Black Friday has exploded far beyond the day itself, and the shopping event of the year has taken over the entire month. That means "Black November" is firmly underway right this moment, with huge discounts from all our favorite retailers live as we speak. We’re already taking advantage of major markdowns dropping daily from big names like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Wayfair and more. They’ve all slashed prices to the lowest we've seen all year on some of our favorite products. With so many deals already active, it looks like the 2024 holiday shopping season is set to be bigger than ever before, and the sheer number of savings to choose from can certainly be overwhelming when trying to find the best Black Friday deals to take care of everything (and everyone) on your shopping list. Have no fear, though: We're right here to help you plan your holiday shopping strategy and devise the ideal approach to maximizing your savings while having a little fun along the way. Save over $200 Lowest price ever Lowest price ever Save $2,250 Lowest price of the year So, without further ado, here's everything you need to know about Black Friday and how to stretch your dollars for the whole holiday shopping season. We're tracking sales at major retailers as they launch and scanning their pages to bring you the the best deals available right this very moment. Scroll on for all of our top picks. We're seeing savings of up to 75% — sometimes more — on everything from bedding and kitchenware to tech, clothing and beauty. Save big on appliances TVs, laptops, headphones and tablets with new doorbusters dropping every Friday — plus, check out the retailer's for a taste of their expansive deals. The " " marches on today, with 40%-60% off fashionable faves, big-brand home goods and more limited-time specials. You can grab up to 70% off and snag thousands of big sellers at a discount courtesy of the store's Limited-Time Sale, and worthy of some Black Friday-level love. Scoop up major markdowns at the retailer's Black Friday Deal Drop, with discounts on top brands including , , and more. This deals section has a plethora of great offerings: Score up to 50% off clothing, footwear, REI Co-Op brand deals and hiking items. The retailer always offers great deals, including super savings on its house brand and beloved labels like , , and more. The Black Friday Deals have landed at Target, and you can score savings on (up to 40% off), (up to 50% off), (up to 50% off), (up to 50% off) and more. The mega-retailer's feature fab discounts that rival (and often beat) Amazon on vacuums, kitchen appliances, bedding and clothing, to name a few. Plus, land early, at 5 PM on 11/25! Save up to 70% on home deals ranging from furniture to bedding to major appliances during the Wayfair Early Black Friday sale. Enjoy stellar savings on a wide variety of footwear brands at the early Black Friday sale, including , and more, as well as great deals on clothing and accessories from , and other big names. Yahoo's senior tech writer, Rick Broida, dubbed this iPad the , so if you're looking for the cream of the crop, grab it while it's on sale. It boasts up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, a 10.9-inch screen and 64GB storage. Just back in August, the price rose to $327 — so we suggest you snap up this deal now. "[It] seamlessly pairs with the rest of my Apple devices," . "Build quality is great, as all Apple devices are. ... Charges via USB-C and includes a nice braided charger. Screen is great, speakers are clear and battery is long-lasting." If you're looking to cut the (cable) cord, Amazon's Fire TV Stick is the state-of-the-art 4K streaming sidekick you need. Enjoy content from all of your favorite services (like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime) with just the touch of a button. And feel free to ask Alexa for movie and TV suggestions if you aren't quite sure what to watch — the smart assistant is built right into the remote! Plus, the stick plugs right into an HDMI port in the back of your TV, so it's nice and tidy. A raved, "The picture quality is stunning. Watching my favorite shows and movies in 4K is like experiencing them for the first time all over again. The colors are vibrant, the details are crisp, and the sound is crystal clear. I've watched some of my favorite movies and TV shows in 4K, and I'm blown away by how immersive the experience is." Ready to do some Apple picking? You don't even have to drive to the orchard — just head over to Amazon and grab this lightweight MacBook Air while it's on sale. Don't be deterred by the fact that this isn't the newest model on the market; it still boasts up to 18 hours of use per charge, a vivid 13.6-inch display and weighs only 2.7 pounds for easy toting. If you've been meaning to upgrade from your snail-like computer, it would be wise to act quickly. Check out our tech editor's roundup of the for additional options. Apple's latest smartwatch features a larger display while somehow being thinner and lighter, advanced health and fitness features and a faster-charging battery. Said , "The battery life is phenomenal, I can literally go 2 days without charging. When I do have to charge it, it’s full in about 30 [minutes]." You can snag this behemoth way ahead of holiday movie and NFL playoff season for an incredible $2,250 off now, as part of Samsung's early Holiday Deals. It'll definitely make your current TV look positively ancient with its smart TV features — built-in streaming apps and voice control — plus realistic depth enhancement, 4K resolution, an anti-glare screen, bright details (even in dark scenes) and smooth motion, thanks to Motion Xcelerator Turbo+. Mini LEDs mean you'll even be able to see the little things, like freckles and lashes. We can't get over the sale price ($378!) on this shiny 65-inch set from Vizio. The vibrant 4K picture quality is top-notch, and it also includes Dolby Vision HDR, which boasts incredible brightness. In addition to its crisp, clear display, this set comes with the brand's SmartCast, which streams thousands of movies and shows. These stylish Beats Solo headphones are now 50% off, so you can snag all the signature Beats features for just $100. Expect rich, balanced audio with clear highs and punchy bass that’ll make your playlists pop. They pair seamlessly with Apple devices, offer up to 40 hours of battery life, and are as portable as they are comfortable, making them perfect for life on the go. As big-screen upgrades go, this Amazon Fire TV hits the sweet spot between premium features and wallet-friendly price. For only $590, you’re getting a massive 65-inch 4K display with Dolby Vision and HDR 10, meaning those binge sessions or movie nights will look crystal clear and vibrant. Throw Alexa into the mix, and it's essentially a smart-home hub masquerading as a TV. Plus, with Amazon regularly sending updates, this deal will actually get better and better over time. Want big, but not big? This 55-inch screen is the Goldilocks of the Frame lineup. It delivers an impressive 4K experience suited for larger living rooms or entertainment spaces — and at 40% off, it's among the best deals for anyone who doesn't want to go huge with the 85-inch model. There's a reason folks are gaga for the latest model of these top-rated earbuds — many reasons, in fact. For starters, they offer rich, crisp sound and superior