This modular multitool uses stacks of titanium tool cards onto a spinning magnetic disc. The result is an incredibly versatile pocket gadget that doubles as a fidget toy. Five available cards provide a total of 80 functions, smartly organized into EDC, outdoor, tech, survival, and fishing tool sets. Carry one, or carry them all. The full set is quite pricey, though.
Crowdfunded projects pose a degree of risk for buyers, so be sure to do your research before paying your hard-earned money.
BEAVER, Pa. and SUNNYVALE, Calif./PRNewswire/ — As artificial intelligence begins its disruption of curriculum development, Lincoln Learning Solutions and Prof Jim are positioning themselves at the forefront of the emerging educational space with the announcement today of their partnership and the release of two immediately available innovations.
“Our collaboration with Prof Jim has already shown promising results, improving the pace of creation and expanding our content offerings,” said Charles Thayer, Chief Academic Officer at Lincoln Learning Solutions. “We are excited to offer these innovative tools to our partner schools, enabling teachers to create more engaging and effective learning environments.”
The partnership introduces several key offerings:
AI Slide Assistant and AI Assessment Assistant: Customizable tools designed to align with the specific preferences and requirements of school districts, facilitating the creation of personalized slide decks and assessments.
AI Video Assistant: This tool revolutionizes how educators can deliver instruction, allowing for the creation of videos featuring either an AI version of the teacher, historical figures like Ben Franklin, or other characters to enhance lesson engagement and effectiveness.
“This AI technology enables educators to bring lessons to life in ways previously unimaginable,” Pranav Mehta, CTO and Co-Founder of Prof Jim, said. “Without having to own a studio, teachers can use their own AI avatar to teach their lessons, and they can include historical cameos — from the likes of Jane Austen or Pythagoras or George Washington Carver — to teach and serve as role models.”
Integral to this initiative is the Lincoln Content Bank, an award-winning, multi-modal, educational content library that equips teachers with nearly 110,000 highly vetted learning assets they can configure and assemble to meet the needs of their students. The team intends to use this as the curricular foundation for these AI tools; so, the co-offering is based on vetted, trusted content — unlike many other AI edtech offerings.
Lincoln Learning is also working with Prof Jim to create an AI tutor product. It is in development and slated to be launched at the start of the 2024-25 school year.
“As more and more studies reveal that tutoring is essential to elevating student confidence and success — especially in the wake of the pandemic — we believe this is a tool educators will welcome with open arms,” Chief Business and Development Officer at Lincoln Learning Solutions, Dr. Rachel Book, said.
The team expects to have the first wave of AI assisted tools in classrooms before the end of the 2023-24 school year.
About Lincoln Learning Solutions
Lincoln Learning Solutions is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to collaborating with educators and maximizing their talents to facilitate student success. Based in western Pennsylvania, it is the developer of Lincoln Empowered™, a digitally based curriculum that delivers engaging, standards-based, instruction in online and blended learning environments. Lincoln Empowered™offers a dynamic array of courses in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and the creative and performing arts. Lincoln Learning Solutions currently serves more than 100 school districts in 14 states, and upward of 20,000 students.
About Prof Jim
Prof Jim Inc equips organizations with AI-powered instructional tools. In the next few years, AI is set to revolutionize learning, as it boosts quality, increases personalization, and taps into easy translations – all while slashing costs. However, technical hurdles and the high cost of expertise prevent many organizations from accessing AI’s benefits. Prof Jim partners with these organizations to create dynamic teaching materials, interactive videos, and assessments using its patented AI. Research indicates that Prof Jim’s AI increases content creation efficiency 3x-15x, improves learning outcomes by up to 15%, and elevates student engagement by 25%.
SOURCE Lincoln Learning Solutions
eSchool Media staff cover education technology in all its aspects–from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to lessons learned and new products. First published in March of 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one prevailing challenge persists: motivating students. The last few years have witnessed a noticeable shift in student behavior, consisting of apathy, absenteeism, and a lack of engagement. This phenomenon is not merely a reflection of “kids these days,” but rather a symptom of complex societal and educational issues.
Students are increasingly disillusioned by a system where effort seemingly yields little reward. When peers who exert minimal effort receive the same accolades as those who diligently apply themselves, the incentive for hard work diminishes.
This disparity not only erodes motivation, but also fosters a sense of injustice among students who strive for excellence. Moreover, the pervasive sense of existential dread among today’s youth further compounds the problem. Economic instability, environmental concerns, and social unrest contribute to a bleak outlook on the future. In such a climate, the traditional promise of education as a pathway to success and social mobility loses its allure. Students question the relevance of academic pursuits in a world fraught with uncertainty and disillusionment.
As educators, administrators, and policymakers grapple with this multifaceted issue, insights from the Self-Determination Theory offers valuable guidance. Developed by psychologists Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan, the theory posits that individuals are intrinsically motivated when their psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are fulfilled.
