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Kuwait City, Dec 22 (IANS): Agreeing to elevate the relations to a 'Strategic Partnership', India and Kuwait on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to institutionalize bilateral cooperation in the area of defence during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic two-day visit to the key Gulf nation. Recognising that defence is an important component of the strategic partnership, both countries maintain that the MoU will provide the required framework to further strengthen bilateral defence ties, including through joint military exercises, training of defence personnel, coastal defence, maritime safety, joint development and production of defence equipment. The two sides also "unequivocally condemned" terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism and called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, and dismantling of terror infrastructure. "Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, information and intelligence sharing, developing and exchanging experiences, best practices and technologies, capacity building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes," read the Joint Statement issued after the conclusion of PM Modi's visit. Discussions were also held to promote cooperation in cybersecurity, including prevention of use of cyberspace for terrorism, radicalisation and for disturbing social harmony. "The two sides expressed interest in pursuing deeper collaboration in the area of technology including emerging technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. They discussed avenues to explore B2B cooperation, furthering e-Governance, and sharing best practices for facilitating industries/companies of both countries in the policies and regulation in the electronics and IT sector," the Joint Statement mentioned. The Kuwaiti side also expressed interest in cooperation with India to ensure its food-security. Both sides discussed various avenues for collaboration including investments by Kuwaiti companies in food parks in India. India welcomed Kuwait’s decision to become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant step towards collaboration in developing and deploying low-carbon growth trajectories and fostering sustainable energy solutions. New Joint Working Groups (JWGs) have been set up in areas of trade, investments, education and skill development, science and technology, security and counter-terrorism, agriculture, and culture, in addition to the existing JWGs on health, manpower and hydrocarbons. Both sides emphasised on convening the meetings of the newly-formed Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC) and the JWGs under it at an early date to further expand bilateral cooperation across various fields. Besides the MoU on defence, the executive programme on cooperation in the field of sports for 2025-2028 and the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for 2025-2029, were also signed. The CEP will facilitate greater cultural exchanges in art, music, dance, literature and theatre, cooperation in preservation of cultural heritage, research and development in the area of culture and organising of festivals. The executive programme, meanwhile, will strengthen bilateral cooperation in the field of sports between India and Kuwait by promoting exchange of visits of sports leaders for experience sharing, participation in programmes and projects in the field of sports, exchange of expertise in sports medicine, sports management, sports media, sports science, among others.
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has been ruled out for the second half of Saturday's SEC Championship Game against Texas after being injured on the final play of the first half. Texas' Trey Moore forced a fumble on Beck's pass attempt, appearing to injure the Georgia quarterback's throwing arm. Beck remained motionless on the field for a short time before joining the team in the locker room. Coach Kirby Smart told ESPN at halftime that Beck was done for the day. During the third quarter, Beck was seen with ice on his right elbow. Beck completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards and was sacked once before exiting. Georgia backup Gunner Stockton entered and led Georgia on a 10-play, 75-yard opening second-half drive, giving the Bulldogs their first lead at 10-6. Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson injured his left knee in the third quarter and was ruled out of the contest. He was taken off on a cart. --Field Level MediaIsrael and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire to end nearly 14 months of fighting
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While enduring what he called one of the “most disciplined weeks” of workouts since he’s played for Arizona, KJ Lewis also came down on himself. Before helping lead Arizona to a 102-66 win over Southern Utah on Saturday, the Wildcats' sophomore wing said he apologized to teammates and coach Tommy Lloyd for behavior that led to costly technical fouls in UA's recent losses to Duke and Oklahoma. He also pledged to better control himself going forward. “I know I'm one of the leaders of this group, so I'm just trying to be better in that aspect,” Lewis said. Then, although it wasn't technically about discipline, Lewis also all but took himself out of the starting lineup Saturday. Lloyd already pulled Lewis from the starting lineup on Nov. 29 against West Virginia in the Battle 4 Atlantis, a day after Lewis had picked up his second technical foul in three games, but that penalty appeared to be over. This time, Lloyd said, it was Lewis’ idea to stay on the bench while