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Best products for meditation

While getting fit remains one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions, this year, many people have committed to improving their mental wellness. As a result, they’re searching for new ways to manage stress, anxiety and burnout.

Meditation can offer many benefits, from improving mood to boosting self-awareness. Many practitioners also report physical benefits from meditation, such as better sleeping habits.

If you’re new to meditation, you might not know where to start. Fortunately, you can begin at home with a few products that set the stage for peaceful practice.

What is meditation?

Meditation is a practice where you pause and focus on something in particular, whether it’s clearing your mind of negative thoughts or giving deeper thought to a project. When you meditate, you tune out the world around you to focus, decompress or collect yourself. There are several practices, including mindfulness, progressive relaxation, breath awareness, and guided and spiritual meditation. Generally speaking, meditation practices share the same core elements: a quiet, distraction-free area, a comfortable seated or lying position, focus and openness.

Although meditation is a practice in and of itself, it’s often incorporated into other activities.

What are the benefits of meditation?

While most people are aware that meditation may have a calming, relaxing effect, it’s not the only benefit. In fact, there are as many physical benefits as there are emotional ones.

Emotional benefits of meditation

Studies show that meditation may help manage stress, increase patience, raise self-awareness and cope with stressful situations.

For creatives and professionals, meditation sometimes provides the much-needed “step back” to gain perspective on challenging projects. Children and adolescents may also benefit from meditation to manage their anxiety during stressful events, such as exams or competitions. Meditation is often considered a form of self-care, and many people practice it while they get massages or use skin care masks.

Physical benefits of meditation

While meditation may improve your overall mood and well-being, it often affects your body at the chemical or physical level, too.

One of the top physical benefits of meditation is lowering blood pressure, which according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Meditation is often used as a way to improve sleep health, including for individuals with insomnia and depression. Recent studies also show that for some individuals, meditation may be effective as part of a pain management program.

How do I meditate?

Meditation can be as simple or involved as you’d like it to be. Regardless, you can start by finding a calm, quiet location, whether it’s in your living room or a shady spot under a tree. Next, set up the space so it’s as peaceful as possible, which may include tidying the space, setting up aromatherapy candles or turning on relaxing music.

After you’ve created a meditation space, it’s time to begin your practice. Find a relaxing position, seated or lying, that will be comfortable to maintain for several minutes. Once you’re comfortable, close your eyes and begin focusing on your breathing and body. What comes next, however, is entirely up to you.

Some people meditate and focus only on their breathing, blocking out all other thoughts during their session. Others use breathing as a gentle springboard to enter a relaxed, concentrated phase where they focus on something specific. If you’re not sure which method to use, you can try guided meditation, where you listen to someone walk you through a breathing and thought process.

Top 6 products for meditation

[ Gaiam Meditation Cushion and Pillow Set ]

Enjoy a comfortable seated position during meditation with this cushion and pillow set. They’re filled with organic buckwheat hull, which adapts and responds to your body.

[ Amazon Echo Dot 5th-Generation ]

Place the Echo Dot in your meditation space and listen to relaxing music or guided meditation. You can also explore Alexa skills for your practice, such as ambient sounds or positive affirmations.

[ “Practicing Mindfulness” by Matthew Sockolov ]

If you’re interested in mindfulness meditation, this bestselling book features 75 meditations geared toward stress management. The book is beginner-friendly, and seasoned practitioners can also appreciate it.

[ Himalayan Glow Crystal Salt Lamp ]

Dim the lights and turn on this Himalayan salt lamp to enjoy a warm, soothing glow during meditation.

[ Ohm Tibetan Singing Bowl Set ]

For those who want to incorporate sound into their practice, this palm-size Tibetan singing bowl is a worthwhile investment. It emits calming tones that are said to sync with brainwaves.

[ Pure Enrichment PureSpa Deluxe Aromatherapy Diffuser ]

Take a deep breath with this aromatherapy diffuser during breathing exercises. The device is known for its quiet operation and works well in smaller meditation spaces.

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By W.G. RAMIREZ (Associated Press)

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Hours after being named to the All-Star roster, Sam Reinhart had a goal and an assist and the Florida Panthers defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 on Thursday night.

The Panthers won for the sixth straight time, while goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 26 saves to win his fifth consecutive start.

Matthew Tkachuk and Carter Verhaeghe also registered a goal and an assist, while Sam Bennett added a goal.

The Panthers completed a season sweep of the defending champs, not only exacting revenge for last season’s five-game loss in the Stanley Cup Final, but also winning in Vegas for the first time since the Knights joined the NHL.

“I think maybe we needed a little adversity to really dig down and find a way,” Tkachuk said. “We had 20-plus guys that were just completely dialed in from the start of the day today and wanted to get that job done. There’s no secret we don’t like these guys for what happened last year. That’s human nature. Especially coming into this building where a team has not had success as of late and just really wanting to beat a team that kind of ruined our summer last year. I thought in the two games that we played them have been two of our best of the season.”

Which is saying something considering the Panthers lost a pair of key forwards — Evan Rodrigues to a lower-body injury and captain Aleksander Barkov to an upper-body injury — after one period.

Florida’s special teams proved to be the difference, finishing 3 of 6 with a man advantage and going in a perfect 6 for 6 on the penalty kill.

“It’s just the mindset of our team, just playing as hard as you can for the guy next to you, especially down two forwards, it was a big performance from all 10 of us that were able to pull through,” Tkachuk added.

Pavel Dorofeyev scored for Vegas, which has lost six of its last seven.

Knights goaltender Logan Thompson made 32 saves but continues to struggle for wins, as he’s lost three of his last four starts and 11 of 17 after opening the season 5-0. Thompson has now allowed three or more goals in six of his last eight starts.

“Tonight we weren’t a great team defensively, some net-front goals against, we got to take care of those,” Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy said. “The lack of winning affects everybody, goaltender more so than most, because he’s the last line of defense. But I think everyone could start to lose some confidence or question things when you don’t win.”

Thompson’s confidence might have been boosted early after captain Mark Stone’s initial shot was blocked but Dorofeyev was there to slam the rebound into an open net. It was the start Vegas needed to shake off Monday’s shutout loss at Seattle in the Winter Classic, as it dominated the action over the first eight minutes of the game.

But a penalty on William Carrier shifted momentum to Florida when Bennett one-timed a rebound off the end boards for the Panthers’ first power-play goal of the night.

They’d get another midway through the second when Tkachuk’s redirect off Brandon Montour’s shot from the point slipped past Thompson.

Verhaeghe silenced the crowd with a little more than a minute left in the period when he pounced on a loose rebound to the left of Thompson and notched his 20th of the season.

Reinhart scored his 25th goal of the season on a power play in the third when he one-timed a pass from Tkachuk from the slot to provide the final margin.

UP NEXT

Panthers: Visit Colorado on Saturday

Golden Knights: Host the Islanders on Saturday

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More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

GAINESVILLE — SEC schedule makers appeared to do the Florida women’s basketball team few favors pitting them against top-ranked juggernaut South Carolina to open league play.

Gators coach Kelly Rae Finley instead viewed Thursday’s night 89-66 loss at O’Connell Center as valuable experience for a program pushing to return to the NCAA Tournament.

“I love it. Our team loves it,” she said. “Any time you get the chance to play the best it’s going to be a really good thing for us.”

Finley sees long-term benefits exposing her players to the gold standard in the women’s game early in the season.

“There’s a lot of things to learn from this game,” she said. “It gives us an opportunity in our SEC opener.”

The top-ranked Gamecocks (14-0, 1-0 SEC) looked the part.

Dawn Staley’s juggernaut steamrolled the Gators (9-4, 0-1) to stake a 21-6 lead and pulled away for good with a 15-0 run to open the third quarter.

To reach the NCAA Tournament for the second time in Finley’s three seasons, the Gators will have to grow from the experience.

“We have a decision to make after this game,” veteran guard Zippy Broughton said. “We can either have a pity party for ourselves or use this as an opportunity to have good film and learn from it.”

Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley is 49-30 in her third season at UF after inheriting a team that was 46-71 during the previous four. (Mark Humphrey/AP)

The Gators were unable to match the Gamecocks’ talent, depth and experience.

Yet, Staley, whose 2017 and ’22 teams won national titles, gave Finley’s squad the ultimate compliment, praising the Gators’ hard-nosed play.

“They’ll win a lot of basketball games in our league if they continue to play as aggressively as they did with us,” Staley, a 53-year-old Hall of Fame player, said.

Finley was happy to hear her fellow coach’s observations.

“They’re physical, they’re strong, they’re skilled, they play hard, their transitions are elite,” she said. “That’s what our focus is.”

The Gators’ toughest matchup to date is likely to be the most difficult on the regular-season schedule. After all, South Carolina now won 55 of 56 games and 16 straight overall in their series with UF.

“There’s a reason they’re the No. 1 team in the country,” Finley said.

Outside of a Feb. 5 trip to defending national champion LSU, the Gators will not face another opponent currently ranked in the Top 25.

Florida coach Kelly Rae Finley aims to lead the Gators to the NCAA Tournament for the second time in her three seasons in Gainesville. (Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP)

Last season UF failed to build on a surprising debut season under Finley, finishing 5-11 in SEC play after going 10-6 and 21-11 overall to reach the 2022 Big Dance. A run to the 2023 WNIT quarterfinals left the Gators 18-15 and with some positive momentum after a difficult, injury-riddled season.

