazing meals. Promising review: "Fantastic kitchen tool and well deserving of the hype. It’s helped me immensely when cooking meals in my kitchen, especially with side dishes such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and the ubiquitous fried potato. The Dash has removed all the stress of trying to get the timing right when preparing multiple dishes and cooks everything perfectly crisp on all sides. Getting tofu crisped has always been a struggle...but with this, I’ve been able to get results that I’ve been trying to for years. ... Highly recommended. It looks cool and doesn’t take up too much counter space either." — User of Consumer goods/bads Get it from Amazon for $49.95 (available in five colors). 14. A 12-piece ceramic, nonstick Caraway cookware set to give their kitchen a ✨pop✨ of color with topnotch quality to match. The sauté pan alone is 100% worth the investment because of how many things you can use it for! Bonus points: This bestselling set is oven-safe, has nontoxic coating, AND is easy to store (a lid holder and pan rack are included!). I started out with just the cream-colored sauté pan and loved it so much I knew I *needed* the entire set. TL;DR the hype is absolutely real. This cookware is gorge in person, but I love that it's actually non-stick! It's so easy to cook on, it's easy to clean , and it's cute enough to leave on top of the stove for all (i.e. me) to see. I also love the pan and lid storage that comes with the set. They each fit inside my kitchen cabinets perfectly and really help with keeping things tidy and organized. I'd say it's definitely worth the investment! Learn more about this cookware set in our full Caraway Pan Set review ! This set includes a 10.5" frying pan, 3-qt. saucepan and lid, 6.5-qt. Dutch oven and lid, 4.5-qt. sauté pan and lid, four modular magnetic pan racks, and a canvas lid holder with hooks. Caraway shipping info: Orders shipped through ground usually take between 2-4 business days to deliver once processed. On select products, customers may choose expedited shipping. Get the 12-piece set from Amazon for $355.50+ (available in six colors) or straight from Caraway for $355.50+ (originally $545; available in 12 colorways). You can also shop the pots and pans individually on Amazon or Caraway starting at $85. 15. A ✨best-selling✨ wine purifier perfect for wine-lovers (especially wine-lovers prone to headaches). This purifier will even get their cheap wine tasting like they paid the big bucks. When attached, it allows the perfect amount of oxygen into your wine, allowing you to taste the nuances, and enhancing the flavor. Üllo is a wine-focused small business based in Chicago. Promising review: "Life-changing for my wife. Before this, she was not able to drink red wine at all. She has not had a problem at all since." — FLted , Williams Sonoma customer Williams Sonoma shipping info: Standard shipping is 3-5 business days (or $26 for next-day shipping); orders must by placed by December 19 for guaranteed delivery by December 24. Get it from Amazon for $55.99 or Williams Sonoma for $79.95 (also available as a wine decanter and purifier combo ). 16. An automatic grinder that can grind herbs and spices with just a push of a button. It comes with three spice pods that are easily interchangeable, making seasoning while cooking so much easier. BTW, this grinder is battery-operated. Make sure to get a few AA batteries , too! Promising reviews: "Nothing like freshly ground spices to add a little snap to your cooking. The pods snap on and off with ease, and the grind size is very easy to adjust from barely ground to pulverized. ... The ability to group commonly used spices together in threes and carry them across the kitchen or outside to the grill just adds to the usability." — Todd Tittle "I love this thing!!! It works beautifully. I ordered more pods and trays so I could use my various salts. It's easy to switch pods, and the triangular tray is perfect!" — cindybeadlady "My sons bought me this set for a gift and I love it! I use this set every time I cook. I have arthritis in my hands that tends to come and go. The ease of use is fantastic. One-handed wonder! " — MrsMcPatriot Get it from Amazon for $44.99 (available in seven colors, comes with grinder and two interchangeable pods). 