Healey signs jobs bill with legislative additions
WARSAW, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Weekday mornings hum with urgency at the shopping complex GD Poland on the outskirts of Warsaw. Electric scooters laden with crates of Chinese goods dart between warehouses and loading docks, as merchants race to load shipments - hauled thousands of kilometers by China-Europe freight trains - into vans bound for stores across Central and Eastern Europe. What appears to be a chaotic delivery hub is, in reality, the final stop in an intricate supply chain connecting Chinese factories to European storefronts. A network that turns global trade routes into local livelihoods, fueling cross-continental cooperation. MERCHANTS ON SCOOTERS Among the swift-moving scooters at GD Poland is Lin Jiangliang, a Chinese merchant who, alongside his wife Hong Meili, has spent the past decade running a lingerie business there. Drawn to Poland in 2014, three years after the launch of China-Europe freight trains, the couple saw opportunity in a country fast becoming Europe's logistical gateway, as most trains entering the European Union (EU) pass through Malaszewicze, a critical border town in Poland. "We realized soon that reselling factory-made products wouldn't set us apart," Hong said. Instead, they created their own brand, designing styles based on emerging fashion trends and customer preferences. China-Europe freight trains quickly became the backbone of their operation. Digital sketches sent to factories in China are transformed into samples and shipped within two weeks, allowing their shelves to stay stocked with the latest designs. To meet growing demand, Lin hired a local porter and a salesperson, relying on scooters to shuttle goods. Orders averaging dozens of kilograms per shipment are packed and delivered with speed, demonstrating the resourcefulness and hard work that small-scale merchants need to survive and thrive. Their story mirrors a broader picture of commerce at GD Poland, where about 900 businesses specialize in textiles, appliances, and household goods - 90 percent of which are sourced from China, according to Wang Qi, the center's deputy general manager. Similar trading hubs have flourished across Europe over the past few decades, from Aubervilliers in France to Fuenlabrada in Spain. In 2023 alone, China exported 169 billion U.S. dollars worth of light industrial products to the European Union and Britain, supplying affordable goods to consumers while supporting jobs on both sides of the supply chain. "What keeps me optimistic about the future is how connected we are - suppliers, distributors, and us. It's not just business; it's a shared rhythm that keeps products and ideas moving," Lin said. TRADE ON TRAINS Thirteen years ago, the idea of freight trains crossing the vast Eurasian continent seemed "crazy" to many, recalled Markus Bangen, chief executive officer (CEO) of Duisburger Hafen AG (Duisport). Today, it is a reality reshaping cross-continental trade and logistics. Since 2011, when the first China-Europe freight train left the southwestern Chinese city Chongqing, for Duisburg in Germany, the network has grown to connect 227 European and 100 Asian cities. Over the past 13 years, more than 11 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of goods worth more than 420 billion dollars have passed through these tracks. In Duisburg, a former industrial stronghold, freight rail has spurred reinvention. The port now handles 4 million containers annually, with over 100 Chinese logistics and e-commerce firms establishing operations around it. Similar transformations have turned Poland's Malaszewicze and Spain's Valladolid into thriving logistic hubs. The network continues to grow. In November, a shipment of electric vehicles made its way from China's Chengdu to Georgia's Tbilisi via rail, sea, and road, traversing Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea. This new route launched in July runs through the Middle Corridor - a vital trade link across Central Asia and the South Caucasus - providing a reliable alternative to traditional shipping lanes amid geopolitical uncertainties. For Fan Yuliang, a warehouse manager of AUKLogis GmbH, a German subsidiary of Chinese logistics firm Western Post, the China-Europe freight trains have redefined what's possible. "I thought I'd handled all kinds of cargo, but seeing an entire vehicle loaded into a shipping container still amazed me," he recalled. By 2023, China-Europe freight trains had transported more than 50,000 types of goods, ranging from Chinese exports like textiles and industrial machinery to European exports such as motorcycles, medical equipment, and agricultural produce. Bangen described the service as a transformative transportation model that replaces traditional shipping routes and unlocks trade opportunities once out of reach. INNOVATION ON EV WHEELS As freight trains bridge continents, Chinese and European firms are joining forces to shape the future of mobility -- this time, on wheels of electric vehicles (EVs). In Berlin, Chinese EV manufacturer NIO has established a research center focused on smart driving technologies and energy solutions. Its engineers are working on adaptive driving systems, battery-swapping infrastructure, and integrated power grids to meet European standards. "Our goal is to adapt rapidly to European markets while driving the next wave of innovation," Wei Hezeng, head of NIO Europe's Smart Driving Technology Center, told Xinhua. His vision is echoed by Patrick Stumfol, senior system engineer at NIO Europe. "The combination of German engineering precision and Chinese tech innovation creates a very dynamic environment here," Stumfol said. Though the EU seeks to shield its market with protectionist tariffs, European carmakers are opting for collaboration over confrontation. The collaborative momentum extends beyond Berlin. In Spain, Chery has teamed up with Ebro to develop EVs, while BYD is building manufacturing plants in Hungary. European automakers are embracing the trend likewise: Volkswagen has invested 700 million dollars in XPeng for joint EV development, and Stellantis committed 1.5 billion euros (1.56 billion dollars) to Leapmotor for research, production, and overseas expansion. Carlos Tavares, Stellantis' former CEO, captured this partnership approach, saying the best way to compete with China was to partner with their automakers and "hop on their train." (1 euro = 1.04 U.S. dollar)