noise cancellation, allowing you to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks and more without outside commotion getting in the way. This model lets you control the volume simply by swiping the stem, and you'll receive four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes for customized comfort. Our tech editor named these " ," saying, "What you get here is even better ANC, a bump in battery life, extra-small ear tips for users with smaller ears and an adaptive-audio mode that adjusts noise-cancellation and transparency modes based on the sounds around you. Meanwhile, Apple's charging case now has a speaker (for use with Find My) and a USB-C port in place of Lightning (the better to match with the USB-C iPhone 15)." Cut back on appliances — and your energy bill! — with this do-it-all helper, which serves up crispy air-fried pizzas, wings and more in a matter of minutes. Capable of cook temps up to 450°F and featuring an auto shut-off function, it includes a variety of accessories — an oven rack, baking pan/drip tray, and air fryer basket — for added value and convenience (read: easier cleaning). Plus, it's cheaper right now at Target than it is at Amazon. This classic round Dutch oven is what you might think of when you hear the name Le Creuset. It's a staple of the collection, a lifetime piece made of enameled cast iron, polished and finished by hand; the colorful exterior is designed to resist chipping. It retains heat brilliantly. At 6.75 quarts, it's perfect for soups and one-pot meals, like chili. This one also has a wider, shallower profile with more surface area that makes it ideal for browning and searing meats. Been lusting after one of these babies? We know the feeling. Well, it's your/our lucky day, since this Walmart deal brings the price down to even a tad lower than Amazon's (and its best price all year), and it's up for grabs in six gorgeous colors. At 4.5 quarts, this bestseller can hold enough dough to make up to eight dozen cookies at a time (though it won't take up much room in your kitchen). It comes with a beater, dough hook and whisk attachments for making practically any baked good under the sun, and will give your arms a break by doing all of the mixing. Plus, you can let it run while you prep other ingredients. This multi-use, nonstick beauty just might become your most-utilized piece of , thanks to its thoughtful design. It took the internet by storm a few years ago and quickly became a favorite of home cooks and celebrities alike. ( did a collaboration with the brand, and Oprah has called it "the kitchen magician.") Its ceramic coating is slick and free of PFAS, while the handle smartly doubles as a spoon rest. Speaking of utensils, it comes with a wooden spatula and metal steamer basket that can be used as a colander, and it's oven-safe up to 450°F for added versatility. It's not often on sale, so grab it while it's $55 off (as low as it's ever been). Check out our editor's full for more. (FYI, it also comes in and versions as well as and models — all on sale.) Have you ever seen a kitchen appliance as lovely as this stunner from Drew Barrymore's home goods line? You won't mind keeping this on your counter while your cozy stews and braises bubble away. It's capacious enough to feed about seven people, and the light-up display is a fun touch. Plus, this sale price is about as low as it gets. Gordon Ramsay approves of this brand, and you know how particular the celebrity chef is. The pans' hybrid construction combines the best qualities of stainless steel, cast iron and nonstick for a one-of-a-kind product that, according to , "is highly versatile and cooks exceptionally well." They're made of aluminum sandwiched between stainless steel for expert heat conduction and distribution, and their nonstick interiors make them a breeze to clean. Plus, the signature hexagonal etching helps encourage browning. With this starter set, you'll get the 12-inch, 10-inch and 8-inch Hybrid pans, plus lids for each. Check out our roundup of the for more. You'll be able to whip up a cuppa with ease using this single-serve brewer from the java experts at Keurig. With push-button convenience, you'll be kicking back with your favorite coffee (or other K-Cup beverage) in minutes, no prep necessary. A generously-sized 36 oz. water reservoir means you won't have to refill every time you brew, and you can make cups back-to-back without any time wasted waiting to reheat. Henckels has been crafting knives for over a century, so the brand knows a thing or two about what makes a quality set. This bestselling set comes with just about every type of blade a home cook could need: a 3-inch paring knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch chef's knife and an 8-inch bread knife. Also included: six 4.5-inch steak knives, a professional honing steel, kitchen shears and a hardwood knife block. Whew! This collection is majorly marked down from its list price of $345, though we've never actually seen it shoot high. Still this deal beats the typical $150 we've seen it going for of late. Check out our roundup of the for more. awarded this snazzy appliance the title of "best air fryer toaster" in her roundup of the . She called it "an expert at multitasking, hitting the sweet spot in our testing for size, price and function," adding, "It has a 12-liter capacity that supports four slices of toast, 1 pound of french fries or a 9-inch pizza, and a 4.5-pound chicken with only the bottom tray in place. It also performs six duties: air frying, baking, toasting, broiling, reheating and roasting, with the option to infuse steam, for different texture preferences and appetites." Got "bake more often" on your 2025 bingo card? This set has just about every vessel you'll need to make cakes, muffins, brownies and more, and the nonstick material helps ensure everything releases in one piece. All-Clad is a favorite brand of Ina Garten, just sayin'... You'll feel like you have your own personal smoothie shop with this best-in-class blender. Boasting a 2-horsepower motor, it'll effortlessly blitz up ice and frozen fruit, though you could also use it for whizzing up sauces or even grinding up meat. From soup to nuts (as in, homemade nut butters), this workhorse will level up your meal prep like no other — and this is the best price we're seeing. Okay, this isn't a kitchen deal , but just think of all of the affordable kitchen gear you'll have access to, thanks to your new Sam's Club membership. This deal knocks the annual price down by 60%, but hurry — the offer ends December 2! The fact that this versatile appliance (which functions as both a vacuum and mop) is down to its all-time best price is enough for it to warrant a space in our carts. But throw in a Martha Stewart endorsement, and we're tempted to buy two! The queen of all things home recently sang its praises in an unsponsored post, calling it the "best new home appliance." She adds, "The design is simple, the parts easy to clean and anyone can use it ... Rather than sweeping (which raises dust), rather than vacuuming and then mopping, this machine does it all!" This set has wowed everyone from Yahoo staffers and thousands of online shoppers to — wait for it — Oprah herself. Yahoo writer awarded these the title of "Best Bamboo Cooling Sheets" in her category rundown. Another Yahoo writer, , is also a fan. In her , she writes, "Slipping into bed