17. A handheld mixer complete with three different attachments for whisking, frothing, and blending. The design is fully electric with a copper motor, which means no tired arms when they're making their favorite meals. It also features an ergonomic, comfy, nonslip handle! Reviewers use this handheld blender for everything from making salsa and soups to beating eggs and frothing milk for coffee! The possibilities are endless with this kitchen gadget. Promising reviews: "I LOVE it! I've intended to get a hand blender for years and finally just did it. I looked at ones that were much more expensive and was worried that this would be cheaply made (because you often get what you pay for). However, I have been pleasantly surprised with this one. At 500 watts, it has serious power, and it is super easy to use. I made tomato soup, and it blended it in under a minute; then, I just popped the bottom off and washed it! Super simple. Super happy with my purchase!" — amazonaddicted "Worked great, feels sturdy, took on boiling temperature to blend, but the top of the shaft stayed cool. Great buy!" — Nol Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (also available with three or seven accessories). 18. An Instant Pot 7-in-1 pressure cooker because it really does it all. Perfect for the cooks with limited space and even better for non-cooks with limited experience. It features 13 pre-programmed and customizable cooking settings for things as simple as soup or rice, to more complicated ventures like slow cooking and sautéing. It's a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, and food warmer all rolled into one nifty appliance. Read our full review of the Instant Pot ! Promising review: "This is quite possibly the coolest, most versatile kitchen gadget I’ve ever owned. I love it so much that I’ve purchased two more for friends and relatives. What can it do? I think the real question is, 'What can’t it do?' I truly believe you could replace every cooking appliance (including your oven and stovetop) and do EVERYTHING in the Instant Pot. I purchased two sizes for my own use: the 3-quart (which is my almost-every-day workhorse for two-person dishes) and the 8-quart (which I bring out to handle my dinner party dishes). Everything I’ve tried has been fabulous. In the realm of kitchen appliances, there is no better investment than the Instant Pot. Highly recommended!!!" — Stereoman Get it from Amazon for $79.99 . AND a very handy pressure cooker magnetic cheat sheet set that'll be perfect as a stocking stuffer or matching bonus gift. It's got TONS of useful information like suggested cooking times, liquid ratios, and more. Cooking anything with an Instant Pot will be so much easier (and faster) with this! Promising review: "These magnets assisted me in using my Instant Pot for the first time and I love it. It was very helpful with the cooking time and very accurate. The different items I've made in the pot have come out perfect. The instructions were easy to follow for my older children to use as well. [The magnet on the refrigerator is convenient because] you don't have to go far to look for instructions, just turn around and peek. I recommend using this product for anyone who likes easy quick instructions when preparing food. I also have instructions for the air fryer, and everything has turned out perfect with the instructions as well. Helpful tool." — iverygirl Get it from Amazon for $7.49+ (available in two sizes and in an Airfryer version ). 19. A rapid egg cooker for quick eggs in tons of different styles: hard/medium/soft boiled, poached, scrambled — you name it! This gadget does it all EGGcellently. It also features an auto-shutoff function! It can boil up to six eggs at a time, poach up to two eggs at a time, or make an omelet! There's a poaching tray, omelet tray, a six-egg holder tray, a measuring cup, a recipe book, and access to a recipe database. All nonelectric parts are dishwasher-safe! BuzzFeed's own Samantha Wieder absolutely loves this egg cooker: "I love cooking, I really do, but there are two very inconvenient times that my cooking laziness strikes, and that is first thing in the morning when I wake up, and at the end of the day when it's time for dinner. Thankfully, in the morning, I now have this rapid egg cooker which allows me to make soft-, medium-, or hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, or an omelet, all without having to stand over the stove. It's also a great way to whip up a high-protein snack during the day when you're busy with work, school, or just in the middle of a very important Netflix binge. The egg maker will let out a sound when your eggs are cooked, and then, all you have to do is enjoy them!" Promising review: " I didn't believe the hype until I bought it for myself. My boiled eggs come out perfect EVERY TIME. Trust me, this is not one of those kitchen products you buy to make life easier that just ends up sitting on top of the cabinet collecting dust. If you are a deviled egg/hard boiled egg/omelet lover, YOU NEED THIS." — M. Brown Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in seven colors). 