The ride-sharing industry works because it provides two crucial things: on-demand rides for customers, and flexible employment for drivers. Unfortunately, a ballot measure just approved by Massachusetts voters may mean the end of the road for this successful operation—at least as we know it—because it will take away drivers’ independence and turn union leaders and government officials into backseat drivers. The newly approved ballot measure “provide(s) transportation network drivers the option to form unions to collectively bargain with transportation network companies regarding wages, benefits, and terms and conditions of work.” The plain text would appear to give drivers the right to vote in a union election, with the assumption that at least 50% of drivers would have to vote in favor of the union for one to form. But according to the law, no election is necessary to unionize, nor would a majority of drivers have to support it. Rather, if a driver organization (a union) obtains the signed authorizations of as few as one out of every eight drivers, the state Employment Relations Board can “designate a driver organization as the exclusive bargaining representative for all drivers.” Thus, 100% of ride-sharing drivers in Massachusetts could be forced into exclusive union representation without a single vote being cast, and with a mere 12.5% of ride-sharing drivers authorizing a particular union to represent them. (Authorization is required by 25% of “active drivers,” who are defined as the top 50% of drivers; thus authorization can come from 12.5% of all drivers.) The law also provides a pathway whereby a driver organization can petition the Employment Relations Board to hold an election among drivers if a mere 2.5% of drivers (5% of active ones) have authorized it. So why would this matter? Consider why ridesharing platforms work so well: They’re built on real-time market demand. They match drivers with riders instantaneously and respond to surges in demand through dynamic pricing that incentivizes more drivers to enter the platform by raising ride prices. Unions, by contrast, lock workers and employers into minimum three-year contracts. And while drivers can freely enter and exit ride-sharing platforms at any time, unions impose strict schedules that can lead to forced overtime. Most people desire some flexibility in their work schedule. Others prioritize flexibility over everything else and wouldn’t be able to work at all if they couldn’t control their schedule. According to the Freelancing in America report, more than half of the roughly 64 million Americans who performed independent work in 2023 said that they can’t work for a traditional employer because of their own health condition or their family caregiving needs. As an economist and working mother, I’ve been fascinated with the concept of flexibility as a previously “immeasurable” component of work and compensation. And then came an economic analysis of more than 200,000 active Uber drivers that pegged the value of Uber’s fully flexible platform at about 40% of workers earnings, or more than $150 per week for the average Uber driver. The study compared Uber’s platform to a taxicab structure in which workers must commit to a set schedule on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. It found that while the average Uber driver works just over 16 hours a week with fully flexible hours, they would work only 2.9 hours if they had to commit to a weekly schedule and wouldn’t work at all if they had to commit to a monthly schedule. Unions insert rigidity and one-size-fits-all contract rules that negate the value of ride-sharing platforms for drivers and riders. Unions’ cartel-like control over labor would prevent ride-sharing platforms from responding to customers’ needs, likely leaving some people without rides. That could be particularly harmful considering that ridesharing has been shown to reduce alcohol-related traffic accidents and deaths. And unions’ compensation demands would almost certainly drive up the cost of rides for customers, and their “worker protections” could limit access to ride-sharing in some communities. Higher prices and limited access could particularly harm low-income individuals and families who don’t own cars. A study of New York City ride-sharing services found that Uber picks up riders in low-income, minority communities at a rate of more than three times that of taxicabs. That was before the NYC taxicab union and city lawmakers meddled with ride-sharing platforms’ market-based structure, imposing driver limits, minimum wages, and increased fees—all of which backfired for drivers and riders alike. Instead of eliminating a style of work that appeals to many people and that expands access and affordability of goods and services to others, the focus for expanding good jobs should be on removing government-imposed barriers to their creation. Like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, the problem with trying to turn flexible, gig-economy, ride-sharing jobs into structured employment is that some workers simply don’t fit the mold. Throwing out the jobs of current ride-sharing drivers who don’t fit a union-imposed mold will almost certainly make transportation less accessible and less affordable. Originally published by msn.com The post Ride-Sharing Roadblocks Could Destroy Successful Platforms Such as Uber, Lyft appeared first on The Daily Signal.