Shooting guard Leilani Correa battled a leg injury much of her first season after transferring from St. Johns. Against South Carolina, the 6-foot senior scored 17 straight points to finish the first half with 21 points and her team trailing 48-34.

“My team needed me,” she said. “Even before the game, I was just locked in.”

South Carolina took charge to open the third quarter as UF missed 7 field goals and committed 4 turnovers while the Gamecocks locked down Correa, who shot 2 of 5 after intermission but finished with a season-high 27 points.

“We just bore down and started defending them a lot better than we did in the first half,” Staley said.

UF center Ra Shaya Kyle’s layup with 6:01 remaining in the quarter were the first points for the Gators, who were outscored 25-12 to trail 73-46 entering the final 10 minutes.

Kyle totaled 12 points, but just 3 rebounds — 7.1 below her season average. A season ago, though, the 6-foot-6 senior was not fully recovered from an ACL tear before transferring from Purdue.

An off night by leading scorer Aliyah Matharu, who was 3 of 18 for 10 points, 9 below her average, was difficult to overcome against a team entering Thursday with an average winning margin of 41 points.

But the Gators expect better — and easier — days are ahead.

“We’ve been putting in the work,” Correa said.

Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com

In an initial selection of 32 players (one per team) for the NHL All-Star Game, Sam Reinhart was chosen as the Florida Panthers’ representative on Thursday night.

For Reinhart, who has been on a scorching run with seven goals in the Panthers’ past six games and has 25 goals and 47 points in the team’s 38 games overall, it is his first all-star game selection.

Reinhart, who came over to Florida from the Buffalo Sabres after the 2020-21 season, is on a pace for 54 goals, 47 assists and 101 points. If he finished with those numbers, he would set personal bests in goals and points. His career high in goals for a season is 33, established in the 2021-22 season, his first with the Panthers, and his best points in a season (82) was that same year.

The NHL still has more than a quarter of the honored players to be determined as the final 12 (eight skaters, four goalies) will be selected through a fan vote, which is underway and runs through next Thursday. Fans can vote at NHL.com/vote and via X (formerly Twitter) and the NHL App.

The NHL All-Star Weekend will go from Feb. 1-3 in Toronto.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby was named an all-star for the 10th time, and 18-year-old Chicago Blackhawks phenom rookie Connor Bedard became the youngest NHL all-star in history.

Reigning MVP Connor McDavid is Edmonton’s representative, and league-leading scorer Nikita Kucherov was picked from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Colorado center Nathan MacKinnon and defending champion Vegas center Jack Eichel are were also chosen.

Auston Matthews, the first player to 30 goals this season, is the first Maple Leafs player picked, though he’ll almost certainly not be the home team’s only representative. William Nylander is Toronto’s leading scorer with 51 points.

Panthers stalwart Matthew Tkachuk’s brother, Brady, was picked from the Ottawa Senators.

“I’m excited, especially being in Toronto where I’m going to be the enemy,” Tkachuk told reporters in Seattle. “I’m definitely going to take advantage of that opportunity.”

This year the popular player draft is back with celebrity captains being paired with NHL All-Stars to chose the four teams for the 3-on-3 tournament.

Fan voting will determine the final eight skaters and four goalies.

INITIAL NHL ALL-STARS

Goaltenders: Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg), Jake Oettinger (Dallas), Igor Shesterkin (N.Y. Rangers), Cam Talbot (Los Angeles)

Defenseman: Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver)

Forwards: Sebastian Aho (Carolina), Mathew Barzal (N.Y. Islanders), Connor Bedard (Chicago), Oliver Bjorkstrand (Seattle), Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh), Alex DeBrincat (Detroit), Jack Eichel (Vegas), Filip Forsberg (Nashville), Tomas Hertl (San Jose), Jack Hughes (New Jersey), Boone Jenner (Columbus), Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota), Clayton Keller (Arizona), Travis Konecny (Philadelphia), Elias Lindholm (Calgary), Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado), Connor McDavid (Edmonton), Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay), Auston Matthews (Toronto), David Pastrnak (Boston), Sam Reinhart (Florida), Nick Suzuki (Montreal), Robert Thomas (St. Louis), Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa), Frank Vatrano (Anaheim)

General Daily Insight for January 05, 2024

Nothing can break our stride. The empowering Moon makes its way into deep Scorpio, adding a strong drive and a desire for a more honest connection to our hearts. Plus, when Luna trines committed Saturn, we can channel this intense energy in ways that are constructive and dedicated to our loved ones. Finally, the Moon opposes expansive Jupiter at 6:35 pm EST, which showers us with generous camaraderie — though we will be at risk of ignoring our self-control. Keep up that momentum!

Aries

March 21 – April 19

You’re ready to cut through the haze, Aries! You may be trying to eliminate any distractions in your life today, particularly if there’s a specific issue that’s been slowing you down as of late. Look at your to-do list and ask yourself which goals you’d like to make more progress on. Are there ways in which you can be more efficient that you haven’t yet tried? That being said, watch out for a new, even bigger temptation! Don’t let it throw you off course.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Various relationships might need some revitalization at this time — especially if you’ve been devoting too much time to one person in your life. Others are possibly feeling neglected, wondering if you still want to continue your connection. This can be any bond that you have, as anyone could feel abandoned if you take opportunities to spend time with everyone except them. Alternatively, you may realize that you’ve been hiding away from all your connections. It’s time to bound out into the sunshine!

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Past bad habits can break into your present. Compulsions may tug at you as soon as you set up your routine, and it’s probably hard to resist when it feels like it’s been so long since you indulged. While relaxing likely feels like a good idea, it would be a shame to put your hard work to waste. Whether it’s a past bad relationship reentering your life, or a negative habit that you’ve stayed away from, be strong for your future self.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

Honesty can be risky at this time. You might be tired of hiding your feelings regarding a certain subject or person, which may tempt you to say something inappropriate for the setting. Be wary of impulses to confront someone in public or make a social media post that puts a certain individual in a negative light. Take a deep breath and ask yourself if this is a can of worms that you really want to open. If not, set it down.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

Relatives may be causing you stress. You could initially receive a burst of motivation to get things done today, but that surge of productive energy might not be able to withstand the demands of those close to you. They might not realize that they’re obstacles, but their needs can still clash with yours. Make an effort to compromise in a way that works for everyone. That said, if you genuinely can’t help or accommodate them, try to politely tell them you need space.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Communication can make the difference in the moment. You might be worried about mistakes, or maybe something is rubbing you the wrong way, but for whatever reason, it’s difficult to communicate your issue to others. It could also indicate that you have said your piece already, but that your wishes aren’t being heard. Being forced to restate your concerns is frustrating, but step back and breathe before arguing. Remind yourself of who you are and what’s important to you, then calmly bring up your needs.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

You may presently be searching for an equal. This applies to all connections where someone can act as the yin to your yang — friendships, relationships, business partnerships, even familial bonds. This person is likely a peer of yours, so around your age or maturity, and potentially has similar pursuits to you. Such empowering ties can be difficult to build, and you have a tendency to be over-optimistic at this time. Be cautious when evaluating candidates for your ride-or-die companion.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Sincerity could cause problems today, even if it typically works for you. You likely value honesty more than most, as you crave to strip away falsehoods and reach the heart of the matter, but not everyone can handle that. Plus, your delivery may seem a little harsh or come out in a more intense tone than you currently meant it to. It might be beneficial to tone down what you have to say. You can still get your message across by being gentle.

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

You might be tempted to give up on something. There may be a project that you’re working on that is starting to wear on you, or perhaps even a person in your life that you’re tired of spending time with. Still, while it’s easy to ghost things, it might be a rash decision to do so. Growing long-standing relationships will be extra difficult if you continually cut and run at the first red flag, as no one is perfect. Scale back without totally disappearing.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Friends can embolden you to share more. You might not have realized you were holding back, or perhaps you’re naturally guarded, but others likely want to know you. They may wish for a stronger connection with you by hearing about your past. While your history could contain difficult situations that you don’t want to give up, a bit of vulnerability may genuinely solidify these beneficial relationships. You don’t have to infodump — just crack open the door to your heart a little.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

You may put your foot in your mouth at any moment. Ambition is relentlessly driving you forward, and because of this boost propelling you forward, you could be lured into saying whatever is on your mind — which could alienate certain people from your community or in your audience. You might feel that what you’re saying is a universal truth, but step back and recognize that the statements you’d like to make might actually be putting someone down inadvertently. Speak with consideration.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

No one can lower your spirits! You may receive some “constructive” criticism that incites the worry that you aren’t doing enough or that you’re not taking enough risks, and this may get to you if you aren’t aware of your inner strength. Knowing who you are and what’s right for yourself is important, especially when faced with peer pressure to change your pace or your energy levels. Others do not have the right to drag you down, so go at the pace you’re comfortable with.

Evan Simko-Bednarski | New York Daily News

NEW YORK — At least 19 people were hurt Thursday when a No. 1 train leaving the W. 96th St. and Broadway subway station jumped the track after an apparent collision with an MTA work train, said transit sources and the Fire Department.

An FDNY spokesman told the New York Daily News that injuries were still being tallied, but none appeared life threatening.

Service was suspended along the bulk of the No. 1, 2 and 3 lines in Manhattan as a result during the evening rush hour.