O’Grady, Hawkeyes top PurdueMy dear 2024, Letter writing may be a lost art in this digital age, yet there are moments when the weight of reflection demands the intimacy of a letter. So, dear 2024, consider this a heartfelt note from a Nigerian seeking to encapsulate the whirlwind of emotions, events, and transformations that have unfolded over the past twelve months. As I pen down these words, I do so with the awareness that you are not an ordinary year. Your arrival brought hope, but as the days rolled, that hope was replaced with hardship, struggle, perseverance and lessons. In this letter, as tricky as it may be, I will attempt to recount the key events that shaped you – the milestones that defined not only my life but the collective experience of a nation grappling with economic hardship, political uncertainty, and social upheaval. Nigeria stands at a crossroads, and you will be remembered as a year that tested our spirit and resolve. This is not just a recollection of facts but a narrative of survival in a land where, at times, the future seemed uncertain. You were, indeed harsh, but we, the Nigerian people, have shown remarkable resilience and perseverance. Despite the economic hardships you brought, with inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs affecting all, we have stood strong. Your visitation of economic hardships worsened by 34-40% inflation rate and supply chain disruptions, an embarrassing unemployment rate of 40%, and rising living costs affected both the high and the low. Almost all households felt your pinch. Nigeria›s food inflation rate rose to close to 40% by mid-year, pushing millions into poverty. National Bureau of Statistics reports indicated that over 71 million Nigerians faced food insecurity by the third quarter. The exchange rate rose by over 60%. Yet, amid these challenges, the Nigerian people showed remarkable resilience and perseverance. To put it into context, essential commodities such as rice, maize, and garri doubled in price within months. The petrol price fluctuated between ₦700 to ₦1200 per litre, severely impacting transportation and logistics. Even sachet water, popularly called ‹pure water›, became a luxury for many, reflecting the depth of economic strain. You made our economic thinkers and planners look clueless. Thank God we, the people, showed understanding with them. You brought needless political contentions –the Rivers crisis, contentious elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Kano Emir drama, the Old-New-Old national anthem, and “Endbadgovernance”demonstrations. An attempt to reform our tax system highlighted our stubborn ethnic fault lines. You were not short of drama, both relevant and irrelevant. The reinstatement of the old national anthem left citizens divided, as critics viewed it as distracting from pressing governance issues. However, amid these contentions, the Nigerian people stood united, showing remarkable solidarity. Despite the divisive nature of some of these events, we have remained a united front. Poverty and hunger became our companions, resulting in three deadly stampedes during palliative distributions in Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leaving no fewer than 60 people dead. Unemployment among the youth reached over 45%, with many university graduates resorting to menial jobs or leaving the country in search of greener pastures, contributing to the ongoing ‹Japa› wave. At the global scene, you delivered historic elections and global unrest. People in more than 60 countries— representing almost 50 per cent of the world’s population—went to the polls during the year. Voters in Mexico and the United Kingdom picked new leaders, while a former U.S. president was invited by voters back to the White House. In Nigeria, voter turnout in local elections dipped to a record low of 28%, reflecting growing disillusionment with governance. This disinterest was amplified by widespread insecurity, with over 1,500 reported cases of abduction and banditry disrupting daily life. Villages in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Borno faced relentless attacks, forcing thousands into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. “Lakurawa” gained a strong foothold in parts of North-West states. Some strange things happened that we did not foresee. Greece extended adoption rights to same-sex couples, and Thailand legalised same-sex marriage, becoming the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. You gave LGBTQ+ rights activists something to celebrate. This felt strange in this part of the world, where same-sex relations remain criminalised, and social acceptance lags far behind. In Nigeria, lawmakers intensified efforts to uphold conservative values, with proposed bills aimed at further restricting LGBTQ+ rights. The disparity in cultural values highlighted the widening gap between regions of the world, reflecting the complex layers of societal evolution. You saw the world in turmoil, and the Russian vs Ukraine war continued unabated. This war brought about lots of military posturing, leading some to fear nuclear conflict between Russia and NATO. The conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Iran ramped up to greater heights. The Middle East is in commotion, with the war extending to Lebanon and Israel vowing not to stop until it wipes Hamas and Hezbollah out. Iran has shown its willingness to confront Israel, framing itself as the watchdog of the Middle East against Israel’s aggression. You also witnessed the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, raising fears of extremist groups seizing power. Reports from the UN suggested that over 300,000 Syrian refugees fled to neighbouring countries by year-end, adding to the growing refugee crisis. But amid it