If you’re looking for a natural, non-toxic way to make your home smell amazing, try homemade stovetop potpourri! Please enjoy my five favorite easy and delicious-smelling simmer pot recipes. This post also includes a list of the best simmer pot ingredients to use, tips on exactly how to make and use it, and frequently asked questions like how long they last, pet safety, and more.Simmer pots, also known as stovetop potpourri, can be used to create inviting and delicious aromas any time of year – not just the holidays. Yet the cozy combinations of citrus, apples, cinnamon, and pumpkin spices are absolutely perfect for fall, Christmas, and the winter holiday season. I especially love to make stovetop potpourri before having guests over!Note: This post was originally published in December 2019.Image courtesy of Terre BleuWhat are Simmer Pots?Simmer pots are made by combining water and natural aromatic ingredients (such as fresh or dried fruit, herbs, and spices) and heating them together on the stove, hence the name stovetop potpourri. Often simmering for many hours, simmer pots release scented steam that fills the air with delicious smells – like natural air freshener!Stovetop potpourri is a great non-toxic alternative to burning scented candles or using other forms of artificial fragrance, especially for folks with asthma or allergies. Making simmer pots is very inexpensive and sustainable, especially if you use ingredients you already have available in your home or garden! Homemade stovetop potpourri kits are also wonderful DIY gifts.RELATED: See how to make holiday stovetop potpourri gift kits – including five DRY simmer pot recipes suitable for mason jars, and free printable gift tags!Dry stovetop potpourri in a jar makes an awesome DIY holiday gift. Learn more here and also get a free printable jar gift tag label!Popular Simmer Pot IngredientsBefore I share my top simmer pot recipes below, here is a list of aromatic ingredients you can use to make homemade stovetop potpourri. Feel free to mix and match things you have readily available at home. Have fun and get creative! FruitOranges, fresh or dried orange slices. Fresh fruit offers the most scent! Fresh apples or dehydrated apples Lemon slices Fresh cranberries Other citrus, peels, or zest – including limes, grapefruit, mandarin, blood oranges and more PearsSpicesCinnamon sticks, or ground cinnamon powder Nutmeg Fresh ginger, or ginger powder  Cloves, whole or ground Cardamom pods Whole star anise Pumpkin spice seasoning Herbs and GreeneryFresh or dried rosemary Mint, thyme, lemon balm, lemon verbena, oregano, or other aromatic herbs Sprigs of pine or cedar, or fresh sappy pine cones Bay leaves Lavender buds Chamomile flowers Rose petalsOtherEssential oils. We like these certified organic essential oils. Loose-leaf chai tea Maple syrup Candy canes Vanilla beans or vanilla extract. If you’re going to get fancy and use whole vanilla beans, scoop out the inside to use for baking and only simmer the outer pod/skin. There is no sense in wasting all the good stuff, since the skin alone provides a rich sweet aroma!5 Simmer Pot RecipesEach of the simmer pot recipes below is based on an average 3 to 4 quart saucepan (scale up or down as needed). Fill the pot about halfway full of water, and then add the following ingredients. I’ve provided amounts as a general guide, but exact measurements are not important! See more tips on exactly how to use simmer pots in the following section. Simplified versions of these stovetop potpourri recipes smell wonderful as well – such as rosemary and lemon, or orange and cinnamon sticks, so feel free to skip some ingredients if you don’t have them.1) Apple Pumpkin Pie 1 or 2 whole fresh apples, cut into slices 1 lemon or orange, sliced 2 or 3 cinnamon sticks or 2 tsp ground cinnamon 2 Tbsp maple syrup 1 Tbsp Pumpkin spice seasoning OR 1 Tbsp of whole cloves + 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg Optional: 2 Tbsp of pumpkin puree2) Warm Citrus Ginger2 fresh oranges, cut into slices Ginger. Use about a thumb-size piece of fresh ginger (cut into slices or grated), or 1 teaspoon of ginger powder 2 or 3 whole cinnamon stocks, or 2 tsp ground cinnamon powder 2 or 3 whole star anise 1 Tbsp whole cloves Vanilla. 