It shows that support for the Fianna Fail party is at 21% ahead of polling day, only slightly ahead of their coalition partners Fine Gael and the largest opposition party Sinn Fein, who were neck-and-neck at 20%. The Red C-Business Post poll showed support for Fianna Fail unchanged, while Fine Gael had a slide of two percentage points and Sinn Fein gained two. The near dead-locked poll results came on Wednesday as fears over future economic threats took centre stage in the final stretch of the campaign. Taoiseach Simon Harris said he is taking a “project truth” approach to calling out Sinn Fein’s spending pledges as election results on the other side of the Atlantic put Ireland’s economic model into sharp relief. Donald Trump’s presidential election victory in the US has brought heightened concern around what his proposals for corporation tax and tariffs could mean for Ireland. Mr Harris, leader of Fine Gael, has argued Ireland and other EU countries need to prepare for the possibility of trade shocks as he criticised the scale of Sinn Fein’s spending pledges as well as their saving plans. He said: “I think that is irresponsible, I think it is dangerous and I think it is reckless.” He accused Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald of not being able to say what her party was prepared to do in the event of an economic crash, adding that Fine Gael would borrow and stop putting money towards a rainy-day fund. Asked if the party was engaging in “project fear” to dissuade voters against Sinn Fein, Mr Harris said: “I call it ‘project truth’. It’s telling people what’s being discussed right across European capitals.” Ms McDonald told an RTE interview on Wednesday morning that a Sinn Fein government would also be prepared to start borrowing in the event of an economic downturn. Both Mr Harris and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who were partners in the last coalition government in Ireland, have made clear they will not countenance Sinn Fein as a potential partner in the next administration in Dublin. One day after the only three-way debate featuring the leaders of the main parties, Mr Martin accused Sinn Fein of being “dishonest” about how they will fund their manifesto plans. Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, he said he is anxious to get clarity on the issue. “I think Sinn Fein have been very dishonest, frankly, in terms of the funds, because if you go through their figures, and this is a matter of fact, not opinion, they’re predicting a surplus of a billion in 2026, a billion in 2027. “Even in 2025, they’re talking about a mini budget, which would mean reducing the surplus that we’re anticipating in 2025. “There’s a legislative obligation now on any new government to put 0.8% of GDP to one side, and into the funds. There’s no way you can do that with a surplus of a billion in 2026 or 2027, and we would argue they would not have enough funds next year either to put into the funds.” He added: “It means they have no room to manoeuvre if things go wrong, if there’s headwinds come externally, or there are shocks internationally, Sinn Fein is not allowing any headroom at all in terms of room to respond or to move it.” Ms McDonald accused the other two parties of conspiring to keep Sinn Fein out of government and prevent change in Ireland. She said the two men were now “indistinguishable” from each other as she claimed they were suffering “acute amnesia” in regard to their records in government. On a visit to Naas fire station in Co Kildare, she said: “To listen to them, you’d imagine they had just arrived on the scene and that they were going to come up with all of these solutions. “They have had ample chances, ample opportunity, to make things better, and they have failed, and in between the two of them I make the case that now we ask for our chance, with our plans, with our team, to demonstrate how change can happen, how your community, your family, yourself, can be supported when the government is actually on your side.” Mr Martin’s and Mr Harris’ coalition partner Roderic O’Gorman, the leader of the Greens, issued a warning to the public over a future government without his party. On Wednesday, he said it is looking likely that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will be returned to government – but cautioned they may not want the Greens to continue “fighting hard” on policies. He told reporters: “My sense is certainly the mood music from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is that they’d like an easier life in the next government – and my concern is they use these small populist parties and right-wing independents.” Mr O’Gorman argued that the Greens could continue to provide stability to government at a time when economic shocks may be around the corner. As the Green leader suggested that relying on independents would be unstable, Mr Martin has also argued that “too much fragmentation would lead to incoherence in government”. Reflecting on Tuesday night’s debate, the Fianna Fail leader said the race remained “too close to call” while Mr Harris said it is “all to play for”. The leaders of Ireland’s three main political parties clashed on housing, healthcare and financial management in the last televised debate before Friday’s General Election. The tetchy debate, which was marked by several interruptions, saw the parties set out their stalls in a broadcast that commentators said did little to move the dial before polling day. After the 2020 general election delivered an inconclusive result, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, two parties forged from opposing sides of Ireland’s Civil War of the 1920s, agreed to set aside almost a century of animosity and share power – with the Greens as a junior partner. From 2016 to 2020, Fianna Fail had supported Fine Gael in power through a confidence-and-supply arrangement from the Opposition benches in the Dail parliament. Sinn Fein won the popular vote in 2020 but a failure to run enough candidates meant it did not secure sufficient seats in the Dail to give it a realistic chance of forming a government.
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The great British high street is on life support. Two years of pandemic restrictions, the rise of working from home, soaring energy prices and rising business rates and corporation tax have created the perfect storm. That said, its decline pre-dates the pandemic. Online retail has had a detrimental effect for years, turning and forcing others to reinvent themselves around services – think coffee shops and beauty salons – rather than shopping. Your typical 21st-century parade now consists of a Starbucks, a Greggs, a Specsavers, and a sorry assortment of bookmakers, phone repair shops and pound stores. But there are beacons of light piercing the gloom: thriving high streets in handsome towns that retain a healthy selection of quirky and independent businesses, giving shoppers a fine reason to escape the tyranny of Amazon. Here are 20 of the country’s finest, chosen by our UK destination experts. With its meandering streets and blush-sandstone castle wrapped in a loop of the Severn, Shropshire’s compact county town is ideal for wandering and window shopping. The covered market was voted the country’s best in 2024. But it’s hard to beat Wyle Cop, a curving, climbing high street lined with 39 listed buildings, ranging from medieval half-timbered to Victorian ornate. Henry Tudor stopped in one of them (now the ), before the Battle of Bosworth in 1485; Charles Darwin (Shrewsbury’s most famous son) liked to drink in its coaching inns. Today, Wyle Cop is said to be the longest run of independent shops in the country. Fashion stores and are great for one-off finds, while uses textile waste to make gorgeous new creations. Foodies should forage in , where hams dangle from the rafters and counters are crammed with cheese. will supply any pots, pans or plates required to feed extra Christmas guests. For gifts, is stocked with cheery, colourful things – happy socks, star-spangled throws. It also hosts creative workshops after hours, allowing local makers to showcase their skills: upcoming events include sip-and-paint classes and charm-necklace making – a good way to get out for some creative stimulation during the darker months. For artistic inspiration, visit art gallery’s winter exhibition. At the foot of Wyle Cop, the 16th-century has a two AA Rosette restaurant. – past winner of the ‘Best National Wine Shop’ – hosts tastings in store, and runs a tapas bar next door. The term “retail therapy” was never so apt. Because Norwich’s Royal Arcade is a pretty near perfect prescription for those who love to shop, but are allergic to the garish American-Mall-ification of the experience elsewhere. Opened in 1899, it sits at the very centre of “the fine city” yet is a haven from it. The Art Nouveau tiles that cover its walls were designed by WJ Neatby, who also dreamed up those in Harrods Food Hall. Decorative columns and stained-glass windows frame rows of identical, bowed mahogany shop fronts. Inside, independent boutiques tempt. Foodies will find plenty over which to salivate at – an award-winning patisserie. Children will adore , a treasure-trove of a toy shop that has been in Norwich since 1883. Men are catered for at – a super-chic male grooming and fragrance shop, all handmade in Norfolk – and women at , which sells its own vegan, organic and super-covetable cosmetics. The hosts workshops in which you can make your own tipple under the tutelage of an expert distiller. Named after the Norfolk word for “munch”, two-storey food hall opened in 2023 to showcase the region’s best independent cooks. Accordingly, upstairs hosts – among others – (from up on the North Norfolk coast), and taco bar (from the brains behind firm Norwich favourite ). Downstairs, there’s a fondue and wine bar, plus a coffee and cocktail joint. Belper is doing something right. This former powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution has successfully reinvented itself for the 21st century: it’s the only place in the country to have won the Great British High Street’s High Street of the Year award twice and is lauded for its community engagement and proactive association of independent businesses. “I love Belper,” says local chef Leo Hill. “I’ve watched it fight through recessions, win awards, help businesses grow and also band together to pull all of its people through the pandemic. The sense of community makes it stand out from most other towns.” Sitting handsomely in the Derwent Valley, Belper is only 11 minutes by train from Derby. Combine shopping here with a bracing walk – perhaps to the nearby, and excellent, . is something of a magic kingdom, full of sparkly delights – think glittery toadstools, giant gingerbread houses and circus-giraffe baubles. is hygge in retail form, with a cosy-cool array of Scandi blankets, linens and knick-knacks. Belper has several indie clothes stores – stocks heritage-inspired menswear, designed and manufactured in Britain. For an eclectic rummage, visit , where 40-plus retailers sell everything from old vinyl to vintage clobber. Try the pizzas at , which are made using ingredients foraged locally or sourced from Derbyshire suppliers. For homemade cakes and the best all-day breakfasts, head to . Bury St Edmunds is a fantasy Suffolk market town of Georgian squares, wonky medieval walls and prettily lit shop fronts that entice you like well-wrapped gifts. As Christmas creeps up, neo-Gothic lifts