20. A sous vide precision cooker so they can have restaurant-quality meals at home, minus all of the effort. This cooker can be controlled right from their phone and even provides cooking notifications from up to 30 feet away! Multitasking has never been so easy. The temperature range is 32-197 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, you get access to over 1,000 recipes, so you'll have inspiration for yummy meals! Get the Anova app here . Promising reviews: "After years of hearing about how great sous vide cooking is, I finally pulled the trigger on this unit, and it really does live up to the hype. Super easy to set up, and the app provides a ton of recipes to use." — PL "Since I started cooking sous vide, my family says my cooking has gone to a new level. I started with the original Anova, and just recently, picked up this Nano. The Nano is awesome because it's much smaller vs. the first Anova, making it easier to store in a drawer or something. It sounds trivial, but by making it easier to grab, setup is so much quicker, and I can cook a beef roast for 30 hours without adding ANY water. If you're just starting out in sous vide, I recommend this cooker." — Jeff Nichols Get it from Amazon for $64.99 . 21. An automatic bread maker , the perfect gift for those who still love their newfound quarantine hobby but hate the time it takes. This bread maker handles the entire baking process from start to finish and allows you to make other things such as cake and jams. Yum! This machine has 12 settings: French, quick bread (no yeast), sweet, 1.5-pound express, 2-pound express, dough, jam, cake, whole grain, and bake. It allows you to select your loaf size and between a light, medium, or dark crust setting. Includes an interior pan and two kneading paddles that are all dishwasher-safe! Promising review: "The machine is perfect!!!! I already made two loaves of bread yesterday and am getting ready to make another loaf today. If you are lazy like me and would rather put all the ingredients into a machine and let it do all the work, this is the bread maker for you. " — Pam Charmley Get it from Amazon for $89.99 . 22. A cold brew pitcher if they're strictly an iced coffee fan. All they need to do is put grounds into the filter, add some water, and let it sit overnight. The next day, they'll have some yummy cold brew and ~you'll~ have a phone full of thank you texts! Promising reviews: " Believe the hype! This thing is the real deal. I bought a second one because I love this iced coffee maker so much! This thing is a game-changer. If you love iced coffee, BUY IT NOW! You won’t regret it. So easy to use and clean. Unbelievable!" — Connie Howard "I am a HUGE believer in the Takeya cold brew coffee maker for several reasons. I have two, one that I use at home, and one that I use in the field doing Army work or on deployments. It requires no electricity to make my delicious cold brew, it is plastic, and it is water-tight. This means in a pinch, I can throw it into the vehicle or into a bag and run out to a new location with no worries about breaking, spilling, or leaking. ... Overall, awesome investment and no real gripes." — electronmods Get it from Amazon for $19.94 (available in two sizes and two styles). 23. OR, a HyperChiller beverage cooler a cool gadget that turns a hot beverage — like coffee, soda, or wine — ice cold in 60 seconds (yes, seconds) flat. All they'll need to do is fill the container with water and keep it in the freezer so it's always ready when needed. The dishwasher-safe container can also be used to chill tea, juice, wine , or whatever else you feel like drinking. No water comes into contact with your beverage, so you don't have to worry about dilution, either. Promising reviews : "Wow. Believe the hype. It really works and is easy to use. So much better than just waiting for your coffee to cool or putting it in the freezer. Great item. Had to wait months for it to be in stock." — Mary E. Burnett Get it from Amazon for $17.49+ (available in five colors). 24. A Breville waffle maker that adjusts the temperature as it cooks and works so well it'll make even to crankiest giftee a morning person. It can make up to four thick and delicious 4-inch waffles at a time, has an auto-temperature adjuster with Smart technology, AND has nonstick coating for easy cleanup. Promising review: "Yes, it's pricey...but so worth it! Having the preset options and timer make it so easy. Our waffles have turned out great every time. The moat is awesome, too, as my husband often overfills, and the batter will spill out, making for easy cleanup." — hkatem Shipping info: Standard shipping is 3-5 business days (or $26 for next-day shipping); orders must be placed by December 16 for guaranteed delivery by December 24. Get it from Williams Sonoma for $219.95+ (available with two or four squares). 