2 tsp of vanilla extract or 1 whole vanilla bean Optional: 1/2 cup of fresh cranberriesI hate to play favorites, but this orange simmer pot recipe is at the top of my list!3) Oh Christmas Tree1 cup of fresh cranberries 1 fresh orange, grapefruit, or lemon – sliced A few sprigs of fresh cedar or pine (small Christmas tree cuttings) or rosemary 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks, or 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 Tbsp whole cloves and/or a few whole star anise 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1 or 2 small candy canes, or 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil4) Refreshing RosemarySeveral pieces of fresh rosemary, or 2 Tbsp dried rosemary 1 whole lemon or 2 limes (sliced) Ginger. Use about a thumb-size piece of fresh ginger (cut into slices or grated) or 1 teaspoon of dry ground ginger 1 tsp vanilla extract Optional: 2 bay leaves, fresh or driedThis refreshing rosemary simmer pot recipe is great for any season. To me, it smells like a clean home… minus the chemical cleaning products! Learn how to make natural homemade lemon and vinegar cleaning spray here.6) Lavender Mellow Mood1/2 cup dried lavender buds or 1 cup fresh (see tips on how to harvest fresh lavender) 2 or 3 Tbsp of dried chamomile flowers, or 1 to 2 teabags of chamomile tea 1 lemon, orange, or grapefruit – sliced 2 tsp vanilla extract or 1 whole vanilla bean 4 or 5 whole star anise or cardamom pods 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg Recommended: 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil (pet safe)How to Make and Use Stovetop PotpourriOnce you have your chosen simmer pot recipe, combine the ingredients in a pot about halfway full of water. Again, exact measurements don’t matter. On the stovetop, turn up the heat to bring everything to a light boil, then reduce to a low simmer. The lower the heat, the longer the simmer pot will last. Leave the lid off to release the aromatic steam. Now, sit back and enjoy the smell that will soon infuse your home! Alternatively, you could make stovetop potpourri in a slow cooker crock pot or your trusty Instant Pot, though you may want to keep the lid halfway on so it doesn’t evaporate too fast. Or, heat your simmer pot on top of a warm wood stove. Add more water as needed to keep stovetop potpourri going for many hours. I often use the same simmer pot and ingredients off and on for several days! When not in use, I simply store it on the stove with a lid.CAUTION: Keep an eye on your simmer pot and set a timer if you’re forgetful. If left unattended for too long, the water will evaporate and could burn the pan and simmer pot contents! Frequently Asked Questions How long do simmer pots last? Simmer pots can last for several days or up to a week, especially when simmered on low heat and for only a few hours at at time. Simply add more water to the pot as it evaporates. You can also add more spices, herbs, or fruit to reinvigorate the scent. Discard if mold develops. Are simmer pots safe for cats and dogs? Most popular ingredients used in simmer pots are safe to use around cats and dogs, especially the steam from small amounts of whole fruit, fresh herbs, and natural spices simmering in a well-ventilated space. Keep the pot out of reach, and covered while not in use, so pets cannot eat any of the contents. On the other hand, many concentrated essential oils are toxic to cats and dogs, so use those with caution. What to do with simmer pots when they’re done? Once you’re finished with the simmer pot, simply drain the liquid and toss the solids in your compost bin. Don’t miss our DIY holiday stovetop potpourri mason jar gift guideI wish you could smell it in here!Now go have fun making some festive simmer pots of your own. Once you do, please come back to let us know what you think and leave a review. Also