moods not only with glimpses of its kaleidoscope-like, fan-vaulted ceiling, but with festive events from wreath-making workshops, Christmas markets, concerts and candlelit parades. Over at the , Britain’s last-surviving Regency playhouse, a performance or panto comes with a shot of nostalgia. Post-shop, bundle up for a crisp walk through the , hugging the banks of the River Lark. Here among the herb and water gardens, you’ll find the enigmatic ruins of a once-splendid Benedictine abbey and impressively intact medieval ruins like the Great Gate and gargoyle-encrusted Norman Tower. Pilgrims once trudged here to visit Anglo-Saxon king Edmund the Martyr’s shrine. There’s still plenty of indie spirit in Bury – explore the backstreets and you’ll find gifts that go way beyond bog-standard stocking fillers. On St John’s Street, pop into for vintage clothing and old-fashioned service to match, and for one-off records. Closer to the cathedral, find moody Suffolk landscapes to grace a mantlepiece in the on Angel Hill, and a tasteful array of gifts (from plant-based Chalk cosmetics to ceramics, jewellery and Jellycat toys) at on Abbeygate Street. Food and drink? Head to Hatter Street for artisan cheeses at , or sip an espresso while choosing the perfect bottle of wine at . Bury’s twice weekly market (held on Wednesday and Saturday) is a feast of seasonal local produce – fruit and veg, fish and meat, pickles, chutneys, honey, you name it. Don’t rush off. Drop your bags at , an ivy-swaddled boutique stunner that swirls in history and romance, especially if you opt for one of Ivy View Copper Rooms with free-standing copper bathtub. Dickens sojourned in this former coaching inn, immortalising it in , and it hit screens in the 2020 film . Go for a Dickens-inspired Pickwick Afternoon Tea, with Victorian faves like ‘butterfingers’, hot sausage and mustard, and buttermilk scones (there’s also a children’s version). Or book dinner in The Eaterie to try the spot-on beef and red wine ‘Pickwick Pie’. Otherwise, snag a table at slickly intimate for hyper-local food with a Mediterranean twist in a former bus shelter. Or book well ahead for Michelin-starred, gorgeously rustic for inventive Moorish-inspired cooking that you’ll be raving about long after the tinsel comes down. A pint, you say? Squeeze into The Nutshell, a cheery, picture-plastered Victorian boozer that is Britain’s smallest pub according to Guinness (check out the mummified cat). Catnip to Instagrammers but also unexpectedly good for independent shops, the elegant yet whimsical double-decker curve of colourful Victoria Street (historically known as the West Bow) picturesquely connects the Grassmarket and the Royal Mile. It was designed by architect Thomas Hamilton in Flemish Revival style, although India Buildings on the south side of the street (now a swanky Virgin Hotel with a great cocktail bar) is pure Scottish Baronial. The upper terrace is still home to the Quaker Meeting House and curiously, a shop selling Masonic regalia. Widely considered J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley, it is thought that the home of Thomas Weir (the “Wizard of West Bow” executed for witchcraft in 1670) was here, although a more benign wizarding link might be to the much-mourned Cresser’s brush shop. Virtually unchanged from its 1873 opening to closing in 2004 it sold every incarnation of brush imaginable, including made-to-order brooms. Harry Potter fantasy-themed shops will keep any youngster happy, leaving adults free to explore , then the Whisky Shop next door. Continue to ’s two shops selling luxurious country clothing, both off-the-peg and bespoke. For trendier tartan, there’s for tweed handbags, gloves and footwear. Passing the sword-maker on the left, cross the Grassmarket at the bottom for mouth-watering , , ’s vintage clothing and . Sunny day? Head to the terrace at . Or try its sibling restaurant just below; both serve good food all day and into the evening. Sir Walter Scott was certainly a fan: he called Stamford “the finest stone town in England”. More latterly, others have agreed: in 1967 this cluster of medieval and Georgian architecture became the first designated conservation area in the country. It’s a great hub for shopping: the high street is pedestrianised and many of the town’s 600-odd listed buildings house fabulous independents – speciality food stores, cafes, antique shops, clothing boutiques. The Lincolnshire limestone looks especially lovely in low winter sunshine or shimmering with fairy lights. sits on the outskirts. The Elizabethan house, which you may recognise from playing Windsor Castle in The Crown, is closed for winter but its Orangery serves festive afternoon teas. is the place for furniture, accessories and gifts, with a good seasonal selection – the Fairtrade robin hand warmers look especially appealing. Long-standing indie clothes shop is the place for thoughtfully-curated fashion; the Vogue Williams burgundy sequinned skirt would be perfect for festive party season. For an elevated Christmas cheese board, head for . Run by Mark Hulme and Perry James Wakeman – the UK’s first-ever ‘Affineur of the Year’ (that’s someone who knows A LOT about cheese) – the store champions the best of British. The Christas Edition Mystery Cheese Box will pride a festive surprise. The George is an institution; its speciality is roast sirloin of British beef, carved at your table from the silver trolley. For cocktails and modern fine dining, head to the . Chester was voted the world’s best-looking city after a study examined the golden ratio of its architecture. It’s certainly a beauty. A walk along its four, half-timbered main streets is like a promenade through 2,000 years of history from the Romans to the modern day. Tudor buildings, Georgian townhouses and statement Victorian centrepieces complete a history-spanning backdrop to mooching, gift hunting and hot-chocolate supping. Compact, bustling and packed with independent shops, Chester is big on festive atmosphere as well as rich with heritage. Look out for Christmas market on Town Hall Square from November 15 and Sleeping Beauty, the Christmas show at the Storyhouse arts centre from December 6. Or book a themed walking tour to explore lesser-known attractions, such as the café-bars of medieval Godstall Lane or the haunted pubs of Lower Bridge Street. No wonder Chester beat Venice to the top spot, and Chester now even has its very own Monopoly board. Chester’s unique, split-level shopping arcades, The Rows, date from the Middle Ages but are today home to interesting independent traders. Try Harriet & Dee on Watergate Row North for cards, gifts and toys, or fashion boutique Nichols & Co on Bridge Street Row for jewellery, candles and vintage pieces. Outside the Rows, hidden-gem locals indies include The Cheese Wedge and Amblongus Books for antiquarian treasures. There’s also a scattering of pop-up art galleries for souvenir images of the city and . The food court in New Chester Market offers all-day variety; otherwise, Pars Khave has tasty Turkish treats on Watergate Row and Arthouse Café on Bridge Street serves its chai lattes in a medieval crypt. The Brewery Tap has craft ales and hearty pub food to round off your visit. Totnes has become a bit of a cliché through its reputation for independent shopping, green thinking and “alternative” lifestyles. Its self-proclaimed status as a “Transition Town” – keen to wean itself off fossil fuels – is more a mental state than a political force, but Totnesians are proud defenders of the right to look and behave differently. The high street has more Tudor buildings than many cities, and it’s worth pausing on the hike up its steep incline to take in the facades, architectural features and window displays. St Mary’s Church is imposing and has a wonderful rood screen. There are some lovely walks nearby, including to the Dartington Estate and all along the Dart River; Vire Island is a nice place to sit back and relax when your shopping’s done. For stylish women and men’s fashions, is hard to beat; the lovely staff serve coffee (and even whisky) to waiting guests. record store at the top of town stocks a small but carefully curated selection of indy, ambient, classic rock and electronica vinyls. on the Rotherfold (the old market square for cattle-trading) opposite Drift is tiny but has some quirky gifts and décor items. There are dozens of independent shops along the one main street – including bookshops, fancy dress hire, ethnic clobber, design items, art galleries, instrument shops – so do some browsing before getting down to business. is very Totnes, sourcing produce locally and foraging for some items in the surrounding countryside. The £80 tasting menu features “hedgerow beignets” and seaweed-based sauce; wine pairing is £50. is a great gastropub, with rooms, and the down on the Plains (at the bottom of the high street) is the place to go for flat whites and gluten-free cakes. Deep in the Brecon Beacons, where hedgerows sweep up the hills and proper peaks are but a muddy boot stomp away, this cute-as-a-button town won Best High Street of the Year in 2018. Locals have staunchly resisted the tidal wave of chains and here the great British high street lives on, with a butcher, baker and a sprinkling of independent shops from delis to art galleries and bookshops. A vision of pastel-painted Georgian loveliness, Crickhowell feels especially festive in the blue of dusk, when there’s a nip in the air and the lights are aglow in its houses and pubs. Pleasingly old-school, it has changed little since Tolkien hung out here on his holidays (word has it the village inspired Crickhollow in The Hobbit). And it is fantasy stuff, especially if you ramble up to flat-topped, 451m Crug Hywel, where its Iron Age hillfort and views reaching for miles across the Black Mountains provide perk on even the drizzliest of days. Pleasingly old-school, it has changed little since Tolkien hung out here on his holidays (word has it the village inspired Crickhollow in The Hobbit). And it is fantasy stuff, especially if you ramble up to flat-topped, 451m Crug Hywel, where its Iron Age hillfort and views reaching for miles across the Black Mountains provide perk on even the drizzliest of days. Crickhowell is tiny, but you’ll nevertheless stop every few metres to nose around its shops. Dip into for one-of-a-kind Welsh paintings, prints, jewellery, ceramics, glass and sculpture, and , the indie bookshop dream, with a cracking café out the back. The spices up stockings with home-smoked and hill-sourced treats, from oak-smoked salmon to fancy pâtés, all-Welsh wines, craft beers, charcuterie, honeys, preserves and cheeses (pick up a smoky Pwll or Blaenavon Dragon’s Breath cheddar). You can’t miss , a glorious 600-year-old coaching inn with roaring fires and low beams. Go for a pint and well-done pub classics prepared with locally sourced produce, or nab a table at on the banks of the River Usk for a warmly rustic atmosphere and menu with season-led stunners like crab scotch egg with brown crab mayo and fennel, and dry-aged sirloin with oxtail, bone marrow sauce and triple cooked chips. The shops may have new names, but the look and feel of Fore Street has changed surprisingly little over the last century. Pretty slate-hung shops line the winding cobbled street and serve both locals and tourists. This is a proper mixed-purpose main street with a Post Office, the excellent St Ives Bakery, a bottle shop, a bookseller and leather goods and clothes shops to suit all ages