with Cozy Earth's sheets feels almost like jumping into a pool on a hot summer day." And what does Oprah have to say about the sheets she made famous? When they appeared on her , she said, "Your bed shouldn't be where you sweat the small (or big) stuff," and called the set "the softest ever," saying it "may help regulate body temperature, meaning both chilly sleepers and hot-flashers can get a good night's rest." Here's a wake-up call: This sale will save you 30% on a top-rated mattress that strikes just the right balance between comfy and supportive. Looking for something a little different? No problem — Casper is offering up to 30% off right now. A top-selling Roomba that's 40% off — its all-time lowest price? We'll take two! This gizmo will zap up all of that dust and debris on your floor while you relax on the sofa — nothing wrong with that. It runs for up to 120 minutes before heading back to its charging dock, and you can even schedule cleanings via the app. Check out our roundup of the for more. This small-but-mighty sucker, a viral fave for a while now, targets unsightly spots, minimizes odors and more on both carpets and upholstery in a perfectly portable way. At under 10 pounds, it's on the lighter side for a deep cleaner, and it's versatile enough to use on furniture — even car interiors. Plus, the 15-foot cord is long enough to keep you from having to find a new outlet every five minutes. This set comes with the Little Green, a 3-inch tough stain tool, a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, a spraying crevice tool, a trial size 8-ounce Spot and Stain with Febreze formula and a one-year limited warranty. You can snag it for nearly 35% off, which is just about as low as it usually goes on sale for. Check out our full for more. This brand doesn't go on sale very often, so if you (or someone on your list) has been wishing for a , you'll want to strike while the iron is hot! What we love about this top-seller is the fact that it's highly portable, making it ideal for camping, and the fact that it minimizes smoke for a more enjoyable experience. Yard in need of some heavy-duty pruning? This small but mighty chainsaw is powerful enough to take down tree branches, yet weighs under 2.5 pounds. Plus, this No. 1 bestseller is cordless for even more convenience, and the on-page coupon brings it down to within a few dollars of its best price yet. One Yahoo editor gave it a try, saying, "While testing the Saker, I first noticed that it was very easy to hold in one hand. I also appreciated the safety features, including a safety lock that must be pressed before the saw activates. This gave me some comfort that it wouldn't just 'go off' if I squeezed it too tight while walking between locations. It's also easier to use than something like pruning shears, which can be heavy and unwieldy and take much longer to get the same job done." Check out our full for more. With a relaxed, vintage-inspired fit, these denim duds are a true American classic — and great-looking to boot (cut). Save over 50% for Black Friday and thank us later. "The perfect jeans," . "Fabric has just enough stretch to be comfortable in any activity, without becoming 'saggy' throughout the day. Highly recommend!" Sometimes all you need to be happy is a good ol' puffer coat. If you want to wrap yourself up in a sleeping bag without feeling like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, this puffer is key. The snatched waist and pretty pink shade are flattering in all climates. Is it even a Coach Outlet sale without the famous Zip Wristlet? This leather cutie is just the right size for your cards and cash, plus it'll fit your phone, keys and a spare lipstick. Not bad for $26 (the lowest it's been in a long time). It's also available in multiple colors and prints like black, taupe and leopard. When Oprah says she likes something, we know it's gonna be good — so it's no surprise that this No. 1 bestselling jacket (aka "The Amazon Coat") has acquired a massive fan base. It graced the media queen's list in 2019 and features a fleece-lined hood, cozy down filling and about a zillion pockets for storing small essentials. It's also much more chic than many puffer coats, and at 45% off, it's down to its best price in years. Meet one of the brand's most popular styles. With thousands of five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, they made our list of the . Yahoo Commerce Editor Saundra Latham packed them for a cruise where she walked over 15,000 steps a day. "They're ultra-cushioned, with a flexible upper that's almost sock-like, so it molds to my foot," she said. These sporty, foamy kicks weigh less than 9 ounces, so take them on your next trip. Certain colors and sizes are 20% off right now, the lowest they've been in 30 days. Smaller shoulder bags are very in style this year, but sometimes, it's nice to have a crossbody strap to go hands-free. This bag comes with one so you can wear it both ways. Get it in black, brown, burgundy, green or white while it's nearly 70% off ahead of Black Friday. "Just large enough to comfortably fit my phone, wallet, sunglasses, and e-reader. It's so chic, but still simple enough for everyday use," shared one fashionista. "I haven't used the longer strap yet, because the shoulder strap is the perfect length!" These waterproof kicks are classics for a reason: They keep feet dry, offer excellent traction even in the slipperiest of conditions and feature a trendy vintage look to . At nearly 70% off (!!), you really can't go wrong. "With this much style and comfort, why wait for a rainy day?" pondered a . "I wear them all the time. They go great with jeans and keep you comfortable all day long! I love the look of the untied laces, and the zipper closure on the side makes them really easy to slip into." Coated in Swarovski crystals, these bestselling hoop earrings sparkle and shimmer from every angle. We love a good yellow gold pavé moment, but the hoops also come in white gold and rose gold if that's more your thing. Wear them on any ole Tuesday to dress up a simple outfit or reserve them for a formal occasion where you want to really wow. Important reminder: It's never too early to be thinking about holiday gifts — grab these stunners while they're on sale for an unreal $15. Whether you're checking out a new trail or running errands, you can never go wrong with a dependable fleece jacket. This zip-up is great by itself or layered under your heavier jackets when the temps drop. It has elastic at the wrists and a hidden drawstring at the waist so you can keep the wind out. We're partial to this pretty purple shade, but it also comes in black and grey. The beloved snail mucin from CosRx is excellent for evening skin tone and making your face look softer and brighter overall. It's also won multiple awards and has over five-star Amazon reviews. After our beauty editor used it for the first time ( ), her face was noticeably dewier and other users have boasted about its ability to hydrate, repair and improve dullness in the skin — all of which helps wrinkles look less deep and crepey. This is the cream you want if you're, like, "I think tightening creams are BS but I also want to believe they are true because I currently hate my neck." The Gold Bond firming cream is no frills but gets the job done (the job being tighter jowls and a less reptilian neck). The formula is lightweight and on