freshman Carter Bryant started instead. “It really wasn't planned on early in the week, and KJ came to me the past couple days and asked if I would be open to him not starting,” Lloyd said. “He just felt like maybe it would give other guys some opportunities to get some confidence, and kind of put him in in a role similar to what Pelle (Larsson) played a few years ago for us.” Larsson has said he approved a move from a starting role into the sixth-man spot midway through the 2022-23 season, in part because transfer forward Cedric Henderson was more comfortable as a starter. Larsson went on to start throughout last season and become a second-round draft pick last June who is now playing regularly for the Miami Heat. It's possible that the Lewis-Bryant move remains similarly permanent. “We’re gonna continue to evaluate it, but it’s something that I'm not afraid to do,” Lloyd said. At least for Saturday's experiment, the move appeared to work for both players. It put Lewis back in the aggressive sixth-man role he thrived in last season as a freshman, with Lewis picking up 15 points, eight rebounds and five assists and two steals. He still played the second-most minutes on the team, 23. Bryant, meanwhile, had only five points but a team-high nine rebounds, four assists and two steals with just one turnover in 17 minutes. Besides, Arizona hardly needed Bryant’s scoring. The Wildcats received a massive 62 points from their bench, with a total of seven players in double figures. The outburst was so widespread that even though the starting backcourt was limited -- Jaden Bradley didn’t score a single point and Caleb Love shot 3 for 12 -- the Wildcats still hit the century mark. Reserve wing Anthony Dell’Orso led the Wildcats in scoring with 19 points while making 3 of 4 3-pointers. As a team, UA (4-4) shot 50% overall and 37.5% from 3-point range while stifling the Thunderbirds on the other end of the floor: Arizona held Southern Utah to just 41% shooting and scored 28 points off 18 SUU turnovers. Jamir Simpson led Southern Utah (8-3) with 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting but the Thunderbirds, who normally thrive on getting to the free throw line, couldn’t get that part of their game going. They shot just 10 free throws over the first 35 minutes and made seven of them, often unable to get into the paint because of all those turnovers. All that is why, after 10 minutes, it was never much of a game Saturday. The Wildcats led 55-23 at halftime, then by more than 30 points for most of the second half. The Wildcats went up 80-38 when Dell’Orso hit a pair of 3s within 23 seconds midway through the half. SUU pulled within 29 points with 5:34 to go, prompting Lloyd to keep in his scholarship players in until two minutes remained and UA led 101-63. Lloyd went deep into his bench, using 10 players for 10 minutes or more, while playing sophomore Conrad Martinez at point guard for 15 minutes. Martinez played only briefly in the Wildcats’ Nov. 17 game against Davidson but not in the Wildcats’ other two Battle 4 Atlantis games. Martinez wound up with five points and four assists while going without a turnover, able to help the Wildcats revive both their fast-break game and high assist-field goal ratio (with assists leading to 23 of UA's 34 made field goals). “You’ve got to get stops, you’ve got to get rebounds, to run the ball – and we’ve got to continue to evaluate our running game,” Lloyd said. “It's a huge part of what we do. It just hasn't quite come as easy for this group... “It usually starts with a ball handler and your point guard pushing and accelerating the pace of the game and finding easy opportunities. I thought Conrad came in and did a good job. Conrad ended up in some in some numbered fast-break situations, where you have a 3-on-2 or a 4-on-3 advantage, and I thought he made really good decisions.” Arizona wound up with 21 fast-break points, fueled by 13 steals and a 47-32 rebounding advantage, entertaining the McKale Center crowd of about 11,000 in a way it had not since a 102-44 laugher over Old Dominion back on Nov. 9. “As long as we defensive rebound, we run and give a maximum effort, I feel like that's one part of” getting out on the break, said forward/center Henri Veesaar, who had 12 poinrts and three rebounds. “This week (in practice) we had a lot of effort plays. We talked about that as a team just giving it up for everybody. If you make a run and you don't get the ball, but your teammate dunks the ball, we both could be happy for it, just as happy as if you dunk the ball.” The Wildcats appeared to have fun from the start. In the first half, Arizona held Southern Utah to just 26.7% shooting and scored 20 points off the Thunderbirds' 13 turnovers. Love turned the ball over on the Wildcats’ first possession to start a rough first half in which he shot just 1 for 6 from the field. His turnover led to a 3-pointer from Southern Utah’s Tavi Jackson, but the Thunderbirds trailed by double digits most of the half. While UA led just 20-16 with 11:24 left, Veesaar picked up fouls that sent him to the line four times over the next two minutes. He hit all four ensuing free throws, and Martinez followed by hitting an open 3-pointer to give UA a 27-16 lead with 9:33 left. Southern Utah never crept within single digits the rest of the way and, ultimately, the game may have proved more about therapy than competition for the Wildcats, whose two losses at the Battle 4 Atlantis last week droped their record below .500 for the first time in 15 years. “Great programs, good coaches, great players, are going to stumble once in a while and the response is the key -- learning from it and coming back stronger is the objective,” Lloyd said. “We’ve obviously been challenged early in this season, which is a good thing, and we had a good week to evaluate a lot of things. ... even how we practice, how we talk to each other, just all our behavioral things. “It was really getting back to the nitty gritty of our culture. So all in all it was a good week.” Wildcats forward Henri Veesaar (13) charges by Thunderbirds center Malik Lamin (32) during the game at McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wilbur gets the crowd hyped up as the Wildcats announce they’re starting five for the game against Southern Utah at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) dunks the ball during a break away play against Southern Utah in the first half, McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona (3-4) leads Southern Utah (8-2) 55-23 at halftime. Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) shoots the ball over Thunderbirds guard Duncan Reid (23) during the second half of the game at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona Wildcats forward Henri Veesaar (13) jumps for two-points during the first half of the game against Southern Utah, McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona (3-4) leads Southern Utah (8-2) 55-23 at halftime. Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (14) tries to keep the ball in his possession during the second half of the game at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) hangs on the rim after dunking the ball against the Thunderbirds at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats forward Henri Veesaar (13) charges by Thunderbirds center Malik Lamin (32) during the game at McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (14) dunks the ball over Southern Utah during the first half, McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats forward Trey Townsend (4) goes for a two-point shot over the Thunderbirds during the first half of the game at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) jumps to block Thunderbirds guard Hercy Miller (15) from getting his shot off, McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) jumps for a lay up during the game against Southern Utah at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (14) has a chat with assistant head coach Jack Murphy during a timeout in the second half of the game at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats guard Anthony Dell'Orso (3) drives the ball to the net against Thunderbirds guard Duncan Reid (23) during the first half of the game at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wildcats forward Henri Veesaar (13) throws the basketball at the backboard for a dunk during the second half of the game against the Thunderbirds, McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) sinks a three-point shot during the match against Southern Utah, McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Wilbur greets a row of Wildcat fans during the match against Southern Utah at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Arizona center Motiejus Krivas (14) takes practice shots before the start of the match against Southern Utah at the McKale Center, Dec. 7, 2024. Contact sports reporter Bruce Pascoe at bpascoe@tucson.com . On X(Twitter): @brucepascoe Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Reporter
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NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AB International Group Corp. (OTC: ABQQ), an intellectual property (IP) and movie investment and licensing firm, announces financial and operating results for the year ended August 31, 2024. The audited financial results have been filed in a 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Company also provided its financial outlook for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025. “ABQQ achieved record results during fiscal year 2024, as we delivered revenue growth of 125% and reached profit net income $542,331, reflecting a continued dedication to maintain exceptional levels of profitability as our business scale,” said Chiyuan Deng, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Movie License and NFT MMM IP License built up two of the most admired and well-positioned business in the marketplace, each with a robust innovation product pipeline designed to win with global consumers. Looking forward, our talented teams are highly motivated to continue driving towards the long-term opportunities of these iconic businesses.” Key Financial Highlights: Revenues for the year ended August 31, 2024, increased 125% to $3,300,467, as compared to $1,473,222 for fiscal 2023. Operating expenses were $2,813,563 for the year ended August 31, 2024, compared to $5,030,354 for fiscal 2023. We experienced a decrease in theatre operating costs in fiscal 2024 compared to fiscal 2023, mainly due to the decrease in admission revenues and the decrease in movie exhibition costs as a percentage of admission revenue. We incurred a net income of $542,331 for the year ended August 31, 2024, as compared with a net loss of $3,566,710 for fiscal 2023. As of August 31, 2024.Total Stockholders’ Equity $1,459,902, as compared to $890,988 in Fiscal 2023. During fiscal year 2024, the Company repurchased approximately 285 million shares of its common stock for a total of $50,699 at a weighted average price paid per share of $0.00018. Full Fiscal Year 2025 Outlook for the Twelve-Month Period Ending August 31, 2025 The Company's full fiscal year 2025 outlook is forward-looking in nature, reflecting our expectations as of November 26, 2024, and is subject to significant risks and uncertainties that limit our ability to