feel free to ask questions in the comments below. Happy holidays!You may also like these related posts:How to Dry Orange Slices for Holiday Decor, Two Ways DIY Bath Salts Recipe: Beautiful Natural Herbal Bath Salts Natural Lip Balm Recipe: How to Make Homemade Lip Balm How to Make a Fall Beeswax Leaf Garland  DIY Grapevine Wreath (or Other Vines) + Wreath Decorating Ideas How to Make Pressed Flower Pumpkins (Decorate Botanical Leaf Pumpkins) Print 5 Easy Simmer Pot Recipes (Homemade Stovetop Potpourri) Make your home smell amazing with these 5 easy simmer pot recipes for any season. Use natural ingredients like citrus, apples, herbs and spices to make homemade stovetop potpourri. Keyword simmer pots, simmering spices, stovetop potpourri Prep Time 5 minutes minutes Equipment3-4 quart sauce pan or pot for the stove, ORCrock pot or Instant Pot IngredientsUse any of the following ingredients to create whatever combinations sound appealing to you, or use what you have available on hand!1) Apple Pumpkin Pie1 or 2 whole apples, sliced1 whole lemon or orange, sliced2 or 3 whole cinnamon sticks (or 2 tsp ground cinnamon)2 Tbsp maple syrup1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice seasonings (or 1 Tbsp whole cloves and 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg)2 Tbsp pumpkin puree (optional)2) Warm Citrus Ginger2 whole oranges, slicedFresh ginger (a thumb-size chunk, cut into thin slices or grated). Sub with 1 teaspoon ginger powder2 or 3 whole cinnamon sticks (or 2 tsp ground cinnamon)2 or 3 whole star anise1 Tbsp cloves (whole)2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 whole vanilla bean)1/2 cup fresh cranberries (optional)3) Oh Christmas Tree1 cup fresh cranberries1 whole orange, grapefruit, or lemon – sliced pinecones a few sprigs of fresh cedar or pine (small Christmas tree cuttings) or rosemary1 or 2 whole cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)1 Tbsp whole cloves and/or a few whole star anise1/2 tsp nutmegOptional: 1 or 2 small candy canes, or 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil4) Refreshing RosemarySeveral pieces of fresh rosemary, or 2 Tbsp dried rosemary1 whole lemon or 2 limes (sliced)Fresh ginger (a thumb-size chunk, cut into thin slices or grated). Sub with 1 teaspoon ginger powder1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 whole vanilla bean)Optional: 2 bay leaves, fresh or dried5) Lavender Mellow Mood1/2 cup dried lavender buds or 1 cup fresh 2 or 3 Tbsp dried chamomile flowers, or 1 to 2 teabags of chamomile tea1 whole lemon, orange, or grapefruit – sliced2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 whole vanilla bean)4 or 5 whole star anise or cardamom pods1/2 tsp ground nutmegRecommended: 10 to 15 drops of lavender essential oil (pet safe) InstructionsOnce you have your chosen simmer pot recipe, combine the ingredients in a pot about halfway full of water. (Exact measurements don't matter.)On the stovetop, turn up the heat to bring everything to a light boil, then reduce to a low simmer. The lower the heat, the longer the simmer pot will last.Leave the lid off to release the aromatic steam. Now, sit back and enjoy the smell that will soon infuse in your home! Alternatively, you could make stovetop potpourri in a slow cooker crock pot or your trusty Instant Pot, left to simmer with the lid off. Or, heat your simmer pot on top of a warm wood stove.CAUTION: Keep an eye on your pot, and set a timer if you’re forgetful! Don't let all of the water evaporate – the pan and ingredients can burn.Add more water as needed to keep stovetop potpourri going for many hours. I often use the same simmer pot and ingredients off and on for several days! Notes*Any simplified version of these combos is wonderful as well – such as rosemary and lemon, or orange and cloves. Did you enjoy this article? Want to hear more? Stay in touch! Sign up below to receive weekly updates on new posts from Homestead and Chill. The post 5 Easy Simmer Pot Recipes: How to Make Stovetop Potpourri appeared first on Homestead and Chill.

