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General Daily Insight for December 28, 2023

Our ambitions may fizzle out like damp firecrackers. The Moon in Cancer begins with a lovely trine to Venus, but any pleasantries could get lost as fiery Mars falls into a square with foggy Neptune at 5:16 pm EST. Our power to act may cool into something much less forceful and more soulful. The Moon will go on to oppose Pluto, adding a dose of intensity from others, but then Luna enters Leo. We can focus on our own desires instead.

Aries

March 21 – April 19

It’s impossible to know where you’re heading. There’s a complicated square between your sign’s ruler Mars in your adventurous 9th house and Neptune in your sleepy 12th house, which could turn all your energy and drive and into lethargy and a lack of direction. This transit can certainly put a damper on your ambitions and your firepower, so don’t be worried if you feel like just coasting along. That’s probably not your usual way of doing things, but it’s fine for the time being.

Taurus

April 20 – May 20

Everyone is in an easy-going mood — everyone except you, that is. You’re prone to extremes while blazing Mars burns through your 8th House of Secrets. On the other hand, Mars is pushing Neptune in your 11th House of Friendships, so all your acquaintances could be begging for you to come out and play. The only problem with this surge of popularity is that you likely aren’t in the mood for it — you’d rather operate behind closed doors. Be gentle when turning down anyone’s offer.

Gemini

May 21 – June 20

Someone else pushing you doesn’t mean you need to move at the moment. A peer could be exerting pressure on you as energizer Mars stimulates your relationship sector. Still, as the red planet disagrees with mystical Neptune in your ambitious 10th house, you could begin feeling like there’s no need for all this effort and exertion. Be willing to tell someone where your boundaries lie — just because they are focused on the finish line doesn’t make it your responsibility too.

Cancer

June 21 – July 22

The thrill of adventure isn’t enough to stand in the way of your immediate responsibilities. You’ve got a lot to accomplish while action planet Mars marches through your can-do 6th house. On the other hand, its rare square to gentle Neptune in your explorational 9th house could tempt you with exciting opportunities. The only problem is these windows are potentially mere mirages — they may fizzle out as soon as you get close to them. Focus on your real work, rather than improbable ideas.

Leo

July 23 – August 22

You’ve rarely met a spotlight you didn’t enjoy, but even the boldest Lion might get stage fright at this time. Mars is in your 5th House of Fame, emboldening your talents and calling you out to center stage. That said, its argument with Neptune in your 8th House of Privacy could send you running for the shadows. It’s alright if you don’t feel like showing off or being the center of attention for the moment. You can always change your mind in the future.

Virgo

August 23 – September 22

Someone may leave you high and dry when you least expect it. Your emotions are stronger than usual as heated Mars moves through your sensitive 4th house, plus, someone could fail to empathize with you when Mars squares Neptune in your partnership sector. This might result in someone failing to meet your needs. You may simply feel like they aren’t being sensitive to what you’re going through. The more you expect of someone, the easier it will be for them to disappoint you.

Libra

September 23 – October 22

The hottest flames can still burn out. It’s easy to start fires active Mars smolders in your busy 3rd house, but its square to Neptune in your health sector could result in you exerting more energy than you have at your disposal. Don’t think you need to handle everything at once! Don’t wait until you’re exhausted before checking in with yourself — instead, pause throughout the day to ensure you’re able to continue. If you need time to recharge your batteries, then don’t deny it.

Scorpio

October 23 – November 21

Being productive is not currently a fun experience. You’re probably in an industrious frame of mind as Mars powers through your 2nd House of Salary, encouraging you to get to work. Even so, that drive may evaporate when Mars squares Neptune in your 5th House of Pleasure. It’s okay if you can’t summon your usual drive — you’re allowed to go play as soon as the necessities are handled. Taking a personal day is practically unavoidable under an alignment like this!

Sagittarius

November 22 – December 21

Understanding your feelings isn’t presently a simple thing. You’ve got lots of passion and fire while Mars tours your sign, but it’s making an uncomfortable square to mysterious Neptune in your emotional sector, which could get you lost in your own head. This angle can make your emotions waver all over the place, so if your reactions seem somewhat surprising, there is a cosmic reason for it. Don’t think this is permanent; the skies should soon clear to provide better understanding.

Capricorn

December 22 – January 19

Life may feel more like a maze than your usual reality. There is a baffling square between energizer Mars in your hidden 12th house and foggy Neptune in your distracting 3rd house, making it impossible to know which way to go. It’s entirely possible for you to fall down a rabbit hole or two; this energy is highly unusual and highly confusing! Give yourself permission to go with the flow and see where you wind up. You may actually enjoy the process.

Aquarius

January 20 – February 18

Good intentions can currently be less than good for your bank account. Carefree budgeting could sound just fine, due to the square between outspoken Mars in your outgoing 11th house and dreamy Neptune in your financial 2nd house. The urge to pay for everyone’s meals or splurge on something unnecessary could strike at any moment. Make a point of looking for ways of supporting or caring for others that won’t cost you a pretty penny or break the bank in the process.

