Budget-friendly hacks for a Friendsgiving feast to remember

The bird flu outbreak has seen a rise in human cases, with at least 64 confirmed infections and concerning indicators of the virus' spread, including detections in wastewater and dangerous mutations. Experts warn that the situation is becoming increasingly precarious, with the virus evolving to better fit human receptors and potentially leading to a pandemic. The widespread circulation of the virus in animals, such as cows and poultry, raises the risk of exposure to humans,...

In a recent interview, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith expressed regret for voting Democrat and criticized the party's platform, particularly their focus on defunding the police and open borders. Smith also questioned President Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter, and called for a more positive and inclusive message from politicians. Overall, Smith emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Full Article

Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent, criticizes the party as "toxic" and out of touch with mainstream America. He blames progressives for pushing the party too far left and emphasizes the need for common-sense solutions on issues like gun control and the federal budget. Despite considering a third-party run for president, Manchin ultimately decides against it, citing the challenge of getting on the ballot in all...

Bluesky, a social media platform that emerged from Twitter and championed by former CEO Jack Dorsey, has experienced rapid growth following the U.S. presidential election as users seek alternatives to other platforms like X and Meta's Threads. With a user base exceeding 25 million, Bluesky faces challenges with the influx of bots and harmful content. The platform's decentralized approach and focus on user control have attracted users looking for a different social networking experience. Full...

The Drop is a revolutionary wearable nutrition tracker that automates the process of tracking calories and nutritional intake, utilizing advanced technology to provide accurate insights effortlessly. By using computer vision and artificial intelligence, The Drop captures meal images and analyzes them in the cloud to calculate detailed nutritional breakdowns in real-time. Additionally, users have access to the companion app, Rex Premium, which offers personalized meal plans, integrates with fitness platforms, and provides a comprehensive dashboard...

Beginning in the new year, Ron Grossman will be writing occasional columns on Chicago for the Sunday Life+Travel section, alongside his regular history features. In a preview, Grossman reflects on his childhood experiences in Albany Park, where he navigated the intersection of Jewish and non-Jewish traditions during the holiday season. Through anecdotes of Hanukkah celebrations, cultural exchanges, and historical teachings, he vividly portrays the diverse and rich tapestry of his upbringing in a pluralistic American...