Oprah Winfrey is one of the richest people in Hollywood, and she earned every penny. She created a landmark TV talk show in the ’80s, segued to movie stardom and later built a media empire. She’s the American dream in bold, bright technicolor. Bottom of Form And, when Vice President Kamala Harris asked her to support her presidential campaign, Winfrey didn’t hesitate. Yes, she said, adding, “pay up.” The Harris campaign paid $1 million to Winfrey’s company on October 15, according to a report in the Washington Examiner [by Gabe Kaminsky], coming after a star-studded town hall that Winfrey hosted for the vice president in September. That fee apparently covered two Winfrey appearances. One is the aforementioned town hall.     The second? A very late campaign appearance alongside the candidate. Not bad work if you can get it. Winfrey denied the claim to a TMZ reporter, but the receipts speak for themselves. It’s a story conservative media outlets are covering for very good reasons. It’s news It’s illuminating It casts the failed Harris campaign in a new, unflattering light It suggests Winfrey wasn’t a Harris devotee and needed to be convinced to throw her clout the campaign’s way You won’t find this story at Variety, Deadline, The Wrap or The Hollywood Reporter. Those outlets routinely bury news that hurts Democrats. Like this one. The story is still reaching the masses, the latest example of the corporate media’s implosion and rise of new media. The item suggests something else. Did other celebrities get paid to endorse Harris? We now know a planned appearance by ’90s mainstay Alanis Morissette got scrapped due to insufficient funds. What about the pride of the MCU? The cinematic Avengers assembled for Team Harris late in the election cycle. Stars Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Don Cheadle, Robert Downey, Jr, Mark Ruffalo, Danai Gurira and Paul Bettany starred in a cheeky video supporting Harris’ campaign.     Many of the stars did the same in 2016 to prevent Donald Trump from defeating Hillary Clinton. This time, the messaging proved more comic, less angry. Neither worked. Did the stars get a payday from their collective endorsements? It’s a fair question to ask given Harris’ donation to Winfrey’s Harpo Productions. It’s hardly out of the norm for a campaign to pick up the travel/hotel expenses for a celebrity endorsement. Five for Fighting’s John Ondrasik, whose activism includes supporting Israel and American patriots, said as much on his X account.   One of the sickest things about this campaign cycle is celebs getting paid multi million dollar fees to appear in "support" of their preferred candidates. In the few political events I have done, no performers have been paid beyond expenses. It's an insult to voters. Oprah!? https://t.co/1gnt5XDMiW — John Ondrasik (@johnondrasik) November 9, 2024   Will more receipts flow from the failed Harris campaign? The assembled Avengers appeared to record their segments from wherever they were at the time. Lo-fi barely describes the effort involved, not to mention the yuk-free lines. In comparison, Winfrey had to assemble an interview set and crew to record her fawning town hall appearance. Big difference. Still, the fiscal revelations cast doubt on the role stars play in national elections and how much their hearts are truly in it.

It had a billion-dollar budget, lavish sets, and some of the biggest names in entertainment — so why did the Democrats' latest presidential campaign tank at the voting booth? Yes, there was that desperate, last-minute casting change. But new lead Kamala Harris seemed to get the notoriously troubled production back on track despite a predecessor unwilling to give up his former role and co-star Tim Walz's troublingly erratic public behavior. Megan Thee Stallion, Lady Gaga, and Charli XCX just weren’t up to the task of rescuing Harris from herself. The sheer star power on hand seemed to guarantee a runaway hit: Gen Z favorite Alex Cooper ("Call Me Daddy"), as well as proven draws like Will Ferrell, Rihanna, George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez, and even Oprah Winfrey. Pay to play Winfrey's glorified cameo was said to cost a cool million. Also rumored to have gotten a seven-figure payday was Beyoncé — who perversely enough appeared in a non-singing role — and any number of other artists ranging from Taylor Swift to Eminem. Whatever the exact line items were, one thing is certain: A campaign that still had more than $100 million in the bank in October now finds itself $20 million in the hole. In retrospect, maybe that GloRilla performance wasn't such a good idea after all. Or maybe the era of the big-budget, mass-marketed, four-quadrant blockbuster is over. Joy division Where was the big-name actor or actress who would come along and save Harris from her floundering campaign? The tear-streaked viral post recorded on the spur of the moment by Lady Gaga that would finally convince regular people in Pennsylvania and North Carolina that Harris really was the answer to their prayers — and not just a Polly POC-et puppet who couldn’t string two sentences together without cackling like a banshee and waxing poetic about the joy of abortion rights? Indeed, what happened to the days of influential celebrity videos with warnings about “fascism” and “democracy"? Did they stop uploading them, or did