all, you allowed some of my compatriots to think and look at things differently, to learn that hard work does not kill and bad governance is for a season. Despite the odds, small businesses grew by 7% in sectors like agriculture and technology, offering a glimmer of hope. Despite the increase in tariffs and persistent collapse of the national grid, there has been a marginal improvement in power output in homes and factories. The healthcare sector witnessed significant transformation in the past few months of 2024 because of incisive, superlative reforms and programmes. So far, 53,000 health workers have been re-trained—an impressive number—to deliver integrated, high-quality services. The Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, which offers free caesarean sections to all eligible Nigerian women meeting the criteria, and the Nigeria Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation (V&A) Assessment Report were launched. These initiatives represent a step forward in our healthcare system, offering hope for the future. Your successor, 2025, is shaping up to be quite the mixed bag — it’s like the year is expecting a baby, but no one knows if it’ll be a bundle of joy or a handful of trouble. Nigeria is trying really hard to stop putting all its eggs in the oil basket. There’s a lot of noise about agriculture, tech, and manufacturing stepping up. With this African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) getting more action, we might see Nigeria flexing as West Africa’s trade big brother. But let’s be honest — oil and gas aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Dangote Refinery finally kicking into gear might help us cut down on those expensive imported petroleum products. If it plays out right, that could mean fewer trade deficits and more jobs, which we desperately need. But you know how it is with oil — prices are like Lagos traffic, unpredictable and everywhere. Plus, the world’s moving towards greener energy, so we’ve got to figure out how to keep the money flowing long-term. Now, on the money front, I won’t sugarcoat it. Inflation and the exchange rate will probably keep dancing around, and not in a fun way. The Central Bank will try to keep things under control, but they’ll need serious foreign investment and more non-oil exports to make it work. The tech space is looking exciting, though. With all these young, sharp minds and everyone glued to their phones, Lagos and Abuja are becoming mini–Silicon Valley — fintech, e-commerce, aggrotech, you name it. Politically, Nigerians are still out here demanding real change. Anti-corruption will stay a hot topic — we’re all tired of the same old stories. There’s also this growing pressure for electoral reforms and better public services. Civil society is getting louder, and I’m here for it. But security? Whew. That’s going to be a big one. Between insurgency in the Northeast, banditry up North, and secessionist noise in the Southeast, the government has its hands full. It will take more than military action — they must dig into why these issues keep popping up. On top of that, some states are pushing harder for more control over their resources and policies. The whole decentralisation and restructuring debate might heat up. Meanwhile, you can bet politicians are already gearing up for 2027. Alliances will shift — it’s like watching chess, but with higher stakes. Look, Nigeria has its share of problems—inequality, environmental issues, governance struggles. But the potential? It’s huge. We’ve got the people and the energy, and if we can channel it right, the sky’s the limit. Here’s hoping 2025 is more of a blessing than a headache. As I look ahead to 2025, I do so with cautious optimism. While the road ahead remains uncertain, I am reminded that even in the darkest of times, resilience shines through. So, to everything we have passed through, thank you, 2024, for setting us free. 2025, if you’re reading, please be more liberal to us as a nation and as a people. May our leaders listen more and apply more wisdom. May 2025 usher in real hope, stability, and progress for Nigeria and the world. Wishing Nigerians a happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year
Preview: Sheffield United vs. Oxford United - prediction, team news, lineups7s duo brave floodwaters They took the risk, but it was worth it as 7s sensation and one of the in-form players on the HSBC SVNS WRSS circuit Joji Nasova and upcoming 7s star Iliavi Masori showed great dedication, braving floodwaters to join the national 7s camp in Suva after spending the festive season with their loved ones. The duo left their village in Toge, Ba, on Thursday night despite the heavy rain. They also crossed two flooded bridges to reach the capital at 3am on Friday morning. After resting for a few hours, they headed to their training session. Nasova, after hitting headlines with the Dominion Brothers club, was impressive for the 7s team in Dubai and Cape Town with his explosive runs, try-scoring prowess and the ability to break tackles and make hard-hitting tackles. He debuted for the 7s team at the HSBC Hong Kong 7s and climbed up the ranks quickly with his sublime performance that earned the new kid on the block his first Olympic Games and a silver medal with the 7s team. He struggled and worked hard while growing up, seeing his dream of donning the 7s jumper coming true. Masori, on the other hand, is also living his dream as he rejoined the 7s team. The soft-spoken Masori has maintained commitment and determination throughout his rugby career, overcoming challenges, especially injuries. Both Masori and Nasova are assets to the 7s team. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu Who will it be? I wonder who will snag the 2024 Letter of the Year. Many thought-provoking and impactful letters have been penned by various contributors in The Fiji Times column this year. While the regulars have continued to raise awareness on numerous matters of national significance, a few budding writers have emerged during the year and embraced the noble idea of sharing their bold assertions via the letters platform. Welcome aboard. So who will it be? A local or perhaps an overseas based contributor? Or possibly that Australian-based expert (not the rugby 7s critic) who always seems to have something insightful to say on almost every subject? He can never be proven incorrect. With every contributor’s ability to engage readers and spark broader deliberations and debates, it will certainly be intriguing to know who ultimately clinches the top reward for this year. Good luck and continue writing! Nishant Singh (Winner 2022), Lautoka Christmas tree I hope the Christmas tree put up at Nausori roundabout was not put up just for the “sake of it”. Let’s hope relevant authorities at Nausori town come up with a decorative Christmas tree come next Christmas. Finally, the tree was taken down on Saturday. I hope the taken down tree does reproduce because definitely it won’t look like a Christmas tree. Shamal Chand , Kuku Village, Nausori Land buyback scheme I humbly request that the Prime Minister Mr Sitiveni Rabuka take some time off from his busy schedule to review the land buyback scheme that his former SVT government executed in 1993. It seems some of the lands were not returned to their rightful traditional owners as was the aim of the scheme and warrants an investigation. Of concern is the Mua Estate agricultural freehold which has been returned to the yavusa Wainikeli instead of the mataqali Savuna of Naselesele Village on Taveuni. No land law in Fiji can be justified if it has no moral basis by denying the rightful and original traditional owners the rights to their land. I believe the Prime Minister is very much responsible for correcting the anomalies of the buyback scheme implemented by his former SVT government. Sakaraia Vuki, Sydney, Australia ‘Protect vulnerable’ Minister Sashi Kiran says look after the vulnerable in evacuation centres during natural disasters because “they were a group that needed the most attention” (ST 29/12). Isn’t the newly-promoted minister stating the obvious? It sounds like a cliched call. Another group that needs attention — in normal times — is the parliamentarians who duly gave themselves a hefty pay rise. Minister Kiran was part of that group of parliamentarians. Voters, I am sure they will remember that when they go to the next polls. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia Education system To improve, the minister should introduce lecture based teaching and learning facilitated by tutorials, have compulsory agricultural science in all schools, cater for new subjects such as finance, hospitality, and tourism to name a few. Separate physical education from music and art and craft. Have a mentoring program for young teachers, employ relieving teachers to accommodate teachers who are absent for any reason, review the duration of the terms which can result in burnout. Establish a training institution for administrators, head of departments, and assistant teachers. Use modern technology and methods, have sister and brother attachment schools to observe ones strengths and weaknesses in comparison with high performing schools. Recognise the importance of former scholars and parents, guardians and teachers’ associations. Have motivational speakers internally or externally and have a very effective rewards system for all stakeholders. Asish Vinay Prasad, Raiwasa, Suva Eye-in-sky report The advent of AI (Artificial Intelligence) has brought about a revolution in the world of communication and a whole new perception has emerged. I visualise Santa Claus with his sledge as our eye-in-sky reporting on the events of 2024. Thus his AI powered sledge slides through the sky and gives the following report: His journey begins on the Tibetan Plateau and he sees: Let’s thank Santa Claus for this brief report from the sky and let’s pray things will be better next year. Dewan Chand, Namadi Heights, Suva Household rubbish The piles of household rubbish dumped at Uci Rd roundabout in Kalabau Housing (Eye Witness ST 29/12), is a clear indication that the modern “throw away” society has arrived in a big way in the island paradise Fiji. In Australia that is a permanent part of the landscape. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia Health budget How is it that the Government saved $68,700,000 and Savusavu Hospital’s X-ray machine and other essential, or, critical equipment needed for the proper diagnosis of patients is still either in need of replacement or in dire need of maintenance! Noleen Billings, Savusavu New year’s realisation Instead of a new year’s resolution, some of us need to have a new year’s realisation. Sobo! Wise Muavono , Balawa, Lautoka Happy new year While celebrating well blessed new year 2025 with whatever activities with friends, relatives and neighbours let’s take extreme care to avoid accidents. Drink and drive don’t mix. Welcome 2025 with new resolutions, new challenges for better and well blessed Fiji for our future generations. Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand What legacy Kiran pledges to build on Tabuya’s legacy (FT 28/12). What legacy is that? Tabuya just got sacked by Prime Minster Rabuka because her antics rendered her unfit to remain a minister in his government. There is nothing for the new minister to build. Just do your job. The people of Fiji don’t expect you to reinvent the wheel! Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia True character During the past two election campaigns the leader of NFP was sitting at the same tables and working together with the leaders of the Fiji Labour Party and the Unity Fiji Party and other parties in order to unseat the previous government. Now that NFP is part of a Coalition Government directly as a result of the 2013 Constitution, the leader of the NFP has suddenly got reasons to say some very nasty things about the leaders of FLP and Unity Fiji Party. Jan Nissar, Sydney, Australia