Autonomy is the need to feel in control of one’s actions and decisions. It is crucial for fostering intrinsic motivation. When students perceive their educational journey as a series of choices as opposed to mandates, they are more likely to engage actively in learning. Educators can empower students by providing opportunities for self-directed learning, encouraging autonomy in decision-making, and respecting students to have a voice in the learning. Competence is the need to feel capable and effective in one’s endeavors. It is another fundamental aspect of motivation. Students thrive when they perceive their efforts are both meaningful and productive. To promote competence, educators should offer challenging yet attainable tasks, provide constructive feedback that highlights growth and improvement, and celebrate the students’ achievements. By nurturing a growth mindset and cultivating resilience, educators can instill confidence and motivation in their students. Relatedness is the need to feel connected and valued within a community. It plays a pivotal role in motivating students. When students perceive a sense of belonging and support from their peers and educators, they are more likely to invest in their academic pursuits. Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment, fostering collaborative learning experiences, and promoting empathy and understanding among students contributes to fulfilling the need for relatedness.
Incorporating the principles of the Self-Determination Theory into educational practices can help address the pervasive apathy and disengagement plaguing schools today. By prioritizing students’ intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being, educators can reignite their passion for learning and empower them to thrive academically and personally.
However, addressing the root causes of student apathy requires systemic changes beyond the classroom. Safer school environments, education reforms informed by research and teacher expertise, increased access to mental health resources, and a commitment to environmental sustainability are essential components of a holistic approach to fostering student motivation and well-being.
Ultimately, motivating students is not solely the responsibility of educators; it requires collective action and systemic change. By embracing the principles of the Self-Determination Theory and advocating for meaningful reforms, we can create learning environments where every student feels empowered, valued, and motivated to succeed. As we navigate the complexities of modern education, educators must remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing the potential and aspirations of every child.
It’s fairly easy to recycle plant pots if your municipality is set up for it. And if not, there is still a way you can make sure that your plastic pots have a second life. Here’s everything you need to know about plant pot recycling.
Recycling has turned into quite a process. I find myself asking if things are recycled more often than not.
And with plastic being our top packaging method, we go through a lot of it. But as much as I wish we could toss everything into the recycling bin and give it a new life, that isn’t always the case.
Here’s how you can recycle plant pots and keep just a little bit more plastic out of the landfill!
Coloured plastic pots are still eligible for recycling at most facilities.
What Plastics Can You Recycle?
Containers that can be recycled will have a resin identification code on the plastic. This is depicted as a number surrounded by a triangle. This will tell you what type of plastic an item is made of.
While there are more common numbers for plastic, it doesn’t necessarily mean the item can be recycled. Typically, 1, 2, and 5 plastics are commonly recycled and allowed in most recycling programs.
Those with the number 3, 4, and 6 are somewhat specialty plastics and often need to be dropped off to be recycled as specialty facilities.
Check your plant pot to see if you can identify the number on it to help you determine if it’s recyclable or not.
These same rules apply to seedling trays and cell packs.
How to Recycle Plant Pots
Most plant pots are okay to go in the recycling, including the plastic trays used for seedlings, the plastic nursery containers and pots, and the cell packs smaller plants come in.
Like any containers in your recycling bin, the containers must be clean. Check to make sure the pots are free of soil and plant debris. Give your containers a quick rinse with your garden hose before you place them in your recycling bin.
There may also be stipulations on the size of plant pots for recycling. For instance, where I live in British Columbia, the plant pots can be no larger than 25 litres.
When in doubt, look up your municipalities local recycling regulations. They’ll tell you directly if they recycle plant pots or will list out the types of plastics they accept.
Larger pots may not be allowed in curbside recycling programs.
Where Can I Recycle My Plastic Plant Pots?
Most plastic plant pots can be placed directly in the curbside recycling program that most cities or municipalities have.
If you don’t have a curbside recycling program, you can take these containers to a local recycling depot. Most should offer a free drop-off.
My province, BC, has a great resource called Recyclepedia where it allows me to input what I’m recycling and where I am to help me find a drop off zone. Your city or municipality may have a similar resource. Just Google the recycling rules of your town or city!
If you have a large collection, many small nurseries will happily take them back and reuse them if they’re in good condition. Call your local nursery and ask if they’d accept plastic pots.
While I grow many plants from seed, I still end up with some new plastic pots every gardening season. Don’t we all!
How to Upcycle Plant Pots
While recycling is a wonderful thing, the reality is that most of our plastic doesn’t make its way to a local recycling facility. Trying to reduce plastic usage and reuse it whenever possible are always great options.
Here are some ways that I have seen plastic pots being used:
Use them again for seed starting. The more you grow from seed, the more you need to reuse these plastic pots, and the less likely you are to buy plants in more plastic containers.
Fill up space in patio containers or raised beds. Rather than fill the base with expensive soil, flip plastic pots upside down. This works wonderfully if it is a very deep container or you’re working with shallow-rooted plants.
Cut off the bottom of the pot to make a watering halo.