and budgets. Most are independently owned and the many galleries reflect Penwith’s artistic heritage. at number 14 lets you make and label your own flavoured gin in a mini copper still and sells its delicious botanicals range. at number 28 is the best of the town’s art galleries. This is the place to come for stylish outdoor clothing. Cornish eco-brand has a store at number 10 and sells top-class gear from Australia and Japan, at number 30. Next door but one, at number 34, has been selling affordable fishermen’s wool jumpers and sheepskin slippers since the 1980s. For fresh Cornish seafood, is the place to go: owner chef Dorian Janmaat hails from Andalucia and serves authentic tapas. If you prefer a steak or a burger visit ; head upstairs for a window table and a grandstand view of the harbour. For coffee, cake and ciabatta sandwiches drop in at The Yellow Canary. Clitheroe is one of central Lancashire’s oldest towns. Established in the 12th century as a Norman stronghold and sited on a Roman Road, it hasn’t suffered quite the same cycles of boom and bust as nearby industrial centres. The castle ruins sit atop a hill inside the main park, affording awe-inspiring views over Bowland and Pendle Hill. The high street runs from the edge of the park, up and then down, and is full of shops and cafés, historic inns and hair salons – all well used by locals and popular with Lancastrians from outside the Ribble Valley and folk from West Yorkshire. Small but busy enough to sustain independent retail, Clitheroe is a lovely place to explore for itself and a great base for walking and cycling holidays. is a well-stocked, old-school, second-hand bookshop with a good number of local history and specialist books as well as hardback fiction. Outdoor clothing specialist has a great selection of hats, winter wear, wellies and “town and country” fashions. Clitheroe Market, as old as the town, operates Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and is good for fruit, veg, pies and samosas. Booths supermarket, the “Waitrose of the North”, is just opposite. New cocktail bar has great drinks and Italian nibbles. is a good example of how to repurpose former industrial buildings, with a smart dining and deli area, good wines and a pub housing old machinery. (cash only) does good coffee and cakes. Booth’s new café, , is also good for pastries and lattes. Petworth is picture-perfect. With its well-preserved Tudor and Georgian houses arranged along winding, chain-free streets, the market town oozes olde-worlde atmosphere. No surprise that Bridgerton crews have filmed here. JMW Turner was also keen (he painted in Petworth a lot in the 1820s), and art is still a big deal. The town’s hosts first-class exhibitions, currently focusing on Lee Miller and Picasso. Meanwhile, the National Trust’s Petworth House boasts one of the country’s largest art collections. There are many great independents to browse, from the Petworth Bookshop to Guilt Lingerie. Petworth is the only town outside London to have more than 30 arts and antiques dealers within a one-mile radius. Start at , where many gather under one roof, purveying vintage lace, gentleman’s paraphernalia and more. also sells antiques, plus modern pieces and homewares – the 1920s-style Madison Coupe glasses look just the thing for a happy new year. Award-winning deli, shop and bakery the stocks a cornucopia of artisanal treats. For high-end dining, majoring on quality local produce, head for the . is a historic coaching inn with cosy rooms, open fireplaces and good West Sussex menu, focused on local produce. With its narrow, age-worn streets and the powerful presence of the Minster in all its Gothic glory, there are few finer places for a day of shopping than York. Stonegate, with its hotch-potch of buildings – thick-walled medieval, half-timbered Tudor, red-brick Georgian and a dizzying array of window styles jutting out at first-floor level – lies directly above the Via Praetoria, the main route in Roman-age York. It continues to be a prime address, leading to the Minster which seems to fill the sky at the eastern end. Barley Hall, a medieval townhouse, was the home of Alderman William Snawswell, goldsmith and Lord Mayor of York, in the 15th century. Unbelievably it was hidden behind offices and only discovered, and restored, in the 1980s. The malevolent red devil face above number 33 indicated the building was once a printers – “printers devils” carried the hot metal type – while the street-spanning timber beam emblazoned with “Ye Olde Starre Inn” is an 18th-century bullish piece of advertising that still directs customers to the hostelry tucked down a snickleway (narrow lane). , a year-round Christmas shop, has everything imaginable, from snow globes and nativity scene figures to gingerbread earrings and snowman pillows. has offered Yorkshire-woven wool products for more than 180 years. As well as tailored jackets and trousers, you can find scarves, hats and gloves. sources and blends a wide range of brew that should satisfy the fussiest of palates. At , choose from one of three colourful themed rooms and a menu of brunch favourites or a full-on afternoon tea. , stepping distance from Stonegate down Coffee Yard snickleway, serves up colourful North African dishes such as Algerian merguez cassoulet and shakshuka. Chipping Campden is a Cotswolds showstopper of golden stone and gracious houses. Its high street is almost implausibly exquisite, a parade of dreamily handsome properties built by well-to-do wool merchants between the 14th and 17th centuries. At its centre is a 400-year-old market hall with arched open sides and a floor marked with the patina of time and trade (“Chipping” derives from the Old English word for market). The town became one of the richest places in the country, but it has another major story, too: in the early 1900s it became the headquarters of the Guild of Handicraft in the Arts & Crafts movement – and it continues to have a gently (and palpably) arty heartbeat today. Campden, as it’s known by locals, is on a network of minor roads going nowhere much, so it’s rarely engulfed by tourist coachloads. A steady trickle of savvy visitors comes for the wonderful mix the town offers – of beauty, history and enticing little stores. Head to for a tempting array of gifts, soaps and accessories. deli is where to go for flavours of the Cotswolds, from honey to fudge, ale and Cotswold Distillery Gin. offers such fabulously displayed dining and kitchen ware it looks like an art gallery. For a treat, stroll around the corner to the Old Silk Mill housing art cooperative store. Neat little is ideal for lunches of salads and toasties. Much-loved locally, offers great charm along with dishes such as vegetable moussaka and beef stifado. For historic atmosphere and an exotic touch head to the , dating from the 14th century and said to have been a refuge for the future Charles II on the run in the Civil War. Here you can tuck into hearty pub classics or an aromatic curry created by the Sri Lankan chef. The weather can be wicked and the storms wild, but Aberystwyth has its own moody magic in winter, with booming surf adding drama to a day of shopping. When you’re done browsing its boutiques, delis, galleries and craft shops, you’ll find some of the hottest places in Wales to eat and drink, not to mention two-Michelin-starred , with Gareth Ward at the helm, just a 30-minute drive up the road. Climb the hill for a post-shop culture shot. The harbours millions of rare and precious tomes and manuscripts, the medieval Nanteos Cup (a Holy Grail contender) and a terrific gift shop. Next door, the has Christmas crafts and performances. Back in town, walk to the Victorian pier to catch a smouldering sunset and starling murmurations arcing and swaying in the sky. Some 50,000 of these migratory birds roost here in winter. Kick off a festive shop at dinky, retro Italian deli , where Mario (from Milano) will sell you the finest salumi, Sardinian pecorino and Sicilian sweets. Nearby, is a rambling attic of gifts (from gladstone bags to kid-leather gloves), while brims to the rafters with second-hand titles. Swing over to for local beers and gins, or for upcycled arts and crafts in colours and patterns that pop (its lampshades are incredible). ’s sunny vibe, small plates menu and carefully-curated vinos and vermouths instantly transport you to a Madrid backstreet. Here tapas come with a Welsh twist, such as baked octopus served with olive oil, paprika and Halen Môn sea salt. Or swing by cosy, bohemian-flavoured to assemble your own Middle Eastern feast, with the likes of Lebanese chicken pitta with garlic mayo, cumin-fried whitebait with lemon, and courgette fries sprinkled with sumac. Sitting between the River Tweed and the Eildon Hills, Melrose has a mighty 12th-century ruined abbey and the high street of your nostalgic imagination. There are few chains here. Instead, it has butchers, bakers and candlestick-makers (well, Natural Crafts sells candle-making kits, along with other art supplies). It also has a greengrocer, a fishmonger and , well-stocked with handmade festive chocolates and Scottish tablet. Sir Walter Scott loved this area too, so much so that he built his home just west of town. Combine Melrose with a visit to see Scott’s Abbotsford. stocks 100-plus whiskies, plus boutique wines, local craft beers and Borders gins; tastings are held in its cafe bar. Pick up local-made textiles, ceramics and homewares at . Feeling nippy? is based in Melrose – its showroom is in a fine Georgian townhouse, near the main square. Pop in to browse hand-crafted Scottish-made woollens, including limited editions and one-offs – the ultimate Christmas jumper. The Country Kitchen Deli stocks lots of goodies, perfect for party nibbles – pick up macarons, dipping oils and chocolate and cranberry fudge; it also sells a wide range of world cheeses (Scottish blue, Spanish goat, Norwegian brown), all best with a loaf of slow-fermented sough dough from bakehouse next-door. creates delicious dishes from local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Or walk over the river to the in Gattonside, one of the smartest restaurants in the Borders. With its high street parade of wonky, half-timbered, pastel-painted Tudor houses (300 of them listed), the medieval Suffolk wool town of Lavenham is ridiculously lovely at any time of year. And if it feels like a film set, it is – the timber-framed Guildhall starred in the 2010 film Ha , and the town’s pretty lanes were the backdrop for the BBC drama . Lavenham’s good looks attract independent minds, with a sprinkling of shops and boutiques doing a brisk trade in everything from antiques to pottery, vintage teddy bears to bespoke jewellery. And during winter, when the town twinkles with lights, the town is a ready-made Christmas card. When you tire of shopping, spare a moment to visit the magnificent St Peter and St Paul, a church of cathedral-like proportions in Late Perpendicular Gothic style. On the fourth Sunday of the month, , held at the village hall, is one of Britain’s very best. Buy your Suffolk pork, Longhorn beef, venison, and homemade cakes, preserves, chutneys, honeys and cheeses here. has a thoughtful selection of local paintings, ceramics, prints, jewellery and sculpture, or try for cards, decorations, homeware, candles and one-of-a-kind gifts like handcrafted Moroccan babouche slippers. The most unmissable is tremendously festive , creaking with history and medieval beams, and with fireplaces and Christmas trees aglow. Dinner