Latest news with #Topper
Buzz Feed
5 days ago
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
Outrage Over PA Republican's Livable Wage Comments
Recently, we wrote about Republican Pennsylvania lawmaker Jesse Topper, who, back in June, gave remarks to the state's House of Representatives advocating against raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour. "Not every wage, and please hear me clearly on this," Topper says in a viral clip. "Not every wage is designed to be a livable wage." He goes on to give examples of his point, like a teenager or a retired person working for income they don't technically need to survive. The BuzzFeed Community had a WHOLEEE lot to say about Topper's comments, so let's get into it: "One thing I'll never understand is the idea that some jobs are 'supposed' to be for students trying to make money. Dude, who do you think is going to make your mid-morning coffee or make your fast-food lunch when STUDENTS ARE IN SCHOOL? It's just not feasible! Obviously, some students can make it work — and sometimes have to support their parents, unfortunately — but there just aren't enough people even available for minimum wage jobs. Adults have to do these jobs, too, and not just as 'starter jobs.' They need to make enough money to live, support kids, bills, etc." "If people who work full-time do not earn enough for them to live on, how are they supposed to survive? One way is by receiving benefits like Section 8, Medicaid, SNAP, and WIC. And I'm sure that this guy wants to cut those benefits. Or eliminate them. So, people who work hard to support themselves should go hungry? Live in their cars? Or the streets?" —rutharcone "If $7.25/hour is an acceptable pay rate to Pennsylvania lawmakers, then why don't they just make that the pay rate for Pennsylvania lawmakers?" "Sure, a job that a high schooler or a retiree is working to make extra money doesn't need to pay enough to live off of because they're not working it full-time. If that job IS being worked full-time, that job should have a wage that is able to be lived off of, because whoever is working that job is doing so TO MAKE A LIVING. Any job that hires any employee for 40 hours or more a week needs to pay a living wage." "The idiocy is not lost on me that these fast-food workers were considered 'essential' during the lockdown and still had to go to work, yet they aren't 'essential' enough to pay a livable wage to." —jasonr4da82caf9 "As an introverted disabled retiree, if I ever go back to work, it won't be because I want to. I've got plenty to do at home, and it would bring me no joy to go back out into the world and deal with assholes all day every day for $7.25/hour." "Let him live off of that wage!" "I think he is correct. Growing up as teenagers, we worked at jobs such as waitress, babysitter, pumping gas, cashier, filing paperwork, etc., to gain experience in the working world and also earn a wage to learn how to handle money, learn about taxes, etc. Originally, those types of jobs were not intended to actually support a family. The fact that these jobs are occupied by people who do need them is a sad reflection on our society." —smartnugget986 "Since when is a kid saving for college not necessary? Since when is grandma running a cash register at Walmart not needed income? This asshole's constituents should send him packing!" "Wow, how truly despicable." "Public service should be a minimum wage job. You're supposed to be sacrificing your time and effort for the greater good. So let's start enforcing that." "I didn't go to college, and I work in childcare, where I make $19.50 an hour. I still can't afford to live on my own, making almost $20 an hour. $7.50 is an absolute fucking joke. How can anyone afford to do anything with that?" —redpizza125 "I think all politicians should make minimum wage so they can truly understand how their constituents live. Watch them bitch and moan about not being able to live on $7.25 an hour while the people they represent have to. Don't like it, well then raise the minimum wage." "Love when they say the job is meant for teenagers when those same teenagers are supposed to be in school for most of the hours the job is open. There isn't a fast-food chain in the country that exclusively runs after 3 p.m., and that's without including prep work and opening." "I wish there would be a major push, worldwide, that politicians get paid whatever the minimum wage is of the region they're representing. They work fewer hours than the average worker. This would help bring back the ideology of the politicians working for the people again. It's become a joke where the majority of them are nepos of some sort who never worked a day in their lives." —animalmagentism "Welcome to America, where we work for vibes." "That's why it's called the MINIMUM wage. If jobs are difficult or require experience, then they get paid more than that. They make it sound like these employees will suddenly be living in the lap of luxury at $31,200 a year. If your rent is $1,000 (the national average is $1,700), that leaves you with only $19,000 to live on for the whole year before taxes. That doesn't count food, cars, clothes, insurance, phones, etc...." "At one time, businesses said they needed slavery so they could continue their lavish lifestyles. I