Use it as a water reservoir, similar to an olla (as I mention in this post).
Use the pot as a planting guide to create a ready-made hole when repotting a new plant.
Use larger pots with drainage holes to hold produce and rinse it with a garden hose
Make a squirrel or rat baffle by slipping a plastic pot upside down onto the pole of a bird feeder.
Cover a tender perennial with a large pot, filling it with dry leaves for insulation.
If you have any more clever uses for plastic pots, leave them in the comments below. Then I can add to the list for everyone to benefit from…and keep plastic out of the landfill!
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
If you’ve read anything I’ve written for The Kitchn, you’ll already know that I’m a huge coffee fan. I’ve worked pulling espresso and making coffee in a cafe, and in my time here at The Kitchn, I’ve also tested just about every kind of coffee machine out there, from pour-overs and drippers to French presses, infusers, and more. And, while I think the splurgy coffee machines (like my personal favorite machine from OXO) are absolutely worth it, most people are just looking for a dependable way to get a high-quality cup of coffee each morning — that won’t break the bank.
That’s why we put together this short list of the best coffee makers under $100 — there’s something for every budget and coffee drinker here, so take a look at the picks below and get ready to start your journey to a better (and much more affordable) morning coffee routine.
It seems as if we hear about AI in education every day, if not every hour. AI’s rise in popularity has brought with it questions about ethics, skills students will need for workplace success, and how to balance negatives with positives when it comes to teaching with this new generative tool.
Here are five insights around AI in education:
When it comes to AI tools for education, there are a number to choose from. ChatGPT is likely the first to come to mind, but AI is woven into so many tools and helps automate tedious tasks, connects student progress with personalized recommendations, and improved PD feedback. Tools include Canva Magic Write for creative writing, Eduaide.ai for instructional materials, and Google Bard and Microsoft’s Bing Chat.
How is AI beneficial in education?
AI is here to stay, and will be an important workforce skill–and many educators want to teach students to work with it, not against it. This makes the future of AI in education intriguing, to say the least. Just as the internet revolutionized learning, AI will be the next game-changer. While the fears of using AI to cheat aren’t unfounded, how many educators have actually tried writing an essay using just AI? Using AI still requires work, and in fact, it often leads to a deeper understanding of the subject matter because you are the one who has to teach AI what to do and say. Just like the internet, AI isn’t going anywhere–so let’s teach our kids to work with AI, not against it. Here are 5 positive ways students can use AI.
What are the negative effects of AI in education?
When it comes to the disadvantages of AI in education, educators are increasingly concerned about the influence AI writing tools could have on education and students. The discussion around the influence of AI writing on instruction has never been so active – all thanks to the launch of ChatGPT last year. The tool is so advanced compared to other writing tools of its kind that a lot of people instantly started using it for all kinds of ethically ambiguous purposes. Educators are concerned about the influence AI will have and how its negative effects could be detrimental to learning. Here’s how to counteract the disruptive influence of AI writing on learning.
What is the role of AI in education?
There’s a lurking concern that AI is just going to help students find mindless shortcuts for cheating their way to good grades. But that’s only a risk if schools and teachers hold a low bar for what they expect of their students. If schools and teachers want to elevate expectations for their students, the role of AI in education can be powerful for rapid feedback and iterative prototyping. Here’s how AI can make for a sink-or-swim moment in classrooms.
How can AI be used in teaching?
Last spring, a high school English teacher challenged her students: “Artificial intelligence can do any of your class assignments,” she told them flatly. “Now prove me wrong.” She wanted to provoke them, to get them to ask questions, and to start using these tools—not to cheat—but to flip their learning on its head. She knew her she and her students needed to learn together. And since that day, they didn’t just shift the paradigms—they sent them into somersaults. Here’s what AI for teachers can look like in the classroom.
Laura Ascione is the Editorial Director at eSchool Media. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland’s prestigious Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
Mark Zuckerberg delighted Meta shareholders and Wall Street this week with news of the social media giant’s first-ever dividend.
The IRS may also be happy, now that it’s staring at millions in taxes on the Meta stock dividends bound for Zuckerberg’s portfolio.
Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta Platforms Inc. META, +20.32%,
is poised to make $700 million in dividends yearly. He owns nearly 350 million shares, according to FactSet, and the company will start paying a quarterly dividend of 50 cents a share.
That would yield nearly $167 million in federal taxes yearly, after a qualified-dividend tax of 20% and another 3.8% tax on the investment returns of rich households, two accounting experts said.
California income taxes of 13.3% on the dividends could cost Zuckerberg another $93.1 million, said Andrew Belnap, an accounting professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business.
All in, that’s a combined $259.7 million in federal and state taxes annually on the Meta dividends, Belnap estimated.
For context, U.S. taxpayers reported over $285 billion in qualified-dividend income to the IRS though mid-November 2023, according to agency statistics. Nearly 30 million tax returns reported qualified dividends through that time.
Meta said it plans a quarterly cash dividend going forward, with the first such payment in March.