The incident happened shortly after 3 p.m., with the crew of the uptown-bound No. 1 train reporting to the MTA’s control center that it “felt like [the train] was hit from behind,” transit sources told The News.

MTA officials confirmed only that the train had derailed.

The Police Department shut W. 96th St. from Columbus to West End Aves. on the Upper West Side to make way for emergency vehicles.

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©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Chris Sommerfeldt | New York Daily News

Mayor Adams’ administration filed a lawsuit Thursday charging that 17 charter bus companies owe New York City at least $708 million for transporting tens of thousands of migrants to the five boroughs from Texas as part of a controversial relocation program launched by the Lone Star State’s Republican governor.

The suit, submitted in Manhattan Supreme Court, alleges that the companies, most of which are Texas-based, violated New York’s Social Services Law by contracting with Gov. Greg Abbott’s administration to transport more than 33,600 migrants to the Big Apple with little or no coordination with city officials since 2022.

The state law holds that anyone who “knowingly” brings a person to New York “for the purpose of making him a public charge” is responsible to “support him at his own expense” — and the suit argues the bus operators should thereby be on the hook to reimburse the city for the $708 million it has so far spent on providing shelter, food, health care and other services for the thousands of migrants they transported to New York City.

“Governor Abbott’s continued use of migrants as political pawns is not only chaotic and inhumane but makes clear he puts politics over people,” Adams, a centrist Democrat, said in a video message from City Hall. “Today’s lawsuit should serve as a warning to all those who break the law in this way.”

The bus operators named as defendants could not be immediately reached for comment. Gov. Abbott’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.

Abbott, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump, started sending migrants to New York and other liberal cities at the outset of the asylum seeker crisis in 2022 in a bid to highlight what he considers Democrats’ overly lax immigration policies.

Adams and other Democrats have blasted Abbott for the move, saying he’s putting migrants’ lives at risk and using them as political pawns. Other states, including Democrat-run ones like Colorado, have also sent migrants to New York, but Adams says the Abbott operation is different because Texas refuses to give city officials any heads up on buses arriving.

Thursday’s lawsuit was filed on the Adams administration’s behalf by Steve Banks, a former commissioner of the city Department of Social Services.

Banks, who brought the suit pro bono in his capacity as a special counsel at the Paul, Weiss law firm, is also fighting the Adams administration in Manhattan Supreme Court over its attempt to suspend the city’s right-to-shelter mandate. In that case, Banks is helping the Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless argue against the Adams administration’s claim that the city should be absolved of its right-to-shelter requirements amid the migrant crisis.

Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for Adams, said there’s no conflict in Banks representing the administration in one migrant crisis-related case and fighting it in another. “It’s two completely unrelated cases,” she said.

The legal action against the bus companies comes as Adams is fighting on multiple fronts to stop Abbott from continuing his migrant busing program.

Last week, the mayor issued an executive order that requires bus companies to give his administration at least 32 hours notice before they drop off migrants in the city.

The order also set a strict time window for when buses can drop off migrants — only between 8:30 a.m. and noon on weekdays. Any bus companies that violate the order can be fined or have their vehicles impounded under the order.

Since Adams’ order, though, some bus companies have found a workaround by dropping off migrants in New Jersey, where they’re shepherded onto city-bound trains.

On Tuesday, Adams said he hopes New Jersey municipalities close to New York City follow his lead on setting strict rules around when bus companies can do migrant drop-offs.

“Everyone that has that train line that leads into the city, everyone in the municipalities around us — they should do the same (executive order),” he told reporters.

According to the latest data from City Hall, the Adams administration has spent around $3.5 billion on sheltering and providing services for the tens of thousands of mostly Latin American migrants who have arrived since spring 2022. Nearly 70,000 migrants remain in city shelters.

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©2024 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

A 5-year-old boy was rushed into surgery Monday night after he grabbed one of his father’s guns from a table inside their Hollywood apartment and shot himself in the arm, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The boy’s father, Travoynne Martin, 32, is now facing felony charges of culpable negligence and child neglect with great bodily harm, Broward County court records show. He was released from jail after posting bail.

One of Martin’s neighbors called 911 to report a suspicious incident after the neighbor said Martin came banging on his door shortly after 10 p.m. and had blood on his shoulder, according to the affidavit for Martin’s arrest. The neighbor saw Martin and his girlfriend and their son speed off in their car.

As officers were responding to the neighbor’s call, dispatchers learned that a young child who had been shot was at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Officers interviewed the boy and Martin at the hospital separately, according to the affidavit.

Martin said he and his family returned home from dinner, and as he sat on the couch, he removed his Taurus GX4 handgun from his waistband and put it on the table while still in its holster, the affidavit said. His son was sitting with him on the couch.

Not long after, Martin heard two bangs and his son “immediately lunged onto him crying and saying ‘I’m sorry,'” the affidavit said. His son was bleeding from his left arm, and he told his girlfriend to drive them to the hospital. The girlfriend told officers she did not know what happened.

An officer talked to the boy after his surgery, noting that he appeared to be telling the truth about what happened. He said he was “shot by a gun” and that he “touched it and squeezed it,” the affidavit said.

The boy said he knew he was not supposed to touch guns. His upper left arm had been grazed by the bullet, according to the affidavit.

In another interview at the Hollywood Police Department, Martin told officers he had several guns in his home but that he usually kept them unloaded on the top shelf of his closet, out of the children’s reach, according to the affidavit. His girlfriend’s 12-year-old son also lives in the home but had been staying with relatives during the holiday break.

Martin said his guns were only out while he cleaned them, when they would be unloaded, the affidavit said. Officers obtained a search warrant and found eight loaded guns, including handguns and rifles, an AR-15, a shotgun and a revolver, in the apartment, including in the living room and a bedroom.

All but one of the guns were unsecured and easily accessible to anyone in the apartment, the affidavit said.

As a condition of Martin’s pre-trial release, he has been ordered to surrender all firearms to Hollywood Police and has been placed on electronic monitoring, according to court records. He is also not to have contact with the victim or victims.

Martin’s attorney information was not available Thursday.

Martin was arrested in 2014 on charges of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft in the third degree and grand theft of a firearm, court records show. He pleaded no contest and was not formally convicted, receiving two years probation.

There were over 1,500 unintentional shootings in the United States in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, an independent research group that tracks gun violence incidents on its website.

There were 377 unintentional shootings by children in 2023 in the country, according to Everytown for Gun Safety, a gun control advocacy organization, with 247 resulting in injuries and 145 resulting in death. The organization’s 2023 research report on unintentional shootings said children between the ages of 14 and 17 and preschoolers 5 years old and younger are the two groups most likely to unintentionally shoot themselves or other people.

“Nearly one child gains access to a loaded firearm and unintentionally shoots themself or someone else every day in America — an average of 350 children a year,” the report said.

By MELISSA GOLDIN (Associated Press)

After dozens of previously sealed court documents related to financier Jeffrey Epstein were made public on Wednesday, social media users began spreading false accusations about major public figures whose names appeared in the release — and some who hadn’t been named at all.

Two people singled out in viral false claims containing images made to look like snippets from court documents were late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who died in 2018. In both cases, the images were used in an effort to tie the men to illicit activities involving Epstein.

Here’s a closer look at the facts.

CLAIM: Court documents connected to a lawsuit involving Epstein that were released this week include details about Hawking’s “proclivities” and accusations about a sexual encounter with Kimmel.

THE FACTS: The images were fabricated to look like part of the court documents. They are not among the records that were released this week. In both cases, the images show what are alleged to be question-and-answer sessions with unidentified participants.

In the fake image involving Hawking, the questioner asks, in reference to Epstein, “Did Jeffrey ever talk to you about Stephen Hawking’s proclivities?” The respondent answers, “Yes, he liked watching undressed midgets solve complex equations on a too-high-up chalkboard.” Additionally, the respondent replies “yes” when asked whether Hawking “frequented the island for pleasure.” The other image includes an exchange about Kimmel in which the respondent says they gave him multiple massages and had sex with him at the comedian’s suggestion.

Posts that shared the images had received tens of thousands of views on X, formerly Twitter, and other social media platforms as of Thursday.

Hawking is mentioned twice in the documents that were released. One reference involves a 2015 email from Epstein offering a monetary award to friends, family or acquaintances of Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, if they could help disprove allegations that the physicist had participated in an “underage orgy” on one of Epstein’s islands. The other is a request for Giuffre to turn over all photos or videos of her with a number of individuals, including Hawking. But there is no reference to any “proclivities.”

In 2006, a few months before Epstein was charged with multiple counts of unlawful sex with a minor, Hawking was one of many scientists who attended a five-day conference in the Caribbean funded by Epstein. The physicist appears in multiple pictures from the event.

Kimmel does not come up in the documents at all. Ahead of their release, social media users wrongly claimed that his name might appear, spurred by a comment New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers made Tuesday on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show.” Kimmel said in response on X that he had never met Epstein and that Rodgers’ “reckless words put my family in danger.”

Moreover, the purported document snippet that mentions Kimmel states that it is part of page 1,375, but only 944 pages of records had been made public when the image began spreading.

Other major public figures social media users have falsely claimed are named in the documents include Oprah Winfrey, Tom Hanks, Elon Musk and many more.

There was much speculation before the release that the records amounted to a list of rich and powerful people who were Epstein’s “clients” or “co-conspirators.” But the records come from a 2015 lawsuit filed by Giuffre against Epstein’s former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, which was settled two years later.