Thiruvananthapuram, The devastating landslides that wiped away three villages in Wayanad, Congress' thumping victory in the Lok Sabha polls and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's maiden electoral victory were the significant events that shaped the Kerala's socio-political scenario in 2024. The revelations of sexual abuse and harassment in the Malayalam film industry, brought to light by the Justice Hema Committee report, also stirred up the political pot due to the delay in disclosing the panel's findings, which followed allegations of rape against some key actors, including ruling CPI MLA and actor M Mukesh. On 30 July, massive landslides occurred in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions of Wayanad, triggered by torrential rains, resulting in over 200 deaths, numerous injuries, and thousands being left homeless. It is considered one of the worst natural disasters in Kerala's history. Hundreds were left buried under the debris and many had to be pulled out by rescue agencies, which included the Army. Some of the most heart-wrenching scenes, such as the phone conversations of many who cried and pleaded for rescue, emerged. They were either trapped in their homes or could not leave the place where they were left stranded. The calamity again brought into sharp focus the urgent need for better disaster management and preparedness in the southern state, which is being increasingly exposed to extreme weather events as climate change unfolds. But rehabilitation efforts lag behind, leaving the lives of survivors in disarray. The state government has claimed the delay was caused by the central government's lapse in providing funds. It has moved the court, questioning the union government's alleged discriminatory approach. In a relief to the state government, another hurdle in implementing rehabilitation efforts was addressed thanks to the Kerala High Court's intervention, which ruled it can acquire land from two private estates to build a model township for survivors of the landslide, dismissing the companies' petitions that challenged the government's decision. Kerala's political front threw up a few surprises as the ruling LDF saw electoral setbacks. In the Lok Sabha polls, the Congress-led United Democratic Front opposition defeated the CPI-headed Left Democratic Front . The UDF bagged 18 Lok Sabha seats, most of them with a thumping margin, while the Left could win only one seat. However, the BJP had a lot to cheer as the Lotus finally bloomed in the southern state. The saffron party won its first ever LS seat in Kerala, with the voters of Thrissur giving the thumbs up for actor-turned-politician Suresh Gopi. He scripted history by defeating both the LDF and the UDF in a triangular contest. Analysts say this change in political fortunes reflects the possible shifting of voter preference in the southern state. Kerala also saw Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's maiden electoral foray this year, after she triumphed in the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll in November with a thumping margin of over four lakh votes. She surpassed her brother Rahul Gandhi's victory margin recorded a few months earlier. The by-election was caused by the resignation of Rahul from the hill constituency as he had also won from Raebareli seat in Uttar Pradesh. In the Malayalam cinema world, a new script of shocking revelations unfolded, as the Justice Hema Committee report on sexual abuse made headlines. The executive committee of the actors' union Association of Malayalam Movie Artists , was dissolved as allegations of sexual assault and misconduct grew amid complaints from women against its members. Many actors, including Mukesh, Siddhique, and Edavela Babu had to face probe by a Special investigation team of Kerala police constituted to look into such allegations. Kerala lost one of its literary legends, MT Vasudevan Nair, on December 25. Popularly addressed as MT by his admirers, he was famous for taking Malayalam storytelling to remarkable heights and weaving narratives that captured human life's complex emotions in addition to the essence of the rural landscape of Kerala. MT was a renowned writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker who significantly influenced the cultural imagination of Kerala and left a lasting impact that extended far beyond to become one of India's most beloved literary figures. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.OKEMOS, Mich. -- For a brief moment, the world slowed down for Ethan Carter. The Hudsonville senior linebacker had just made a great read on a Rochester Adams pass play through the middle of the field and was able to tip the ball up into the air.
[OPINION] Navigating the pitfalls of domestic politics: AFP’s role in a state in distress
Sports Columnist {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. This has been a brutal season at times for Sabres winger Jack Quinn. No other way to say it. In 19 games, he entered Saturday night's contest in San Jose with one goal, five points and a minus-7 rating. Barring some major pump in production over the final 60 games, Quinn has answered the question about whether he's going to need a long-term, big-money deal going into next season. He's not getting one and JJ Peterka probably is. General manager Kevyn Adams had to keep some cap space open in case both were getting big deals next summer. Now he knows he doesn't have to and can look for more help for this team. Lots of rumors that he's already been doing that, and those will only grow if the Sabres stay in the playoff race. The Sabres' Jack Quinn has just one goal and a minus-7 rating in 19 games this season. Quinn is coming back from two major injuries. His torn Achilles in June 2023 cost him the first half of last season and then he needed ankle surgery and was out more than two months after a collision Jan. 27 with Tomas Hertl late in a win at San Jose. Quinn was back at the scene of the crime Saturday at San Jose's SAP Center. Until playing a strong game Friday in Anaheim, it seemed like he should be a healthy scratch as soon as Tage Thompson returned to the lineup. It leads to the inescapable conclusion that he's just not healthy. Quinn, who has seemed to lack much acceleration in his skating at times, pushed back on the subject of his injuries when this corner broached the subject before the