Meta shares soared 20.5% on Friday, ending with a record-high close of $474.99. The Dow Jones Industrial Average DJIA,
S&P 500 SPX
and Nasdaq Composite COMP
all closed higher Friday.
‘Zuck is getting a major break’
Meta announced the dividend payment in its earnings results Thursday, on the same week that Americans began filing their income taxes.
A look at Zuckerberg’s dividends and their tax implications offer a peek at the debate about the varying ways wages and wealth are taxed.
“Zuck is getting a major break,” said Andrew Schmidt, an accounting professor at North Carolina State University’s Poole School of Management who also crunched the numbers for MarketWatch.
Approximately $167 million “seems like a high tax bill,” he said. But if Zuckerberg received the $700 million as a straight salary, Schmidt estimated he’d be looking at a roughly $259 million tax bill on the wages after they were taxed at the top marginal rate of 37%.
For federal and state taxes on the Meta dividends, Zuckerberg would face a combined rate of 37.1%, Belnap noted. “His tax rate on this is actually fairly high,” he said.
The gap in tax rates on income derived from wages and investments “has been a big criticism with U.S. tax policy,” Schmidt said, especially as lawmakers look for ways to come up with more tax revenue.
Regular retail investors enjoy the same preferential rates on capital gains and dividends as the top 1% of taxpayers, Schmidt added. The issue is that those dividends and stock profits are a smaller part of their income while salaries, taxed at higher rates, are a bigger proportion.
Belnap noted that California’s state tax rules don’t provide special treatment to dividends.
Zuckerberg received a $1 base salary in 2022, a figure that hasn’t changed in several years. He is now worth $142 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him the fifth-richest person in the world.
Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Taxes on the Meta dividends will not be something Zuckerberg, or any Meta shareholders big or small, need to deal with until next year’s tax season, Belnap and Schmidt observed.
But as taxpayers amass their 1099-DIV forms on dividend income, IRS figures show that it’s mostly upper-echelon taxpayers reaping the rewards on the preferential rates for qualified dividends.
Households worth at least $1 million accounted for 40% of the approximate $285.3 billion in qualified dividends reported through mid-November, according to agency figures.
For less affluent investors, “it’s usually a nice supplement, but I’d say very few people are living off dividends,” Belnap said.
There’s a common belief that “overbought” is a technical condition for a stock, but in practice it seems to be more of an ability.
Meta Platforms Inc.’s stock META, +20.32%
soared so much Friday after a blowout earnings report, that some technical readings have reached levels not seen in 11 years.
The stock rocketed 20.9% to close at a record $474.99, to book the third-biggest gain since going public in May 2012. The only bigger rallies were 23.3% on Feb. 2, 2023 and 29.6% on July 25, 2013, which were also after earnings reports.
The stock’s Relative Strength Index, which is a momentum indicator that measures the magnitudes of recent gains and losses, climbed to 86.48. That’s the highest level seen since it closed at a record 89.39 on July 30, 2013.
But that shouldn’t scare off Meta bulls.
Many chart watchers believe RSI readings above 70 are signs of “overbought” conditions, which suggests bulls need a breather after running faster and farther than they are used to.
There are also many who believe the ability to become overbought is a sign of underlying strength, since a stock tends to be trending higher when RSI hurdles 70. (Read Constance Brown’s “Technical Analysis for the Trading Professional.”)
For example, the record RSI reading came three days after the record stock-price rally of 29.6% on July 25, 2013. Even though RSI closed at what was then a record of 88.27 after a record price gain on the 25th, the stock continued to rally and become even more overbought.
It was that spike that snapped the stock out of the year-long doldrum that followed the initial public offering, and flipped the long-term narrative on the stock to bullish. (Read “Facebook’s ‘breakaway gap’ is a bullish game changer,” from The Wall Street Journal.)
FactSet, MarketWatch
And while the record RSI readings in July 2013 did lead to a minor short-term pullback, it didn’t stop the stock from embarking on a long-term uptrend, in which RSI made multiple forays above 70.
FactSet, MarketWatch
And the last time RSI closed above 85 was Feb. 2, 2023, when it closed at 86.07, also after a blowout earnings report.
And similar to 10 years earlier, that historically high overbought reading helped launch another long-term rally.
FactSet, MarketWatch
So yes, Meta’s stock is now facing historically high overbought conditions. But as many chart watchers like to say, overbought doesn’t mean over.
One thing to consider, however, is that the two prior times RSI spiked above 85 were while the long-term fates of the stock were still in question — the stocks were working on short-term bounces following long-term downtrends.
FactSet, MarketWatch
But Friday’s blast off happened just days after the stock closed at a record high. There was no resistance to hurdle, so rather than a bullish “breakaway gap,” Friday’s jump could be considered more a bullish leap of faith.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Picture this: you’re a business leader at the helm of a thriving company. Your days are packed with making critical decisions, steering your team toward success and ensuring customer satisfaction. Amidst this, the last thing you want is for your purchase-to-pay (P2P) process to become a bottleneck — slowing down operations, frustrating your team and potentially harming vendor relationships. A convoluted P2P process can not only waste valuable time but also lead to errors and financial losses — a risk no entrepreneur can afford.