accurately forecast results. This outlook assumes no meaningful changes to the Company's business prospects or risks and uncertainties identified by management that could impact future results, which include but are not limited to changes in economic conditions, including consumer confidence and discretionary spending, inflationary pressures, and foreign currency fluctuation; geopolitical tensions; and supply chain disruptions, constraints and related expenses. Revenues are expected to increase approximately 150% to $8.25 million. Gross margin is expected to be approximately 60.5%. Diluted earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $0.001 to $0.002. About AB International Group Corp. AB International Group Corp. is an intellectual property (IP) and movie investment and licensing firm, focused on acquisitions and development of various intellectual property. We are engaged in acquisition and distribution of movies. The company owns the IP of the NFT movie and music marketplace (NFT MMM) as the unique entertainment industry Non-Fungible Token. The Company operates AB Cinemas, physical movie theaters currently in NY with plans to expand nationwide ( www.abcinemasny.com ). The company also owns ABQQ.TV which is a movie and TV show online streaming platform. ABQQ TV generates revenue through a hybrid subscription model and advertising model like other online streaming platforms. For additional information, visit www.abqqs.com , www.abcinemasny.com , https://stareastnet.io/ and www.ABQQ.tv . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to changes to the Company’s management team and statements relating to the Company’s transformation, financial and operational performance including the acceleration of revenue and margins, and the Company’s overall strategy. Because forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties, actual future results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the possibility of business disruption, competitive uncertainties, and general economic and business conditions in AB International Group markets as well as the other risks detailed in company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AB International Group undertakes no obligation to update any statements in this press release for changes that happen after the date of this release. Investor Relations Contact: Charles Tang (852) 2622 2891 corp@abqqs.com Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ba28f62-fe9e-45be-89c9-c8c7a2fa9707 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d08431cf-b411-4d9f-80d4-ca34f1320c5f
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has been ruled out for the second half of Saturday's SEC Championship Game against Texas after being injured on the final play of the first half. Texas' Trey Moore forced a fumble on Beck's pass attempt, appearing to injure the Georgia quarterback's throwing arm. Beck remained motionless on the field for a short time before joining the team in the locker room. Coach Kirby Smart told ESPN at halftime that Beck was done for the day. During the third quarter, Beck was seen with ice on his right elbow. Beck completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards and was sacked once before exiting. Georgia backup Gunner Stockton entered and led Georgia on a 10-play, 75-yard opening second-half drive, giving the Bulldogs their first lead at 10-6. Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson injured his left knee in the third quarter and was ruled out of the contest. He was taken off on a cart. --Field Level MediaMiddle East latest: Israel agrees to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon starting at 4 amBy Usman Bello The Executive Director, Lift Above Poverty Organisation (LAPO), Honestus Ayo Obadiora, has said the organisation disbursed over N1,903, 098,000 to 1,466 poultry farmers across the country. He said the funds were disbursed between August 2022 and 2024 to the farmers under the LAPO’s Household Poultry Initiative (LAHPI), aimed at empowering poultry farmers. Obadiora disclosed this in Benin at the 2024 Chicken Fair organized by the LAHPI. “LAHPI has disbursed over N1,903,098,000 to 1,466 poultry farmers across the country since its inception till date”. Police fault Amnesty International’s report on #EndbadGovernance killings Democratic system failed to meet citizens’ expectations in 25 years –Bugaje “Over 50 poultry farmers turned up for the fair, and this presents opportunity to for consumers to buy chicken for Christmas at reduced prices”. “The 2024 Chicken Fair, with the theme,v”Enhancing Livelihood”, was a testament to the organisation’s shared commitment to empowering farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria. He said the empowerment of the farmers has enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability in poultry farming through the provision of financial support, modern inputs, and extension services. “The Chicken Fair 2024 serves as a dynamic platform for collaboration and innovation with the objectives to connect stakeholders in the poultry value chain to foster meaningful partnerships. “It also Showcase innovations in modern farming practices and technologies, provide capacity-building training to equip farmers with the tools they need for success, and promote sustainable agriculture to support Nigeria’s food security agenda”,he said. The farmers however commended LAPO for the initiative, which they said gave residents the opportunity to buy Chicken for Christmas celebration at a reduced price. Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. 3 years disbursed LAPO poultry farmers