the thin side, but the product absorbs well and is gentle enough not to irritate sensitive skin. Note: You'll need to use it consistently for about a month to see results, and it won't, of course, magically make you appear 25, but being able to snag this ample size for less makes this product worth a go. You've probably heard about — the magical, mystical hair treatment line that launched in 2014 to great fanfare. Since then, it's been highly praised (or, at least reportedly ) by a wide range of celebrities with gorgeous, thick, covetable hair: from Billie Eilish to Drew Barrymore; Dakota Johnson to Jennifer Lopez. In fact, in the past decade, Olaplex has become so popular it's racked up more than 2 billion (yes, billion with a "b") TikTok views, a devoted celebrity fan base, the trust of professional stylists and even a . And this month, it's heavily discounted. Hair Perfector No. 3 is the hero Olaplex product. It started as a salon-only treatment, but during the pandemic was made available to its devoted fans (including Margot Robbie) for at-home use. loved the hair-softening, hair-strengthening effects of this formula so much, she once used "Olaplexing" as verb. Made of skin-revitalizing ingredients like copper peptides and plant stem cells, this extra-firming eye cream is clinically proven to improve elasticity and firmness, and it lightens darker under-eye skin tones to boot. More than 1,600 five-star reviewers also praise its lifting and tightening merits, calling it: If you want to streamline your morning routine, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better product than this 3-in-1 primer, skin brightener and self-tanner from trusted brand Ole Henriksen. It's packed with vitamin C to rejuvenate dull or sallow-looking skin, while a DHA and sugar-derived self-tanner leaves behind a subtle bronze glow. It's a just-right product for winter skin — and right now, you can get it for 50% off. Extremely rare sale alert! Jennifer Aniston's high-end hair-care line is rarely marked down, and this 30% discount makes for an excellent opportunity to try her mane-transforming products. The all-natural, cruelty- and paraben-free formula is made from — of all things — chia seeds, and it's clinically proven to reduce hair breakage by 68% after just one use. This pre-lit staple features hinged branches with covered green PVC tips for a fresh and authentic look without the mess. It comes in eight different sizes ranging up to 10 feet, so you can easily find the size you need. "I usually purchase live trees, but with the rising costs I decided to purchase an artificial tree this year," explained a Wayfair shopper. "I am pleased with this tree. Once fluffed, it was beautiful and I didn’t miss the real tree except that fresh scent." Want to get some holiday shopping done early? has plenty of ideas, including this fun option, which is down to its best price of all time. "Invite Elsa, Tiana, Ariel, Mirabel and Moana to your holiday table," she says. "Build a small scene for each princess — including Ariel's undersea palace — then flip over the box to play the built-in board game with up to five other Disney fans." Check out her roundup of the for more. This pretty piece is made with sterling silver and gorgeous, sparkly cubic zirconia — ideal for dressing up for a night out on the town or dressing down with a pair of jeans and a crisp white blouse. Wear it solo or stack with other blingy bangles. The extra-long-weekend holiday officially kicks off on and includes sales but we're already spotting some major markdowns weeks ahead of the big holiday. The day following Thanksgiving has long been known as "Black Friday" — but why? the term began as a reference to the fact that many retail businesses operate at a financial loss (aka "in the red") for much of the year until the day after Thanksgiving, when the huge increase in sales causes them to finally turn a profit, putting them "in the black". However, there is a more precise origin for the usage of Black Friday, and it dates back to the 1960s. Police in Philadelphia began using the term to describe the pandemonium caused when an influx of the area's suburban residents flooded the city to begin their holiday shopping, which in some years coincided with the weekend's annual Army-Navy football game, adding extra chaos into the mix. After becoming popularized in Philly, the term spread until, by the 1980s, retailers began to use the phrase as a reference to their preferred "in the red"-to-"in the black" definition, which put the emphasis on profits. Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with , advises shoppers to make a list of items that they're interested in buying, then note their current prices. That way, you'll be able to spot a great Black Friday deal as soon as you see it. Adds Kristin McGrath, shopping expert with : "The most important thing is to know exactly what you want. What specs you want in a TV or laptop and which headphones you want." According to Kristen Gall, retail and shopping expert for , "Consumers shouldn't assume that just because a product is discounted that it's the best price out there. I recommend checking for the product on one to two other retailers to compare the regular price with a potential 'sale' price to ensure you're actually getting the best deal." Pay attention as Black Friday ads come out, Ramhold advises. "It may be helpful to follow your favorite retailers on social media and sign up for their email newsletters as well, since they may announce the ad release that way as well as other important details, like when the sales will begin." Gall calls these ads "your Black Friday road map for deals." Have a few favorite retailers? "Check to see if they're offering any kind of price match or guarantee for Black Friday," Ramhold says. The idea is that you'll know whether you can request that your preferred retailer match a competitor's price during a Black Friday event, or if you'll have to shop the competitor instead. "And if there's a price guarantee in place, it's good to know that if you buy something early on and it later drops in price, you'll be able to receive a price adjustment for the difference," Ramhold adds. "In addition to doing a price comparison, you can ensure you are getting the absolute best price by stacking deals to maximize savings," Gall says. "Cash-back services like allow you to earn cash back on top of sale prices. For extra savings, plan to apply promo codes or digital coupons, and use a rewards credit card to extra earn points or cash back." Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: Gall believes that retailers' overstock categories are the biggest predictor of Black Friday gold. That includes "home goods, gardening and furniture that they may have not gotten rid of during Labor Day weekend sales," she says. But, she also notes that Black Friday will also focus on "bigger-ticket items, such as tech, including laptops, TVs and more." Look out for great deals on AirPods, especially AirPods Pro, which are "still immensely popular, and retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target and Best Buy will likely offer the lowest price of the year," says McGrath. KitchenAid mixers are the products to watch, McGrath says. Black Friday deals knock the price down enough that these expensive classics are more affordable for many shoppers. Last year, we saw KitchenAid stand mixers sell out quickly, so be ready to jump on a good deal if you see it. Ramhold calls these "one of the quintessential Black Friday items." Major retailers will offer the latest Android smartphones and iPhones bundled with gift cards worth hundreds, "which can be used on later purchases and boost the value of these deals," Ramhold predicts. Historically, the best toy sales happen in December, Ramhold says, but "Black Friday toy deals should be pretty big." Expect up to 85% off at major stores, she says. McGrath recommends studying major retailers' Black Friday ads so you can pounce on the TV you want before it's gone. "Stock sells out quickly on the best-priced sets, and there are always a few headline-making deals that get a ton of hype and sell out in minutes," she says. "Zero in on the 4K TV you want, have some backups and get ready to shop as soon as the Black Friday sale kicks off." As always, retailers will be competing with each other for your business this Black Friday. While there's always a fair amount of overlap, certain retailers specialize in certain kinds of products. "Check out Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy for tech. Wayfair and Overstock always offer incredible home goods deals," McGrath advises. "Gap, Old Navy and Target lead the pack when it comes to clothing deals. Walmart is always strong on Black Friday in the toy department. Home Depot and Lowe's don't do as splashy sales as some of the big-box contenders, but they have great values on Black Friday for big-ticket home items, smart-home devices, home security bundles, grills, tool sets, power tools and even ladders. They're also some of the best sources of appliance package deals. And do not forget about Kohl's, which often offers extra Kohl's Cash with purchase. Oftentimes, they'll have the same price as a competitor on things like small appliances and smartwatches, but also throw in some Kohl's Cash to make the deal sweeter." See all of Shop the best expert-picked on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for . And find to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you. : Sleek, powerful, and built for next-gen gaming, the PS5 Slim is the ultimate upgrade. Featuring a 1TB SSD for lightning-fast load times, stunning 4K visuals, and the immersive DualSense Wireless Controller, this console is designed to elevate every gaming experience. Pre-loaded with ASTRO’s PLAYROOM and equipped with a disc drive, it’s ready for both digital and physical adventures. Grab it now and save 15%; the perfect excuse to level up your setup! : Compact yet powerful, this iPad Mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display and the blazing-fast A15 Bionic chip. Perfect for taking notes, editing photos, or streaming your favorite shows, it also boasts all-day battery life and ultrafast Wi-Fi 6. With its sleek design in Starlight, this portable powerhouse is now available at an impressive 40% discount! . : Featuring advanced Active Noise Cancellation, immersive spatial audio, and a customizable fit, these earbuds deliver high-fidelity sound and comfort. Don’t miss this Black Friday deal at an impressive 38% off! You can . : Say goodbye to lost items with AirTags. Attach them to your keys, wallet, or luggage, and let the Find My app do the work. Use Precision Finding with compatible iPhones to guide you straight to your nearby items or rely on the massive, privacy-focused Find My network for items farther away. With a built-in speaker and Siri integration, just say, “Hey Siri, find my bag,” and you’re good to go. Durable and water-resistant, this 4-pack is now available at an impressive 26% discount. to save on your favorite devices. : Transform your living room with this 50-inch 4K Ultra HD TV, offering vibrant colors and sharp detail. With built-in Fire TV, access over 1.5 million movies and TV episodes from popular streaming services. Control your entertainment hands-free with Alexa Voice Remote. Currently available at a 38% discount. to upgrade your home entertainment setup. : This is more than a TV—it’s a masterpiece. With Art Mode, transform your space into a gallery featuring works from The Met, MoMA, and more. Its certified glare-free matte display and customizable frames make it indistinguishable from wall art. Plus, Dolby Atmos and Quantum HDR ensure every movie night feels like a cinematic experience. At 40% off, this deal brings style, performance, and art to your home like never before. ! : Featuring the cutting-edge M2 chip and a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, this sleek MacBook Air delivers lightning-fast performance and all-day battery life. With 256GB SSD storage and a backlit keyboard, it’s the ultimate tool for work or play—now available at an incredible 25% off. ! : If you’ve been craving top-tier sound with noise-canceling power, these Bose QuietComfort Headphones are a must. They let you switch between full immersion and staying aware of your surroundings, all while delivering rich, customizable audio. Fans can’t get enough of the comfort for all-day wear, and the sleek Moonstone Blue color just seals the deal. At 43% off, now’s the perfect time to snag a pair! Also, ! : Featuring the A14 Bionic chip, a stunning 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, and all-day battery life, this versatile iPad is perfect for work, play, and everything in between. Never before sold at this price, grab it now during this Black Friday deal with a 26% discount! . : Equipped with Alexa Voice Remote, this compact device offers fast Full HD streaming, Dolby Atmos audio, and access to 1.5 million shows. Grab it now with an amazing 55% discount! !
Photo shows the logo and theme for Malaysia’s Asean Chairmanship 2025, unveiled by the Foreign Ministry at Wisma Putra late October this year. — Bernama photo WHILE the officials at Wisma Putra are busily preparing Malaysia for assuming the chairmanship of Asean next year, I have several matters of interest for the consideration by our leaders. I’m wondering if any of my suggestions will draw their attention at all. These are just passing thoughts as I’m keeping abreast with developments in terms of our foreign policy. Principle of non-interference Should the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of a member country be somewhat relaxed, if not removed altogether? I’m of the opinion that the toppling of an elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi by a military junta in Myanmar could have been avoided if Asean had had the necessary power in its Charter. As a group, acting in concert should have been able to directly influence the military leaders who were stepping out of line to think twice before staging a coup d’état. The communication between the Asean Secretariat in Bangkok was one way – with Suu Kyii only. Sure, the lady was internationally well-known, and generally seen as the symbol of Myanmar. But ignoring the generals with the guns was not clever. Worse, the junta leader was not even invited to attend any meeting of Asean; it was the mother of all insults as far as the armed forces were concerned. The generals were in actual power, however obtained, like it or not. Even if the great powers didn’t like them (they didn’t!), it was international etiquette to give them a seat at the table! Whether or not Malaysia, as the Chair of the group, will take the initiative to sound out to the