25. A soft-serve dessert maker to turn their favorite fruits into a creamy, sorbet treat! It's the perfect gift for anyone with a sweet tooth, but especially for that one person who loves ice cream even in the dead of winter. Promising review: "This deserves 50 stars! Oh my gosh, why did it take me so long to find this amazing gadget! Ice cream lovers, fruit lovers, sorbet lovers — THIS IS THE BEST INVENTION! So easy, quick, delicious, and magical!!" — Jackie Get it from Amazon for $34.49 (available in six colors). 26. A manual food ch o pper so they can quickly and easily chop up fruits, veggies, and even ice in a flash. It's also dishwasher-safe (top rack only!), so cleanup is super simple. Promising reviews: "Great purchase — believe the hype! Makes chopping up veggies super quick!" — Amalia "This is great for cutting lots of veggies super fast . All you have to do is rough chop down your veggies, toss them in, and give it four to five pulls for perfectly diced chunks for salsa or toppings on eggs or tacos. It comes with a handy cover, too, so all you have to do is rinse the blade and toss the container in the fridge or cooler." — Kevin B. Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in three colors). 27. A Toshiba voice-controlled microwave that'll allow them to multitask in the kitchen or stay put on the couch for five more minutes (whichever they prefer). This microwave can also be controlled through an app. ... No wonder it's got 36,000+ 5-star reviews! BTW, the voice control feature on this microwave is Alexa-powered, so you'll need an Echo Dot to get her going. Promising review: "I love this microwave!! I needed one that was the same size for a specific space on my counter. Most larger microwaves are extremely expensive if they're of good quality. However, this one was very reasonable, and it's surpassed my wildest expectations. Besides being the perfect size and not being overly heavy, it also connects to my Alexa. I can be doing other things in my kitchen and just talk to Alexa, and she will automatically start the microwave. If you don't have an Alexa, there is an app for the microwave that works with your Wi-Fi. So, that is another option that works really well! I'm extremely impressed by all of the functions available to me! You won't be disappointed if you buy this one!" — Sweetthang Get it from Amazon for $143.99 . 28. A Fellow electric gooseneck kettle to make preparing hot beverages an effortless task. The stainless-steel gooseneck actually makes pouring much smoother and more precise, while the balance handle (see where the thumb goes?) gives you a better grip and less chance of overflow. I've been using my Fellow kettle for yeaaars now (that's mine above on the right!), and it's honestly heaven-sent. Easy coffee in the morning, matcha in the afternoon, and tea before bed. It heats up very quickly, the stainless steel interior makes it easy to clean , and it just looks really sleek on my kitchen counter. All you need to do is add water and place the kettle on the included base, press the 'on' button, set your desired temperature on the LCD screen (it goes up to 212 degrees F), and it heats up in *seconds* . It can also keep the water hot for up to an hour which is extremely convenient for when you know you'll be back for more in a short period of time. TL;DR: It's a must for anyone who loves making hot beverages at home! Fellow is a San Francisco-based small biz that's aaall about coffee, creating high-end coffee grinders, brew systems, mugs, and more. Get it straight from Fellow for $132+ (originally $165+; available in seven colors and four handle finishes) or from Amazon for $156 (available in black only). 29. An electric indoor grill for when they're in the mood for grilling meat or veggies, making a panini, or barbecuing right in their kitchen — any time of year👏 ! The grill plate is completely removable, so it's also super easy to clean, too. Promising review: "Seriously, I love this grill. Recently moved into the city and can't use my grill, so thought I'd give this a try. Man, it's amazing how well this works considering what it is and what it costs. I really can't see why anyone would have ANYTHING negative to say about it. The first two meals I cooked on it looked fantastic and tasted even better. Seriously, if you've been on the fence about this grill, get off and just buy it. You won't be disappointed." — AdventureChuck Get it from Amazon for $59.99 (available with or without a viewing window). 