Sabres headed West. "Physically, I feel great to be honest. I'm happy where I'm at," Quinn said. "It's my game that hasn't been where I've wanted it to be. I've got to get that up to par. But on a positive note, my body and physical fitness feels great." Jiri Kulich completed the Sabres' comeback with an OT goal to beat the Ducks. Lance Lysowski's takeaways from Anaheim, where Buffalo moved above .500 and back into a playoff spot. Quinn looked good in Anaheim because he was skating with conviction. He was getting to spots in the offensive zone that were giving him scoring opportunities but his shot continues to be a trouble spot, as he had seven attempts but only two that landed on net. What's been the problem with an offensive game that's produced just one goal on 29 shots? "I'm not really sure. I don't think it's luck," Quinn said. "It's a little bit more about confidence in that I've got to find a way to shoot the puck more. I'm a shooter, I'm a goal-scorer, and I feel like I haven't been able to find shots this year. You're not going to score if you can't get shots. So got to find a way to be shooting more and probably confidence correlates to some more shots." Turnovers can be an issue. Quinn nearly had a major gaffe at his own blue line Friday night in overtime but was able to corral the puck before it got away from him. And seven shot attempts is a step forward. Quinn skated well in the game, got some ice time in OT and was noticeable on a line with Dylan Cozens and Peyton Krebs. It's a small victory but it's a start. Quinn wasn't a first-round pick to be a role player. He's got to score and coach Lindy Ruff seems to have plenty of patience for him. Now he's got to reward that faith. Standings always matter Hey, social media: Stop telling me the standings don't matter because it's only November. I'm tired of getting that reply every time I mention where the Sabres are in the wild-card race or the Atlantic Division. I say it matters big-time and you might say it doesn't. The decisive vote here comes from Ruff, who put the standings on the locker room video screens for every Buffalo player to see Monday before they left for the trip. Buffalo News hockey reporters Mike Harrington and Lance Lysowski discuss why it's not too early to look at the NHL standings. "You need to know where you are, whether it’s a point or two out of a wild card or three or four or five points out of the third spot in your division," Ruff said. "You need to have that awareness. Some people say they don’t like to look at the standings. Well, we’re playing games where you have to know where you’re at if you want to know where you want to get to.” Since the 2005 lockout, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has kept track of teams in playoff spots by American thanksgiving and roughly 80% make the postseason. Maybe only one or two teams each year make it when they're not in a spot by Thanksgiving, so it matters. Big time. And if the Sabres were 10 points out, I know darn well a lot of you would be referencing the standings with your trade and firing requests. So you can't have it both ways. PITTSBURGH – On the eve of the Stanley Cup final, one of the goofiest questions to ponder is this one: Why in the world can’t the San Jose Sharks ever do much against the Buffalo Sabres? While the Pittsburgh Penguins have beaten Buffalo eight straight times, the Sabres are 9-0-1 in their last 10 games against the Western Conference 'Jumbo' night Saturday's game against the Sabres was a big one for the Sharks, with Joe Thornton's No. 19 slated to be retired in a pregame ceremony. The Bearded One known as "Jumbo" played 15 seasons for the Sharks after being acquired in trade with Boston early in the 2005-06 campaign and helped get them to the Stanley Cup final against Pittsburgh in 2016. Thornton's first game with the Sharks after the trade came in KeyBank Center vs. the Sabres on Dec. 2, 2005, and he had two assists in a 5-0 San Jose win that was the Sharks' last one in Buffalo for nearly 10 years. From his first game with the Sharks until his departure in 2020, no NHL team accumulated more standings points (1,443) and only Pittsburgh won more regular season games (660-659). Ovechkin at KeyBank? LAS VEGAS — There's a picture of a young Alex Ovechkin that's floated around the internet for several years showing the Washington Capitals star during his childhood in Russia wearing a Buffalo Sabres jacket. As the theory goes, Ovechkin was a big Alexander Mogilny fan and, by extension, maybe a Sabres fan growing up. After suffering a fractured fibula in a freak collision last week in Utah, Alex Ovechkin won't be on the ice when the Sabres play in Washington on Dec. 15. But a timeline of 4-6 weeks leaves open the possibility of the Great Eight playing Jan. 6 in his only trip of the season to KeyBank Center. Longtime Caps website writer Mike Vogel noted that Ovechkin has missed just 60 games in his career, with 36 for injuries and the others for assorted reasons that include six suspensions totaling 10 games. The Caps are 26-29-5 without him in those games — but just 4-14-0 in the last 18. So it obviously bears watching if Washington falls out of the top three of the Metropolitan Division and enters the wild card race because Ovechkin missed a lot of time. Johnson gets his due Former Sabres defenseman Erik Johnson played his 1,000th career game last weekend for Philadelphia against Buffalo and was honored for the milestone Monday night against Colorado. Johnson's old team surprised him with a presentation from injured captain Gabriel Landeskog. Johnson is the only current member of the Sabres with a Stanley Cup title on his résumé. What was it like watching the clock tick away in Game 6 with the Cup in the building waiting to be grabbed? Landeskog (knee) has not played since the 2022 Stanley Cup final but is still trying to get his career resumed. The night of the Avalanche's clinching victory at Tampa Bay, Landeskog got the Cup from NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and the first player he gave it to was Johnson in a move they had discussed several years earlier. A good