Hard-hitting 'must-see' Christmas video and heart-breaking real life story behind itEgypt Daily News – Engineer Ayman Al-Qusi, Managing Director and CEO of “Midar Investment and Urban Development” Company, said that the company owns lands with a total area of up to 46 million square meters distributed between the cities of “Mustaqbal City” and “Mada,” which are two integrated cities, stressing that his company seeks to achieving a qualitative shift in the concept of urban development through huge projects based on sustainable smart city standards. He added, during a television interview on the CNBC Economic Channel, that “Future City” has attracted more than 20 developers and investors, and currently accommodates about 500,000 people, and the value of total investments in the city has exceeded about $7 billion, making it one of the most prominent integrated smart cities in Egypt. Medar also announced the launch of the “Mada” project in 2024, which extends over an area of 25 million square meters and aims to accommodate 500,000 people, with investments expected to reach $14 billion. “Mada” will be one of the first fifth generation cities in Egypt, as it relies on artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, which strengthens “Mada”’s position as a leading developer in the field of smart cities. During his speech, Al-Qusi confirmed that Midar was the first Egyptian company to obtain an “Internet of Things” license from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, which enhances the use of advanced technology in its projects to improve the quality of life in its communities. He added that the company relies on smart infrastructure that supports integrated systems for managing transportation, energy and facilities, with the aim of providing sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. He pointed out that “Midar” has established a group of specialized service companies to support its projects, such as “CIRCUIT,” which is responsible for managing electricity distribution and maintaining power stations, and “WAYZ,” which is working on developing a sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation system, in addition to “CTRL.” To manage city facilities. Engineer Al-Qusi explained that the geographical location of the Midar lands represents a great competitive advantage, as it is located in a strategic area in eastern Cairo, making it a major focal point between New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital. The location is distinguished by its proximity to an integrated network of modern means of transportation, such as monorails, The light rail train (LRT) and high-speed rail, along with new roads and axles. This distinguished connection enhances the value of “Midar” projects as investment hubs, and provides the ideal balance between residential and commercial areas, which supports the company’s vision of creating integrated and sustainable cities. Engineer Al-Qusi added that MIDAR enjoys strong financial support from major banking institutions such as the Bank of Egypt, the National Bank of Egypt, and the National Investment Bank. These partnerships contribute to providing financial flexibility and discipline that ensure the company’s projects are implemented with high quality and efficiency, and also enhance the confidence of local and regional investors in the ability of “MIDAR” to achieve its ambitious vision.CHENNAI : The high and mighty of the ruling DMK finally ended their eerie silence against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder Vijay on Saturday and launched a reactionary blitzkrieg to the actor-politician calling the incumbent Dravidian model regime a 'monarchy', a covert reference to the rise of Stalin junior in the DMK and the office of deputy CM. Asked about the monarchy reference at the book launch event attended by actor Vijay, an evasive Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "I do not watch cinema news." When reporters persisted with queries about the VCK deputy general secretary calling for the end of 'monarchy' in 2026, and a person must not become CM by virtue of birth, which was seconded by actor Vijay, a visibly agitated Udhayanidhi, also the secretary of the DMK youth wing, said, "Who is Chief Minister by birth? He (MK Stalin) became a Chief Minister after being elected by the people. Does that man not even have that knowledge?" Rebuffing Vijay's interpretation of the 200-seat target set by Stalin as hubris, a confident DMK deputy general secretary Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, said, "If we continue to work with dedication, as Thalapathy (Stalin) says, I will say with arrogance, we will definitely win 200 seats." Also Read: DMK using calamities for photo ops, slams Vijay at Ambedkar book launch event Earlier in the day, HR and CE minister PK Sekar Babu, responding to Vijay's criticism of Stalin, said, "Some political ignoramus, who has not come to the field, is criticising that the DMK's plan of winning 200 seats (in 2026) will not succeed. We will win all 234 in the 2026 Assembly polls. We will march on. Our speed will not reduce till we make Stalin the CM." State Law minister S Regupathy said, "We will form the government in 2026 and 2029. So, everyone pounces on us and not others. DMK alliance will win more than 200 seats. That is our target. What he (Vijay) says will happen in cinema with a big director, actors and art director. In politics, it will not." Offering to clarify the matter, Regupathy said, "Our deputy CM only said he will not follow cinema news. He only said that he would not yield to their plan of growing big in politics by targeting us (DMK). He did not underestimate anyone. He thinks it is a sheer waste to reply to him (Vijay)."