30. A NutriBullet blender set complete with not one, but two travel cups! This baby has some ultra powerful blades that can whip up anything they need, from protein shakes and smoothies to homemade salsa and (most importantly) frozen margs. They'll love it! It comes with a regular large blender container and two travel cups. Promising review: "I use this to make smoothies and cashew cream and any other job that calls for a blender. It's powerful and has a specific button for extracting. ... It does a good job for what I need a blender for. Love that it comes with separate blade and cups for personal smoothie to go." — Amazon shopper Get it from Amazon for $67.99 . 31. An espresso machine that's *truly* worth the investment (and the hype). No more Starbucks lines, messed up orders, and hundreds of dollars spent every year on coffee! This baby brings barista-level caffeine right into their home. And BTW, it's a best seller with over 14,000 5-⭐️ reviews! If you're someone who buys a specialty cup of coffee every single day (what's that, like $4 a cup now??), add in the cost of gas/transportation, and you're spending way more on coffee every year. This is definitely worth the investment in the long run! Promising reviews: " This thing lives up to the hype! ... The actual espresso pull mechanism looks and acts exactly as you would see at your local $18-per-cup coffee place just without a barista to spell your name wrong. The steamer attachment also works well and does the job. I literally have a cup (or two) of cafe-quality coffee every morning now, and it is even more gratifying than I thought it would be. ... [It's] an amazingly delicious, dare I say bliss-inducing, coffee experience every day. Absolutely recommend this splurge!" — K Clark "I really love the way this machine works and the espresso and latte that I can make. It makes the espresso easily and much quicker than any machine I have used. The taste and texture of the lattes are beyond compare. " — Tom T. (Make sure to check out the entire review, they give TONS of advice on use, benefits of the machine, and more.) Get it from Amazon for $549.95 (available in black and stainless steel). 32. A Levo II to make cooking from scratch a much more realistic (and fun) possibility for your giftee. They'll be making infused butter, oil, honey, and even salad dressing or gummy candy (among a ton of other things) with ease. PS: You can even make soaps and bath bombs with the Levo. All you have to do is fill the herb pod and set your dry or activation cycle, add oil or butter, set your infuse cycle, dispense, and enjoy. Levo is a woman-owned small business founded in 2016 by Christina Bellman and based in Denver, Colorado. Promising review: "We love our Levo II! Can't imagine a better way to spend time than learning how to make my own infused oils that help our whole family, whatever the need. Want to add zest to a recipe? Make a concoction to help your loved one sleep? Try a new salad dressing without the mess? Whatever the need, LEVO II will help make an oil, a botanical, a new soap, tea, or a lotion that is perfect. The app is abundant with recipes and ideas, so I feel supported with each and every step. Easy, fast cleanup. End-to-end customer experience is exceptional!" — Kendall E. Coleman Get it from Amazon for $299 (available in five colors). 33. An electric matcha maker that will grind and whisk the matcha for them. This cool gadget even comes with matcha leaf packets so they can have the freshest, cafe-level matcha lattes every morning and afternoon. Just select the preferred strength and go! Cuzen Matcha is an Asian-owned small business with the goal to make authentic, fresh matcha available in homes all over the world in a sustainable way. Promising review: " This machine will change my life, not only health-wise but also saving money from buying so many matcha lattes from cafes. Obviously, for the price point, you want incredible matcha, and let me tell you, this product is worth every penny. ... The design is beautiful. It’s the most beautiful device I have in my apartment, but the most impressive thing is how quickly it creates a perfect and delicious shot of matcha. I like my matcha strong so the two times strength is beyond perfect for me. I can drink the premium blend straight, and it tastes smooth and not bitter. Watching the machine do its thing is so much fun. Knowing that it’s grinding the leaves and then producing fresh matcha powder is so cool and fun, and when you drink it , you know you’re experiencing this tea the way it was meant to be experienced." — Lisa , Cuzen Matcha Customer Cuzen Matcha shipping info: All orders received before noon in PST will be fulfilled on the same day. The rest will be fulfilled on the next day. Expedited shipping is available. Get it from Cuzen Matcha or from Amazon for $299 (available in two colors). How I'd describe your gift-giving skills: Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Austin Peay 62, Georgia St. 50