in its minstrels’ gallery is a season-spun feast of British flavours with a whisper of French finesse, with wintry mains like venison with braised and puréed salsify and garlic mash potato. Or if you just fancy tapas or a sharing platter with a nice glass of red, head to , a snug modern-rustic pub in a Grade II-listed building. Opposite the Guildhall, does a proper old-fashioned afternoon tea. Most visitors to Conwy are heading to its 13th-century castle, built as a symbol of military power by Edward I. The compact yet bustling high street is, however, just a short walk from the castle’s imposing towers and contained within the medieval town walls, both with World Heritage status. The town celebrates Winterfest on December 9 with an evening parade of street entertainers and a torch-lit procession of knights in armour. The main street is busy with high-summer day-trippers but retains a sense of Welsh with lots of independent retailers, such as book and gift shop Hinton’s, and great places to sample the award-wining local flavours. Having cruised the high street, cross over Castle Street and walk down to the quayside for a selfie outside the smallest house in Wales, an old fisherman’s cottage, and blast of sea air. It’s a short drive through the scenic Conwy Valley to Bodnant Gardens, an all-seasons haven of nature and wildlife. Dylans is a fabulous deli with an adjoining restaurant, part of a Welsh foodie group, while bottle shop Vinomondo has a selection of Welsh beers, wines and spirits to sample – try a Dark Side of the Moose ale from the Purple Moose Brewery. Just off Lancaster Square at the top of High Street, Baravelli’s is an artisan chocolatier, formally featured on TV’s Extreme Chocolatiers. The Erskine Arms is a cosy pub for real ales and good-quality food with a Welsh twist. For afternoon tea, Upstairs at Anna’s is stylish tearoom on the upper floor of a heritage building, while the Conwy Bakery across the road has take-away treats, including traditional Welshcakes and (a fruit bread) for a souvenir taste of Wales. Textile township turned right-on rural redoubt – formerly for hippies, these days more for hipsters – Hebden Bridge is a lovely place to spend a day or two. Surrounded by moorland, close to a river and a canal, beneath pretty Heptonstall, and well-placed for walks on the Pennine Way and its branches, it’s also on the railway line between Manchester and Halifax. Stone terraces climb up its steep sides, and the road-free centre is often busy with pub-goers and daytrippers. Twenty-five years ago, retail meant a scented candle, jos-sticks, crystals and clogs. Today, the West Yorkshire village packs a lot of places to eat, drink, shop and browse into a relatively compact area at the bottom of the steep cleft in which it sits. Toy shop stocks everything fun, from skateboards and board games to juggling kit and kites. Antiques and bric a brac are big business in mooch-friendly Hebden Bridge. Period furniture, vintage clothing and smaller items can be rummaged for at , – in the former police station – and the . – an outpost of Todmorden’s much-loved Crumbly Cheese – has cheeses from all over but is great if you’re after options from West and North Yorkshire. There are lots of cafes to choose from. , on Albert Street, is run by two cycling and outdoor enthusiasts. Leeds-roasted North Star coffee is served from behind the plywood counter, along with pastries and cakes. Casual and outdoor clothes are also on sale. Opened by the Hebden Bridge-based Vocation Brewery, the beer hall has brews on tap, with a kitchen run by Slap and Pickle that serves burgers made with 40-day dry-aged Swaledale beef, plus vegan options. With its knockout medieval cathedral and genteel High Street with Regency bow-fronted shop windows, Winchester is an instant heart-stealer. The city’s historic nooks and crannies look ripe for a bodice-ripping period drama, so it’s little surprise that Jane Austen lived, wrote and was buried here in 1817. During advent, the entire city seems sprinkled with fairy dust, with lights and trees aglow. Right at the heart is , an 11th-century stunner in warm stone, with a magnificent Perpendicular Gothic nave and a vaulted Norman crypt that floods when it rains, hiding Anthony Gormley’s statue of a contemplative man, The cathedral gets its festive groove on with events from chamber choir concerts to lantern parades, carol workshops and one of the country’s loveliest Christmas markets. More history? Check out the iconic Round Table of Arthurian legend in the hammer-beamed, stained glass-lit medieval . Combine a shop with a bracing winter walk. The city snuggles up to the pretty chalk hills of the South Downs National Park. A soul-stirring 11-mile stomp leads to Beacon Hill, where far-reaching views of the Solent and the Isle of Wight on clear days. Kick off with a spin of the (until December 22) in the atmospheric cathedral close. Here log cabins do a brisk trade in mulled wine and crafts from hand-carved toys and decorations to wreaths, beeswax candles, pottery and alpaca woollies. Year-round the cathedral has a cracking second-hand book stall, . There’s a tight cluster of independent shops in the cobbled lanes of , between the cathedral and the college, among them (for antique maps and engravings), (for quality one-off gifts and toys) and of , where Jane Austen once shopped for tomes. If you’re after gourmet stocking fillers, check out on St George’s Street for artisanal cheese, charcuterie and wine, and on the High Street for divine Christmas truffles. All wonky beams, cosy corners and medieval vibes, the 600-year-old, Grade II-listed is the must-score table. It’s run by a group of passionate foodie friends and it shows in festive, farm-to-fork menus starring dishes like confit pork and black pudding croquettes with mustard, lovage and bitter leaves, and Hampshire venison with peppered squash, sprout flowers, blackberries, boulangère potatoes and thyme jus. Or for brunch, coffee and cake, cocktails and wintry lunch specials like beef bourguignon, stop by the foliage-draped on The Square. Want to stay the night? Of course you do. A whisper away from the cathedral, the has a dash of historic flair and luxe rooms and suites – some with rolltop baths for a post-shop bubble.
A photo from the Ministry of Education’s Line account tells readers that it was female reindeers that pulled the sled for Santa.Photo: CNA By Hollie Younger / Staff writer, with CNA The Ministry of Education often sends out quiz questions on its official Line account, and to celebrate Christmas Day yesterday, the question was: “Are the reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh male or female?” — but more than 60 percent of people answered incorrectly. 請繼續往下閱讀... In the famous Christmas story, Santa rides in a sleigh pulled by reindeer to deliver gifts to children all over the world. Most people responded that the reindeer were male, which was incorrect, the ministry said. Both male and female reindeer — bulls and cows — grow antlers, which they shed and regrow each year. However, the females lose their antlers around April to May each year, whereas males have no antlers from November to December — and as Santa’s reindeer use their long antlers to help pull the sleigh, they must be female, it said. The explanation comes from a 2017 article on the Sci-Tech Vista Web site, set up by the National Science and Technology Council, titled “Santa’s sleigh is pulled by girl power,” which referenced international research reports and said that with the exception of Rudolph, whose name leans more masculine, the other reindeer are actually female. 新聞來源: TAIPEI TIMES 不用抽 不用搶 現在用APP看新聞 保證天天中獎 點我下載APP 按我看活動辦法MCDONALD'S has assured some customers it's looking into a discrepancy with their recent coffee orders. Those who bought the fast food giant's affordable morning staple were expecting a different cup design than what they got. Earlier this month, it was announced that McDonald's McCafé would be featuring some holiday-themed cups starting on November 18. It's all part of the company's new "Good Mornin" campaign, honoring "the simple act of saying good morning and spreading a little joy through daily coffee moments." To create designs perfect for the season, McDonald's collaborated with artist Scott Martin and Doodles , an entertainment company anointed by Pharrell Williams that started as an NFT project, to create three variations for small, medium, and large McCafé coffees. Each features unique, colorful characters enjoying the winter and getting last-minute gifts. Read More on McDonald's "We're excited to bring a fun experience to our community, to introduce millions of fans to Doodles, and to spread some joy with morning coffee this holiday season," Julian Holguin, CEO of Doodles, said in a statement. While the Doodles holiday cups have been given out nationwide since Monday, some have claimed they still haven't gotten theirs when they've ordered coffee at McDonald's . MISSING OUT "Got bamboozled at our local @McDonalds no gm for us @doodles," a customer cried out in a post on X. "We too got rugged by @McDonalds," another wrote . Most read in Money Both customers included pictures of the standard yellow McCafé cups, searching for answers. McDonald's quickly responded to the first customer, noting that they would be looking into why their local chain didn't have the Doodles cups available for their morning coffees. "Hey! we hear ya. send us the restaurant address via DM, and we'll look into it for you," the official McDonald's account replied . While it's unclear why the customers weren't given the Doodles holiday cups, it's possible their local McDonald's hadn't gotten them yet after the nationwide distribution. DIGITAL DEAL There's also other ways to take advantage of the Doodles partnership in the meantime, per Food & Wine . Those who buy a coffee can use the McDonald's mobile app to get the exclusive "pack ripping" experience, which includes an assortment of Doodles-themed items, like digital wearables for avatars, access to Doodles animated content on the Stoodio platform, and more. This year, we're making our coffee even more special by giving our seasonal packaging a fresh and unexpected collaboration with Doodles, the perfect partner, as so much of their content revolves around mornings and coffee moments. There's even co-branded accessories and apparel from McDonald's and Doodles set to come out in early December, along with the music video to a new song called "Good Mornin'" from Marley Bleu. The song was produced by none other than Pharrell, a former McDonald's crew member. Tariq Hassan, chief marketing officer at McDonald's, emphasized that the Doodles collection was created as an effort to make the company's coffee even more "special" after working hard on the recipe for years. "It may not be the first thing you think about when you talk about McDonald's, but coffee is an integral part of the McDonald's experience," Hassan said in statement. "We've relentlessly worked to make it taste better year over year, investing in new technology and educating crew teams on coffee culture in an effort to deliver a more consistent, fresher cup of coffee every time." More information on the McDonald's and Doodles partnership can be found on the website dedicated for it. Read More on The US Sun McDonald's also recently confirmed the Grinch Happy Meal offering with limited-time plushies. The CEO of Krispy Kreme also noted that around 2,000 McDonald's locations would soon be seeing fresh donuts .