would say if you cannot afford a livable wage to workers, do the work yourself so you can prosper on your own sweat." "I am retired and lucky that I am able to manage due to my husband's pension and Social Security income. I went into banking a very long time ago because they had retirement plans, but those were soon disbanded in the late '70s and '80s with the advent of 401(k) programs, so I have both 401(k) and Social Security." "My husband and I volunteer at the local retirement center and deliver food for the Meals on Wheels program. The meals cost $4, and some clients cannot even afford this cost, so since this is a 'suggested' amount, they pay what they can or pay $0. Since federal funding was cut by the Trump administration for social programs for counties, funding is no longer available for these senior centers, so now private and commercial donations have to make up the shortfall. I truly believe the Republicans are out of step regarding wages, programs for the needy, and retirees. There are a lot of retirees who have second jobs because their SS does cover their living expenses. Sad."—skimscissors355 "I'm really starting to hate Republiclowns. They should all be voted out of office. It kills me to think my tax dollars are paying for assholes like this." "There shouldn't be a minimum wage. Each job should just pay what the job is worth." "Over the past year in Pennsylvania, I've seen the local car wash hiring at $16/hour, and just this week, a relative was hired at a fast-food restaurant for a $15/hour starting wage. Anything less, and these positions stayed vacant. Idiots like this overpaid legislator (in one of America's largest and overpaid state governments) just show how out of touch our overlords actually are." —emoelf137 "They don't want to pay a livable wage, but then they get mad when people need assistance to survive, like Medicaid and food stamps. How do they not realize the cycle they have created? Do you want the guy who can work fast food and do a great job to make a living wage and support himself, or do you want him to not make that and have to apply for government assistance? Or is the truth of it just that you want poor people to die because they aren't convenient for you to think about?" "To not even consider that some of the people in those jobs might not be teenagers: The close-mindedness is willful and deliberate." —bexobexo"Also, if a teenager is working, it's extremely likely that they also need the money. Maybe more than if they were older and independent! My brother-in-law dropped out of high school to wash dishes so he could support his mom. Should he have had to? Absolutely not. But did he deserve a wage that you can support a family on just as much as any other working person? Absolutely. His family stayed housed, but he worked his ass off, and then had to go through the shame (to him — we didn't feel there was any shame in it) of telling my sister and our family that he needed to get a GED before they could carry out their plans for higher education for him as a mature student. Just to give one example of why teens aren't necessarily working just for 'fun money.'"—casualpizza23 "Can we stop with the wealthy people telling the rest of us to live with the scraps we get? Or at least stop telling us to be grateful for it." "Guy who gets paid $106K per year to work in a legislature that meets 50 or 60 days a year says what??? The man is clearly asking for a less-than-livable wage, and so he should have it." And finally, "USA is a straight-up dystopia." —cutealligator6018 What do you think? Let me know in the comments.
Daily Record
07-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Debenhams shopper says they 'sleep like a baby' after buying £28 mattress topper
'Husband says it's like sleeping on a cloud.' For those struggling to sleep at night due to an uncomfortable mattress but don't have the funds available to buy a brand new one, a mattress topper may be just the solution. Retailing for much more affordable prices, a mattress topper can transform your bed so it feels like you are 'sleeping on a cloud'. While there are many premium brands out there offering high quality bedding, many savvy shoppers have been pleasantly surprised by a mattress topper that is currently marked down by up to 36 per cent in the huge Debenhams sale. Normally retailing between £44.99 and £64.99 depending on the mattress size customers require, shoppers can now snatch up the popular Ezysleep 4 Inch Thick Super Soft Mattress Topper for an affordable starting price of only £28.83. Crafted from an anti-allergenic microfibre, this budget-friendly mattress topper is the perfect option for those who have sensitive skin or allergies, reports the Express. Along with elasticated straps to ensure that the topper stays securely in place throughout the night, it also features a plush microfibre inside for a soft, cloud-like feel. On top of this, the supersoft mattress topper features a box stitch design which effectively holds the filling in place and provides an even distribution to ensure a relaxing experience. Designed to naturally let air flow through it, the topper will help keep your bed cool and dry throughout the year. And if it needs cleaned, it is machine washable. At the time of writing the small single topper was