Pisces

February 19 – March 20

Your ambitions are burning brightly one minute — the next, they fizzle right out. This bouncing back and forth is due to a square between Mars in your 10th House of Career and spiritual Neptune in your own sign. You might be left wondering if any of your efforts are really worth it. Perhaps you’ll also feel just too tired to run the usual rat race. Keep in mind that it is totally fine to take a load off under this alignment.

The new year is almost here, and many of us have decided this will be the year we get in shape. Still, this may have been the same resolution we had last year for some of us. Luckily, there’s no shortage of exciting, new fitness equipment to ensure that this year is different. If you’re looking to get in shape in 2024, following a fitness trend can be a fun way to get involved in a larger fitness movement, making it twice as easy to achieve your goals.

2024 fitness trends

2024 fitness equipment

[ Fitbit Charge 5 Advanced Fitness & Health Tracker ]

The Fitbit Charge 5 provides intuitive metrics that let you easily track your fitness progress. This affordable fitness tracker has a bright screen that can be seen in even the sunniest conditions. There’s no need to worry about your battery dying, as these devices can last up to seven days on a single charge. Some users found that the screen was too bright at night, and there isn’t a way to adjust this setting. Still, the Fitbit Charge 5 is a fan-favorite and one of FitBit’s best devices yet.

[ Hydrow Wave Rowing Machine ]

The Hydrow machine is an advanced fitness device that combines elements of a Peloton with a traditional rowing machine. This machine allows you to attend virtual classes, row in virtual bodies of water and track your progress with intuitive stats. For those motivated by competition, the Hydrow features leaderboards that allow you to see how you compare to other rowers. Hydrow’s ergonomic design means you won’t likely hurt yourself while using it.

[ THERABAND Latex Beginner Set ]

Resistance bands are perfect for getting short, low-intensity workouts throughout the day. The portability of these bands is hard to match, and users can easily adjust the intensity of their training. Additionally, resistance bands are ideal for people who want to work on their upper or lower bodies without breaking the bank. There are a few reports of these bands breaking after extended use, although the majority of them are highly durable.

[ NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle ]

If you’re interested in virtual classes and cardio workouts from home, the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle may be what you need. This intuitive bike is nearly the same price as the original Peloton machine and comes with a 30-day trial of their paid subscription service. This durable bike can support up to 350 pounds, although some users felt the device was too heavy. Assembling the NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle is a breeze and you can choose from instructor-led lessons or virtual trail rides.

[ Mind Body Future Exercise Ball Chair ]

The Mind Body Fitness Exercise Ball Chair can be used at your desk while you work to get light workouts throughout the day. This exercise ball is ideal for people that want to incorporate stretches and low-intensity workouts into their fitness routine. Additionally, this ball is perfect for pregnant women that want to stay healthy during their pregnancy. This exercise ball comes with an Ebook, a foot pump, measuring tape, a spare air stopper plug and an inflatable base that keeps the ball from rolling while you exercise.

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Which gaming recliners are the best?

Even though gaming chairs are a relatively modern invention, they have quickly become a must-have accessory. After all, if you are taking on the forces of darkness or battling it out on the football pitch, you should be as comfortable as possible.

Generally, there are two types of gaming chairs. The upright office chair with lots of padding is great for computer gaming. But if you prefer console games in the lounge, then only a super comfortable gaming recliner will do. The Homall Racing Style Gaming Recliner Chair is an excellent choice, but there are plenty of others to choose from that are just as comfy.

Padding for comfort

If your gaming seat doesn’t have lots of foam padding, then you might as well use an average lawn chair. But that is obviously not the ideal thing for gaming sessions that can stretch over several hours.

Look for a recliner that has a lumbar cushion to support your lower back, thick padding on the armrests, and a kick-out footrest so that you can properly recline. However, keep in mind that recliners need a bit more space behind them to fully recline, so you should place the chair in a spot that can accommodate this.

Additional features

You would assume that a recliner has merely one job: for you to sit in and recline for comfort. But there are additional features that can make your gaming experience so much better. For example, you don’t want to leave your cushy seat to charge your mobile phone. So, a great feature to look for in a recliner is a built-in USB port.

Somewhere to place your snacks and beverages will also be highly beneficial. While only a few recliners have a slide-out side table, there are more chairs that have a cup holder in the armrest.

And while it isn’t a necessity, some premium recliners even have built-in speakers. Usually, there are two on the headrest and two on the inside of the armrests. It’s a good feature to have if you still want to hear the game’s sounds but the quality isn’t that important, like in sports or driving games.

Best gaming recliner chairs

[ Homall Racing Style Gaming Recliner Chair ]

You’d never want to leave your seat with this comfortable gaming chair. Covered in high-quality fake leather, it’s easy to keep clean and won’t stick to your skin. The seatback can recline between 90 degrees and 180 degrees and has an eight-function massager built-in.

[ Respawn RSP-900 Racing Style Reclining Gaming Chair ]

If you are constantly worried about pinching wires in your gaming chair, this recliner prevents that. The seating area and footrest are one continuous piece, so there are no openings to catch cables. It comes with a removable headrest and side pouch that hangs off the left arm.

