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☆ 21+ Best Secret Santa and White Elephant Gifts for 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-22 | by ( Bethany Heitman | Bethany Heitman Is A Contributing Editor At Nbc Select. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +12 min

Love them or hate them, Secret Santa and White Elephant gift exchanges are a popular holiday tradition. Below, find some of the best gifts for Secret Santa or White Elephant parties. SKIP AHEAD The best Secret Santa and White Elephant gifts in 2024 | Why trust NBC Select? The best Secret Santa and White Elephant gifts in 2024We rounded up gift ideas based on our previous coverage and NBC Select recommendations to help you find the right gift for your white elephant and Secret Santa gift exchanges. The bag is also slightly padded to provide protectionSometimes the best White Elephant or Secret Santa gifts are the things you may not buy for yourself, but that are super fun to own.

Persons: I’ve, Biana Alvarez, Peacock, Max, Rebecca Rodriguez, it’s, Rodriguez, ”, Harry Rabinowitz, “, Alvarez, gifting, Lindsay Schneider, foodies, Bethany Heitman, Bianca Alvarez, TikTok Organizations: NBC, JBL, NBC Giftable Tech, Netflix, Hulu, Apple, Bluetooth, Hydro, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Belgian, Texas

☆ California could soon have nation’s highest minimum wage if voters approve
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-31 | by ( Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —California voters will decide this election whether to increase the state’s minimum wage to $18 an hour, which would be the highest in the US. Currently, the Golden State’s minimum wage is $16 and is set to rise to $16.50 next year. California has been among the more aggressive states when it comes to hiking the minimum wage. Some 44% of likely California voters said they would vote yes in an October poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, down from 50% in September. Jerry Brown, gradually raised the minimum wage, giving employers the opportunity to adjust, Condie said.

Persons: Joe Sanberg, ” Sanberg, “, Enrique Lopezlira, ” Lopezlira, ” Jennifer Barrera, Jot Condie, ”, Jerry Brown, Condie Organizations: CNN, Public, Institute of California, Institute for Research, Labor, Employment, University of California, MIT, California Chamber of Commerce, Golden State, California Restaurant, Democratic Gov Locations: California, Berkeley, Golden

If you’re in a similar situation, you can peruse my list of the best gifts for someone you don’t know. SKIP AHEAD The best gifts for someone you don’t know in 2024 | Why trust NBC Select? Stationery sets and notebooks are some of our go-to items when it comes to buying gifts for someone you don’t know. One of the best gifts I’ve ever received is this reusable water bottle from Hydro Flask. I’m an associate reporter covering skin care and hair care and frequently write about new products for NBC Select.

Persons: I’ve, ”, Rebecca Rodriguez, “ I’ve, I’m, Zoe Malin, Lindsay Schneider, Malin, “, that’s, terry, Frank Stella, Schneider, Goetz, They’re, Le Creuset, Le, Cory Fernandez, Mili Godio, wicks, Fernandez, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Le, Stationery, Nordstrom, Facebook, Twitter

☆ Matt Smith says he hasn't 'heard a thing' about 'House of the Dragon' season three. Here's what we know about its progress.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-21 | by ( Eammon Jacobs | Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Matt Smith said he hadn't "heard a thing" about "House of the Dragon" season three. Showrunner Ryan Condal previously said the aim is to start filming season three in early 2025. AdvertisementMatt Smith told audiences at New York Comic-Con that he hadn't "heard a thing" about "House of the Dragon" season three. AdvertisementBut the sheer scale of "House of the Dragon" means it can take a long time to write, produce, shoot, and edit a season. "House of the Dragon" showrunner Ryan Condal previously explained the timeline for season three shortly after the season two finale.

Persons: Matt Smith, Daemon Targaryen, Ryan Condal, —, George R, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Emma D'Arcy, Joshua Horowitz, Smith, Tom Glynn, Carney, Fabien Frankel, Glynn, I've, Frankel Organizations: HBO, Service, New York, Business, Hollywood Reporter Locations: British

Amazon also announced a Kindle Scribe redesign, plus new generation models of the Kindle Paperwhite and base Kindle. Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition The Kindle Colorsoft is Amazon's first color e-reader. Check price at AmazonAmazon Kindle Paperwhite (2024) Amazon's latest Kindle Paperwhite offers even faster performance than its predecessors in the same thin, waterproof form readers love. AdvertisementKindle Paperwhite (12th Generation)The new Kindle Paperwhite offers higher contrast than ever. AmazonAmazon’s fastest and most popular Kindle is about to get even faster with the 2024 Kindle Paperwhite.