U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who ordered the release, said most of the names were already public. They include many of Epstein’s accusers, members of his staff who told their stories to tabloid newspapers, people who served as witnesses at Maxwell’s trial, people who were mentioned in passing during depositions but aren’t accused of anything salacious, and people who investigated Epstein, including prosecutors, a journalist and a police detective.

There are also boldface names of public figures known to have associated with Epstein over the years, but whose relationships with him have already been well documented elsewhere.

Previous documents from the case were released in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. About 60 of 250 records currently being released had been made public as of Thursday evening, with more expected in the coming days.

Epstein killed himself in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term for helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls.

___

This is part of AP’s effort to address widely shared misinformation, including work with outside companies and organizations to add factual context to misleading content that is circulating online. Learn more about fact-checking at AP.

Broward County’s biggest food and wine festival has celebrity chefs, apocalyptic barbecue, wasabi ice cream – and, unsurprisingly, few tickets left to sell.

The chef-studded Grand Tasting at Las Olas Oceanside Park? Gone. The Poolside BBQ at Hyatt Centric Las Olas? Snapped up a month ago. As of Wednesday, less than a week before Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival returns Jan. 8-14, a few remaining passes remain for intimate dinners and the festival’s newest signature event: Wok ‘n’ Roll, a showcase of Asian street food paired with live rock music.

Malcom Mayo for Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival / CourtesyThe Grand Tasting at Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, shown here at the 2023 event, is officially sold out this year. A few passes remain for intimate winners and the festival’s new signature event, Wok ‘n’ Roll. (Malcom Mayo for Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival / Courtesy)

Probably not for long, say festival organizers Phillip Marro and Kate Reed. Gone are the days when the spectre of a pandemic hampered ticket sales, as they did in 2021, 2022 and even last year.

“Things are definitely back,” Marro says. “People are looking to dine out more than they have over the last few years.”

Headlining celebrity chefs include Aarón Sánchez (Fox’s “MasterChef” and “MasterChef Junior”), Jason Smith (winner of Food Network’s “Food Network Star” Season 13 and “Holiday Baking Championship” Season 3), Nancy Fuller (Food Network’s “Farmhouse Rules”) and Nicole Layog (“Big Brother” Season 24).

And yes, there are many decorated locals in the mix, including Jeremy Ford (Stubborn Seed, The Butcher’s Club), Thuan Lam (MISO Japanese Tapas), Paula DaSilva (Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale) and Timon Balloo (The Katherine). 

Despite the festival’s name, Marro and Reid say they aren’t sticklers for championing just Broward restaurants. Case in point: Jeff Budnechky’s white-hot Kendall shop Apocalypse BBQ will clash tongs with eight other pitmasters at the Poolside BBQ Battle (Jan. 12). In recent months, Apocalypse has gained the rare reputation of a destination pilgrimage, with lines stretching out the door for two hours on weekends for slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork and cornbread formed in a skull mold.

At Wok & Roll (Jan. 11), 10 vendors will serve Asian street food at Backyard in downtown Fort Lauderdale, paired with covers of AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses by Fort Lauderdale’s Spank the Band.

Jimmy Anderson, co-owner of Davie’s Sweet Aloha Ice Cream, will bring a tantalizing taste of Hawaii to Wok ‘n’ Roll, an Asian street-food showcase at Backyard in downtown Fort Lauderdale. During the event, Anderson will debut three new ice-cream flavors, all Asian-themed: ube brownie, a mashup of chocolate and Filipino purple yams; lychee sorbet, a fruit that tastes like a combination of strawberry and watermelon; and wasabi, which “packs a punch three seconds after you taste it.”

Anderson, a retired Air Force staff sergeant, opened Sweet Aloha in August 2021 with his Maui-raised wife, Lynne. Their scoop shop also specializes in Hawaiian shave ice, a frozen dessert where mounds of soft, sheer ice flakes are topped with tangy syrups and fruit purees.

Ricky and Toni Frost / CourtesyJimmy and Lynne Anderson, the husband-and-wife team behind Sweet Aloha Ice Cream in Davie, will bring three new ice cream flavors to the festival’s new signature event, the Asian street food-themed Wok ‘N’ Roll. (Ricky and Toni Frost / Courtesy)

Sweet Aloha has its roots in Huntington Beach, Calif., where the couple started a food truck called Haole Boys Shave Ice “pretty much as a self-deprecating joke,” he says. Anderson is a self-described “haole” (pronounced “how-lee”), not-very-endearing slang for what Hawaiians like his wife call mainlanders, often white, who visit the archipelago.

“The ice cream is just as good as the Hawaiian shave ice,” he says. “ And it’s a perfect pairing for Asian street food.”

Wok ‘n’ Roll organizer Diego Ng says South Florida’s Asian-American population is growing, so he wanted diverse representation in the lineup while championing restaurants from younger, U.S.-born second-generation entrepreneurs. Other vendors include ghost kitchen 2 Korean Girls, the Baoshi food hall (pan-Asian), Jeepney (Phillippines), Krakatoa (Indonesian), Lutong Pinoy (Phillippines), Miso Japanese Tapas, Red Pine Restaurant & Lounge (Chinese), Zuru Ramen Bar (Japanese) and Temple Street Eatery.

(Malcom Mayo for Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival/Courtesy)Chef Greg McGowan of Harborwood Urban Kitchen at Hyatt Centric Las Olas will return to compete at this year’s Poolside BBQ Battle at Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. (Malcom Mayo for Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival/Courtesy)

“When you grow up as a second-generation Asian, like I did, you feel that identity struggle,” says Ng, who is Chinese-Venezuelan and co-owns Temple Street Eatery in Fort Lauderdale. “The struggle isn’t a bad thing. It’s just important for us second-gens to help each other.”

Along with Wok ‘n’ Roll, here are three more events not yet sold out at the 2024 Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival. Please note: Some events may be close to selling out, so visit VLFoodWine.com for more options.

Dinner at Union Kitchen & Bar

7 p.m. Jan. 9 at Union Kitchen + Bar, 2309 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors; Eventbrite link

Union’s husband-and-wife team of sommelier Roberto Colombi (Italy’s Michelin two-star Ristorante Gualtiero Marchesi) and chef Christie Tenaud (James Beard-winning Primo in Tucson, Ariz.) will pair up with chef Vinnie Cimino (Cordelia in Cleveland) for a five-course meal of grilled octopus, beef tartare, squid ink lobster and ricotta ravioli, bone-in pork belly and tahini-nut butter and jelly ice cream. Limited tickets remain.

Dinner at Burlock Coast

6:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at Burlock Coast at Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, 1 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; Eventbrite link

This dream-team pairing of local chefs Paula DaSilva (James Beard semifinalist), Adrienne Grenier (Food Network’s “Chopped”) and Jeremy Ford (Michelin one-star Stubborn Seed) will include four courses paired with wine and cocktails.

Picnic in the Park

noon-4 p.m. Jan. 14 at Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; Eventbrite link

This family-friendly free event will feature food trucks, cooking demos, culinary classes (how to make corn dogs and watermelon pizza), local artisan vendors and live entertainment.

Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival will take place from Jan. 8 to 14 at multiple Broward County locations. Individual events cost $50 to $250, except for a Jan. 14 Picnic in the Park, which is free. For the full schedule, go to VLFoodWine.com and Eventbrite.com.

The Las Olas Art Fair returns this weekend with hundreds of artists lining downtown Fort Lauderdale’s bustling thoroughfare on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

But the most popular display is likely to be found just outside the far west end of the fair, where the utility of the city’s new Tunnel Top Plaza will get its first test as a pedestrian-friendly oasis. 

Since it opened a few weeks ago to underwhelming reviews, there has been much grousing about what the space isn’t — as if we expected to be tossing Frisbees on Las Olas. It could not compete with what locals had in their dreams, inspired by the unfortunate use of the word “park” in the project’s original plan (now “plaza”) and perhaps the $10 million price tag. 

But even its detractors must admit that the Tunnel Top Plaza project took nothing — a sidewalk, a concrete wall, a noisy void over U.S. 1 — and turned it into something. Imperfect, of course (a canopy of some kind will come in handy), but clearly an asset. 

What is Tunnel Top Plaza? An invitation. To pause, to linger, to sit at the center of one of the most energetic tourist destinations in South Florida and just relax. That’s not nothing.  

So this weekend we’ll learn a few things: Will Art Fair visitors seek out a spot on its terraced seating? How’s the view across Las Olas toward the New River and historic Stranahan House? Will impromptu picnics pop up on the turf? Can we get past our expectations and enjoy Tunnel Top Plaza for what it is?

The view across Las Olas Boulevard from the terraced seats at the new Tunnel Top Plaza in Fort Lauderdale. (John McCall/South Florida Sun Sentinel) THURSDAY

’Bird watching: The national touring production of Aaron Sorkin’s celebrated adaptation of the Harper Lee masterpiece “To Kill a Mockingbird,” regrettably still timely, continues its run at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in downtown West Palm Beach through the weekend. Starring Richard Thomas (“The Waltons”) as Atticus Finch, performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $39+ at Kravis.org. 