Johnson trivia note from Sportsnet's Friedman: His 1,000th game made the 2006 Draft the first in which the top seven selections reached that milestone. Retired former Sabres captain Kyle Okposo went No. 7 and got to 1,000 last November. Picks 2 through 6 were Jordan Staal, Jonathan Toews, Nicklas Backstrom, Phil Kessel and Derick Brassard. The only one still active is Staal, now in his 12th season in Carolina after six in Pittsburgh. Around the boards • Tweet on old friend Jeff Skinner from veteran Edmonton-based columnist Mark Spector of Sportsnet during the Oilers' 5-3 loss Thursday night to Minnesota: " Oilers a train wreck in their own zone on Minny's 3-2 goal. Skinner flees zone rather than collecting a puck, leads to the goal. If there was a fifth line, (coach Kris) Knoblauch would put him on it at this point." Major ouch. • In the wake of the Hockey Hall of Fame's latest induction ceremony, quite the dilemma has already emerged for next season. There is a limit of four males in the player category and the list of first-time eligibles includes luminaries like Thornton, Zdeno Chara, Ryan Getzlaf, Duncan Keith and Carey Price. Which one of those five gets left out? Yikes. And you can thus forget about Alexander Mogilny or Keith Tkachuk getting a call next year. • Florida coach Paul Maurice , speaking on his multiyear contract extension signed last month, to Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic "If you don’t get it done, it becomes a conversation: 'What’s going to happen?' And you actually start getting asked that toward the end of the year and the playoffs, which is the last thing you would want. It wasn’t a negotiation. (Panthers GM Bill Zito) made me a real generous offer. I said, 'Thank you very much.' And that was it." • More Maurice, giving a tip to Chicago reporters before the Blackhawks beat the Panthers for the third straight year in United Center with Thursday's 3-1 win: " You guys came to the rink for 20 years, won Stanley Cups and beat the hell out of everybody, and you just assume that's the way it should go every year. But you've got good young players. Got a superstar (Connor Bedard). It's just a matter of time." • Connor McDavid is 27 and got his 1,000th career point earlier this month for Edmonton. The next-youngest active player past 1,000 is Toronto's John Tavares — and he's 34. It seems McDavid will have a legitimate shot at joining Wayne Gretzky as the only 2,000-point men in NHL history someday. Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox! Sports Columnist {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.'Happy Retirement' starts trending after Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli's flop show continues in BGT 2024-25; netizens reactAI, IoT, next-gen tech to drive future growth
The New York Mets almost reached the World Series in 2024. After falling just short they could be aggressive this winter as they try to improve their rotation. While listing top landing spots for Rōki Sasaki, FanSided's Christopher Kline named the Mets as potential suitors for the Chiba Lotte Marines star. "Senga has cemented his status as an ace, but Jose Quintana, Luis Severino, and Sean Manaea are all free agents this winter. The Mets need to restock in the rotation and Sasaki is imminently appealing," wrote Kline. "Even with potential workload restrictions and a slow-burn developmental track, the 23-year-old carries immediate All-Star potential. He's going to contribute next season and the Mets are looking to improve on an NLCS appearance. It's an obvious match." Sasaki is an amateur free agent. Teams will not be able to hand him a massive contract like Yoshinobu Yamamoto received last winter. They will only be able to use funds allotted to them from the international signing bonus pool. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said he expects Sasaki to sign in the 2025 signing period, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo . When the 2025 period opens on January 15, the Mets will have $6.2 million at their disposal . Although Steve Cohen's affinity for spending won't help right away, it could be attractive to Sasaki down the road. "It also helps that Steve Cohen is the richest owner in baseball," wrote Kline. "That won't do much for Sasaki's wallet in the immediate future, but it increases the odds that New York will pay up when the time for an extension arrives." More MLB: Mets predicted to sign 4-time All-Star to blockbuster $170 million deal
7s duo brave floodwaters They took the risk, but it was worth it as 7s sensation and one of the in-form players on the HSBC SVNS WRSS circuit Joji Nasova and upcoming 7s star Iliavi Masori showed great dedication, braving floodwaters to join the national 7s camp in Suva after spending the festive season with their loved ones. The duo left their village in Toge, Ba, on Thursday night despite the heavy rain. They also crossed two flooded bridges to reach the capital at 3am on Friday morning. After resting for a few hours, they headed to their training session. Nasova, after hitting headlines with the Dominion Brothers club, was impressive for the 7s team in Dubai and Cape Town with his explosive runs, try-scoring prowess and the ability to break tackles and make hard-hitting tackles. He debuted for the 7s team at the HSBC Hong Kong 7s and climbed up the ranks quickly with his sublime performance that earned the new kid on the block his first Olympic Games and a silver medal with the 7s team. He struggled and worked hard while growing up, seeing his dream of donning the 7s jumper coming true. Masori, on the other hand, is also living his dream as he rejoined the 7s team. The soft-spoken Masori has maintained commitment and determination throughout his rugby career, overcoming challenges, especially injuries. Both Masori and Nasova are assets to the 7s team. Rajnesh Ishwar Lingam, Nadawa, Nasinu Who will it be? I wonder who will snag the 2024 Letter of the Year. Many thought-provoking and impactful letters have been penned by various contributors in The Fiji Times column this year. While the regulars have continued to raise awareness on