Kosovo Panel Overturns Commission, Clears Serbian List Party For February Vote
Mets' Juan Soto reveals he hasn't talked to any of his former Yankees teammates since World Series lossAugmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market Set for Exceptional Growth from 2024 to 2032 12-25-2024 07:44 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Prudent Markets Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market The Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market 2024-2023 report provides a comprehensive analysis of Types (Cloud Based, On Premises), Application (Large Enterprises, SMEs), Analysis of Industry Trends, Growth, and Opportunities, R&D landscape, Data security and privacy concerns Risk Analysis, Pipeline Products, Assumptions, Research Timelines, Secondary Research and Primary Research, Key Insights from Industry Experts, Regional Outlook and Forecast, 2024-2032. Major Players of Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market are: Help Lightning, AWS, Microsoft, BUNDLAR, Inglobe Technologies, Mimic Technologies, Partium, IMAGINATE TECHNOLOGIES, proximie, Reflekt One, SimX, Upskill, The-Parallel, Yeppar Get PDF Sample Report Now! @ https://www.prudentmarkets.com/sample-request/9169219/ Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software is intended to train users for a certain role in a partially virtual environment. Trainees utilize the augmented reality in these solutions to learn the vital skills needed for a new job. These from differ from virtual reality training simulators, as the latter provides training simulations to users in a completely immersive, virtual environment. By integrating 3D images into the real world using a phone or other mobile device with a camera, AR training simulators replicate real-life situations, which makes the learning experience more retainable and engaging. AR training simulators allow users in high-stress careers to develop skills necessary for the job before they are put in the field. These solutions tend to be used by those in hands-on careers, such as medicine or law enforcement. AR training simulators can also be of use to those in more niche careers, like aviation and transportation. Some AR training simulators may have augmented reality SDK functionalities, which means that developers can customize their specific AR training simulator platform to fit the needs of their organization. This report provides a deep insight into the global Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software market covering all its essential aspects. 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Segmentation of Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market- By Type Cloud Based, On Premises By Application Large Enterprises, SMEs Geographic Segmentation -North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) -Europe (Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe) -Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific) -South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of South America) -The Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of MEA) Prudent Markets provides attractive discounts that fit your needs. Customization of the reports as per your requirement is also offered. Get in touch with our sales team, who will guarantee you a report that suits your needs. Speak To Our Analyst For A Discussion On The Above Findings, And Ask For A Discount On The Report @ https://www.prudentmarkets.com/discount-request/9169219/ Key Benefits of the Report: This study presents the analytical depiction of the Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Industry along with the current trends and future estimations to determine the imminent investment pockets. The report presents information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities along with detailed analysis of the Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market share. The current market is quantitatively analyzed from to highlight the Global Gardening Pots Market growth scenario. Porter's five forces analysis illustrates the potency of buyers & suppliers in the market. The report provides a detailed Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market analysis based on competitive intensity and how the competition will take shape in coming years. Key poles of the TOC: Chapter 1 Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market Business Overview Chapter 2 Major Breakdown by Type Chapter 3 Major Application Wise Breakdown (Revenue & Volume) Chapter 4 Manufacture Market Breakdown Chapter 5 Sales & Estimates Market Study Chapter 6 Key Manufacturers Production and Sales Market Comparison Breakdown Chapter 8 Manufacturers, Deals and Closings Market Evaluation & Aggressiveness Chapter 9 Key Companies Breakdown by Overall Market Size & Revenue by Type Chapter 11 Business / Industry Chain (Value & Supply Chain Analysis) Chapter 12 Conclusions & Appendix The report covers the competitive analysis of the market. As the demand is driven by a buyer's paying capacity and the rate of item development, the report shows the important regions that will direct growth. This section exclusively shares insight into the budget reports of big-league members of the market helping key players and new entrants understand the potential of investments in the Global Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market. It can be better employed by both traditional and new players in the industry for complete know-how of the market. For In-Depth Competitive Analysis - Purchase this Report now at a Complete Table of Contents (Single User License) @ https://www.prudentmarkets.com/checkout/?id=9169219&license_type=su Free Customization on the basis of client requirements on Immediate purchase: 1- Free country-level breakdown of any 5 countries of your interest. 2- Competitive breakdown of segment revenue by market players. Customization of the Report: This report can be customized to meet the client's requirements. Please connect with our sales team (sales@prudentmarkets.com), who will ensure that you get a report that suits your needs. You can also get in touch with our executives on +91 83560 50278 || USA/Canada(Toll Free): 1800-601-6071 to share your research requirements. In conclusion, the Augmented Reality (AR) Training Simulator Software Market report is a genuine source for accessing the research data which is projected to exponentially grow your business. The report provides information such as economic scenarios, benefits, limits, trends, market growth rates, and figures. SWOT analysis and PESTLE analysis is also incorporated in the report. Contact Us: Allan Carter Andheri, Maharashtra, 400102 USA/Canada(Toll Free): 1800-601-6071 Direct Line: +91 83560 50278 Mail: sales@prudentmarkets.com Web: www.prudentmarkets.com About Us: We are leaders in market analytics, business research, and consulting services for Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, financial & government institutions. Since we understand the criticality of data and insights, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. To be at our client's disposal whenever they need help on market research and consulting services. We also aim to be their business partners when it comes to making critical business decisions around new market entry, M&A, competitive Intelligence and strategy. This release was published on openPR.
Bad Axe: Wisconsin wary of rival Minnesota with bowl bid in perilBengaluru has cemented its position as one of India’s leading office rental markets, with a 5.3% CAGR over 12 years. The city ranks third for rental growth among major tier-1 cities, according to the 2024 IIMB-CRE Matrix CPRI report. Bengaluru: Bengaluru has reinforced its status as one of India’s top cities in the office rental market, posting a solid 12-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.3 per cent. This places the city third in terms of rental growth among major tier-1 cities, according to the newly released IIMB-CRE Matrix Commercial Property Rental Index (CPRI) for 2024. 3.6% growth in India’s office rental market India’s first commercial property rental index, developed by the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) in collaboration with CRE Matrix, reveals that average effective rentals across key cities have grown by 3.6% based on a five-year CAGR. The index, which leverages over a decade of transactional data, offers detailed insights into rental trends across 10 major cities, representing 90% of Grade A and A+ office space. The index, a joint effort between the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM-B) and CRE Matrix, provides an in-depth analysis of rental trends across India’s office real estate sector. Drawing from actual lease transaction data, the report highlights Grade A and A+ office properties in 10 major cities, with Bengaluru playing a pivotal role due to its large share of the country’s premium office stock. Key growth drivers in Bengaluru’s office rental market Bengaluru’s office rental market has exhibited remarkable consistency, with rents rising in 44 out of the past 50 quarters which is the highest among all other tier-1 cities. Key areas like Whitefield, South Bengaluru, and the Outer Ring Road have emerged as top performers, reflecting the city’s steady growth across various macro-markets. Localities with highest prominence Prominent contributors to Bengaluru’s growth include the Whitefield, South Bengaluru, and Central Business District regions. The city also witnessed its most significant quarterly increase of 4 per cent in the third quarter of 2013, signaling strong market performance. Click for more latest Bengaluru news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Harsh Trivedi, working as a Senior Sub Editor at TV9 Network primarily covers news updates from 8 major cosmopolitan cities. Harsh is a language agnostic journalist who is committed to ethical, credible, factual and responsible journalism through his research-driven stories. He talks about ‘Free Press’ and its significance for a free and functional democracy. In his 4.5-year-long TV & Digital journalism journey, Harsh is experienced in covering politics, crime & sports for some of the country’s leading media outlets including Network 18, ITV - NewsX, and The Free Press Journal, with an added experience of on-ground coverage from Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh during the 2023-Five State Vidhan Sabha Elections.