member countries the importance of giving Asean some teeth, remains to be seen. However, Asean will be in good hands if it focuses on the policy of people-centred development. By this, I mean the principle of equitable distribution of wealth to reduce extreme poverty and the closing of the yawning gap between the rich and the poor in each member country. By this, I mean controlling privatisation of basic services such as healthcare, education and distribution of water and electricity. Equally important is the conservation of the forests and the protection of the people who live in them; they rely on the forests as their primary source of food and materials for their survival. All Asean countries must recognise the spirit and the intent of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of the indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP 2007). Within this context, I am banking on Malaysia, my country, to lead the way and set an example. It is incumbent on Malaysia to impress upon the other member countries that they must consider enacting legislation to recognise the legal rights to lands, territories and resources of the indigenous peoples of their respective states. Not forgetting maritime resources within each country’s exclusive economic zone! Asean Community Vision 2025 In November 2015, Asean adopted a vision of development supported by three pillars: Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), Political-Security Community (APSC), and Economic Community (AEC). For the past decade, I have been attending seminars of all descriptions. At every seminar, the subject of poverty has always dominated heated discussions. One criticism of AEC has been that “the AEC Blueprint is focused on economic progress, with no explicit concern regarding respect for human rights and accountability for redress in cases of human rights violations” (extracted from Page 601 of ‘The Indigenous World 2018’ – published by IWGI, Copenhagen). It is my hope that the Chair will have time to check these sources out and initiate discussions among member countries to address this issue. At the time of the creation of Asean in 1967, the founders Tun Abdul Razak Hussein of Malaysia, Thanat Khoman of Thailand, Adam Malik of Indonesia, and Narciso R. Ramos of the Philippines, were so engrossed with groping for ideas with which to address the multifaceted problems facing their countries that the relations between states came first. Now the problems are people- centred. Since Asean’s inception in 1967, social and political conditions have changed a lot in all the member countries. The current Asean leaders must empower their organisation in terms of issues relating to human rights violations committed in any member country. Cases of enforced disappearances of persons such as the sad cases of Pastor Koh, of Amri Che Mat, of Joshua Helmy and of his wife, may be seen as ‘internal problems’, but they are of universal importance. A crime against humanity. Malaysia will set a good example to others if human rights violations in the member countries will be part of the Asean Agenda for 2025. That may involve wider participation by the ordinary citizens of the member countries. Hopefully, one or two seminars will take place in Sarawak or Sabah. Equally hopefully, the seminars won’t just be ‘talk, talk, talk...’ – yes, you’ve correctly read my thought! You know what I am getting at. Above are my thoughts of the day, for what they are worth. Give Malaysia the chance to prove that we will do justice to our tenure of office for the next 12 months. * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist’s own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper.How co-writing a book threatened the Carters’ marriageTrump taps Rollins as agriculture chief, completing proposed slate of Cabinet secretaries
TCU's TD barrage breaks open tight game vs. ArizonaAfter Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers
Sharad Kumar Srivatsava, Director General of Indian Railway Institute of Signal Engineering and Telecommunications (Iriset) said the institute had imparted training to a record number of 5,195 personnel by conducting 221 courses this year, with productivity of 74,800 trainee days. The institute has trained 1,014 personnel on ‘Kavach,’ the Indian Railways’ anti-collision system, through 45 programmes. Speaking at the 67 annual day celebrations on Sunday, Srivastava said that Iriset had signed memoranda of understanding with three universities and engineering colleges to offer open electives on railway signalling and kavach for BTech students. Speaking at the event, Dr Radha Krishna Ganti, professor of electrical engineering, IIT Madras, stressed the importance of involving engineering students in railway signalling technologies to enhance capacity. He encouraged the use of AI to modernise training and improve learning outcomes. Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, South Central Railway, underscored the necessity to upgrade training programmes to build capabilities to design and execute infrastructure works at fast pace to ease out bottlenecks in the train operation. Vijaylaxmi Kaushik, additional member (signal), Railway Board called for skill enhancement to match the capital expenditure on infrastructure. Sameer Dikshit, additional member (telecom), Railway Board, stated the need to find innovative solutions and create an enabling environment for excellence to meet the expectations of the country. A technical magazine, ‘Gyandeep’, was released during the event. The institute has also set up exhibition stalls with products of signalling and telecommunication systems and upcoming developments.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Defending national champion South Carolina women defeated by UCLA 77-62 for their first loss since the 2023 Final Four.
NEW YORK (AP) — No ex-president had a more prolific and diverse publishing career than Jimmy Carter . His more than two dozen books included nonfiction, poetry, fiction, religious meditations and a children’s story. His memoir “An Hour Before Daylight” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2002, while his 2006 best-seller “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” stirred a fierce debate by likening Israel’s policies in the West Bank to the brutal South African system of racial segregation. And just before his 100th birthday, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation honored him with a lifetime achievement award for how he wielded “the power of the written word to foster peace, social justice, and global understanding.” In one recent work, “A Full Life,” Carter observed that he “enjoyed writing” and that his books “provided a much-needed source of income.” But some projects were easier than others. “Everything to Gain,” a 1987 collaboration with his wife, Rosalynn, turned into the “worst threat we ever experienced in our marriage,” an intractable standoff for the facilitator of the Camp David accords and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. According to Carter, Rosalynn was a meticulous author who considered “the resulting sentences as though they have come down from Mount Sinai, carved into stone.” Their memories differed on various events and they fell into “constant arguments.” They were ready to abandon the book and return the advance, until their editor persuaded them to simply