out of stock, but there are still a variety of sizes available for shoppers. A single is currently down from £44.99 to £28.83, while the small double can be bought for £39.46 (£59.99). Ezysleep 4 Inch Thick Super Soft Mattress Topper £44.99 - £64.99 £28.83 - £47.49 Debenhams Buy Now Product Description For those with bigger beds, a regular double mattress topper is now £42.79 (RRP £59.99), while the king size has dropped from the same retail price down to £44.79. Finally, shoppers can also snap up the super king edition for the marked down price of £47.29 in the sale (£64.99). Alternatively, for shoppers looking for a thinner product, Dunelm is currently selling the Super Bounce Mattress Topper for between £18 and £24. Made with a lightweight and breathable 100 per cent polyester fibre filling, this mattress topper is said to enhance the comfort and longevity of your mattress. Over on Argos, the retailer is selling the Silentnight Hotel Collection Mattress Topper for between £28 and £44. This non-allergenic topper is said to provide a luxurious hotel experience from the comfort of your home as it is deep filled with a soft hollowfibre and covered in a stylish embossed microfibre. Back to the Ezysleep Mattress Topper, it currently has over 500 reviews which has resulted in an impressive 4.5 star rating on the Debenhams website. Many shoppers have noted that they have woken up feeling refreshed after using this 'comfortable' topper. One happy shopper said: "Bought many mattress toppers over time and was expecting to be disappointed yet again but, this mattress topper is genuinely so comfortable, exactly as it is in the picture. And as someone who suffers from hip and leg pain, this is perfect. Offers great support and will definitely be ordering another one!" With another five-star reviewer writing: "Really thick and has retained its shape over the past month that we have had it! It also has straps to ensure it stays on the mattress which do the job! I was going to pay lots more from more premium companies but I took a risk and it has paid off! Husband says it's like sleeping on a cloud." However they also added: "Slight issue, I feel it can add to the heat at night so find myself quite warm with it. However this can be remedied with a light blanket instead of duvet being used on a warm night." Another shopper also gave a mixed review, commenting: "Very nice topper. Very soft. Not sure how long will hold its shape for. Feels like it will need a weekly turning over and fluffing up. Good quality tho." Despite this, a top reviewer noted: "I bought this mattress topper in a small double and for the price I wasn't expecting much. I've had it over a week and it is soooo comfy. It's really nice quality. I bought it as the springs on my mattress were starting to bother me. It completely eradicates the issue. Such good value." While a sixth customer said: "It has really transformed our sleep. I was waking up Every morning with a sore side depending on what side I slept on, but since this mattress topper has been put on I have been sleeping like a baby. Feels like sleeping on clouds." The Ezysleep 4 Inch Thick Super Soft Mattress Topper currently has up to 36 per cent off in the Debenhams sale. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Buzz Feed
06-08-2025
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
PA Lawmaker Sparks Outrage Over Livable Wage Claim
As Americans struggle to afford groceries and get priced out of cities across the country, Republicans are still advocating against increasing the minimum wage. Back in June, Pennsylvania House minority leader Jesse Topper, a Republican, gave remarks against a bill that would increase the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour for most. That would boost hourly workers' wages to over double where they currently sit at $7.25. "Not every wage is designed — and please hear me clearly on this," Topper says. "Not every wage is designed to be a livable wage." He goes on to give examples of his point, like a teenager or a retired person working for income they don't technically need to survive. You can watch Topper's full remarks on his Facebook page. The clip was posted to r/Fauxmoi, where it racked up over 2,000 upvotes and 270 comments (and counting). "So some jobs are supposed to be a hobby then?" this person asked. Someone else suggested giving Topper "one of those not designed to be livable wages." "You can't say a job is essential and then turn around and say the person doing it doesn't deserve to live off it," one user wrote. This person simply wrote, "Fuck this." Someone said that the people working for minimum wage "do more work in a week than these people do in an entire year." "The audacity of this man to say this, when those same people not making a livable wage are literally paying his salary with their tax dollars," this person wrote. "Despicable humans." One user said that service jobs like those at fast food joints sometimes go to kids who don't "need" the money, but that lots of those jobs are occupied by people who really do. "So pro life," someone joked. And finally, this person pointed out that the mere existence of the phrase "livable wage" is troubling in itself. So, what do you think? Sound off in the comments.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Retail XRP Holders Will Soon Be Able to Tap DeFi on Flare, No Seed Phrase Needed