Now, picture a simpler, more efficient purchase-to-pay system. One where invoice processing, supplier management and payment processing are seamlessly integrated. Imagine the ease with which your team could operate, the time saved that could be better spent on strategic initiatives, and the reduction in errors that could translate to significant cost savings.
This is not just about operational efficiency; it’s about creating a competitive edge in an increasingly demanding business environment.
Understanding what makes for a good P2P process is crucial. A good P2P process can mean the difference between a financial year spent firefighting operational inefficiencies and one where you can focus on growth and innovation. In a world where business agility is paramount, can you afford to overlook the importance of a streamlined purchase-to-pay process?
In my 23 years working with financial systems, one of the evergreen truths I’ve witnessed again and again is the fact that simplicity in processes benefits everyone. Simplicity is borne out of clarity of vision, and it begets quality of output.
When implementing P2P automation, integrating numerous specialized tools — like one software for invoice processing, another for supplier management and another for payment processing — can lead to a disjointed and inefficient system. Instead of a streamlined process, businesses often find themselves navigating a complex web of incompatible platforms, leading to more confusion and inefficiency. Here are just a few reasons why simplicity is the key to a truly successful Accounts Payable process from every perspective.
1. From a user experience perspective: The user experience — both on the internal side of a process and on the customer side — is central to the successful use of any kind of software. Streamlining software design often enhances its usefulness for the people who use it daily. A platform should be intuitive to navigate, as this allows it to be accessible to a broader range of people, which in turn enhances user satisfaction, customer retention and engagement. Conversely, juggling multiple apps to fill in the gaps puts more pressure on users to quickly learn an increasing number of interfaces, which is inefficient from both a time and cost perspective.
2. From a safety and accessibility perspective: When it comes to invoicing and similar processes, sometimes the fewer hands required, the better. Ease of use is paramount in maintaining an operative system that is safe and secure. When users have a clear sense of how to use a given software, processes are more straightforward and self-directed, which can lessen the incidence of human error and oversight.
3. From an adaptability perspective: Excellent software takes complex integrations and API connections and creates simple, seamless integrations for the end user. Remaining flexible and responsive to the new tools, frameworks and solutions offered by technological innovation is crucial to remaining relevant as a software provider.
4. From a cost perspective: When a company relies on multiple software architectures with numerous interdependencies to run processes, the cost of maintaining and supporting these systems is often considerable. Unpretentious and succinct software is typically less expensive to implement, test and maintain (and often achieves the desired results with fewer bugs as well) due to only having to pay for one comprehensive solution vs multiple specialized ones. Problems are easier to identify and attend to, saving organizations precious time and creative energy without sacrificing the essential process backbone.
Why do we create new software tools and solutions in the first place?
When selecting a P2P or AP automation solution, it’s important to keep some distinctions in mind. There are three major categories on offer that companies must consider.
Generalist solutions: These are versatile and can handle a broad range of accounting tasks. However, they may lack deep specialization in any one area. An example of a generalist solution is a well-established ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software application like SAP or Oracle. These systems integrate various business processes but may not offer the depth of features found in more specialized tools.
Hyper-specialized solutions: These solutions offer a high level of expertise in a specific area of the P2P or AP process. For example, PayPal or Stripe could be considered hyper-specialized solutions focusing on online payments. These platforms provide advanced features and capabilities specifically for handling online transactions, but they might not address other aspects of the P2P or AP process.
All-in-one Solutions: These solutions provide comprehensive coverage of the entire P2P or AP process, combining generalist breadth with specialist depth, and offering end-to-end capabilities from procurement and invoice management to payments and analytics. These solutions are designed to manage the entire process seamlessly, offering a high level of expertise across all stages.
Finding the right balance between expertise and end-to-end scope to secure ROI and TCO – and a solution that optimizes user experience as well – is the key to accounts payable automation success. Truly brilliant solutions bring order and efficiency into areas of complexity and confusion thanks to their razor-sharp, “simple” elegance.
When it comes to the accounts payable process, the best way to improve people’s experience is to make the process as comprehensive and intuitive as possible. Business owners usually have enough on their minds as is, and they don’t need a thousand and one options to choose from when it comes to running the essential elements of their businesses.
It turns out you don’t need countless tools to create something outstanding that satisfies everyone; you just need the right ones added at the right time. The more streamlined the AP automation process, the better the outcome.
Mark Zuckerberg cashed in on his company’s 2023 stock rally in a big way — selling nearly $428 million worth of shares in Meta Platforms Inc. over the final two months of the year.
The sales were in accordance with a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan adopted by Zuckerberg in July and saw him capitalize on Meta’s rebounding stock price, which soared 194.1% in 2023 — and nearly threefold since it hit a seven-year low in November 2022. By comparison, the S&P 500 SPX
and the Nasdaq Composite COMP
indexes gained 24.2% and 43.4%, respectively, in 2023.
