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Pilot creates Christmas tree flight pattern over southern Florida: Here’s what to know

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Pilot creates Christmas tree flight pattern over southern Florida: Here’s what to know

Most people just decorate their homes but a pilot chose a really unique way to celebrate the holiday.

A pilot on Dec. 24 made a Christmas tree with his flight path over Southwest Florida.

Here’s what to know about this sky-high feat.

How big was the tree

The website flightaware.com reported that the flight totaled 213 miles to create the tree, which includes a star at the top. The tree runs north and south over parts of the Everglades toward the center of southern Florida.

A mileage scale on the website shows the tree was about 30 miles from top to bottom and just under 15 miles on the tree’s widest part.

The flight began from Punta Gorda Airport at 12:27 p.m. and landed back at the same airfield at 2:08 p.m. ― a one-hour, 41-minute flight.

Who was the pilot

Neither Flightaware.com nor Punta Gorda Airport identified the pilot. However, flghtaware.com did report the owner of the single-engine propeller Piper Dakota Pathfinder as Jacob L. Faulkner.

LinkedIn shows a Jacob Faulkner as an Allegiant Air professional pilot in training based out of Punta Gorda. On his LinkedIn page, Faulkner wrote for his profile that he’s “a private pilot that is in full time professional pilot training.”

The single-engine propeller aircraft can reach a top speed of 170 mph and seats four, said Plane & Pilot Magazine on its website.

Social media abuzz over festive flight

Punta Gorda Airport Facebook reported the flight, saying: “On Christmas eve, a pilot flew out of PGD and drew a festive pattern in the sky, which shows a Christmas tree with a star on top. We love the #FlyPGD spirit!”

People weighed in, with many praising the pilot’s holiday spirit and called the flight pattern “awesome” and “very cool.”

Holiday lights galore:These SW FL Santas bring the cheer. ‘I’ve always loved Christmas.’

A few grinches commented too, blaming the pilot for delaying their flight into Punta Gorda Airport on Christmas Eve.

A penny for Wendy’s Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger? Florida leads US in locations

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A penny for Wendy’s Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger? Florida leads US in locations
Wendy's fans can get a Jr Bacon Cheeseburger for just one penny

Is it even possible to find anything that costs a penny?

Yes, if you’re heading to Wendy’s this week.

Here’s how you can get a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for a penny, which won’t be hard to do in Florida since there are more Wendy’s here than any other state.

National Bacon Day is Dec. 30

Prompting the Wendy’s special offer is National Bacon Day, which is actually on Dec. 30.

“The day reminds us that bacon is not just for breakfast and encourages us to test out various ways to enjoy this culinary marvel,” National Day Calendar said.

There is a limit to the number of 1-cent burgers you can get at Wendy’s

Wendy's is celebrating National Bacon Day with 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburgers from Dec. 27, 2023, through Jan. 2, 2024.

The offer, which expires Jan. 2, limits customers to one, 1-cent Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger per order and one offer per customer per visit.

Florida leads US in number of Wendy’s locations

As of 2023, there are a total of 5,984 Wendy’s locations in the United States of America, with Florida leading the nation in the number of restaurants.

Las Vegas Anticipates Record Number of New Year’s Eve Weddings on Unique Date

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Las Vegas Anticipates Record Number of New Year’s Eve Weddings on Unique Date

As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, Las Vegas is gearing up for what could be a record-breaking day in the city’s bustling wedding industry. December 31, 2023, is poised to become the busiest wedding day ever, and it’s all due to the allure of a unique “specialty date” created by the repeating 1-2-3 1-2-3 pattern, as reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

In the massive Las Vegas wedding scene, specialty dates hold a particular charm, and the upcoming 12/31/23 is no exception. The date’s numerical symmetry, coupled with the festive atmosphere of New Year’s Eve, has made it a standout choice for couples ready to say “I do.”

Melody Willis-Williams, president of Vegas Weddings, a company managing multiple wedding venues, commented on the significance of this double celebration, stating, “It’s a double whammy. Anytime you get these specialty dates, they’re always hugely popular. But tie that in with New Year’s Eve, and it’s a showstopper.”

The current single-day record for weddings in Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve stands at 4,492, set on July 7, 2007. As couples eagerly plan to exchange vows on this unique date, they aim to surpass this milestone and etch their names in the city’s wedding history. The second-most popular specialty wedding date on record with the county’s marriage bureau is Nov. 11, 2011, with 3,125 couples choosing that date to tie the knot.

With the promise of a night filled with festivities and a touch of romance, Las Vegas anticipates a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration, marking not only the end of the year but potentially a new record for the city’s wedding industry.

Shakira Honored with Larger-Than-Life Bronze Statue in Hometown of Barranquilla

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Shakira Honored with Larger-Than-Life Bronze Statue in Hometown of Barranquilla

In a dazzling tribute to international pop sensation Shakira, officials in her Colombian hometown of Barranquilla unveiled a towering six-meter (20-feet) bronze statue of the music diva. The monumental artwork immortalizes the Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, celebrated worldwide for her infectious tunes and captivating dance moves.