Turning back time: The music, the fashion, the celebrity stories, the sass — “The Cher Show” has it all as the Tony-winning Broadway musical navigates the singer’s rise from Sonny Bono sidekick to Bob Mackie’s favorite glamazon. The touring edition of the show, which features three actor-singers playing different phases of Cher (Ella Perez, Catherine Ariale and Morgan Scott), is at the Arsht Center in Miami for performances at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $35+ at ArshtCenter.org.

FRIDAY

Girls night out: To attend the touring dance night known as The Taylor Party, you need to be at least 18 years old, but beyond that anything goes. A survey of visuals associated with the Taylor Swift-inspired tour showed more than a few fans who have not been 18 in decades. Such is the power of “Shake It Off.” The Taylor Party will be at Revolution Live in downtown Fort Lauderdale on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $18+ at JoinTheRevolution.net. 

Weekend laughs: Veteran comedian and actor Godfrey (who can unsee the explosive Orange Mocha Frappuccino scene in “Zoolander”?) has five shows this weekend at the Dania Improv in Dania Beach: 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets cost $25+ at DaniaImprov.com. (For the record, the Tiffany Haddish show at the Dania Improv on Thursday is very sold out.)

Friday night live: One of the more popular tribute acts in South Florida, Turnstiles will return to Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach at 7:30 p.m. Friday to channel the music of Billy Joel. Admission is free. For table reservations, visit Galuppis.com. …  The Old Town Untapped series brings vendors, live music, food and drink back to Bailey Contemporary Arts in Pompano Beach on Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., this edition featuring nationally touring locals The Heavy Pets. Visit PompanoBeachArts.org/events. … Berklee-trained, Nashville-based country singer Emma White will perform at 8 p.m. Friday at Tin Roof in Delray Beach. She’ll also play Tin Roof Fort Lauderdale at 8 p.m. Saturday. Visit Instagram.com/emmawhitemusic.

Tony Monaco will lead Turnstiles, the Billy Joel tribute band, at Galuppi’s in Pompano Beach on Friday. (Turnstiles/Courtesy) SATURDAY

Feeling crabby? The 14th annual Riverwalk Stone Crab & Seafood Festival, presented by restaurant Rivertail, takes place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Esplanade Park on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The event will offer a variety of dishes and drinks from local restaurants and food trucks, music, kids’ activities and Finster Murphy’s iconic hermit crab races. Admission is free, with individual seafood dishes starting at $5. The beer and wine garden, featuring unlimited pours from local purveyors, costs $30. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. Visit Facebook.com/RiverwalkFTL.

Sneakerheads unite: Sneaker Con Fort Lauderdale returns to the Broward County Convention Center on Saturday from noon to 7 p.m., a day dedicated to obsessed-over footwear, with top collectors, authenticators and influencers in the room where it happens. Tickets cost $30+ at SneakerCon.com.

Tribute night: Mathews Brewing Co. in Lake Worth Beach will host a performance by Jane’s Addiction tribute band Nothing’s Shocking on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Visit Facebook.com/mathewsbrewing. … Grateful Dead tribute Spiral Light plays Crazy Uncle Mike’s in Boca Raton at 8:30 p.m. Saturday. Tickets start at $15+ for general-admission standing. Visit CrazyUncleMikes.com. … The touring group Saved by the 90s will pay tribute to an entire decade at 7 p.m. Saturday at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $10.75+ as part of a four-pack at Ticketmaster.com. 

Take the kids: Visit the beautiful Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach on Saturday and make your own origami omamori, Japanese good luck charms for the new year. Part of the museum’s Family Fun Day series, the activity takes place in the Kamiya Room (Classroom A) and is free with museum admission. Tickets cost $16, $10 for children ages 6-17, 5 and younger free. Visit Morikami.org.

Get your Phil: Authors Andrew Dolberg, of Plantation, and Rob Long, also a Delray Beach City Commissioner, will give away a little merch and sign copies of their Earth-hugging fantasy adventure “The Great Weather Diviner: The Untold Origin of Punxsutawney Phil” on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Rohi’s Readery at The Square in downtown West Palm Beach. Visit RohisReadery.com.

SUNDAY

Best of times: Classic rock favorites Styx bring indelible hits such as “Fooling Yourself,” “Come Sail Away,” “Blue Collar Man,” “Renegade,” “The Best of Times” and “Lady” to Pompano Beach Amphitheatre at 7 p.m. Sunday, joined by Edwin McCain (“I’ll Be”). Tickets start at $39.50+ for standing room, with a few seats starting at 74.50+ at PompanoBeacharts.org/amp.

One of a kind: Perhaps an even more essential part of the soundtrack of your formative years, The Spinners (“I’ll Be Around,” “One of a Kind,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love”) and The Commodores (“Brick House,” “Sail On,” “Nightshift”) will perform at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale at 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $50+ at BrowardCenter.org.

Jazz at the Norton: In a perfect marriage of art and venue, the music of the great pianist and composer Bill Evans will be explored by jazz trio The Lost Melody (pianist Joe Davidian, drummer Austin McMahon and bassist Jamie Ousley) at the Norton Museum of Art in downtown West Palm Beach on Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets cost $35 (includes museum admission), members $15, students $12. Space is limited. Visit Norton.org.

Staff writer Ben Crandell can be reached at bcrandell@sunsentinel.com. Follow on Instagram @BenCrandell and Twitter @BenCrandell.

The story on page 1A of the Sun Sentinel on Dec. 30 by staff writer David Lyons reported on a light rail proposal to connect the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades, the seaport in Broward County.

As a county commissioner in the mid-1970s, I advocated for this. But it was defeated, mainly by Jesse Gaddis, who held the exclusive taxicab franchise at the airport.

newspapers.comA 1975 news article in the Fort Lauderdale News on Moss’ proposal for a monorail system.

At that time, Braniff Airlines at Love Field in Dallas was moving to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and had its monorail system for sale at an almost giveaway price.

Once again, small-town thinking and entrepreneurial greed prevailed over forward-thinking common sense.

Jack Moss, Palm Beach Gardens

(Editor’s Note: The writer was a Republican Broward County commissioner from 1972 to 1980. Gaddis, who held a near-monopoly at the airport for decades, died in 2019). 

Why ERA is a bad idea

Your recent editorial calling for the Equal Rights Amendment to be ratified reminded me of the legitimate reasons why so many Americans rejected it.

Someday the U.S. may have a need to resume the military draft. Can you empathize with parents who would not want to see their daughters drafted into combat? Under the ERA, a draft must apply equally to both sexes. Furthermore, laws requiring men pay alimony to their divorced wives would be outlawed under an ERA.

Enough said.

Herbert Goldsmith, Pembroke Pines 

Insulting our intelligence

I hope that I am not the only one who is sick and disgusted with the unending assault upon my intelligence by the lies spewed from the mouths and pages of the radically conservative media (I refuse to use their names). They are constantly telling me that the U.S economy is a train wreck. That inflation is killing my quality of life. That all immigrants are thieves, rapists, murderers and drug dealers.

That we are wasting our money supporting Ukraine’s fight to build a safe democracy for its people and a strong bulwark against Putin’s treachery. That President Joe Biden is a thief and  participated in his son’s money grab. That Biden is only responsible for rises in fuel prices but not for the more recent cheaper gasoline with which we have been loading up our pickups, luxury cars and super-sized SUVs.

It’s axiomatic that constantly repeating lies (often spoken by America’s most prolific liar and his toadies) too often results in otherwise decent people accepting these lies for the truth.

That’s a surefire guarantee that a democracy will fail. No one benefits from lies except the liar and the people who enrich themselves by repeating them.

David Kahn, Boca Raton

Stop the fireworks

It’s obvious to me that there are a lot of people who are anxious at some holidays where the use of fireworks cannot be anticipated. The explosions scare babies and frighten animals, turning them into cowering creatures.

While listening to fireworks explosions for the last couple of hours, I have to ask, to those who know that it is difficult for so many people: Why do you do it, anyway? Why are the safely managed public fireworks displays not sufficient? Why must you light bombs in neighborhoods when you know that it bothers your neighbors so badly?

Yes, fireworks are illegal in my city, but there are so many violations that the police can’t possibly respond to them all. My friends and I spend these nights comforting our pets for hours while praying that none of the sounds outside is actually a gunshot.

Teresa Freeman, Hollywood

Q: About a decade ago, due to a health scare, I prepared a deed I found online and added my daughter’s name to my house. I thought this was good in case something happened to me. Now, I want to sell my home to downsize to a smaller condo, and my daughter won’t agree to sign unless I give her some of the proceeds. Is there anything I can do? — Millie

A: This is a situation I see all too often. A quick internet search can supply many ideas about avoiding probate and the complexity of proper estate planning. However, some of those ideas can have significant consequences.

For example, many web experts speak about putting your children “on your deed” and even provide a generic form to help make it happen. While it is a good idea to plan for your eventual demise and spare those you leave behind the expense and trouble of having to probate your estate, estate planning is a serious matter.

Using improper tools or even the proper documents prepared improperly can have serious repercussions. Recording a deed in the public records changes the ownership of your property and should not be done lightly.

Besides unnecessary expense and tax consequences, deeding someone else onto the title of your property makes that person a co-owner.

Now that your daughter’s name is also on the title to your property, you will need to gain her cooperation to sell. This may mean talking her into it or buying her out.

If she is not being reasonable about the situation, you may have to sue her for “partition,” which is a type of lawsuit where the judge divides ownership of a property by looking at how the property was purchased and maintained and deciding what is the fairest way to split things up. Eventually, you can remove your daughter from the title, but likely only after much expense and frustration.