Liverpool shines in Champions League, dumping Real Madrid down the table. Dortmund rises to 4th Liverpool stayed perfect in the Champions League. A 2-0 win at Anfield dumped title holder Real Madrid into an almost unbelievable 24th place in the 36-team standings. Liverpool's second half ghoals came from Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo, either side of Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé having a penalty saved. Borussia Dortmund, is up to fourth place after beating Dinamo Zagreb 3-0. Monaco missed a chance to go second losing 3-2 at home to Benfica. The best comeback was at PSV Eindhoven. Te home team trailed Shakhtar Donetsk by two goals in the 87th minute of a 3-2 win. Daniel Jones is signing with the Vikings after his release from the Giants, AP source says A person familiar with the decision says former New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is signing with the Minnesota Vikings. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement hasn’t been finalized. Jones will join Minnesota’s practice squad less than a week after the Giants released the former No. 6 overall draft pick. Sam Darnold has helped the Vikings start 9-2. Jones joins Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien in Minnesota’s quarterback room. Rookie first-round pick J.J. McCarthy had season-ending knee surgery in August and a second procedure on his knee earlier this month. LIV Golf will hire sports and entertainment leader Scott O'Neil to replace Greg Norman, report says Scott O'Neil is set to become the next CEO of Saudi-funded LIV Golf. The Athletic is reporting the move for the former head of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. O'Neil recently was CEO of Merlin Entertainments. The company that owns resorts like Legoland announced O'Neil was leaving for a new opportunity. O'Neil would replace Greg Norman at LIV Golf. Sports Business Journal reported last month that Norman would move to a different role that has not been announced. Norman has been CEO of the rival golf league since it launched in 2022. The PGA Tour and Saudi backers are still negotiating an investment deal. West Virginia knocks off No. 3 Gonzaga 86-78 in overtime in the Battle 4 Atlantis NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Javon Small scored five of his 31 points in overtime and Tucker DeVries added key free throws late in regulation and finished with 16 points as West Virginia beat No. 3 Gonzaga 86-78 in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Small’s layup with under 2 minutes left in OT gave West Virginia a 79-75 lead. After a Gonzaga miss, Sencire Harris hit two free throws to make it a six-point lead. With 27.1 seconds left, Harris made a steal and scored on a dunk for an eight-point lead, putting the game out of reach. Braden Huff scored 19 points and Khalif Battle 16 for Gonzaga (5-1). Two companies drop McGregor after civil jury ruled he must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her LONDON (AP) — Two companies have cut ties with Conor McGregor after a civil court jury in Ireland ruled last week that he must pay nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) to a woman who accused the mixed martial arts fighter of raping her. Proximo Spirits, the owner of Irish whiskey brand Proper No. 12, will no longer feature McGregor’s name or image. Video game developer IO Interactive ended its collaboration with McGregor, who had played a character in a game. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. Staley counsels some South Carolina fans to keep calm after No. 4 Gamecocks 1st loss in two seasons COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina coach Dawn Staley is not in panic mode, even if some of famous “Fams” are following her team's first loss in two seasons. The Gamecocks had won 85 of their previous 86 games, including a program record 43 in a row before falling to UCLA 77-62 this past Sunday. South Carolina slipped from No. 1 to No. 4 in the rankings while the Bruins took over the top spot. Still, it caught Staley by surprise that some supporters were worried about the November loss. Staley said the defending national champions are still finding their way. Thanksgiving Weekend Sports Guide: Your roadmap to NFL matchups, with other games, times and odds The long sports-filled Thanksgiving weekend is a time when many Americans enjoy gathering with friends and family for good food, good company and hopefully not too much political conversation. Also on the menu — all the NFL and college sports you can handle. Here is a roadmap to one of the biggest sports weekends of the year, with a look at marquee games over the holiday and how to watch. Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley prepare for earliest matchup ever between 1,300-yard running backs Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry combined for 395 yards rushing on back-to-back nights at SoFi Stadium as the dynamic playmakers keep proving that investing in running backs can pay off in the right situation. Next, they will play on the same field at the same time when Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles take on Henry and the Baltimore Ravens in the first matchup ever between two 1,300-yard runners in Week 13 or earlier. Before this year, no player had rushed for at least 1,300 yards and 10 TDs in the first 12 weeks of the season since Shaun Alexander in 2005 as teams moved away from bell-cow backs and diminished the importance of the position. Raiders will start O'Connell at quarterback when they visit the Chiefs HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Aidan O’Connell will start at quarterback when the Las Vegas Raiders visit their AFC West rival Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. Raiders coach Antonio Pierce says O’Connell had progressed well after breaking his right thumb on Oct. 20 in a game against the Los Angeles Rams. Gardner Minshew broke his left collarbone on Sunday in a game against the Denver Broncos and is out for the season. The Raiders could have gone with Desmond Ridder to replace Minshew. Luis Suarez signs to stay with Messi and Inter Miami for 2025 season FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Luis Suarez is going to play alongside Lionel Messi for at least one more year. Suarez and Inter Miami have agreed on a one-year contract extension for the coming season, the team announced Wednesday. The financial terms weren’t disclosed. Suarez made $1.5 million this year in his first Inter Miami season, one in which the Uruguayan striker scored 20 goals — tied with Messi for the team lead — in Major League Soccer regular season play and a team-best 25 goals across all competitions.It shows that support for the Fianna Fail party is at 21% ahead of polling day, only slightly ahead of their coalition partners Fine Gael and the largest opposition party Sinn Fein, who were neck-and-neck at 20%. The Red C-Business Post poll showed support for Fianna Fail unchanged, while Fine Gael had a slide of two percentage points and Sinn Fein gained two. The near dead-locked poll results came on Wednesday as fears over future economic threats took centre stage in the final stretch of the campaign. Taoiseach Simon Harris said he is taking a “project truth” approach to calling out Sinn Fein’s spending pledges as election results on the other side of the Atlantic put Ireland’s economic model into sharp relief. Donald Trump’s presidential election victory in the US has brought heightened concern around what his proposals for corporation tax and tariffs could mean for Ireland. Mr Harris, leader of Fine Gael, has argued Ireland and other EU countries need to prepare for the possibility of trade shocks as he criticised the scale of Sinn Fein’s spending pledges as well as their saving plans. He said: “I think that is irresponsible, I think it is dangerous and I think it is reckless.” He accused Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald of not being able to say what her party was prepared to do in the event of an economic crash, adding that Fine Gael would borrow and stop putting money towards a rainy-day fund. Asked if the party was engaging in “project fear” to dissuade voters against Sinn Fein, Mr Harris said: “I call it ‘project truth’. It’s telling people what’s being discussed right across European capitals.” Ms McDonald told an RTE interview on Wednesday morning that a Sinn Fein government would also be prepared to start borrowing in the event of an economic downturn. Both Mr Harris and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, who were partners in the last coalition government in Ireland, have made clear they will not countenance Sinn Fein as a potential partner in the next administration in Dublin. One day after the only three-way debate featuring the leaders of the main parties, Mr Martin accused Sinn Fein of being “dishonest” about how they will fund their manifesto plans. Speaking in Dublin on Wednesday, he said he is anxious to get clarity on the issue. “I think Sinn Fein have been very dishonest, frankly, in terms of the funds, because if you go through their figures, and this is a matter of fact, not opinion, they’re predicting a surplus of a billion in 2026, a billion in 2027. “Even in 2025, they’re talking about a mini budget, which would mean reducing the surplus that we’re anticipating in 2025. “There’s a legislative obligation now on any new government to put 0.8% of GDP to one side, and into the funds. There’s no way you can do that with a surplus of a billion in 2026 or 2027, and we would argue they would not have enough funds next year either to put into the funds.” He added: “It means they have no room to manoeuvre if things go wrong, if there’s headwinds come externally, or there are shocks internationally, Sinn Fein is not allowing any headroom at all in terms of room to respond or to move it.” Ms McDonald accused the other two parties of conspiring to keep Sinn Fein out of government and prevent change in Ireland. She said the two men were now “indistinguishable” from each other as she claimed they were suffering “acute amnesia” in regard to their records in government. On a visit to Naas fire station in Co Kildare, she said: “To listen to them, you’d imagine they had just arrived on the scene and that they were going to come up with all of these solutions. “They have had ample chances, ample opportunity, to make things better, and they have failed, and in between the two of them I make the case that now we ask for our chance, with our plans, with our team, to demonstrate how change can happen, how your community, your family, yourself, can be supported when the government is actually on your side.” Mr Martin’s and Mr Harris’ coalition partner Roderic O’Gorman, the leader of the Greens, issued a warning to the public over a future government without his party. On Wednesday, he said it is looking likely that Fianna Fail and Fine Gael will be returned to government – but cautioned they may not want the Greens to continue “fighting hard” on policies. He told reporters: “My sense is certainly the mood music from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is that they’d like an easier life in the next government – and my concern is they use these small populist parties and right-wing independents.” Mr O’Gorman argued that the Greens could continue to provide stability to government at a time when economic shocks may be around the corner. As the Green leader suggested that relying on independents would be unstable, Mr Martin has also argued that “too much fragmentation would lead to incoherence in government”. Reflecting on Tuesday night’s debate, the Fianna Fail leader said the race remained “too close to call” while Mr Harris said it is “all to play for”. The leaders of Ireland’s three main political parties clashed on housing, healthcare and financial management in the last televised debate before Friday’s General Election. The tetchy debate, which was marked by several interruptions, saw the parties set out their stalls in a broadcast that commentators said did little to move the dial before polling day. After the 2020 general election delivered an inconclusive result, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, two parties forged from opposing sides of Ireland’s Civil War of the 1920s, agreed to set aside almost a century of animosity and share power – with the Greens as a junior partner. From 2016 to 2020, Fianna Fail had supported Fine Gael in power through a confidence-and-supply arrangement from the Opposition benches in the Dail parliament. Sinn Fein won the popular vote in 2020 but a failure to run enough candidates meant it did not secure sufficient seats in the Dail to give it a realistic chance of forming a government.
