Agriculture
March Corn Up 1¼¢, Soybeans Up 4¢ This Morning (Dec 9, 2024)
2024-12-09
Starting the week, the commodity market shows some interesting movements. March corn has seen an increase of 1¼¢, indicating a positive trend in the early hours. January soybeans have also gained 4¢, adding to the upward momentum.

Trading Highlights and Market Drivers

March wheat contracts are performing well, with CBOT wheat up 4½¢, KC wheat up 4½¢, and Minneapolis wheat up 5¼¢. This surge in wheat prices is driven by technically driven buying and short-covering. It seems that both corn and wheat are establishing a bottom, which is influencing the market sentiment. However, the upside for corn and soybeans is limited by the continued favorable South American weather and rising crop estimates.The live cattle market is also showing strength, with February live cattle up 80¢. January feeder cattle have gained $1.18, indicating a healthy demand in the livestock sector. On the other hand, February lean hogs are down 45¢, suggesting some fluctuations in the pork market.In the energy sector, January crude oil is up $1.34, reflecting the global demand and market dynamics. The U.S. Dollar Index December contract is down to 105.91, which can have an impact on the commodity prices. Additionally, December S&P 500 futures are down 6 points, while December Dow futures are up 20 points, showing the mixed performance in the financial markets.The trading session ended with these notable price movements, and traders will be closely monitoring the market for further developments. It is an important time for market participants to analyze the trends and make informed decisions.
Holiday Deal: Pixel 9 Pro Drops 40% to $599 - Better Than Black Friday
2024-12-09
Just when we thought the Black Friday deal on the Pixel 9 was unbeatable, here comes another offer that's just as good. I've always been firm about not paying full price for a phone, and this holiday deal on the Pixel 9 Pro proves my stance.

Grab the Pixel 9 Pro at an Unbelievable Price!

Why the Pixel 9 Pro Deal is a Game-Changer

Currently, you have the opportunity to get the mighty Pixel 9 Pro from Mint Mobile for an astonishing $599. This represents a 40% discount from its regular price of $999. At checkout, you'll end up paying $779, but it includes a full year of unlimited data service. This means you're getting the Pixel 9 Pro for $599 and the accompanying service for $180. It's clear that this is a much better deal than paying the full price for the phone.The Pixel 9 Pro shares the same set of new Google AI features as its larger sibling, the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Features like Add Me, Pixel Studio, and Google Gemini are available on both phones. Additionally, it benefits from the same triple camera system on the back. You get the same 48MP telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom, providing excellent photography capabilities.The 40% off savings on the phone alone is a significant draw. Dropping the price from $999 to $599 makes it an attractive option. But the fact that you're only spending $180 for a year's worth of unlimited data service is equally charming. Considering that the average unlimited plan from the major wireless carriers costs around $60 per month, the savings with Mint Mobile are hard to ignore. Instead of paying $720 for a year, $180 is a more budget-friendly choice.What's more, this Pixel 9 Pro deal from Mint Mobile allows you to enjoy all the savings without having to trade in an existing device. While Mint's trade-in option can shave off more, it's not a requirement to get this great deal. For instance, trading in a Pixel 8 can yield $175.In conclusion, the Pixel 9 Pro deal from Mint Mobile offers unbeatable savings and features. It's a great opportunity for phone enthusiasts to get a high-quality device at a discounted price without having to sacrifice on data service or deal with trade-ins.
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Connyct: The New Social Media App for College Students Amid TikTok Ban
2024-12-09
Do we truly require an additional social media platform tailored specifically for college students? With the impending TikTok ban in the United States, a new contender named Connyct emerges, presenting itself as a viable alternative.

Connyct - The Safe Haven for College Students in a Social Media Landscape

Features and Functionality

Connyct closely mirrors the popular short-form video app, offering a comprehensive suite of features. Its personalized content feed ensures that students are presented with relevant and engaging material. Private chatting allows for secure communication among peers, while the video creation and editing tools are extensive. Users can add music, filters, stickers, and more to enhance their videos, making the sharing experience truly immersive. The event discovery section and community channels play a crucial role in helping students stay connected and bond over common interests. Whether it's organizing nearby college parties or participating in small hangouts and club activities, Connyct provides a dedicated space for such interactions.Another notable aspect is the gated access, which requires users to register with a student.edu email. This creates a private network within each institution, enabling students to share content freely among their peers without the worry of unwanted attention from "creeps" or hovering parents. As co-founder and CEO Matthew Berman mentioned in a conversation with TechCrunch, "Being a college kid, TikTok and Instagram can be a scary experience. With Connyct, students can have a more controlled and safe environment."

Event Enhancement and Music Partnership

The event discovery page is a unique feature of Connyct. Users can organize and participate in various college events, and the app even includes a dedicated video tab where students can post content highlighting these events. Additionally, the platform is developing a feature that allows users to enhance event pages by adding songs and dedicated playlists. In September, Connyct secured a partnership with Warner Music Group, ensuring that users have access to music from top artists for their content. This adds an extra dimension to the event experience and makes Connyct a one-stop destination for college students.

Ambassador Program and Earning Potential

To promote the platform and enable college students to earn money from their content, Connyct has launched an Ambassador program. This program allows students to monetize their content and provides bonuses for sign-ups using a unique promo code. Participants can receive rewards such as free merchandise, event perks, gift cards, cash, and exclusive access to Connyct events. While the specific earnings potential varies depending on the different roles ambassadors take on, it is on par with many other companies in the industry. As Berman explained, "Some ambassadors will focus on on-campus interviews, while others will be more involved in social posting or event management. Each role offers different opportunities for earning."

Industry Experience and Team Collaboration

Connyct has a potential advantage over smaller competitors with its founding team of industry veterans and notable advisors. For example, CEO Matthew Berman previously founded the Chunnel.TV network, which reached half a million monthly users with the support of Martin Sorrell and WPP. The chief music officer, Bill Campbell, has advised both Spotify and TikTok during its transition and expansion. The chief marketing officer, Simmy Kustanowitz, is a former executive producer of "Impractical Jokers." Additionally, the team collaborated with around 50 college students from various institutions, including Louisiana State University, the University of California, and more. This diverse team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, making Connyct a force to be reckoned with in the college social media space.Currently, Connyct is only available on the App Store, but Android and desktop versions are in the works. As the app continues to grow and evolve, it holds the promise of becoming a go-to platform for college students seeking a safe and engaging social media experience.
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