Persons: It's, Scribe, It’s Organizations: Business, Kindle, Amazon hasn’t, Scribe Locations: Kindles

Covered by homeowners insurance: Not covered by homeowners insurance: FireWaterTheftVandalismHail , wind, lightning*, wind, lightning* Damage by a falling tree Maintenance and repairFloodEarthquake* Standard homeowners insurance covers hail damage, but there may be an exclusion if you live somewhere that gets a lot of it. Contact Information for Major Homeowners Insurance ProvidersState FarmClaims Phone Number: 800-732-5246Website: www.statefarm.comAllstateClaims Phone Number: 800-255-7828Website: www.allstate.comGEICOClaims Phone Number: 800-841-3000Website: www.geico.comUSAAClaims Phone Number: 800-531-8722Website: www.usaa.comLiberty MutualClaims Phone Number: 800-225-2467Website: www.libertymutual.comTips for a Smooth Homeowners Insurance Claim ProcessThough most homeowners insurance companies make it pretty easy to file a claim, the process can still be intimidating if you've never been through it before. Homeowners insurance claim FAQWhat should I do immediately after damage occurs? If your home insurance claim is denied, contact your insurance company to find out why, then file an appeal. She’s reviewed life insurance and pet insurance companies and has written numerous explainers on travel insurance, credit, debt, and home insurance.

Persons: Steve Wilson, you've, you'll, haven't, Jamela Adam, Read, Asis Alani Asis, Forbes, She’s Organizations: Hippo Insurance, Insurance, Major Homeowners Insurance, Allstate, Liberty, Smooth Homeowners, Records, All Communications, National Association of Public Insurance, National Association of Independent Insurance, Chevron, Forbes, . News, Mint Intuit, Asis, Business, AARP, CNN, Fortune, U.S . News, Finance, University of Hawaii Locations: U.S, Manoa

☆ My mother and I were still estranged when she died in 2019. I went to a medium to connect with her and it brought me closure.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-28 | by ( Hayley Folk | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

When my mother died in 2019, we were estranged. I've always had a spiritual side and decided to book a session with a medium to connect with her. So when my estranged mother died in early 2019, it was only natural for me to explore an unconventional path: hiring a medium to reach out to her from the other side. She keeps saying 'mom,' 'mother,' 'mom,'" Balesky continued. I understand some people's skepticism about mediums, but it felt authentic, as if Balesky was genuinely connecting with my mom.

Persons: I've, —, Amie Balesky, she's, Balesky's, Balesky, Rob, Robby, Robert, She's Organizations: Service Locations: New York City

☆ NYU psychology prof who's helped hundreds of people navigate the workplace: 3 reasons you're not getting promoted
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Tessa West | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Sometimes status at work is based on the "right" things, like having relevant skills or past experience. Note: Don't ask, "Do I have status here?" It's a vague-sounding question, and you might not get an honest answer because the person you're asking may think it's rude to say no. Your workplace has experienced a major joltSometimes you fail to get promoted because a jolt has disrupted the status hierarchy. If you've experienced a jolt at work: Don't shoot yourself in the foot.

Persons: New York University who's, I've, you've, doesn't, it's, Tessa West, Tessa Organizations: New York University, Twitter

☆ If you want to take notes like Sam Altman, these are the 2 pens the OpenAI chief swears by
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Kwan Wei Kevin Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Sam Altman says he likes to take notes using pen and paper. Altman says he prefers to use a spiral notebook because he can rip its pages out when needed. The OpenAI chief said he uses pens from Uni-Ball and Muji to jot things down. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! AdvertisementOpenAI CEO Sam Altman likes to take notes the old-fashioned way — using pen and paper.

Persons: Sam Altman, Altman, —, David Perell, Perell Organizations: Uni, Service, Business

It's your last chance to shop Amazon Prime Day deals on tech, beauty products, vacuums and more. SKIP AHEAD The best Prime Day deals | More Prime Day sales to check out | The best sales at other retailersWant more from our everyday experts, straight to your inbox? Other Amazon Echo smart speakers are also on sale during Prime Day, including the Echo Spot ($44.99) and Echo Dot ($24.99). Best Prime Day salesHere are the best Prime Day sales to know about. Best Prime Day clothing, shoes and accessories salesBest Prime Day tech salesBest Prime Day home and kitchen salesBest Prime Day pet supplies salesBest Prime Day beauty and wellness salesBest Prime Day travel salesBest Prime Day food and beverage dealsPrime Day: Best sales at other retailersFrequently asked questions When does Amazon Prime Day end?