The moves also broke a two-year hiatus, dating back to November 2021, during which Zuckerberg did not sell any of his stock in the Facebook parent company, according to Bloomberg, which first reported the news. Zuckerberg, who owns roughly 13% of Meta, is ranked the seventh-richest person in the world with a net worth of $125 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Nasdaq-listed Meta shares, which fell 0.5% on Wednesday to $344.47, are now roughly 11% off their all-time closing high of $382.18 from September 2021.
Representatives for Meta could not immediately be reached for comment.
The 2023 rally for stocks in the U.S. accelerated as more investors bought the idea that the Federal Reserve succeeded in its effort to bring inflation to heel.
The S&P 500 SPX
ended Friday with a 24.2% gain for 2023, following a 19.4% decline in 2022. (All price changes in this article exclude dividends). Among the 500 stocks, 65% were up for 2023. Below is a list of the year’s 20 best performers in the benchmark index.
This article focuses on large-cap stocks. MarketWatch Editor in Chief Mark DeCambre took a broader look at all U.S. stocks of companies with market capitalizations of at least $1 billion, to list 10 with gains ranging from 412% to 1,924%.
The Fed began raising short-term interest rates and pushing long-term rates higher in March 2022 by allowing its bond portfolio to run off. That explains the poor performance for stocks in 2022, as bonds and even bank accounts because more attractive to investors.
Investors are anticipating the return to a low-rate environment by scooping up 10-year U.S. Treasury notes BX:TMUBMUSD10Y,
whose yield ended the year at 3.88%, down from 4.84% on Oct. 27 — the day of the S&P 500’s low for the second half of 2023.
Before looking at the list of best-performing stocks of 2023, here’s a summary of how the 11 sectors of the S&P 500 performed, with the full index and three more broad indexes at the bottom:
A look at 2023 price action really needs to encompass what took place in 2022 for context. The broad indexes haven’t moved much from their levels at the end of 2022 (again, excluding dividends). We have included current forward price-to-earnings ratios along with those at the end of 2021 and 2022. These valuations have declined a bit, which may provide some comfort for investors wondering how likely it is for stocks to continue to rally in 2024.
Biggest price increases among the S&P 500
Here are the 20 stocks in the S&P 500 whose prices rose the most in 2023:
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
If you’re an avid reader of The Kitchn, you probably already know that knives and knife gear are some of my favorite products to test and review. I have my preferred sharpeners, cutting boards, holders, and blocks — pretty much any knife-related gadget you could think of, I’ve tried out. There’s just something about having a bunch of cool-looking, wicked-sharp knives hanging from your wall that makes a kitchen look (pardon the pun) metal. Over the years, I’ve added so many blades to my collection that my girlfriend has made me I’ve chosen to give some to friends and family, especially my parents — though that’s mostly a gift to myself because whenever I’m back home cooking in their kitchen I have a sharp knife to use.
And, after testing all of these knives, they can sometimes blend together, but every so often I get to try one that sets itself apart from the pack. In today’s case, it’s the Sekkin Signature Chef’s Knife. This incredibly sharp blade — combined with its distinguished look and ergonomic feel — makes my meal prep so effortless, that it’s worth the splurge. (And, with the holiday season in full swing, it also makes a great gift for the home chef in your life!)
What Is the Sekkin Signature Chef’s Knife?
The Sekkin Signature Chef’s Knife is made from Japanese Damascus Steel and 67 layers of high-carbon stainless steel. With a Pakkawood handle and a water buffalo horn bolster, it’s lightweight, ultra-sharp, and effortlessly chic. It also comes with a sleek Magnolia wood sheath, which (if you’re not storing your knife on a magnetic strip) is a great way to protect it — and your fingers — when it’s in a drawer. There’s also a 14-day return policy if you’re not satisfied with your purchase.
Why I Love the Sekkin Signature Chef’s Knife
Like I said, I have a bunch of knives, but this one seems to be more comfortable in the hand than even the most “ergonomically designed” knives in my drawer. I’m not sure if it’s the octagonal handle or the balance, but whatever it is, it makes cutting, dicing, and chopping a blast. Be careful when you take this out of the box though, people, since when they say it comes sharp, they’re not kidding. I was able to shave a good patch of hair off my arm on day one (kind of a weird sharpness test, but effective nonetheless!), so pay attention when you’re working with this thing.
The sharp tapered point also makes it ideal for more intricate work — like breaking down a chicken — and the dimpled sides help stop pieces of potato and carrot from sticking to the knife as you work. Of course, my favorite part of the knife (besides its performance) is just how cool it looks hanging from my knife strip. Plus, I’m not the only one who’s been won over by the Sekkin Signature Chef’s Knife, either. “It’s a game-changer,” one reviewer wrote. “Its unique design adds flair to my kitchen, while its unparalleled sharpness makes slicing a breeze. I’m confident it’ll bring pleasure to my cooking for years. A fantastic gift for culinary enthusiasts who appreciate both style and functionality. Highly recommended!”