divide any disputed passages between them. “In the book, each of these paragraphs is identified by a ‘J’ or an ‘R,’ and our marriage survived,” he wrote. Here is a partial list of books by Carter: “Keeping Faith: Memoirs of a President” “The Blood of Abraham: Insights into the Middle East” (With Rosalynn Carter) “Everything to Gain: Making the Most of the Rest of Your Life” “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections” “Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age” “Always a Reckoning, and Other Poems” (With daughter Amy Carter) “The Little Baby Snoogle-Fleejer” “Living Faith” “The Virtues of Aging” “An Hour Before Daylight: Memories of a Rural Boyhood” “Christmas in Plains: Memories” “The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War” “Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis” “Faith & Freedom: The Christian Challenge for the World” “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” “A Remarkable Mother” “Beyond the White House” “We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work” “White House Diary” “NIV Lessons from Life Bible: Personal Reflections with Jimmy Carter” “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power” “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety”
Jubilation. Joy. Relief. Wonder. Pick your word for it — emotions, each and all of them felt by the masses, came pouring out as the clock struck zero inside Memorial Stadium. The Nebraska football program’s long eight-year bowl drought finally came to an end on a 50-degree November afternoon in downtown Lincoln. That achievement is worth celebrating on its own, but the way Nebraska got it done — dominating, rather than eking over the line against an opponent it knows well — made the accomplishment that much sweeter. Nebraska never trailed in a 44-25 win over Wisconsin on Saturday, securing the program’s first bowl game since the 2016 season. The victory also snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Badgers, and the four-game losing skid which NU entered the day with. For a Nebraska (6-5, 3-5 Big Ten) senior class which had never made the postseason before, their level of play on the field matched the seriousness of the opportunity in front of them. Particularly on the offensive side of the ball, improvements from last week’s loss to USC were evident. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, calling his second game as a member of the Nebraska coaching staff, dialed up a blistering six-play, 55-yard touchdown drive to start the game. A 45-yard kickoff return from freshman Jacory Barney Jr. set Nebraska up on the drive, with junior Heinrich Haarberg scoring the 5-yard run to secure NU’s early 7-0 lead. Having parted ways with its offensive coordinator during the week, Wisconsin, (5-6, 3-5) showed no ill effects from that shakeup as it immediately responded with a scoring drive of its own. Helped by a key missed tackle near midfield, Wisconsin found the end zone on a 4-yard passing score from Braedyn Locke to Bryson Green. After the initial scoring drive, Wisconsin took three of its next four possessions into Nebraska territory but came away with just three points from those chances. A Janiran Bonner fumble deep inside Nebraska territory set up Wisconsin with a prime scoring opportunity, but a three-and-out and delay of game penalty contributed to a 34-yard field goal sailing wide. The Badgers pushed across a 33-yard kick later in the half but also missed a second field goal from 41 yards out, a miss which resulted in a 10-play drive netting zero points. Not all of Nebraska’s first-half drives were perfect — the Huskers punted twice and fumbled once — but when things clicked, Wisconsin could do little to slow down the surging Nebraska offense. Nebraska utilized its quick passing game during its second touchdown drive, with a 27-yard gain from Emmett Johnson on a screen pass quickly being followed by a 21-yard Barney gain on a touch pass in the backfield. Running back Dante Dowdell capped off the eight-play, 80-yard touchdown drive with a 12-yard rushing score in which Jahmal Banks and Nate Boerkircher sealed the edge with a pair of punishing blocks. Nebraska also took advantage of Wisconsin’s field goal miscues by scoring touchdowns immediately following both misses. An efficient drive just prior to the halftime break ended with a toe-tap catch from Banks in the back of the end zone, a 5-yard passing score from Dylan Raiola which extended Nebraska’s lead to 21-10. Taking the ball with just 17 seconds left in the half, Wisconsin could’ve kneeled out the clock but instead opted to give running back Tawee Walker a first down carry. NU’s Nash Hutmacher made Wisconsin regret that decision by jarring the ball loose for a Bager turnover. One completion later and Nebraska brought kicker John Hohl onto the field for a 37-yard try, one he dispatched to give the Huskers a 14-point halftime lead. The 24 first-half points scored by Nebraska marked the team’s second-most all season, and the most since NU’s win over Colorado in September. The Huskers came out firing after the halftime break, too, forcing a Wisconsin three-and-out prior to putting together a scoring drive of its own. While the Nebraska drive stalled out prior to the end zone, a 45-yard Hohl field goal gave the Huskers a three-score advantage, 27-10 in their favor. Unable to trust its kicker in a similar situation, Wisconsin instead opted to keep its offense on the field for a fourth down outside the NU red zone. Walker’s carry up the middle was stuffed by the Blackshirts, resulting in a turnover on downs midway through the third quarter. When Nebraska turned that opportunity into a touchdown of its own, the game just about escaped Wisconsin’s reach. Another well-executed scoring drive, this time a seven-play march down the field which took three-plus minutes, ended in a Dowdell 3-yard touchdown run. As Nebraska’s lead reached 34-10, it marked the most points NU has scored against a Big Ten foe under head coach Matt Rhule. Wisconsin did fire back with a touchdown drive late in the third quarter and another midway through the fourth quarter. A third made field from Hohl helped keep Nebraska’s lead safe to the end, though. Nebraska can take away many positives from its win over Wisconsin, with the all-around performance of Johnson at running back and its much-improved offense taking center stage. Most important of all was the fact that Saturday’s win meant six on the season, a mark Nebraska fans hadn’t celebrated since the 2016 season. That major season milestone now secured, Nebraska’s regular season will come to a close during a Black Friday matchup against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) and Dana Holgorsen celebrate a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Head Coach Matt Rhule (left) high-fives Janiran Bonner (16) and Dana Holgorsen after a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) dodges a tackle by Wisconsin's Austin Brown (9) as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) catches a pass during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) catches a pass while defended by Wisconsin's Justin Taylor during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola reacts to a fumble recovered by Wisconsin during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen looks over his notes