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December 2025
The Year of the Puppy Surviving Life With Olive
This was the year we got a dog.
After years of not having one (and kind of enjoying that), I finally gave in. My wife and kids had been campaigning for a while, and I held out for as long as I could. It wasn’t because I don’t like dogs. I just knew exactly what would happen once we brought one home. Sure, they’d play with it, but I’d be the one taking care of it. And I was right. We picked up Olive, a golden retriever puppy, back in February. She was born in December, so it felt like the timing worked out: new year, new puppy. What I’d forgotten, though, was how much work it was to raise a little dog. The last dog my wife and I had was a full-grown rescue who came potty- trained and furniture-friendly. Olive came with none of that. She chewed up the baseboards, made it clear we can’t leave socks on the floor ever again, and had us up at night like we’d just brought home an infant. She’s also huge. I didn’t expect her to grow so fast … or disrupt my routine the way she has. I work from home more often now, so she can run around the yard and not be stuck in a crate all day. And honestly, that part has been good for me. When you’re at a desk for hours, it’s easy to forget how long you’ve been sitting there. Olive makes sure I get up frequently. Even five minutes away from the screen every hour helps. Of course, like any new dog owner, I got hit with a wave of advice. The breeder we got Olive from had some, let’s say, intense opinions. I’d pass them along to the vet and watch their expression turn into polite confusion. My favorite tip? Put a whole chicken, bones and all, into a pressure cooker for around three hours and blend it into a pink paste so you can spoon it over the dog food daily for added vitamins.
of packets to freeze and use later, but every time I open the freezer and see them, I shut the door and pretend they’re not there. They’ve basically become permanent residents. Still, even though the breeder gave us some wild advice, I didn’t mind it. If someone’s that intense about how to raise a dog, you know they care. She might have been wrong about the chicken paste and a few other things, but she wasn’t cutting corners. That gave me a little peace of mind. What’s harder is how much you have to plan around a dog. You can’t just decide to go on a trip anymore. You’ve got to think about boarding, get them updated on shots, and pay for the whole thing. I don’t love that part. And even today, I try not to be “that guy” who brings his dog everywhere and acts like everybody should be thrilled about it. Not everyone likes dogs, and I respect that. So, for now, she’s staying home. Overall, I can’t complain about our first year with Olive. She might be chaos on four legs sometimes, but she’s turned out to be a good dog. And I was right that I’d end up doing most of the work. I just didn’t realize I’d be kind of happy about it.
I did it once. Just once.
–Joel Thrift
The smell was awful. It filled the house, and the result looked like something from a horror movie. I vacuum-sealed a bunch
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FDA vs. Vaping
E-Cigarette Firms Can Now Challenge FDA Decisions Closer to Home
The Supreme Court handed vaping companies a significant win, and it could shake up how the Food and Drug Administration regulates e-cigarettes. In a 7–2 decision, the justices ruled that e-cigarette businesses can challenge FDA decisions in courts outside of the agency’s home turf. Companies now have more options if they want to fight rules that block their products from the market. This case started with R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., based in North Carolina, which sold popular berry and menthol- flavored vapes. The FDA said no to their Vuse Alto products, a move that basically wiped out a big chunk of the vaping market. Instead of being stuck filing in North Carolina or Washington, D.C. (FDA headquarters), R.J. Reynolds teamed up with Texas-based sellers and filed a lawsuit there. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the e-cigarette businesses, deciding that if FDA decisions hurt a company, it should be able to sue where it is based. The Supreme Court agreed, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett writing that the law does allow companies to take action in their home states if agency decisions hurt them. This comes after an earlier Supreme Court ruling in April, in which the justices sided with the FDA in a case about banning most sweet-flavored e-cigarettes to curb teen vaping. That decision gave the agency major power to regulate, but companies now have more flexibility in legal battles.
“The court’s decision doesn’t mean vaping rules are disappearing; it just gives sellers a stronger chance to fight back when the agency makes a move that could hurt their business.”