An estate planning professional could have recommended other options to avoid probate and leave your property to your chosen heirs. There are methods such as “revocable trusts” and “enhanced life estate deeds” that could have accomplished your goals without you having to give up control over your property while you are alive.

Of course, these solutions must be set up correctly to work how you want them to, and an experienced attorney can help explore which options are best for your specific circumstances.

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at gary@garysingerlaw.com, or go to SunSentinel.com/askpro. 

What are the best duck boots for women?

In cold, wet weather, there are few things worse than walking through puddles or snow and winding up with soggy feet. That’s why finding the right footwear for winter weather is essential.

You can find plenty of winter boots, but if you want truly waterproof shoes, duck boots are the way to go, especially if you plan to be active outdoors this winter.

If you want to keep your feet dry and comfortable all winter, here are the best women’s duck boots for every price point.

What are duck boots?

If you’re not sure how duck boots differ from other winter boots, it helps to understand their origins. The shoes started as hunting boots designed to keep the feet warm and dry when active outdoors. They have a waterproof construction (hence them being called duck boots) with a rubber section across the toes and top of the foot and a leather upper to prevent rain and snow from getting inside and wetting your socks.

Most duck boots hit at the ankle, but you can find some longer pairs that hit at mid-calf. Many pairs feature laces, but you can find some duck boots in a pull-on style. They all have a rubber sole that provides effective traction in slick conditions, though.

While duck boots are traditionally used for rain, some pairs are lined with flannel or other materials to provide warmth, making them ideal for snow. In fact, many people actually prefer them to traditional snow boots because they are lightweight and more comfortable to wear.

Best duck boots for women Under $50

[ JBU Women’s Maplewood Casual Duck Boot ]

These water-resistant lace-up boots have a shiny upper that helps them stand out from other duck boots. They also have a contoured EVA insole that provides comfortable support for your feet all day. These shoes are vegan-friendly, too. These are currently on sale at a deep discount.

Chenghe Women’s Winter Duck Boots

These duck boots have a classic lace-up style and a waterproof rubber toe. The round toe shape also prevents squeezing and pinching, so they’re comfortable enough to wear all day. They’re lined with plush cotton, too, to help keep your feet warm.

Nautica Women’s Duck Boots

With a vegan leather upper and waterproof toe, these duck boots are ideal for many outdoor activities, including hiking. They have a lace-up design that lets you customize the fit for greater comfort. The rubber sole also offers sure footing in wintery weather.

DKSUKO Women’s Winter Duck Boots

These non-slip, waterproof boots have a rubber sole that offers superior grip as you move. The rubber exterior is easy to clean, while the thermal insulation keeps your feet warm and comfortable in cold winter weather. The classic round toe also makes the fit more comfortable.

London Fog Women’s Winley Duck Boot

These classic duck boots are ideal for everyday wear in cold, rainy weather. They have a memory foam footbed to provide cushioned support and a cozy fleece lining to keep your feet warm. They’re available in nine colors, too.

STQ Women’s Winter Duck Boots

These duck boots have a soft fabric upper that comes with a comfortable, waterproof shell to keep your feet dry. The boot shaft folds down, so you can adjust the look depending on what you’re wearing. The rugged TPR sole also offers excellent traction.

DKSUKO Women’s Pull-On Duck Boots

If you aren’t a fan of lace-up boots, this pull-on style is for you. It features elastic panels in the upper to ensure a comfortable fit and a loop at the back that makes it easier to get them on and off. The lower is made of high-quality rubber that’s not only waterproof but highly durable.

From $50-$100

Sperry Women’s Saltwater Snow Boot

These duck boots feature a 100% leather upper and a rubber bottom to keep your feet dry. While they have a lace closure at the front for a secure fit, they also have a side zipper to make them easier to get on and off. The sturdy rubber soles provide effective traction, too.

Dream Pairs Women’s Mid-Calf Waterproof Snow Boots

These snow boots have a water-resistant membrane and coating that keeps them waterproof in up to 2.2 inches of rain or snow. They also have a plush faux fur lining for added warmth and a textured rubber outsole that provides excellent traction in snowy or icy conditions. You can choose from six colors, too.

JBU by Jambu Women’s Windsor Waterproof Mid-Calf Boot

With their waterproof construction and faux fur lining, these duck boots are perfect for winter. They have removable EVA insoles that conform to your feet to provide maximum cushioning and support. They’ve also earned approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Skechers Women’s Pond-Lil-Puddles Mid Quilted Lace Up Duck Boot

These classic duck boots have a seam-sealed rubber shell upper, so they’re fully waterproof. The memory foam insoles provide top-notch support, while the fabric-insulated shaft keeps your feet warm. The soft wool fabric at the top is also treated with a stain- and water-resistant coating to keep them clean and dry.

[ The North Face Women’s Shellista IV Shorty Waterproof Boot ]

With a seam-sealed, full-grain leather upper, these versatile boots are fully waterproof. They also have a removable inner bootie that provides insulation and can even be worn indoors as a slipper. They have a high-traction sole to keep you from slipping and sliding in inclement weather, too.

$100 and up

[ Sorel Women’s Slimpack III Waterproof Duck Boots ]

These duck boots are perfectly designed for snow and winter weather with seam-sealed, waterproof construction. They’re made of a high-quality combination of full-grain leather and suede and even feature a microfleece lining for added warmth. They also have EVA footbeds that keep your feet supported all day.

[ UGG Hapsburg Duck Boots ]

If you’re looking for a more fashionable pair of duck boots, these are the shoes for you. They feature classic duck boot styling, including a round rubber toe and leather upper. The seam-sealed construction and gusseted tongue keep them fully waterproof, too. They also have an inner ankle zipper, so you can quickly get them on and off.

[ Tommy Hilfiger Women’s Rainah Duck Booties ]

These duck boots have a classic look, but they’re also outfitted with a cozy faux-shearling trim to make them ideal for chilly weather. They have a lace-up closure that makes it easy to achieve a secure fit and a round toe for greater comfort. They’re available in six colors, too. These are currently offered at 50% off.

Wolverine Women’s Torrent Waterproof Boot

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, these waterproof duck boots are a perfect choice. They have a full-grain leather upper and a vulcanized rubber toe to keep your feet dry no matter how wet it gets. They also have a fleece lining for added warmth and mesh panels that wick away moisture for breathability.

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Many are calling the Hydrow Rower the “Peloton of Rowing.” I decided to put the machine to the test to see if it lives up to the hype. With its competitive aspects, such as leaderboards and classes, I thought the Hydrow Rower might spice up my workout enough to stay interested.

What is the Hydrow Rower?

The Hydrow Rower is an immersive, subscription-based rowing machine with an ergonomic design and numerous interactive features.

This machine features several waterways you can choose from that allow you to simulate an actual rowing experience. Eventually, Hydrow plans to release a weightlifting mode that will enable you to use the machine for things like bicep curls.

How the Hydrow works

The Hydro works much like a traditional rowing machine but has a screen to choose from different classes and experiences. I started with Hydrow’s On-the-Mat warm-up and cool-down classes and then transitioned to their medium-level rowing class. As someone who hasn’t used a rowing machine in a while, it was nice having an instructor giving me cues and form checks throughout the course.

The touch screen was quick and responsive. There was virtually no lag time between the touch and registering the action. The machine has a community leaderboard you can view during on-demand classes that drove me to do my best with each workout. In addition to the leaderboard, Hydrow has a team feature that allows you to work alongside a partner to compete in weekly challenges.

What you need to know before purchasing a Hydrow Rower

Hydrow has a database to monitor my workout progress and compare my old workouts to my new ones. The database feature was both intuitive and helpful as I worked toward getting better at rowing. I really liked the Hydrow’s design, so much so, I even left the machine out in the open rather than tucking it away in my garage.

The machine is easy to figure out. I felt that even the least technically savvy rowers out there would have an easy time using Hydrow. The price point is relatively high, but I felt like I got my money’s worth. One of the most impressive things about the Hydrow machine was how quiet it was while I was using it.

Where to buy a Hydrow rower

The best place to buy a Hydrow right now is on Amazon.

Other rowing machines worth considering

[ Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Rowing Machine with LCD ]

Although you won’t get the same immersive experience from this rowing machine as you would Hydrow, this Magnetic Rowing Machine by Sunny Health & Fitness makes an excellent budget alternative. Assembling this machine is straightforward, and the LCD screen displays calorie-count, total repetition count and time. This machine allows you to adjust the resistance as needed and is sturdy enough to hold up to even the most dedicated rowers.

[ BodyTrac Glider 1050 Rowing Machine ]

This rowing machine helps you perfect your form with a rowing motion that simulates rowing in the water. The BodyTrac Glider 1050 isn’t ideal for people that like rowing with high resistance, but if you prefer a low-to-medium resistance, you can’t go wrong with this machine. Although the BodyTrac Glider takes up a decent amount of space when the arms are out, you can fold them in for compact storage, making it easy to find room for it in your home.

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Cody Stewart writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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LOS ANGELES — Observations and other notes of interest from Wednesday night’s 110-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers:

– Something fascinating happened with 4:26 to play in the third quarter after Nikola Jovic was called for his fourth foul.

– Erik Spoelstra left him on the floor.

– Because he needed him.

– To Spoelstra, wins and losses aside, the regular season also can be a journey of discovery.