CROWN ROYAL JOINS FORCES WITH NATE SMITH AND SCOTTY HASTING TO SUPPORT VETERANS AS THE AWARD-WINNING WHISKY DONATES $50,000 TO CREATIVETS ON COUNTRY MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHTIt didn't take Syracuse first-year coach Fran Brown long to figure out the key matchup for Saturday afternoon's Atlantic Coast Conference game visiting Miami. "Syracuse has a really good quarterback," Brown said of Kyle McCord, "and Miami has a really good quarterback (Cam Ward)." With a win on Saturday, the No. 6 Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 ACC) can clinch a berth in the league championship game against SMU. Miami is a 10 1/2-point favorite for Saturday's game. Syracuse (8-3, 4-3) has reached eight wins for just the fourth time since 2002, going 8-5 in 2010 and 2012 and 10-3 in 2018. However, the Orange haven't defeated a Top-10 team since knocking off Clemson in 2017. Miami leads the nation in scoring (44.7), and the Hurricanes will count on perfect passing conditions in Syracuse's dome. That could be huge for Ward, who leads the nation with 34 touchdown passes, ranking second in passing yards (3,774) and fourth in passing efficiency. Ward's top target is wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who needs just 21 yards to reach 1,000 for the second straight season. Restrepo also ranks tied for seventh in the nation with 10 TD receptions. Ward has some other top targets, including 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end Elijah Arroyo, who is a walking mismatch because of his size and speed. He leads Miami with 18.5 yards per reception. Hurricanes wide receivers Isaiah Horton and Jacolby George have combined for 12 TD passes, and Sam Brown has added two more. Each of them has more than 500 receiving yards this season. Miami's running game features battering ram Damien Martinez (739 yards, 5.5 average, eight TDs); versatile Mark Fletcher Jr. (499 yards, 5.7 average, six TDs); and game-breaking freshman Jordan Lyle (361 yards, 8.6 average, four TDs). Defensively, Miami's big-play man is safety Mishael Powell, who ranks second in the ACC with five interceptions. "He's all about winning," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of Powell. "He's a smart, self-starting team player." On special teams, Miami kicker Andres Borregales ranks second in the ACC with 97 points. He is 52-for-52 on extra points and 15-for-16 on field goals. Meanwhile, McCord ranks No. 1 in the nation in passing yards (3,946) and tied for seventh in TD passes (26). McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has also set Syracuse's single-season record for passing yards. In last week's 31-24 win over Connecticut, McCord passed for a career-high 470 yards. However, McCord is just 46th in the nation in passing efficiency, due in part to his high total of interceptions (12). Syracuse also has three of the top six pass-catchers in the ACC in terms of yards: tight end Oronde Gadsden II (810) and wide receivers Jackson Meeks (801) and Trebor Pena (743). Gadsden, who is from the greater Miami area, has had three straight 100-yard games. He is the son of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden. Syracuse's run game is led by LeQuint Allen, who has rushed for 819 yards, a 4.3 average and 12 TDs. The issue for Syracuse could be its defense, which ranks 13th in the ACC in points allowed (27.8). Miami's defense is fourth (22.3). Even so, Syracuse coach Brown said he's excited about this matchup. "I heard Miami is going to come deep," Brown said of Miami fans. "It's going to be intense in the stands. It's going to be intense on the field. I think this is a game everyone wants to see." --Field Level Media
Huddle Global 2024, the annual startup conclave organised by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), concluded on Saturday at the picturesque Kovalam beach, paving the way for strengthened collaborations and significant investments in the State’s startup ecosystem. The event facilitated over 200 cross-sector interactions, providing valuable networking opportunities; 15 product launches and promising collaborations, particularly between corporates such as Vedanta, L&T, Bosch, with future corporate engagements in the works. Ten Memorandums of Agreement (MoUs) were also signed for global and national partnership during the course of the conclave. Panneerselvam Madanagopal, chief executive officer, MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) Startup Hub, was the chief guest at the valedictory session. State Electronics and IT secretary Rathan U. Kelkar and KSUM chief executive officer Anoop Ambika were also present. KSUM announced the winners of the ‘Branding Challenge 2.0’, a competition aimed at creating branding strategies for impactful food technologies developed by prestigious institutions across the country. Selected food technologies from nine R&D institutions were showcased before designers to come up with their branding insights. The winners were presented a cash prize of ₹10,000 each, along with the ‘Huddle Global Designers Award 2024’. The winners were Agna John, Muhammed Shafeeq, Adarsh Mohan K.S., Adhila Shaireen, Roshan M.R., Fathimath Nesila P.P., Fahad Salim, Anoop Kumar V. and Sreehari K.N. KSUM also declared the nine startups chosen under its ‘WE Start Pre-Incubation Programme’ that supports 100 women-led startups. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal participated in a round-table on various policy interventions and support systems to accelerate the startup ecosystem. He also interacted with major investors, high net-worth individuals and other stakeholders before visiting the startup expo. Shashi Tharoor, MP, who delivered a keynote address on the concluding day, termed Kerala’s startup ecosystem a “glittering jewel” in the crown of India’s fast-growing startup landscape, as it demonstrated its prowess in innovation, inventiveness, sustainability and inclusiveness. While hailing the achievements of the State’s startup ecosystem, Dr. Tharoor called for urgent steps to streamline regulatory compliances and procedures “by dismantling the oppressive red-tape” in order to enable aspirational entrepreneurs to launch enterprises, attract capital and grow faster. Renowned author William Dalrymple, who was also among the key speakers, traced India’s rise as an IT powerhouse. He pointed out that it was not the first time that Indian knowledge is contributing to the development of mankind. “India was part of the world which, very early on, answered the big questions of mankind on its existence, the relation of the earth to heaven, and the size of the earth. But the influence of the Indian soft power remains hidden, he lamented, as he elaborated: “It is worth asking why everyone in the West had heard about Archimedes and Pythagoras, but no one knows the name of Brahmagupta, whose works led to the concept of zero and the earth’s position in the solar system.” Published - November 30, 2024 08:14 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit
NoneMothers bear the brunt of the 'mental load,' managing 7 in 10 household tasks
Kosovo arrested several suspects on Saturday after an explosion at a key canal feeding two of its main power plants, while neighbouring Serbia rejected accusations of staging the blast. The explosion on Friday near the town of Zubin Potok, which sits in an ethnic Serb-dominated area in Kosovo's troubled north, damaged a canal that supplies water to hundreds of thousands of people and cooling systems at two coal-fired power plants that generate most of Kosovo's electricity. As security forces swarmed the area around the canal, whose concrete walls were left with a gaping hole gushing water, Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the site and announced that authorities had arrested several people. Law enforcement "carried out searches" and "collected testimony and evidence, and the criminals and terrorists will have to face justice and the law", he said. Calling it "the most serious attack on critical infrastructure in Kosovo since the end of the war", Interior Minister Xhelal Svecla told the press that police had detained eight suspects. Police chief Gazmend Hoxha said that his office had seized "200 military uniforms, six grenade launchers, two rifles, a pistol, masks, knives" in the operation. "This is not a trivial attack, it was an act prepared by professional terrorist organisations," Svecla added. The arrests follow a security meeting late on Friday, when Kurti pointed the finger at Serbia. "The attack was carried out by professionals. We believe it comes from gangs directed by Serbia," he told a press conference, without providing evidence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hit back on Saturday, denying the "irresponsible" and "baseless accusations". "Such unfounded claims are aimed to tarnish Serbia's reputation, as well as to undermine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," he said in a statement to AFP. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric had earlier suggested on X that the Kosovar "regime" could itself be behind the blast, calling for an international investigation. The main political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, Serb List, also condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms". AFP journalists at the scene saw water leaking heavily from one side of the reinforced canal, which runs from the Serb-majority north of Kosovo to the capital, Pristina. However, electricity supplies to consumers were running smoothly on Saturday morning, with authorities having found an alternative method to cool the plants, said Kosovo's Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli. Repair work was ongoing, authorities said, while Kurti confirmed workers had managed to restore water flows to 25 percent capacity. The European Union denounced the explosion as a "terrorist attack". "It is a despicable act of sabotage on Kosovo's critical civilian infrastructure, which provides drinking water for (a) considerable part of Kosovo's population and is a vital component of Kosovo's energy system," the bloc's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a statement. The United States, France and Turkey joined the international condemnation of the attack. "We call on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid escalation in the region," Turkey's foreign ministry said. The NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission for Kosovo likewise called for restraint. "It is important that facts are established and that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice," it said in a statement. The force is providing security in the surrounding area and has offered logistical, explosives removal and engineering support to the Kosovo authorities, it added. Animosity between ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the end of the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia has refused to acknowledge. Kurti's government has for months sought to dismantle a parallel system of social services and political offices backed by Belgrade to serve Kosovo's Serbs. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday denounced "the act of sabotage on the critical water supply infrastructure in the Iber-Lepenc Canal" in comments on X, calling it "a serious crime that endangers the lives of Kosovo's citizens and undermines the process of normalising relations in our region". Friday's attack came after a series of violent incidents in northern Kosovo, including the hurling of hand grenades at a municipal building and a police station earlier this week. Kosovo is due to hold parliamentary elections on February 9. ih/ach/giv/jhb/sbk/bc