BETHUNE-COOKMAN 79, NORTH DAKOTA 67
By KRISTEN WOOD Chilly weather and early nights make the holiday season the best time of year for cuddling up with your favorite games. From enjoying a quiet afternoon alone to gathering with family, these board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming. The holidays are prime time for coziness. Cold weather, hot drinks and days off work or school are perfect for snuggling up under a blanket. With many games designed to be cozy, relaxed and lighthearted, accompanying your cozy afternoons with a game might be your new holiday tradition. Many holidays bring together friends and family as well. While some families may look forward to feuding over the Risk board or resources in Settlers of Catan, more low-key games can be an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Cooperative games or games with a bit of friendly competition let you focus on who you’re playing with. Since these cozy games often have easier instructions, everyone can get involved. A busy holiday season also benefits from rest. Take a break from shopping, cooking, traveling and other holiday tasks with some games. Stress-busting games let you enjoy a couple of hours of quiet gameplay or raucous laughter, both sure to provide some relaxation. Relaxing board games are great for a lazy afternoon with friends or after dinner at a holiday party. These games often feature cooperative play or minimal competition, beautiful artwork and straightforward gameplay ideal for all ages. For the holidays, these games provide a whimsical escape from seasonal chaos. Patchwork Patchwork is a chill two-player puzzle game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The tactile experience and cozy results are relaxing on a chilly day. If you have more than two players, try Calico instead where you’ll create quilts for cats. Carcassonne In Carcassonne, players compete to build Medieval cities and fields by laying tiles. The game takes a bit of strategy and luck, and it will generate some friendly competition among children and adults alike. The charming artwork of parks, featuring America’s national parks, will also transport you on a road trip from the comfort of your home. Everdell and Flamecraft For those looking for longer gameplay, Everdell will have you playing as cute forest creatures building new cities during a game that averages a little over an hour. Flamecraft is another delightfully whimsical game where players try to attract dragons to improve the reputation of their shops. Each of these games is simple to pick up and, with every playthrough offering something new, they’ll get you through the entire holiday season. Parks, Everdell and Flamecraft can also be single-player games if you need a break from socialization. Snuggling up on the couch with a video game is inherently relaxing. Whether you enjoy mobile, computer, handheld or console games, the cozy game genre provides dozens of options. This season, try games ranging from relaxing to enchanting. If having everything in its place provides calm in the chaos of the holiday season, you’ll love Unpacking. This puzzle game, available on Switch, PC and Xbox, has you unpacking boxes and putting items away. Playing games like Unpacking can be a meditative experience. Other puzzle games like A Little to the Left and Spiritfarer blend stories into the gameplay. For spooky autumn vibes, try Strange Horticulture and play as the owner of a plant shop and potion maker. Maintaining a virtual farm or building a make-believe castle from your sofa can be a great stress reliever. Stardew Valley is a quintessential farming game surrounded by charming townspeople. With the highly anticipated November update, you can now play on console, mobile and PC. Palia , a massively multiplayer online game, features farming, quests and community building with other players. It’s also free. For those with a Nintendo Switch, the Animal Crossing series has you interacting with other animal players in a peaceful village. With multiplayer modes, these games are great options for playing with friends and family from afar during the holidays. For a single-player escape, try the recently-released Tiny Glade on PC where you’ll build castles. This cozy game’s detailed artistry and conflict-free gameplay will bring hours of relaxation. Or build a world from tiles in Dorfromantik. The game can be entirely chill or provide a bit of strategy if you want to go for a high score. A pack of cards is reliable entertainment at any gathering. From classics to innovative new card games, having a few in your game collection can be worthwhile. Card games can range from simple to complex, a few minutes to a few hours and single-player to dozens of players. If you have a standard deck of playing cards, Blitz is a great option for any number of players. Also known as Thirty One, this game gives every player three cards and lets them trade out a card on each turn, trying to get a value of thirty-one. President is another simple social card game where players race to get rid of their cards in ascending order. If you are imbibing this holiday season, some people play it as a drinking game. For a two-player card game, try The Fox in the Forest. This trick-taking card game features cozy graphics, and its fast, simple gameplay is perfect for a winter date night. For two to four players, Arboretum has darling tree graphics on its cards. Players lay cards down with the goal of creating a beautiful garden. This holiday season, be sure to take time to connect with loved ones and catch a few moments to yourself. Cozy games are a lighthearted escape. As the genre grows, there are options for everyone this season, from mindless games to those that require a touch of strategy – perfect for any mood or moment. Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, avid cozy gamer and creator of The Cozy Gaming Nook , your source for everything cozy games. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, NBC, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Seattle Times and more.
Emboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level MediaBSF Foils drug smuggling attempt, recovers heroin in Fazilka border
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