[ GTRacing Gaming Recliner Chair with Bluetooth Speakers ]

With built-in Bluetooth speakers and a lumbar massager, this gaming recliner ensures that you are always comfortable. It has thick foam padding on the back, seating area and footrest, and there is a pouch to keep your controllers nearby.

[ X Rocker Wireless Audio Pedestal Office Gaming Chair ]

For serious console gamers, this recliner sits on a sturdy and elegant pedestal. It incorporates a media modulator on the side to enhance your in-game audio. In addition to the two speakers by the headrest, there is a powerful subwoofer that thumps your back. It is covered in faux leather and has thick padding all around.

[ Power Motion Recliner with Ambient Lighting ]

This gaming recliner is the perfect seat in the house, as it has a soft blue ambient light strip underneath the chair. The seating area and the footrest are joined and turn into one solid piece when fully reclined. There is a small table and can holder on the armrests and the headrest is overstuffed with foam.

[ Best Choice Products 360-Degree High-Back Swivel Gaming Chair ]

If you prefer to sit closer to the ground, then this recliner is a great option. It has a solid base that lets you swivel 360 degrees and has six presets that lock the backrest into place. It has padded armrests and can fold flat for easy storage.

[ Amazon Basics Swivel Compact Adjustable Foam Floor Chair ]

An affordable option, this recliner is low to the floor on a pedestal base. The seating area and backrest are one solid, upholstered piece with thick foam. The metal frame lets you sit upright or reclined and it can rotate from side to side. Linen is used on all surfaces and is breathable and soft to the touch.

[ Giantex Gaming Racing Style Single Recliner Sofa ]

Besides the thick padding of this recliner on the headrest and seating area, it has a built-in lumbar massager with eight settings. The backrest can recline between 90 degrees and 160 degrees, letting you get some shut-eye during your gaming.

[ Vitesse Gaming Recliner Chair ]

For an elegant-looking gaming chair, this recliner is an excellent choice. It has the brand’s name embroidered on the headrest and extendable footrest and has a pocket on one side to keep your controllers nearby. It comes with a removable lumbar cushion and the seatback can recline between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

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Charlie Fripp 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.

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Mike McDaniel really did instruct his Miami Dolphins players to tell media members, respectfully, to “F off” if any narrative other than focus on the Dallas Cowboys was brought up last week.

The famous quote the Dolphins coach told reporters to start the week of preparation for the Cowboys was not just a made-up anecdote. Cameras of reality series “Hard Knocks” captured the moment he said it to players in a week he knew there was going to be considerable talk about Miami’s 0-3 record against winning teams entering last Sunday’s game.

Tuesday night’s sixth episode of “Hard Knocks” chronicling the Dolphins in-season highlighted how Miami’s late scoring drive against Dallas was a potentially season-defining moment. The drive involved wide receiver Tyreek Hill taking a key third-and-3 screen for a first down and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. notching another first down that allowed the Dolphins to run down the clock so Jason Sanders’ game-winning field goal came as time expired.

The Dolphins, for the first time in 2023, beat another Super Bowl contender. And defensive tackle Christian Wilkins should maybe consider being more careful on celebratory shoulder bumps with owner Steve Ross in the locker room postgame.

At halftime, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s quick man-to-man conversation with veteran left tackle Terron Armstead was an interesting moment that wouldn’t otherwise come to light.

The episode took viewers to running back Raheem Mostert’s drive up to his hometown, New Smyrna Beach, over the past week.

Mostert, through his foundation, drove a U-Haul truck of gifts for the youth in the area he grew up in. Mostert told reporters last week he was up there with this brother, reminiscing about watching former Dolphins running back Ricky Williams. Now, Mostert, at age 31, holds Miami’s franchise single-season rushing touchdowns record over Williams.

The running backs room had a cool moment, analyzing video of how fullback Alec Ingold was on a hunt for Mostert’s record-breaking touchdown football against the Jets after Mostert spiked it.

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In the Cowboys game, cameras and microphones caught Mostert complaining initially about his ankle when he left momentarily before then noting it was more of a shin injury. When he re-entered, Mostert caught a 4-yard touchdown pass.

Cornerback Kader Kohou and his family from the Ivory Coast had a moment as his parents and other family members were in town to watch him play for the first time all together. Kohou’s mother’s reaction to key moments in the game was priceless, and the show didn’t paint a flowery picture on Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s long touchdown, which occurred with Lamb first lined up across from Kohou and the cornerback then pointing to pass him on to a teammate.

The episode featured equipment manager Joe Cimino preparing team jerseys as the Dolphins busted out aqua throwbacks against Dallas, as well as his interactions with coaches and players.

On the week of Christmas, gift exchanges within the team were shown, Hill giving teammates motorized scooters and Jalen Ramsey giving players foot massagers. The quarterbacks room was highlighted, with Dan Marino giving current quarterbacks Isotoner gloves.

The episode concluded inside the Mostert household on Christmas Day with his children opening presents and wife expressing her gratitude to call Miami home and for Mostert to have the season he’s having with the Dolphins.

Tuesday night’s showing did not touch on Jaylen Waddle’s high ankle injury against the Cowboys.