numerous matters of national significance, a few budding writers have emerged during the year and embraced the noble idea of sharing their bold assertions via the letters platform. Welcome aboard. So who will it be? A local or perhaps an overseas based contributor? Or possibly that Australian-based expert (not the rugby 7s critic) who always seems to have something insightful to say on almost every subject? He can never be proven incorrect. With every contributor’s ability to engage readers and spark broader deliberations and debates, it will certainly be intriguing to know who ultimately clinches the top reward for this year. Good luck and continue writing! Nishant Singh (Winner 2022), Lautoka Christmas tree I hope the Christmas tree put up at Nausori roundabout was not put up just for the “sake of it”. Let’s hope relevant authorities at Nausori town come up with a decorative Christmas tree come next Christmas. Finally, the tree was taken down on Saturday. I hope the taken down tree does reproduce because definitely it won’t look like a Christmas tree. Shamal Chand , Kuku Village, Nausori Land buyback scheme I humbly request that the Prime Minister Mr Sitiveni Rabuka take some time off from his busy schedule to review the land buyback scheme that his former SVT government executed in 1993. It seems some of the lands were not returned to their rightful traditional owners as was the aim of the scheme and warrants an investigation. Of concern is the Mua Estate agricultural freehold which has been returned to the yavusa Wainikeli instead of the mataqali Savuna of Naselesele Village on Taveuni. No land law in Fiji can be justified if it has no moral basis by denying the rightful and original traditional owners the rights to their land. I believe the Prime Minister is very much responsible for correcting the anomalies of the buyback scheme implemented by his former SVT government. Sakaraia Vuki, Sydney, Australia ‘Protect vulnerable’ Minister Sashi Kiran says look after the vulnerable in evacuation centres during natural disasters because “they were a group that needed the most attention” (ST 29/12). Isn’t the newly-promoted minister stating the obvious? It sounds like a cliched call. Another group that needs attention — in normal times — is the parliamentarians who duly gave themselves a hefty pay rise. Minister Kiran was part of that group of parliamentarians. Voters, I am sure they will remember that when they go to the next polls. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia Education system To improve, the minister should introduce lecture based teaching and learning facilitated by tutorials, have compulsory agricultural science in all schools, cater for new subjects such as finance, hospitality, and tourism to name a few. Separate physical education from music and art and craft. Have a mentoring program for young teachers, employ relieving teachers to accommodate teachers who are absent for any reason, review the duration of the terms which can result in burnout. Establish a training institution for administrators, head of departments, and assistant teachers. Use modern technology and methods, have sister and brother attachment schools to observe ones strengths and weaknesses in comparison with high performing schools. Recognise the importance of former scholars and parents, guardians and teachers’ associations. Have motivational speakers internally or externally and have a very effective rewards system for all stakeholders. Asish Vinay Prasad, Raiwasa, Suva Eye-in-sky report The advent of AI (Artificial Intelligence) has brought about a revolution in the world of communication and a whole new perception has emerged. I visualise Santa Claus with his sledge as our eye-in-sky reporting on the events of 2024. Thus his AI powered sledge slides through the sky and gives the following report: His journey begins on the Tibetan Plateau and he sees: Let’s thank Santa Claus for this brief report from the sky and let’s pray things will be better next year. Dewan Chand, Namadi Heights, Suva Household rubbish The piles of household rubbish dumped at Uci Rd roundabout in Kalabau Housing (Eye Witness ST 29/12), is a clear indication that the modern “throw away” society has arrived in a big way in the island paradise Fiji. In Australia that is a permanent part of the landscape. Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia Health budget How is it that the Government saved $68,700,000 and Savusavu Hospital’s X-ray machine and other essential, or, critical equipment needed for the proper diagnosis of patients is still either in need of replacement or in dire need of maintenance! Noleen Billings, Savusavu New year’s realisation Instead of a new year’s resolution, some of us need to have a new year’s realisation. Sobo! Wise Muavono , Balawa, Lautoka Happy new year While celebrating well blessed new year 2025 with whatever activities with friends, relatives and neighbours let’s take extreme care to avoid accidents. Drink and drive don’t mix. Welcome 2025 with new resolutions, new challenges for better and well blessed Fiji for our future generations. Tahir Ali, Hamilton, New Zealand What legacy Kiran pledges to build on Tabuya’s legacy (FT 28/12). What legacy is that? Tabuya just got sacked by Prime Minster Rabuka because her antics rendered her unfit to remain a minister in his government. There is nothing for the new minister to build. Just do your job. The people of Fiji don’t expect you to reinvent the wheel! Rajend Naidu, Sydney, Australia True character During the past two election campaigns the leader of NFP was sitting at the same tables and working together with the leaders of the Fiji Labour Party and the Unity Fiji Party and other parties in order to unseat the previous government. Now that NFP is part of a Coalition Government directly as a result of the 2013 Constitution, the leader of the NFP has suddenly got reasons to say some very nasty things about the leaders of FLP and Unity Fiji Party. Jan Nissar, Sydney, AustraliaPunjab by-elections: AAP wins 3 out of 4 assembly seats, Cong 1
Walmart Dropped Tineco Vacuums by Up to 50% This Black Friday