– This night certainly was that for the Heat’s 2022 first-round pick out of Serbia.

– Even as it was left to others to close.

– Showing the flashes of his offensive game, Jovic also was aggressive on the boards.

– And he competed on the defensive end.

– Even as the fouls continued to be an issue.

– Since camp, Spoelstra has spoken of the need for Jovic to play.

– Thus the time in the G League.

– But with Caleb Martin still sidelined and Haywood Highsmith still out, the minutes were available against the Lakers.

– Jovic largely seized them.

– Yes, he still needs to shoot the three without hesitation.

–  But his off-the-bounce play is an element otherwise largely lacking.

– No, shorthanded is not the optimal way to go.

– But it is the way to show.

– Spoelstra played a hunch in starting Jovic.

– Jovic provided more than likely expected.

– There is an NBA game there.

– When the opportunity arises.

– Jovic opened alongside Bam Adebayo, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry.

– It was the second time this season opened with that lineup, after previously utilizing it in the road loss to the Timberwolves the first weekend of the season.

– Jovic did not play until mop-up duty in Monday night’s lopsided losses to the Clippers.

– The options were limited with Jimmy Butler, Martin and Highsmith again out.

– The Lakers opened with Austin Reaves, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

– Available again for the Heat was Josh Richardson, who had missed the previous four games with a back issue.

– Of Richardson, Spoelstra said going in, “He was playing a lot of minutes and was really starting to get into a better rhythm.”

– Of continuing to play shorthanded, Spoelstra said pregame, “I think more important is a great talent your team can develop is you figure out how to win while you’re dealing with all the other stuff that everybody deals with in this Association. You still can find ways to win and do it in different ways.”

– Kevin Love was first off the Heat bench.

– Followed by Duncan Robinson.

– With Richardson entering with 3:20 remaining in the opening period as the third reserve.

– While Jaquez made his Los Angeles pro debut on Monday night against the Clippers, he said going against the Lakers was a whole other level of homecoming.

– “Yeah,” he said, “I grew up a Lakers fan. Kobe Bryant was my favorite player, so to be able to go and play in this arena with the Heat is really special.”

– Jaquez on Wednesday entered Crypto.Com Arena with the John Wooden jacket he was presented earlier in the week by the UCLA staff.

– “It’s really special,” he said. “They’ve been having those jackets, always wanted one.”

– He added, “A year later, after I’m done with school, I finally get to get that jacket.”

– For the second time in three nights, he received a warm ovation when introduced at Crypto.com Arena.

– Jaquez’s first 3-point attempt was the 100th of his career.

– Herro’s second assist moved him past Jason Williams for 16th on the Heat all-time list.

– Dwyane Wade was among those in attendance.

LOS ANGELES — To say this one was there for the taking would be an understatement, considering the Los Angeles Lakers committed 10 turnovers in the first quarter and had 20 before the start of the fourth.

But again lacking Jimmy Butler, as well as remaining without Caleb Martin and Haywood Highsmith, the question was whether there was enough of the Miami Heat to take it.

On a night Tyler Herro was off with his shot and Bam Adebayo was significantly outplayed by Anthony Davis, Erik Spoelstra’s team nonetheless found a way, pushing to a 110-96 victory Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena.

While Davis was dominant with his 29 points and 16 rebounds, it largely was an uneven night for Lakers teammate LeBron James, who closed with 12 points on 6-of-18 shooting, nine assists and six rebounds, with Heat rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. stepping up defensively in that matchup.

The Heat got 21 points from Herro, but it came on 7-of-19 shooting, with Adebayo closing with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

“This was a big game for us after losing two in a row,” Herro said of the losses to the Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz.

Keeping the Heat afloat were a few unexpected contributions, including a season-high 14 rebounds from Kevin Love and a 15-point, eight-rebound contribution from Nikola Jovic in an unexpected start.

“I was in the right places at the right moments,” Jovic said.

All eight players who saw action for the Heat until the final minute scored in double figures.

“We went with eight,” Spoelstra said, “eight strong.”

Five Degrees of Heat from Wednesday night’s game:

1. Closing time: The Heat went into the second period up 25-18, with a 53-45 lead at halftime. From there, the Heat lead was 72-67 going into the fourth.

After the Lakers closed within two early in the fourth, the Heat pushed back to an 84-74 lead with 8:35 to play and later moved up 93-82 with 6:23 left, on a Duncan Robinson 3-pointer making it 96-84 with 5:30 left.

The lead then grew to 103-88 on a pair of Adebayo free throws, with a Herro 3-pointer pushing the Heat lead to 106-90 with 2:14 to play, effectively ending it.

“We definitely makde some plays in that fourth quarter,” Spoelstra said.

The Heat outscored the Lakers 38-29 in the fourth, shooting 6 of 11 on 3-pointers in the period.

Robinson scored 11 of his 13 points in the fourth.

“I was pretty non-existent through three quarters,” he said. “I figured it had to come around.”

2. Wheel of lineups: With the permutations limited, with the Heat entering the night having utilized 19 lineups, they returned to one used previously only the third game of the season, opening with Adebayo, Herro, Jaquez, Jovic and Kyle Lowry.

“We felt like we needed a little bit more size,” Spoelstra said of starting Jovic.

It was the second start in three games for Jovic, who also started Saturday’s loss to the Utah Jazz.

“The first two games I started, we lost,” Jovic said. “So it was important to me.”

While the Heat remained without Butler, Highsmith (concussion) and Martin (ankle), Josh Richardson returned after missing the previous four games with a back issue, entering late in the opening period.

Richardson closed at point guard, with Lowry by then with his knees wrapped in ice.

“It was nice being back,” said Richardson, who closed with 10 points, including five in the fourth.

3. The draft picks: It was a night of quality efforts from the Heat’s past two first-round picks.

For Jovic, taken at No. 27 out of Serbia in 2022, he approached his first NBA double-double, after loading up on stats on the international level.

For Jaquez, taken at No. 18 out of UCLA this past June, it was a stout defensive effort against James, despite giving up 3 inches and 20 pounds in the matchup.

“He’s the all-time leading scorer,” Jaquez said of the former Heat forward. “You try to stop him from making that record grow bigger and bigger.

“Once you get on that floor, it’s me versus you.”

Jaquez closed with 16 points and eight assists.

4. Menacing approach: The Heat forced 10 Lakers turnovers in the first period, which tied a Lakers record. Four of those were steals by Lowry.

Creating much of the chaos was the Heat’s zone defense, with the Lakers up to 15 turnovers by halftime.

“I just like the fact we were active defensively,” Spoelstra said.

The Lakers went into the fourth with 20 turnovers, closing with 22.

“I just thought we were super active,” Robinson said of the Heat defense that also limited the Lakers to 4-of-30 3-point shooting.

5. End of road: The Heat complete their five-game western swing Friday against the Phoenix Suns, before returning to Kaseya Center for a four-game homestand against the Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic and Charlotte Hornets.

TALLAHASSEE — Chandler Jackson scored 14 points to lead four Seminoles in double figures and Florida State jumped out early en route to defeating Georgia Tech 82-71 on Wednesday night.

Jamir Watkins added 11 points while Darin Green Jr. and Primo Spears each scored 10 for Florida State (7-6, 1-1 Atlantic Coast Conference), which has won six consecutive home games against Georgia Tech (8-5, 1-1).

“We’re encouraged by the performance by Chandler,” FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said. “He allowed us to challenge him. I told him I wanted him to be much more aggressive and he responded.”

Miles Kelly scored 20 points and Kowacie Reeves chipped in 18 to lead the Yellow Jackets.

Florida State opened on a 17-7 run and built a 32-19 advantage at the break. Jackson led with nine first-half points. Kelly was the only player for Georgia Tech with more than one field goal in the first half, scoring five points that included a 3-pointer, while six others added 14 points on 6-of-25 shooting from the floor.

A 7-2 spurt to open the second half stretched the Seminoles’ lead to 17 points, their largest of the game. Kelly scored five points and Dallan Coleman made a 3 during an 8-0 surge that pulled the Yellow Jackets to 51-43 with 10:15 to play. They trailed by double digits for all but the last 45 seconds when they closed within 76-69.

“Tonight, we definitely showed major improvement in many different areas, the offense especially,” Hamilton said. “That was a point of emphasis for this game. We got 42 points coming from our bench and that is definitely a sign of us moving in the right direction.”

Georgia Tech returns home for the first time in five games with a matchup against Boston College on Saturday.

Florida State hosts Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (11-5) and Buffalo Bills (10-6) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday night’s Week 18 game at Hard Rock Stadium (8:20 p.m., NBC):

When the Dolphins run: In a demoralizing 56-19 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the run game was still one of few bright spots for Miami, even without Pro Bowl running back Raheem Mostert. Rookie De’Von Achane often found openings to go for 107 rushing yards on 14 carries, including a 45-yard burst. Achane was also effective last time against the Bills, and if he and Mostert are teamed up again, that would provide a boost to the No. 5 rushing offense.