Luminite, a non-custodial, seedless wallet designed to make decentralized finance (DeFi) accessible to XRP (XRP) holders, launched on the Flare Network as part of a broader push to give smart contract functionality to assets that historically lacked it. 'By removing complex barriers of entry, we're enabling anyone - from first-time users to seasoned crypto holders - to access the full power of the Flare ecosystem,' the Luminite team said in a statement. 'This is about making DeFi approachable, not just for the crypto-native, but for the next wave of users discovering blockchain through real utility,' the team said. Built with Turnkey's embedded infrastructure, Luminite skips seed phrases in favor of passkeys, biometrics or email sign-ins. Users can acquire FLR and XRP via integrated fiat on-ramps like Topper, then engage directly with DeFi protocols on Flare, including services like staking, swaps, minting synthetic FXRP, and bridging assets via Stargate. For XRP holders, it means that within the next few months it will be possible to wrap the token into FXRP via Flare's FAssets protocol and deployed across staking and liquidity products. Once the feature is released, will give the token holders a reason to remain within the Flare ecosystem instead of bridging elsewhere. Whether this becomes sticky will depend on what comes next: sustained TVL growth, liquidity incentives, and whether developers start building tools that integrate XRP in ways that Ethereum and Solana users already (Aug. 5, 15:33 UTC): Company corrects the availability of XRP wrapping to "in the coming months." An earlier version of the story said it was already available. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
05-08-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Meet Luminite: The Easiest Way to Start Using DeFi on Flare
Flare, the blockchain for data, today announced the launch of Luminite, a seedless, non‑custodial wallet that makes it easy for anyone - especially XRP holders - to start using DeFi on Flare. Built with Turnkey's embedded wallet technology, Luminite lets users create a wallet in seconds using familiar sign‑in methods like passkeys, biometrics, or email - no seed phrase to write down or store. With Luminite, users stay in control of their assets while maintaining a Web2-like UX. New users can add funds through integrated fiat on‑ramp partners (including Topper) to purchase FLR, XRP, and other supported assets. All this in just a few clicks. 'Luminite was built with one goal in mind: to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3 users. By removing complex barriers of entry, we're enabling anyone - from first-time users to seasoned crypto holders - to access the full power of the Flare ecosystem. This is about making DeFi approachable, not just for the crypto-native, but for the next wave of users discovering blockchain through real utility,' said Steve Chadwick, Co-founder of Luminite. Beyond onboarding, Luminite serves as a direct gateway to Flare's expanding suite of DeFi protocols. Users can delegate FLR to FTSO (Flare Time Series Oracle) data providers, will be able to mint FXRP using FAssets, swap tokens within the wallet, bridge assets through Stargate, and participate in liquid staking by minting sFLR on Sceptre—all without leaving the Luminite interface. DeFi activity on Flare continues to grow, with rising participation and TVL across protocols. With an intuitive design and fully integrated flows, Luminite lowers the barrier for first‑time users while giving power users a faster path to everything they need. Flare also revealed plans for an upcoming Learn & Earn program with Revolut, aimed at incentivizing new users to explore the Flare ecosystem through education and engagement-based rewards. 'DeFi should be accessible to everyone,' said Max Luck, Head of Growth at Flare. 'Luminite not only enables seedless login, but makes the first five minutes of DeFi feel like a TradFi app - without compromising control or security.' Luminite is now live at offering a simplified entry point for users seeking to explore DeFi on Flare. About Flare Flare is a Layer 1 network that prioritizes blockchain interoperability, enabling secure and decentralized access to external data and assets for dApps. Powered by its native data acquisition protocols, the Flare Time Series Oracle (FTSO) and the Flare Data Connector, Flare offers developers a simple and coherent stack for building decentralized applications that can safely utilize information from outside the Flare network, including prices and blockchain state. This unique architecture is designed to unlock value from non-smart contract assets like XRP, Bitcoin, and Dogecoin, bringing them onto Flare for use in DeFi and other applications, thereby creating a truly connected blockchain ecosystem. Disclaimer This communication is not intended for, and should not be acted upon by, any person in the United Kingdom. The information contained herein does not constitute a financial promotion under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (FSMA) and is not directed at or intended for distribution to any person in the UK. If you are located in the UK, please disregard this message.