everybody just stop watching? Falling stars The answer seems to be a bit of both. A recent YouGov poll found that only 10% of Americans say a celebrity’s opinion has caused them to cast a vote or rethink their vote. Another poll by USA Today and Suffolk University found that political endorsements had a much larger effect on swaying the Democratic vote than celebrity endorsements. The study also found that conservatives were rarely swayed by either, including from within the conservative movement’s leadership. (The influence of Hulk Hogan’s bodice-ripping howl of support for Trump remains a subject for future historians.) Perhaps this is why the standard-issue Democratic endorsements Harris got from Obama and the Clintons didn’t do much: They weren’t delivered with much conviction. It probably didn't help that the DNC brand was tainted by the still-fresh memory of Joe Biden's public stab in the back. Megan Thee Stallion, Lady Gaga, and Charli XCX just weren’t up to the task of rescuing Harris from herself. Even those who somehow enjoy their music apparently found it hard to get very excited about their political opinions. Box office poison? The celebrities who did endorse Harris did so with smug certitude that didn’t do much to reach independents. Their urgent pleas to “get out and vote” (with the obvious insinuation that meant voting for Harris) also clearly backfired, since Trump won men under 30 by 14 points and Harris won young women under 30 by only 18 points. Gen Z voters just weren't pulling the lever for the Democrats the way their celebrities and pop culture puppets told them to. As Jimmy Vielkind and Aaron Zitner point out, Harris’ result for young women was “down from the 32-point margin for Biden among that group in 2020.” Trump’s mastery of social media and popular podcasts like Joe Rogan's show also clearly bolstered his already well-known brand and put him front and center in the mind of many undecideds. Triple threat But the fact remains that Trump didn't really need anybody's endorsement — at least not the way Harris did. Our former and future president is a consummate entertainer. He sings, he tells jokes, he does his own stunts. He even dances. Who needs celebrities when you can groove out with the candidate himself? Expensive disasters tend to end with a lot of finger-pointing, and the Harris campaign is no exception. The Democrats might as well take the opportunity to clean house — starting with those among them who insist on blaming the voters. If the incredible comeback of Donald Trump can teach us anything, it's that fewer and fewer people are waiting for the media to tell them what's worth their time and attention. After years of having their taste underestimated and dismissed, Americans are finally confident enough to call out real, once-in-a-generation talent when they see it. Anyone who wants to win the people over better start with that.

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The Freo X Ultra packs a lot of features for the price, including the ability to automatically remop your floors when necessary. | Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is fun and all, but the amount of cleaning you have to do afterward can be exhausting. The Narwal Freo X Ultra robot vacuum / mop hybrid can help speed things up, though, and it’s currently down to an all-time low of $849.99 (about $690 off) at Best Buy and Amazon (when you apply the on-page coupon). The Narwal Freo X Ultra is one of our favorite robot vacuums for mopping. It features a commendable 8,200Pa of suction power and a host of welcome features, including a set of spinning triangular mops that allow it to clean hard surfaces exceptionally well. It can adjust the amount of pressure applied by its mop based on floor type, too, and can even make its own “cleaning decisions,” one of which will prompt it... Continue reading…

The pace of human physical development is slower than that of other primates, meaning that it takes us longer to move from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. Scientists have long believed that this is related somehow to the complex nature and large size of the human brain, which takes more time to mature in harmony with the human body. There are questions about how early the ancestors of modern humans (Homo sapiens) started physically maturing at a delayed rate, in comparison to their primate cousins. In a new study just published in the journal Nature, a team of European scientists presents evidence that suggests delayed growth in the human evolutionary line first appeared in approximately two million BC, or at least 500,000 years earlier than previously believed. “We show that the first evolutionary steps towards an extended growth phase occurred in the genus Homo at least 1.77 million years ago, before any substantial increase in brain size,” the study authors wrote in their Nature article. The intriguing new discovery is significant, because it does not support the idea that human physical growth slowed in conjunction with increased development in the brain, at least not in the earliest stage of the process. Read moreSection: NewsEvolution & Human OriginsHuman OriginsScienceRead Later 

Israel early Friday dropped a massive bomb on an 11-story building in Beirut, Lebanon, in an area where the militant group Hezbollah holds sway, reports The Washington Post.