Now, at $220, this isn’t exactly the cheapest knife in the drawer — though it’s certainly on the “affordable” side when it comes to high-end blades! — but the top-quality construction and elevated look will help it pay for itself in the long run. Plus, whether you’re getting this for yourself or gifting it to a loved one, nothing beats making meal prep just a little easier.
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Knives are one of my favorite things to test and review for The Kitchn, but one thing about knives is that no matter how well you hone them and try to take care of them, they’re going to get dull after repeated use. (Or when your roommates run them through the dishwasher, leave them in the sink, or use them to saw through cardboard boxes.) When they do, you have a few options: You could either send them out to get professionally sharpened or you can sharpen them yourself, either with a whetstone or a pull-through/electric sharpener.
Sending them out to get sharpened is probably your best bet, because you know they’ll have a razor edge when they come back, and there’s no work to be done on your end, but not everyone wants to pay for that or be without their favorite knives for a spell. Pull-through and electric sharpeners will work, but they’ll eat away your blades super quickly — which is okay, I suppose, if you’re fine with buying more grocery store knives on a regular basis. However, for any knife you care about, you should try to use more precise methods of sharpening.
Whetstones are your best bet for at-home sharpening, but these have a pretty hefty learning curve for beginners and are a little tricky to master. (That’s why there are professional knife sharpeners.) So, when I heard about the Tumbler Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener Set, which promises to be gentle on your blades and easy to use for beginners, I was excited to test it out.
Design Features That Stand Out
The first time I saw this rolling knife sharpening system was in an ad that got served to me on Instagram, and while I thought it was a little strange at first, after testing it, it turned out to be a pretty solid knife sharpening system that I think would be great for beginners. You basically just attach the knife to the angled base using the embedded magnets, then roll the sharpening wheel along the side. This way, you don’t have to worry about guesstimating the correct angle like you would using a whetstone, and you can use a softer touch than you would with a pull-through sharpener, resulting in less overall metal loss. The rollingaction is super smooth, and the magnets on the base are strong enough to hold your knife in place at the correct angle while you’re sharpening. I love the wooden finish, too, and since I also got the Tumbler Rolling Sharpening Protective Stand, it all stays organized in a neat little station.
The TL; DR on this setup? It worked pretty well! I have a double-sided synthetic whetstone that I’ve used for years, but the Tumbler is admittedly a lot faster. It also takes much less thought than a whetstone, since you don’t really have to worry about getting the correct angles. For the sake of the article, I dulled one of my knives on purpose, and while it broke my heart to scrape the edge along the back of a fork, the Tumbler Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener Set had it back to a very sharp edge in just a few minutes. Credit where credit is due!
This does take a little practice to get the hang of, but not nearly as much as a whetstone. And, while you probably won’t get your knives as sharp as a professional sharpening or a whetstone would, it’s a great option if you know you’re not going to be learning the craft or spending the money on a sharpening service. Pro Tip: Take your time when you first get started and don’t roll the sharpening stone back and forth like a maniac — that’s when you could end up hurting yourself, so use common sense and be careful when dealing with sharp objects.
Should YOU Buy the Tumbler Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener Set?
I think this is a great knife-sharpening option if you:
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CapCut Creative Suite is a versatile and comprehensive solution, equipped with a wide array of tools to aid creators in crafting exceptional videos and images. CapCut goes beyond conventional video editing by offering a full-fledged package that encompasses not only video and an online photo editor but also graphic design, team collaboration, and advanced AI technology.
This all-in-one toolkit aims to elevate the creative journey for both individuals and teams, allowing them to transform their imaginative visions into tangible, high-quality content. A standout feature of CapCut is its online video compressor tool, which empowers creators to optimize video files for various purposes.
This tool is invaluable for adventurers who embark on urban exploration and seek to share their experiences through captivating videos. In this article, we will delve into the capabilities of CapCut Creative Suite and explore how adventurers can leverage it to enhance their urban exploration content.
Unveiling CapCut Creative Suite
CapCut Creative Suite is an all-encompassing online creative suite designed to facilitate the content creation process. It caters to a broad spectrum of creative individuals, from amateur videographers and photographers to professional content creators and marketing teams. With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, CapCut’s creative suite simplifies the complex art of video and photo editing while offering an extensive toolkit that includes graphic design, team collaboration, and the integration of advanced AI technology. Notably, CapCut’s creative suite distinguishes itself with a commitment to ensuring that no credit card is required to access its services, making it accessible to anyone with a creative vision.
CapCut Creative Suite’s Key Features
Robust Video Editing Capabilities
CapCut’s creative suite offers a powerful online video editor that enables users to bring their video content to the next level. Its user-friendly interface and robust editing capabilities make it an ideal choice for editing urban exploration footage.