Persons: I’ve, they’re, It’s, Chamberlain, They’re, fanny, —, Siri, Differin, dermatologists, shea, Alexa, Lindsay Schneider, Mili, it’s, you’ll, Chili Crisp, Zhong, TikTok Organizations: Amazon, NBC, AA, AAA, Apple, Netflix, Apple TV, Hulu, Spotify, Apple Music, Sirius XM, Chengdu Crunch, Amazon Prime, Wellness, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Chili, Zhong Sauce

☆ I was a single mom and learned how to grocery shop on a budget. I meal-plan on the fly based on sales and still afford occasional treats.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Ashley Archambault | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

As a single mom, I had to learn how to make my income work for my son and me. That's when I noticed that I still retain a knack for shopping smart, both in terms of health and our budget. While I now have a partner to split the costs of living with, our grocery bill has the potential to soar as food prices seem to rise weekly. Because I know I'm saving money, I also feel OK buying occasional treatsWhen I'm saving money overall, I can afford a few treats or higher-priced items. If something is cheap but we don't love it, then to me, that's just a waste of money.

Persons: I've, we're, that's Organizations: Service

☆ 5 Things I Do Leading up to a Big Tech Interview.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-01 | by ( Shubhangi Goel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementHere are six things I do leading up to a big technical interview:1. However, I did have technical interview rounds focused on system design questions. I would go through them one to two weeks before the interview and try to answer them. Read my own notesIn the last 24 hours before a big interview, I stop doing any mock interviews or looking at new technical questions to prevent feeling even more anxious.

Persons: —, Yung, Yu Lin, Read Organizations: Service, Google, Yahoo, Meta, Visa, PayPal, Business Locations: Sunnyvale , California, Taiwan

☆ When my kids were little, I wrote short snippets capturing our daily lives. Now they're teens, and this window into our past is priceless.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Eileen Hoenigman Meyer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewIt took me almost a year to calculate that my kids, Sylvia and Nico, were 15 months apart. Life with little kids is as overwhelming as it is glorious. AdvertisementI bought a little notebook for each kid, and I started writing short snippets about them whenever I could steal a minute. AdvertisementI stopped writing in their notebooks when the kids started school. But these little snippets offer us a glimpse of what it felt like to be there early in the morning, at dinner time, and in the middle of the night.

Persons: —, Sylvia, Nico, that's, Greg, they've Organizations: Service, Business

DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to becoming a master communicator and public speaker"[The class] certainly had the biggest impact in terms of my subsequent success," Buffett told Segal. Professionals can still benefit from the lessons Buffett used in that public speaking course, Dale Carnegie CEO Joe Hart told CNBC in 2019. Don't spend ten minutes or ten hours preparing a talk: Spend ten weeks or ten months. Refer to brief notes, Carnegie suggested, because reading from a script can keep you from being present. Take CNBC's new online course Become an Effective Communicator: Master Public Speaking.

Persons: Warren Buffett, Buffett wasn't, Gillian Zoe Segal, Buffett, Segal, Dale Carnegie, Joe Hart, Carnegie, Hart, that's, Jot Organizations: Berkshire Hathaway, CHI, Center, CNBC, Columbia Business School, Dale Carnegie Training, Win, Carnegie Locations: Omaha , Nebraska

☆ Closing arguments for Trump’s hush money trial begin Tuesday. Here’s what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-26 | by ( Devan Cole | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

But prosecutors will have an extra degree of difficulty with a long break ahead of closing arguments, as jurors will have been away from the case since Tuesday. “This, more than even your typical case, is going to be a closing case,” he added. The star witness in this case are the documents, and the documents speak for themselves.”Trump’s attorneys will present their closing arguments first on Tuesday, followed by the arguments from prosecutors. They will say this is a documents case,” he explained, going on to describe the various accounting documents presented during the trial. Still, the closing arguments from each side will be carefully crafted to win not only a verdict in their favor, but also to mark each attorneys’ place in the historic trial, Villalona mused.

