RT Drop Site (@DropSiteNews)Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court, met today with American social media influencers and told them that TikTok is the “most important” “weapon” in the fight to secure Israel’s base on the right.“Weapons change over time… the most important ones are on social media,” Netanyahu said, before quizzing the group on what’s the most important one that is being “purchased” right now. One influencer guessed “bots.” Netanyahu corrected ...

Core Insights - Mastercard projects U.S. holiday retail sales (excluding autos) to rise 3.6% year over year between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, 2025, down from a 4.1% gain last season [1][7] - Online sales are expected to increase by 7.9%, while brick-and-mortar sales are projected to see a modest 2.3% gain [1][7] Consumer Behavior - Shoppers are becoming more price-conscious due to inflation and tariffs, leading to earlier bargain-hunting and increased reliance on promotions and discounts [2] - Gift cards are gaining popularity as a cost-effective gift option in the current economic climate [2] - The labor market remains supportive, with steady wage growth cushioning consumer spending despite eased hiring momentum [2] Tariff Impact - Tariffs are expected to raise costs for key holiday goods such as toys, apparel, and decorations, affecting household budgets [3][4] - Retailers' strategies in handling tariff-driven expenses will influence consumer spending patterns, with some shoppers opting for cheaper alternatives [3] Influence of Social Media - Social media is anticipated to significantly impact Gen Z's buying choices, affecting trends and purchasing timing [4] Payment Companies Outlook - Increased holiday spending is expected to boost transaction volumes for payment companies like Mastercard, Visa, and American Express [5] - Mastercard and Visa's significant market share in everyday spending categories may provide insulation from tariff-related uncertainties [5] - American Express is more exposed to affluent customers, which may cushion it during economic uncertainty, but could face volume declines if tariffs impact luxury categories [5] Mastercard's Financial Performance - Mastercard shares have gained 11.3% year to date, outperforming the broader industry's 4% growth [6] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 32.12X, higher than the industry average, and carries a Value Score of D [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mastercard's 2025 earnings implies an 11.8% rise year over year, followed by 16.5% growth next year [10]

Please welcome a student known not only for winning piano competitions, writing fiction, and exploring code, but also for being a voice in the school assemblies and on the Dean Talks podcast. A confident speaker with a talent for sharing meaningful ideas. He takes us on a journey through through thought and expression.Please put your hands together for Sandy Diaga Sulatu. >> My name is uh Sandiaga and uh today uh I want to share my topic behind uh first uh impressions. Uh so uh first I would like to start b ...

Health & Safety Concerns - Health experts and educators are concerned about caffeine pouches due to their high caffeine content, ranging from 25 to 200 milligrams per pouch [1] - Young people are more susceptible to adverse side effects from caffeine, including tremulousness, increased heart rate, and anxiety [2] - The pouches bypass the gut and deliver caffeine quickly into the bloodstream through the oral mucosa [3] - Industry considers this method of caffeine delivery to be almost like directly injecting caffeine [4] Marketing & Target Audience - Social media influencers may be promoting caffeine pouches to teens under 18 years old [1] - These products are sold on TikTok Shop, specifically targeting young people [2] - The pouches are marketed with fruit flavors and engaging colorful displays, appealing to younger consumers [2] - The product design, featuring elements like a lightning bolt, is aimed at attracting younger demographics [3] Product Characteristics - Caffeine pouches are discreet, making their use less noticeable [3]

Self-Perception and Media Influence - History suggests humans weren't meant to focus on their faces, valuing actions over appearance [1] - Media presents filtered faces, creating unrealistic beauty standards like fair skin, slim bodies, and zero size [2] - True beauty should be judged by personality and character, not just looks [2] - Individuals often view a frozen, flawed self-image, while others see inspiration and support [2] Filters vs Masks - Filters reveal parts of oneself, adapting to different roles and situations, unlike masks that hide [3] - Adapting and growing is essential when representing oneself in various contexts [3] Halo Effect and First Impressions - The halo effect causes people to automatically perceive well-dressed individuals as trustworthy and intelligent, which is a flaw, not a rule [3][4] - First impressions are a myth; judging solely on appearance and initial conversation is incomplete [6] - To truly know someone requires extensive conversations and time [7] Practical Steps and Self-Love - Perceptions vary from person to person, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and challenging initial judgments [8] - Rejecting imposed beauty standards and embracing self-love are crucial [8] - Individuals are not defined by their reflection, selfies, or edited pictures, but by their stories, experiences, and laughter [8]