A Tool to Make Images Online
In addition to video editing, CapCut’s creative suite provides tools for image editing, allowing adventurers to enhance and refine their photos captured during urban exploration.
CapCut’s creative suite allows users to download their edited content without watermarks, ensuring a professional finish for their urban exploration videos.
The creative suite offers secure cloud backup, ensuring that adventurers’ valuable exploration footage is safely stored and accessible from anywhere.
Files and Team Management
CapCut’s creative suite promotes team collaboration by offering tools for file management and team coordination, making it an ideal choice for adventurers who explore urban environments together.
CapCut’s creative suite leverages AI technology for background removal, image upscaling, color correction, and more, streamlining the editing process and enhancing the quality of urban exploration content.
One of CapCut’s notable features is its online video compressor tool. This tool plays a pivotal role for adventurers who engage in urban exploration and aim to share their discoveries with an online audience. Urban exploration often involves capturing extensive footage, which can result in large video files. If left unoptimized, these files can pose challenges when uploading and sharing content on various platforms.
The online video compressor tool provided by CapCut allows adventurers to address this issue effectively. By reducing the file size of their urban exploration videos, creators can achieve several significant benefits:
Compressed videos upload more quickly, saving valuable time when sharing urban exploration content online. This is especially useful when dealing with internet connections that may not be optimal in urban exploration locations.
Many online platforms and social media websites have limitations on the size of video uploads. Compressing videos ensures that they meet these platform requirements.
Compressed videos occupy less storage space on devices and cloud platforms, making it easier for adventurers to manage their video library without excessive storage costs.
Compressed videos are quicker to share with team members and online audiences, allowing for more efficient collaboration and engagement.
In essence, CapCut’s online video compressor tool simplifies the workflow for urban explorers, enabling them to share their captivating discoveries with a wider audience seamlessly. It’s an essential feature for adventurers who seek to make the most of their urban exploration footage and create an impact through their content.
Enhancing Urban Videos with Creative Suite
Urban exploration is a captivating and visually stunning endeavor, filled with intriguing locations, unique architecture, and the thrill of discovery. To enhance the quality and impact of urban exploration videos using CapCut Creative Suite, adventurers can follow these tips:
Before embarking on an urban exploration adventure, take some time to plan the shots you want to capture. This will help you create a narrative and ensure that you capture the most compelling aspects of the location. Planning can also reduce the amount of unnecessary footage, making the editing process smoother.
Capture High-Quality Footage
Invest in a good camera or smartphone with a quality camera to capture high-resolution footage. The better the initial footage, the more potential for stunning content. Additionally, consider using a stabilizer or gimbal to minimize shaky shots, especially in dimly lit or unstable urban environments.
Utilize CapCut’s AI Tools
CapCut’s AI tools, such as background removal and image upscaling, can be incredibly useful for urban exploration videos. The background removal tool can help eliminate distractions or unwanted elements, while image upscaling can enhance the details and overall quality of your shots.
Urban exploration videos are more captivating when they tell a story. Consider creating a narrative structure for your video, guiding viewers through your exploration journey. This can include introducing the location, showcasing interesting finds, and providing context or history.
During the editing process in CapCut’s creative suite, focus on enhancing the impact of your footage. This includes color correction to set the mood, adding text or captions for context, and using transitions to create a smooth flow between shots. CapCut’s vast library of royalty-free music and sound effects can also elevate the emotional and auditory experience of your urban exploration videos.
Compress Videos for Sharing
Once your urban exploration video is ready for sharing, use CapCut’s online video compressor tool to reduce the file size. This ensures that your content can be effortlessly uploaded and shared on various online platforms, reaching a wider audience.
Collaborate with Your Team
If you’re part of a team of urban explorers, take advantage of CapCut’s team collaboration and file management features. These tools can streamline the collaborative process and make it easier to share footage and edits with team members.
By combining the adventure of exploration with the capabilities of CapCut Creative Suite, adventurers can transform their urban exploration footage into captivating videos that engage and inspire their audience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, CapCut Creative Suite is a powerful tool for adventurers engaged in urban exploration. Its comprehensive features, intuitive interface, and online video compressor tool empower explorers to capture, edit, and share their discoveries with the world. By following the tips mentioned, adventurers can create urban exploration videos that not only showcase their findings but also tell a compelling story and leave a lasting impact on their audience.
Elon Musk employed an aggressive strategy—including the threat of a “thermonuclear” lawsuit— to contain the fallout after his endorsement of anti-Semitic rhetoric on X that prompted an advertising backlash at the billionaire’s social media company and some on Wall Street to call for his censure.
Is this the beginning of the end for X, the social-media site previously known as Twitter?
In the last two days, major advertisers, ranging from IBM Corp. IBM, Apple Inc. AAPL, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. LGF.A, Walt Disney Co. DIS, even the European Union, have pulled their ads from X, after Elon Musk appeared to endorse antisemitic conspiracy theories and because these big spenders weren’t thrilled with the algorithm’s product placement nestled alongside pro-Nazi posts.