Persons: CNN —, Donald Trump, Trump, Attorney Alvin Bragg’s, “, ”, Elie Honig, Bernarda Villalona, Juan Merchan, David Pecker, Michael Cohen, Stormy Daniels, Robert Costello, Cohen, Daniels, Merchan, Honig, ‘ Michael Cohen’s, Allen Weisselberg, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, “ Trump, …, Pecker, ’, Agnifilo, Villalona, CNN’s Jeremy Herb, Kara Scannell, Lauren del Valle Organizations: CNN, Attorney, Former New York, Trump Organization, Trump, Trump Org ., Attorney’s Locations: York, Manhattan, New York

☆ ‘The Simpsons’ airs its 768th episode tonight. Here’s how its writers keep things fresh
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-19 | by ( Scottie Andrew | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

CNN —Toward the end of its 35th season, “The Simpsons” made a move that rankled some fans: It killed a longtime resident of Springfield. I would say under 10,” said Matt Selman, sardonic showrunner of “The Simpsons,” in an interview with CNN. There are around 16 writers per season, typically made up of 22 episodes, though this season has just 18 due to the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes. Last month, Sosthand won a Writers Guild Award for the episode, beating out three other nominees from the “Simpsons” writers room. It’s nice that their hard work has been noticed, Selman said, but critical appraisal of “The Simpsons” is always in flux.

Persons: Read, Larry, Barfly, he’s, Homer, they’re, Duff, ‘, ”, Matt Selman, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, Selman, ’ ” Selman, – – Selman, Carl Carlson, Carl Carlson Rides, Loni Steele Sosthand, who’s, Murphy, Skinner, Bumblebee Man, Cesar Mazariegos, Broti Gupta, –, John Frink, Mike Price, who’ve, ’, hasn’t, ” Sosthand, Carl, Sosthand, “ It’s, ” Selman, Moe, Rev, Lovejoy, Krusty, ” Price, “, Mazariegos, might’ve, “ We’re, Price, Kirk, Willie, janitor’s, Groundskeeper Willie reconnects, ” It’s, Bart hijinx, Ned Flanders, Maude Flanders, Edna Krabappel, it’s “ Organizations: CNN, Gracie Films, Springfield ”, Crazy, “, Bass, Scottish Locations: Springfield, Moe’s, ’, Iceland, West, Scotland

☆ I was accepted to Yale. Here's everything I included in my successful Ivy League application.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Brian Zhang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewI recently reviewed my Yale admissions file after being a student there for three years. I believe that everyone's college application journey is unique and that mine is just one sample, but I equally understand the urge to hear about other people's experiences. So, I'm now sharing a deeper look into my college application. I tried to highlight my passions in my extracurricularsThe author's college application. I wanted to capture who I truly am in my college essayThe author's college essay.

Persons: —, I'm, Brian Zhang, Brian, genuineness Organizations: Service, Yale, YouTube, Business, Dartmouth, Colleges, Ivy League Locations: Sunset Park , Brooklyn, Brooklyn

☆ Alice Munro, Nobel Prize winner and ‘master of the short story,’ dies aged 92
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Yahya Salem | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Alice Munro, the Nobel Literature Prize winner best known for her mastery of short stories and depictions of womanhood in rural settings, has died in Ontario, Canada, at the age of 92. The news was confirmed to CNN “with great sadness” by a spokesperson at her publisher, Penguin Random House. It largely sets the tone for Munro’s prose; semi-autobiographical in nature and exploring the universality of the human urge for self-discovery, love, and independence, through the mundanity of everyday life in small, rural communities. Alice Munro, left, and Margaret Atwood at the National Arts Club in February 2005. Munro’s mastery of short stories and literature has been lauded by many of her contemporaries.

Persons: Alice Munro, Munro, “, Emily Brontë, Charles Dickens, Lucy Maud Montgomery, ”, ” Stephen Pearson, James Munro, Catherine, Eudora Welty, Flannery O’Connor, Carson McCullers, —, General’s, ” Munro, Margaret Atwood, Atwood, Diane Bondareff, James Wood Organizations: CNN, Penguin Random, “ The Paris, Guardian, Fairfax Media, University of Western, CBC, Yorker, National Arts Club, Literature Locations: Ontario, Canada, Wingham , Ontario, ”, University of Western Ontario, Vancouver, Victoria, Canadian, Russian

☆ California just hiked minimum wage for fast food workers. Some restaurants are replacing them with kiosks
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Parija Bhatnagar | Parija Kavilanz | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

New York CNN —California just raised the minimum wage for the state’s fast food sector workers by $4 to $20. And, although many casual observers disagree, higher wages for fast food workers could actually help fast food owners, Dongoski said. The employment level in fast food restaurants still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic levels. This has nothing to do with minimum wage.”However, the minimum wage increase serves as an accelerant, Brown said. The changes are necessary, said Ghai, who employs 3,700 fast food workers in California.