The striking statue captures Shakira in one of her iconic belly dancing outfits, her hips gracefully swaying to the right, and her arms raised in a gesture that reflects the dynamism of her performances. The unveiling ceremony marked a momentous occasion for the town that witnessed the birth of the renowned artist.

A commemorative plaque placed beneath the statue eloquently states, “On Feb. 2, 1977, the town of Barranquilla and the world witnessed the birth of a heart that composes, hips that don’t lie, a voice that moves masses, and a pair of bare feet that walk for the good of children and humanity.” The inscription pays homage to Shakira’s multifaceted impact, acknowledging her not only as a musical powerhouse but also as a philanthropist dedicated to the well-being of children and humanity.

The unveiling of this grand tribute serves as a testament to Shakira’s enduring influence on the global stage and her significant contributions to the world of music and philanthropy. Barranquilla proudly celebrates its native daughter, whose artistic legacy continues to resonate across borders.

Amazon Prime Video Announces Inclusion of Ads Starting January 29

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Amazon Prime Video Announces Inclusion of Ads Starting January 29

In a recent email to U.S. members, Amazon announced that beginning January 29, ads will be integrated into movies and TV shows on Amazon Prime Video. This move aligns with the company’s September announcement and marks a departure from the platform’s previous ad-free experience. Prime members seeking to maintain an ad-free viewing experience will have the option to do so by paying an additional $2.99.

Amazon’s expansion of ads won’t be limited to the United States, as the company also plans to introduce advertisements in its Prime service across the United Kingdom and other European countries, along with Canada, Mexico, and Australia in the coming year.

The tech giant is following the footsteps of other major streaming services like Netflix and Disney, adopting a dual model that combines ad revenue with subscription fees. In its email to users, Amazon assured that it aims to have “meaningfully fewer ads” compared to traditional TV and other streaming providers.

The company justified the introduction of ads, stating that it would enable them to “continue investing in compelling content and keep increasing that investment over a long period of time.” This move reflects the evolving landscape of streaming services as they explore various revenue models to sustain and enhance their content offerings.

U.S. Announces Potential Final Military Aid Package for Ukraine Amidst Funding Stalemate in Congress

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U.S. Announces Potential Final Military Aid Package for Ukraine Amidst Funding Stalemate in Congress

On Wednesday, the United States made public its latest military aid package for Ukraine, signaling that this could be the concluding allocation unless Congress greenlights stalled supplemental funding legislation currently facing an impasse on Capitol Hill.

The military aid, valued at up to $250 million, encompasses a diverse range of weaponry, such as air munitions, missiles, artillery, anti-armor systems, ammunition, as well as demolition and medical equipment and parts. The assistance will be drawn from existing Pentagon stockpiles, facilitated through the Presidential Drawdown Authority.

Marine Lt. Col. Garron Garn, a spokesperson for the Pentagon, conveyed in a statement that there are no additional funds available to replace the weapons extracted from department stocks. Furthermore, the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, responsible for long-term funding to support future weapons contracts, has exhausted its financial resources.

Garn emphasized on Wednesday, stating, “Without the supplemental funding, there will be a shortfall in replenishing U.S. military stocks, affecting American military readiness.” The looming financial constraint raises concerns about the potential impact on the preparedness of the U.S. military, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the funding deadlock in Congress.

As the fate of further military aid to Ukraine hangs in the balance, the current announcement underscores the critical need for a resolution to the funding issue to ensure the sustained support of U.S. military capabilities and commitments abroad.

Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud Returns to Limited Practice, Uncertain for Sunday’s Game

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Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud Returns to Limited Practice, Uncertain for Sunday’s Game

In a surprising turn of events, Wednesday marked the return of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud to limited practice, 17 days after suffering a concussion. Despite the positive development, Stroud, a star rookie, is still in the concussion protocol, leaving his availability for Sunday’s game against Tennessee uncertain.

Coach DeMeco Ryans provided insight after Wednesday’s workout, stating, “He’s in stage four of the concussion protocol, still has one more phase.” Stroud had been sidelined for the past two games following a concussion sustained in a December 10 loss to the Jets, where his head made contact with the turf in the fourth quarter.

Ryans expressed encouragement at Stroud’s return to practice, noting, “It’s encouraging to have C.J. back out at practice (Wednesday), it’s encouraging to see him.” He emphasized that Stroud is progressing in the right direction, lifting the spirits of the team.

Texans receiver Nico Collins commented on Stroud’s return, acknowledging the significance of his presence in practice. “Nobody wants to miss playing time – especially due to injury,” Collins said. “He knows what’s at stake right now and knows what we need. We need to pick up where we left off and focus on Tennessee this week – because it’s a big one.”

With the Texans (8-7) still in contention for both the AFC South title and a wild-card playoff spot, the outcome of Sunday’s game holds significant playoff implications. A loss would decrease their chances of reaching the postseason for the first time since 2019 to just 13%.