Another boon could come if right guard Robert Hunt is able to return from a hamstring injury that cost him seven of his past eight starts. He and the other interior offensive linemen between tackles Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson will have to seal off Buffalo defensive tackles DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver, with Terrel Bernard and Tyrell Dodson providing strong linebacker play. Buffalo ranks No. 15 in run defense, giving up an average of 110.8 yards per game on the ground, but the Bills haven’t surrendered more than 103 since the start of December. Edge: Dolphins

When the Bills run: Buffalo’s ground game consists of both the traditional run and the ability of quarterback Josh Allen to make a play with his legs. Allen has 457 rushing yards and a whopping 15 touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, former Miami Central High standout James Cook, as the primary running back, has already notched a 1,000-yard rushing season, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Latavius Murray spells him, but Ty Johnson got more carries in last week’s win over the New England Patriots.

The Bills’ seventh-ranked rushing attack goes against Miami’s No. 7 run defense, with defensive tackles Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler going against an offensive line anchored by Mitch Morse at center. Linebacker David Long Jr. has been reliable against the run throughout the season, and Jerome Baker is working to return to the lineup, where Duke Riley has played in his place. The Dolphins weren’t bad at containing Lamar Jackson’s running last week against the Ravens. The problem was, he didn’t need to run much as he threw for five touchdowns. Edge: Even

When the Dolphins pass: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is bound to start all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his career. Leading the No. 1 passing offense, he tops the league in passing yards and completion percentage and has thrown 28 touchdowns to 12 interceptions going into the finale. He usually does have a tougher time against the Bills, though, 1-5 against them with five touchdowns and five interceptions. Granted, the one win was the last time he faced Buffalo at home.

The passing also comes tougher for Tagovailoa if Jaylen Waddle can’t go or is hobbled with his high ankle sprain after missing the Baltimore game. Tyreek Hill is dealing with an ankle injury of his own, and dealing with the tragedy of a fire at his house. Cedrick Wilson Jr. stepped up with an early touchdown with Waddle out last Sunday, but Hill didn’t keep the momentum going, with a drop of a sure touchdown on the ensuing drive. Achane was big in the passing game, too, and tight end Durham Smythe has been more involved catching passes of late.

They face a secondary that has gotten good play from cornerback Rasul Douglas, the reigning AFC Defensive Player of the Week, and always has the safety combination of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Buffalo also gets after the quarterback in waves, namely edge defenders Leonard Floyd, A.J. Epenesa and Greg Rousseau, plus the interior rush of Oliver. Jackson and Armstead have to protect Tagovailoa, who will surely look to get the ball out quickly after taking four sacks and nine quarterback hits last time facing the Bills. Edge: Bills

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When the Bills pass: Allen is the single most impactful player toward the outcome. He can win the Bills the game, and he can win the Dolphins the game. Allen’s play is the ultimate case of duality with his playmaking and proneness to turnovers. While throwing for 27 touchdowns, he also has 16 interceptions. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, they usually get the better version of Allen, as he’s 9-2 against Miami in regular-season meetings with 31 touchdowns to just five interceptions.

Two key players were lost in last week’s loss to the Ravens with edge rusher Bradley Chubb now out for the season to a torn ACL in his right knee and cornerback Xavien Howard likely out due to a foot injury. If Howard doesn’t go, it will be interesting to see if defensive coordinator Vic Fangio opts to have Jalen Ramsey shadow Buffalo wide receiver Stefon Diggs after he lit up Kader Kohou last time the two teams faced off Oct. 1 in Orchard Park. The combination of Emmanuel Ogbah and Melvin Ingram will need to step up opposite Andrew Van Ginkel as the team now has to replace both starting outside linebackers in Chubb and Jaelan Phillips.

Diggs, while recording 1,096 yards and eight touchdowns, has been slowed since Buffalo made the move from Ken Dorsey as offensive coordinator to Joe Brady. Gabe Davis has played a greater role, and rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid can create problems. Cook is also a capable pass-catcher, which could be a matchup to watch against either Riley, who struggled in coverage against Baltimore, or Baker in his first game back. Edge: Bills

Special teams: Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders continues to roll coming off his five field goals against Dallas, including three from 50-plus and a game-winner. He made two more field goals at Baltimore. Punter Jake Bailey was good in his chances, but the Dolphins also had a blunder in kickoff coverage, surrendering a big return to start the second half. It helped the Ravens keep momentum on their side.

Buffalo, though, gave up an opening kickoff touchdown in its win over the Patriots and has also allowed a punt return touchdown this season. Bills kicker Tyler Bass is 24 of 29 this season, and punter Sam Martin has a net punting average of 2-plus yards fewer than Bailey. Edge: Dolphins

Intangibles: The Bills come in with the momentum of four consevutive wins and the feeling that they are still in the division race going into the final game after being three games back earlier in December. However, they haven’t looked that impressive in their past two wins against the Patriots and coach-less Los Angeles Chargers. The Dolphins are coming off a crushing defeat and have a number of injuries, but they’ve also come back from every loss this season and haven’t allowed one loss to turn into two in a row. Edge: Even

PREDICTION: Dolphins 24, Bills 20

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Which exercise equipment pieces are best?

With the turn of the calendar to 2024, there’s one thing on many peoples’ minds: their expanded waistline after all the holiday feasting. There could even be some New Year’s resolutions thrown in for good measure. No matter your reasoning for wanting to shed a few pounds, there are two tried and true ways that combine to do it. The first is dieting, so no more cakes, candies and pies. The second is exercising, and you don’t need a gym membership for that. You just need some good pieces of exercise equipment.

Exercise equipment types

You can get many types of exercise equipment for your home gym. Some are fads, some are fakes, and some are as dependable as ever. The best of the dependable ones are:

Best dumbbell sets

[ BalanceFrom Dumbbell Set ]

The best way to start an exercise equipment collection is to start small, and these pairs of dumbbells are a perfect way to do that. They come in 10-, 15-, 20-, 30-, 40- and 50-pound weights.

[ BalanceFrom Neoprene Dumbbell Set ]

For some, the usual dumbbell weights can be too heavy to lift or even dangerous to try to lift at all. Neoprene weights like these are a wiser investment if you fall into this category.

[ Cap Barbell Adjustable Dumbbell Set ]

If your space is severely limited and you need to squeeze every last drop of space out of your home, adjustable dumbbell sets are the way to go. These come in several sets of varying weights and handle quantities.

[ Northdeer Adjustable Dumbbell Set ]

Some dumbbells can be rough on the hands, leading to undesirable calluses. This dumbbell set uses foam-covered handles to avoid that. There are 11 sets with varying weights, handle quantities and colors.

[ WF Athletic Supply Dumbbell Set ]

This dumbbell set comes with five pairs of dumbbells with weights of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 pounds, plus a large rack to keep them on. The come in black or white and there are three handle options.

Best treadmills

[ Goplus Treadmill ]

Among the difficulties of working out is in finding the time to do so. This under-desk treadmill is meant to be used with a standing desk, so you can work out while you work.

[ NordicTrack Treadmill ]

NordicTrack is among the most popular treadmill brands because they’re consistently high-quality. This one has a 5-inch display that shows your tracked stats such as your calories burned and your speed.

[ SereneLife Treadmill ]

Treadmills can be expensive, but finding a good-quality budget one can be difficult. This is among the good ones, saving costs by offering a manual incline adjustment rather than an automatic one.

[ Sunny Health And Fitness Treadmill ]

This unique treadmill understands that most people cover a treadmill’s screen with their phone or tablet. So, it has a device shelf instead of a screen and a basic digital monitor below the shelf.

[ XTerra Treadmill ]

Another good budget treadmill, this one cuts the screen down to a little square that shows the most basic information. It also has direct access speed buttons so you can quickly jump to your desired tempo.

Best exercise bikes

[ Eulumap Exercise Bike ]

Some big pieces of exercise equipment are difficult to move once set up, but this bike has wheels that can be used to easily reposition it as needed. It comes in red or gray.

[ Exerpeutic Exercise Bike ]

Saving space isn’t a luxury, but a demand for many people. This exercise bike helps eke out some extra feet by folding up nice and small when not in use.

[ Marcy Exercise Bike ]

For every kind of real bike, there’s a matching kind of exercise bike, such as this recumbent one. The seat slides backward and forward to adjust for the length of your legs.

[ NordicTrack Exercise Bike ]

One of the downsides to using an exercise bike is that you don’t get the benefit of beautiful scenery. This bike has a 22-inch monitor that can help rectify that, at least in part.

[ Schwinn Fitness Exercise Bike ]

This bike closely mimics how it is to ride a real road bike, making it perfect for those who prefer biking outside but can’t during bad weather or for other reasons.

Best rowing machines

[ Concept2 Rowing Machine ]

This machine has Bluetooth capability so it can connect to certain heart rate belts and smartphone or tablet apps. It also has a self-calibrating monitor that tracks data in real-time.

[ Dmasun Rowing Machine ]

This machine has 16 levels of resistance so you can closely tailor your workout to your needs. It also has a shelf for holding your phone or tablet and has a weight limit of 350 pounds.

[ Enchanfit Rowing Machine ]

This machine is perfect for those with smaller homes because it can fold up when you’re not using it. It’s compatible with anyone that’s no taller than 6.5 feet and no heavier than 350 pounds.

[ Sunny Health And Fitness Rowing Machine ]

Before you go crazy on a top-dollar rowing machine, it’s wise to grab a good-quality beginner one to see if you enjoy the method of exercise. This is that machine.

[ Topiom Rowing Machine ]

Most pieces of exercise equipment aren’t, shall we say, fun to look at. This rowing machine breaks that trend by being made of beautiful solid oak and uses water to adjust resistance naturally.

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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.