Persons: ”, Rob Dongoski, Dongoski, hasn’t, ” Dongoski, McDonald’s, Katie Fogerty, “, David Paul Morris, Burger, Marbue Brown, we’ve, ” Brown, that’s, Brown, “ It’s, Taco, Ghai, “ Everyone’s, ” Ghai, he’s, Harsh Ghai, Condie, ” Condie Organizations: New, New York CNN, Bloomberg, Getty, Burger, Taco Bell, CNN, California Restaurant Association Locations: New York, California, Kearney, Larkspur , California, New York City

☆ Your Google Docs are (probably) safe from AI training
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Katie Notopoulos | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Google Docs that are publicly available have been used to train Google's AI. But just what is a "publicly available" Google Doc? AdvertisementI use Google Docs like a chaos gremlin: constantly and with a nihilistic approach to organization and labeling. That's why I was alarmed when it was revealed that Google had been using "publicly available" Google Docs to train its artificial intelligence. So, for now, unless you're tweeting out links to your spreadsheets, your Google Docs were probably not used for any AI training or considered otherwise to be "publicly available."

Persons: —, Katie Notopoulos, that's Organizations: Google, Service, Business

☆ This 10-second trick immediately makes you a better conversationalist, according to emerging Harvard research
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-23 | by ( Julia Pugachevsky | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. When it comes to conversations with new or new-ish people, there is one research-backed hack for "almost any time where you have that little bit of dread or a little anxiety" talking to someone, Duhigg told Business Insider. Brooks told Business Insider that her research is still ongoing. "If there's an uncomfortable silence, you know exactly what you're going to bring up."

Persons: —, Charles Duhigg, Duhigg, Alison Wood Brooks, Brooks, I'm Organizations: Service, Business, Harvard Business School, LSE, Imperial, Wharton, The New York Times

☆ I teach journaling workshops to help people process tough emotions and communicate better. Try these prompts to get started.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Sonya Matejko | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

If you're having trouble getting started, try this prompt: What is every emotion you've felt since you woke up today? To get yourself thinking, try this prompt: Write a letter to yourself one year ago today. Try this prompt: Pick an emotion and write a letter to them as if they were a real person. To get started, try this prompt: Think of someone you want to reconnect with. But my favorite is this prompt: Write yourself an encouraging note in your email and then schedule it for weeks away to get a pleasant surprise in your inbox.

Persons: I'd, who'd, you've, Amber Rae, It's Organizations: Service, Research, Journal Locations: New York City

☆ Love your leftovers — the best way to reheat your favorite foods
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-23 | by ( Casey Barber | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Here are my strategies for reheating meals that taste just as good the second (or third) time around and eating every single portion of everything I cook. Turning to the microwave is often the first response when reheating leftovers, but it's not always the method that will give the most optimal results for most foods. These ovens can reheat food without waiting to preheat, and many offer convection, air frying or one-touch pizza options. What foods work best for microwave reheating? Foods that have a main liquid component, such as soups and stews, are a natural fit for microwave reheating.

Persons: sighs, that’s, Margot Vigeant, it's, Alberto Mier, ” Vigeant, “, ”, Maillard, It’s, fryer, skillet, I’m, Vigeant, you’ve, it’s, Casey Barber Organizations: CNN, Bucknell University, Pennsylvania Locations: United States, yuck, reheating

☆ Annie Ernaux Can Read Anywhere, So Long as It’s Quiet
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-09 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Right now, I’m rereading a work that I read 60 years ago, “Tragic Sense of Life,” by Miguel de Unamuno. What’s the last great book you read? Published in France this summer, it is the most powerful, profound book I’ve ever read about the devastation of one person’s childhood by an adult. On the other hand, I need to be seated comfortably with the book on my knees, not on a table. And to have plenty of time, though there can be pleasure in reading a book while an urgent task awaits.

Persons: Miguel de Unamuno, I’m, Neige Sinno Locations: Tigre, French, Mexico, France

I have a separate short-term savings account that I automatically put $10 in every week for gifts. While I do buy some gifts closer to the holidays (especially for kids), I buy items on sale all year. This is where I keep a gift fund. I don't have a firm budget for how much I spend each month, but I typically pull from my gift fund or my splurge fund from such purchases. Plus, I've received sundry items for gifting, such as stuffed animals, treat bags, gift boxes, baskets, and stocking stuffers.

Persons: —, pare, I've, I'm Organizations: Service, Black

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