In Stroud’s absence, veteran Case Keenum has started the last two games, contributing to a crucial overtime win against the Titans two weeks ago but struggling in a loss to Cleveland last week. Davis Mills, the team’s starter for most of the past two seasons, also saw action. If Stroud can return on Sunday, it would provide a substantial boost to the Texans, as the second overall pick has been a driving force behind Houston’s improvement this season, amassing 3,631 yards and 20 touchdowns with just five interceptions.

Weather Experts Warn of Possible Freeze in Houston

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Weather Experts Warn of Possible Freeze in Houston

Houston, known for its mild winter temperatures, has experienced an unusually prolonged absence of freezing weather over the past year. According to Eric Berger of Space City Weather, Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport has not recorded temperatures below 33 degrees since December 26, 2022, marking a 364-day period and making it the city’s seventh-longest stint without a freeze.

However, this lengthy streak may come to an end this week, as Weather.com projections indicate a dip in temperatures into the mid-30s on both Thursday and Friday nights. While daytime highs are expected to reach the mid-50s, there is a possibility, as noted by Berger, that areas outside the Houston metro, such as Katy or The Woodlands, may experience freezing temperatures later this week. Berger advises residents in these areas to prepare for the possibility of a freeze, while areas closer to the coast are expected to remain warmer.

The current week might be Houston’s only opportunity for freezing temperatures this winter. January projections suggest temperatures bottoming out in the low 40s, with an average daily temperature of 44 degrees. These forecasts align with predictions from the Old Farmer’s Almanac, anticipating a mild but damp winter for Texas in 2023-24, with wetter-than-usual weather in the southern regions, including Texas.

The Almanac states, “Wetter-than-usual weather is coming to the southern portions of the Deep South, Texas, and California, with potentially drought-quenching rain.” While precipitation is expected to be above normal, it is not anticipated to be extreme, and the best chances for snow are predicted in the north in late December and late January.

For those who vividly remember the challenges posed by Winter Storm Uri in 2021, the current absence of icy conditions might be a relief. Nevertheless, Houstonians are advised to enjoy the upcoming days of holiday sweater weather while remaining prepared with frost blankets, as the city faces the possibility of the freeze-free streak coming to an end.

Apple Watch import ban temporarily stopped by U.S. appeals court

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Apple Watch import ban temporarily stopped by U.S. appeals court
An Apple smartwatch is displayed as customers visit the Apple store in New York, U.S., December 26, 2023. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Apple smartwatches ads are displayed as customers take a look at smartwatch accessories at the Apple store in New York, U.S., December 26, 2023. 

Eduardo Munoz | Reuters

Apple will be able to sell the latest Apple Watches after an import ban was temporarily paused by an appeals court on Wednesday, in a major victory for the iPhone maker.

Apple stopped selling its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches last week in response to an International Trade Commission order in October that found the blood oxygen sensor in the devices had infringed on intellectual property from Masimo, a medical technology company that sells to hospitals.

“The motion for an interim stay is granted to the extent that the Remedial Orders are temporarily stayed,” a court filing Wednesday said.

On Monday, the Biden administration declined to pause the ITC ban. Apple filed the appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on Tuesday. The company continues to seek a longer stay. The ITC will need to reply by Jan. 10.

The stay means Apple may be able to sell the latest models of one of its most important products during the busiest time of the year. Apple Watch sales are reported as part of Apple’s wearables business, which reported $39.8 billion in sales in Apple’s fiscal 2023, which ended in September.

The sales pause did not affect the Apple Watch SE, an older model that cannot read blood oxygen levels. The latest Apple Watch models also continued to be available from retailers like Best Buy or Amazon as long as they had stock. 

Masimo shares fell more than 6% during trading Wednesday. Apple’s stock was flat.

Apple Watches were not on sale on Apple’s website on Wednesday. An Apple representative didn’t immediately return a request for comment.

NBA unanimously approves Mark Cuban’s sale of Dallas Mavericks

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NBA unanimously approves Mark Cuban’s sale of Dallas Mavericks

The multibillion-dollar sale of the Dallas Mavericks to a Las Vegas gaming and entertainment group was approved unanimously by the NBA Board of Governors on Wednesday.

The sale by Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban to the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, headed by Miriam Adelson and Sivan and Patrick Dumont received a 29-0 vote, easily clearing the three-fourths majority required for an ownership sale.

A person familiar told our reporting partners at the Dallas Morning News the sale price was between $3.8 billion and $3.9 billion franchise valuation, with the Adelson/Dumont families controlling 77% and Cuban retaining the remaining 23% and operational control of the Mavs.

“The state of Texas has always been friendly to our family, and we look forward to being able to repay that kindness,” Miriam Adleson said in a statement Wednesday. “I am excited to spend time cheering on the team and getting to meet members of its passionate fan base.”

The sale of the team ends the nearly 24-year majority interest Cuban held since buying the Mavericks for $285 million in 2000.

Patrick Dumont said in a statement the new ownership group is “committed to the long-term success of the Mavericks.”

“We look forward to working in partnership with Mark Cuban as stewards of this great franchise and bringing another NBA championship to the city of Dallas,” Dumont said.

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