How to Watch the NBA Today, December 1Texans need win over Dolphins and loss by Colts Sunday to clinch 2nd straight AFC South titleNoneAssisted dying will heap pressure on broken services, ministers warn
Ukraine is slowly losing the three-year conflict on the battlefield. Russia is slowly losing the economic conflict at a roughly equal pace. The Kremlin’s oil export revenues are too low to sustain a high-intensity war and nobody will lend Vladimir Putin a kopeck. Russia’s overheated, military-Keynesian war economy looks much like the dysfunctional German war economy of late 1917, which had run out of skilled manpower and was holed below the waterline after three years of Allied blockade – as the logistical failures of the Ludendorff offensive would later reveal. Vladimir Putin’s war has crippled Russia’s economy. Credit: AP Photos Putin’s strategic victory in Ukraine was far from inevitable a fortnight ago and it is less inevitable now after the Assad regime collapsed like a house of cards , shattering Putin’s credibility in the Middle East and the Sahel. He could do nothing to save his sole state ally in the Arab world. “The limits of Russian military power have been revealed,” said Tim Ash, a regional expert at Bluebay Asset Management and a Chatham House fellow. Turkey is now master of the region. Turkish forces had to step in to rescue stranded Russian generals. Even if Putin succeeds in holding on to his naval base at Tartus – a big if – this concession will be on Ottoman terms and sufferance. “Putin now goes into Ukraine peace talks from a position of weakness,” said Mr Ash. When Trump won the US elections in 2016, corks of Golubitskoe Villa Romanov popped at the Kremlin. There were no illusions this time. Anton Barbashin from Riddle Russia says Donald Trump imposed 40 rounds of sanctions on Russia, belying his bonhomie with Putin before the cameras. He has since warned that Putin will not get all of the four annexed (but unconquered) oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhia. The Kremlin had banked on a contested election outcome in the US, followed by months of disarray that would discredit US democracy across the world. The polite interregnum has been a cruel disappointment. Barbashin says Russia’s leaders expect Trump to issue ultimatums to both Kyiv and Moscow: if Volodymyr Zelensky balks at peace terms, the US will sever all military aid; if Putin drags his feet, the US will up the military ante and carpet-bomb the Russian economy. That economy held up well for two years but this third year has become harder. The central bank has raised interest rates to 21 per cent to choke off an inflation spiral. “The economy cannot exist like this for long. It’s a colossal challenge for business and banks,” said German Gref, Sberbank’s chief executive. Sergei Chemezov, head of the defence giant Rostec, said the monetary squeeze was becoming dangerous. “If we continue like this, most companies will essentially go bankrupt. At rates of more than 20 per cent, I don’t know of a single business that can make a profit, not even an arms trader,” he said. If the Saudis again decide to flood the world with cheap crude to recoup market share – as many predict – oil will fall below $US40 and Russia will spin out of economic control. Credit: AP The resurrection of the Soviet military industrial complex – to borrow a term from Pierre-Marie Meunier, the French intelligence analyst – is cannibalising the rest of the economy. Some 800,000 of the young and best-educated have left the country. The numbers slaughtered or maimed in the meat grinder are approaching half a million. Russia’s digital minister says the shortage of IT workers is around 600,000. The defence industry has 400,000 unfilled positions. The total labour shortage is near 5 million. Anatoly Kovalev, head of Zelenograd Nanotechnology Centre, said his industry was crippled by lack of equipment and could not replace foreign supplies. “There is a shortage of qualified specialists: engineers, technologists, developers, designers. There are practically no colleges and technical schools that train personnel for the industry,” he said. Total export earnings from all fossil fuels were running at about $US1.2 billion ($1.9 billion) a day in mid-2022. They have fallen for the last 10 months consecutively and are now barely $US600 million. The Kremlin takes a slice of this for the budget but it is far too little to fund a war machine gobbling up a 10th of GDP in one way or another. Oil tax revenues slumped to $US5.8 billion in November, based on a Urals price averaging near $US65 a barrel. That price could fall a lot further. Russia is facing an incipient price war with Saudi Arabia in Asian markets. Putin is raiding the National Wealth Fund to cover the shortfall. Its liquid assets have fallen to a 16-year low of $US54 billion. Its gold reserves have dropped from 554 to 279 tonnes over the last 15 months. The fund is left with illiquid holdings that cannot be crystallised, such as an equity stake in Aeroflot. The long-awaited rally in oil prices keeps refusing to happen. JP Morgan said excess global supply next year would reach 1.3 million barrels a day due to rising output from Brazil, Guyana, and US shale. Rosneft’s Igor Sechin has told his old KGB friend Putin to brace for $US45-$US50 next year. Adjusted for inflation, that matches levels that bankrupted the Soviet Union in the 1980s. The purpose of the G7’s convoluted oil sanctions was – until a month ago – to eat into Putin’s revenue without curtailing global oil supply and worsening the cost of living shock in the West. This has been a partial success. Russia had to assemble a shadow fleet of tankers and ship oil from Baltic and Black Sea ports to buyers in India and China, who pressed a hard bargain. The International Energy Agency estimates that the discount on Urals crude has averaged $US15 over 2023 to 2024, depriving Putin of $US75 million a day in export revenues. ‘The economy cannot exist like this for long. It’s a colossal challenge for business and banks.’ Russia can get around technology sanctions but its systems are configured to Western semiconductors. These chips cannot easily be replaced by Chinese suppliers, even if they were willing to risk US secondary sanctions, which most are not. The chips are bought at a stiff premium on the global black market and are unreliable. Ukrainian troops have noticed that Russian Geran-2 drones keep spinning out of control. The Washington Post reports that laser-guided devices on Russia’s T-90M tanks have “mysteriously disappeared”, greatly reducing capability. The industry ministry has been trying to develop analogues to replace chips from Texas Instruments, Aeroflex and Cypress but admitted in October that all three tenders had failed. Alexey Novoselov from the circuits company Milandr said Russia could not obtain the insulator technologies needed to make chips of 90 nanometers or below. It is the dark ages. The US tightened the noose three weeks ago, imposing sanctions on Gazprombank and over 50 Russian banks linked to global transactions. This has greatly complicated Russia’s ability to trade energy and buy technology on the black market. It briefly crashed the rouble, now hovering at around 100 to the dollar. Chinese banks have stopped accepting Russian UnionPay cards. The Chinese press says exporters have pulled back from Russian e-commerce sites such as Yandez or Wildberries because payment fees through third-parties no longer cover thin profit margins. Some have been unable to extract their money from Russia and are facing large losses. Few foresaw the sudden and total collapse of the Soviet regime, though all the signs of economic decay and imperial overreach were there to see by 1989. Putin’s regime is not yet at this point but it would only take one more change in the Middle East to bring matters to a head. If the Saudis again decide to flood the world with cheap crude to recoup market share – as many predict – oil will fall below $US40 and Russia will spin out of economic control. The Ukraine war may end in Riyadh. Telegraph, London The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning .Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has had an up-and-down campaign, but there have been far more explosive performances than in previous seasons. The third-year wideout leads the NFL in yards per reception, logging a ridiculous 23.3 average per catch. Despite it being Week 13, the Cincinnati product has already set career-high marks in yards (629) and touchdown receptions (four) despite recording only 27 receptions. Ahead of the Week 13 matchup against the New England Patriots , Pierce is listed as questionable on the team's injury report due to a foot injury. Here's the latest update on his status for Week 13. Alec Pierce injury update Despite being listed as questionable, Pierce is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Patriots, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. During the week, Pierce failed to practice both Wednesday and Thursday. However, he returned to full practice on Friday, which is typically a good sign that he'll have a chance to play. The Colts will be without their best receiver, Josh Downs, who suffered a shoulder injury during the Week 12 loss against the Detroit Lions. The Colts will also have Michael Pittman Jr. available as he deals with several injuries, most specifically a back injury he suffered about two months ago. MORE NFL: Colts' Anthony Richardson slapped with $22K fineRacing prodigy Yevan on track to Formula fame
Headset voyage to 'nowhere else like it on the planet'Asked to explain his “improbable resurrection” with his 2024 presidential election win, said his campaign, “hit the nerve of the country. The country was angry.” The president-elect made the comments as part of his Person of the Year cover story interview, as Trump receives the prestigious print honor for the second time. recalled his recent campaign when magazine on being named its Person of the Year for 2024. Trump was , when he was first elected president of the United States, beating Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. In 2024, he defeated Vice President , which will send him back to the Oval Office for a second non-consecutive term. Speaking to Time ahead of his White House return, Trump called the final months of his campaign “72 Days of Fury.” As he prepares to return to the White House for his second and final term, Trump seemed reflective in the interview. “It’s sad in a way... It will never happen again,” he said Trump also reiterated that he will grant pardons to many of those convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. “It’s going to start in the first hour,” Trump announced about the pardons. “Maybe the first nine minutes,” he added. editor-in-chief Sam Jacobs Trump for its latest Person of the Year “for marshaling a comeback of historic proportions, for driving a once-in-a-generation political realignment, for reshaping the American presidency and altering America’s role in the world.” THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter
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