Not everyone is thrilled with the new ruling. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, voted against it, and groups like the Campaign for Tobacco- Free Kids also spoke out, warning the decision could let manufacturers “judge shop” to find friendlier courts. Conversely, attorney Ryan Watson, who represented R.J. Reynolds, called the decision a big win. He said FDA actions can have ripple effects that hurt retailers and other businesses, and this ruling keeps “the courthouse doors open” for those impacted. For him and the companies he represents, it’s about ensuring businesses have a fair shot at defending themselves. So, what does this mean for the vaping world? For one, companies now have more leeway to challenge FDA rules and keep their products on shelves. At the same time, the FDA still has considerable authority, and previous rulings about flavor bans and youth protection remain in place. The court’s decision doesn’t mean vaping rules are disappearing; it just gives sellers a stronger chance to fight back when the agency makes a move that could hurt their business. Ultimately, the battle over vaping regulations isn’t over. The Supreme Court’s ruling opens doors for manufacturers and retailers, and we’ll likely see more legal action in the months ahead.
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TAKE A BREAK
We’ve all been there: lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or obsessing over things we can’t change. Overthinking might feel harmless, but when those thoughts keep circling, they can take a toll on your mood, energy, and overall well-being. So, how do you break the cycle? It starts with noticing what’s happening in your mind. Next time your thoughts go into overdrive, pause and ask yourself: What emotion is fueling this? Maybe it’s worry, guilt, or frustration. Recognizing the source is the first step toward loosening its grip. Turn down the mental volume. When your brain feels stuck on repeat, try redirecting your energy. Dive into a hobby, work out, learn a new recipe, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Shifting focus Hit Pause When Your Brain Won’t Stop Talking When ‘What If’ Won’t Quit
Cardinal Cookies Frosty Gingerbread Gifts Menorah Mittens Peppermint
Pinecones Sagittarius Snowball Yule
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
Ingredients
gives your mind a break and can help you feel more grounded.
Gravy • 4 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns • 1 tbsp mustard powder • 1 tbsp dried thyme • 1 tsp celery seeds • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 1/4 lbs topside joint of beef
• 2 beef stock cubes • 3 tbsp caramelized onion chutney • 2–3 tsp yeast extract
Breathing exercises also work wonders. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and take slow, steady breaths in and
Directions 1. With a pestle and mortar, crush peppercorns, mustard powder, thyme, and celery seeds together. 2. Stir in oil, then rub into beef. 3. Preheat oven to 375 F and set seasoned beef in a snug roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour. 4. Remove from the oven, lift onto a platter, and cover with foil to rest 30 minutes. 5. For gravy, pour juices from the pan into a large measuring cup. 6. Let the juices separate, then spoon 2 tbsp of fat back into the pan. Discard remaining fat. 7. Top juices in the cup with boiling water to make 3 cups total liquid. 8. Heat pan with fat over medium heat and stir in flour, stock cubes, onion chutney, and yeast extract. 9. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, and gradually add juices/water. Bubble to thicken and serve with the beef.
out through your nose. It’s simple, but it signals your body to relax and can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes. Challenge your thoughts. Automatic negative thoughts (those instant, gloomy reactions) can trap you in “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Write them down, seek a more balanced perspective, and see if you can do anything about them. Taking small, thoughtful actions toward solutions can help quiet the mental noise. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can give you a fresh outlook on managing those runaway thoughts.
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Adventures in Canine Parenthood
1
Vape Wars: Supreme Court Lets Sellers Take on FDA Nationwide
2
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
3
Overthinking Overload? Try These Mind-Clearing Tips
4 Make Daily Tasks Easier With Voice-Activated Tech Hands-Free Help for a Smarter Home VOICE-ACTIVATED TECH IS CHANGING EVERYDAY LIFE
Smart speakers that simplify life. Today’s smart speakers do more than play music. The latest Amazon, Google, and Apple models let you use multiple assistants in one device. Whether it’s Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, you can ask questions, control your home devices, or set reminders. Advanced microphones pick up your voice clearly, even with background noise, so you can give commands from across the room without repeating yourself. Cooking made easier. In the kitchen, voice-activated appliances are changing the game. Smart fridges can recommend recipes based on what you have, while microwaves can start cooking on your
Imagine queuing up your favorite music, turning off the lights, or locking the doors … all without lifting a finger. That’s the magic of voice-activated technology. What once felt futuristic is now a daily convenience, making life at home simpler and way more fun.
command. Some devices can even help manage grocery lists or reorder essentials automatically, taking the stress out of meal prep. Security you can count on. Keeping your home safe is easier than ever with voice-activated security systems. Just ask, and you can lock your doors, view camera feeds, or arm the alarm. Some systems even connect directly to emergency services, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. It’s peace of mind with zero hassle. Voice-controlled tech is no longer a luxury. It’s a practical way to make your home more efficient, secure, and easily managed.
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