during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen looks over his notes during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) runs through a tackle by Wisconsin's Austin Brown (9) and Preston Zachman (14) into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (center) leaps over Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) catches a touchdown pass while defended by Wisconsin's Ricardo Hallman (2) during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. In a play that was ruled incomplete, Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor (18) catches a pass in the endzone while defended by Wisconsin's Xavier Lucas (10) in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) and Nash Hutmacher (0) try to block a field goal kick by Wisconsin's Nathanial Vakos (90) in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) runs in to the endzone for a second quarter touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Austin Brown (9) tries to tackle Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs the ball in for a touchdown in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke (18) is sacked by Nebraska's Willis McGahee (12) in the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Marques Buford (3) defends Wisconsin's Bryson Green (9) as he catches a touchdown in the endzone in the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's John Hohl (90) scores a filed goal in the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (left) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Dylan Raiola during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (left) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Dylan Raiola during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska players take the field after the tunnel walk on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin's Trech Kekahuna (left) escapes a tackle from Nebraska's Isaac Gifford, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Javin Wright (right) breaks up a pass intended for Wisconsin's Tucker Ashcraft, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg scores against Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Jacory Barney (right) celebrates his opening kickoff return against Wisconsin with teammate Janiran Bonner and Kwinten Ives, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Joey Mancino (67) embraces head coach Matt Rhule during a senior day ceremony before the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's MJ Sherman embraces head coach Matt Rhule during a senior day ceremony before the game on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Fans arrive at Memorial Stadium before the Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. The Cornhusker Marching Band arrives at Memorial Stadium before the Wisconsin, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Nebraska fans walk around campus before the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Hudson Meyer of Hooper, 6, throws leaves in the air before the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Get local news delivered to your inbox!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, Australia
Key player Vikings WR Jordan Addison Asked how he would defending himself, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson said: “It’s either let everybody else go off or let Justin go off. I’m going to let everybody else go off.” Well, the Chicago Bears let Jordan Addison go off. Addison had a career-high 162 yards receiving on eight catches, including a 69-yard catch and run to open the second half. His most important grab might have been the last one, when he connected with Sam Darnold on a 12-yard reception on third and 10 from the Vikings 21-yard line to move the chains as the overtime entered sudden death. (Honorable mention here to tight end T.J. Hockenson , who took over in OT and capped 114-yard day with three catches for 58 yards in the extra period.) Key play 11 points in 29 seconds After the Vikings kicked a field goal to go up 27-16 just after the two-minute warning, the Bears, with no timeouts, came all the way back. DeAndre Carter’s 55-yard kickoff return certainly helped. But starting when there were 29 seconds on the clock, Caleb Williams hit Keenan Allen on a 1-yard TD pass and connected with D.J. Moore on a two-point conversion. Then the Bears recovered an onside kick after it bounced off Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt ’s foot. Williams hit Moore for 27 yards on the next play. After the Bears clocked it, Cairo Santos kicked a 48-yard field goal to send the game to overtime. Sign up for the Access Vikings newsletter Key number 6 Entering Sunday’s games, only the Dallas Cowboys (three) had fewer rushing touchdowns than the Vikings ’ five. The team’s struggles running the ball in the red zone, in particular, are acute, and Aaron Jones ’ fumble at the 1 in the first quarter didn’t help that perception. Jones punched in the Vikings’ sixth rushing TD of the season late in the third quarter to give them a 14-point lead. He had 22 carries for 106 yards, his second 100-yard game with the Vikings. But Minnesota was only 3-for-7 in the red zone (though on the last trip inside the 20, the Vikings intentionally set up Parker Romo ’s game-winning field goal) and has scored only 21 TDs in 39 red-zone drives (53.8%). Up next Vs. Arizona, noon Sunday After a three-game road trip, the Vikings return to U.S. Bank Stadium, where they will play three of their four December games. The Cardinals entered a key NFC West matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday afternoon in first place in the division. 2024 schedule and results Sept. 8: W, 28-6 vs. N.Y. Giants Sept. 15: W, 23-17 vs. San Francisco Sept. 22: W, 34-7 vs. Houston Sept. 29: W, 31-29 at Green Bay Oct. 6: W, 23-17 vs. N.Y. Jets in London Oct. 13: Bye Oct. 20: L, 31-29 vs. Detroit Oct. 24: L, 30-20 at L.A. Rams Nov. 3: W, 21-13 vs. Indianapolis Nov. 10: W, 12-7 at Jacksonville Nov. 17: W, 23-13 at Tennessee Nov. 24: W, 30-27 OT at Chicago Dec. 1: vs. Arizona Dec. 8: vs. Atlanta Dec. 16: vs. Chicago Dec. 22: at Seattle Dec. 29: vs. Green Bay Jan. 4 or 5: at Detroit Got a question about the Vikings? Email it to accessvikings@startribune.com . We’ll answer your questions in an upcoming Access Vikings newsletter or podcast.Savion Williams rushed for two touchdowns and Josh Hoover threw for 252 yards as TCU pulled away from Arizona in the second half, winning 49-28 on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. The Horned Frogs (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions, starting late in the first half after the Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) pulled within 14-13. Williams carried nine times for 80 yards, scoring on runs of 1 and 20 yards in the first half. Hoover completed 19 of 26 passes, with one touchdown and one interception, before being pulled midway through the fourth quarter when the Frogs were up by 21. TCU took control after leading 21-13 at halftime, going up 35-13 on a 38-yard reception to JP Richardson midway through the third. Arizona kept its hopes alive, ending a 15-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hunter on fourth down on the first play of the fourth quarter. The two-point conversion made it 35-21. But the Horned Frogs responded with another TD drive, capped by a 6-yard run by Cam Cook for a 42-21 advantage. Arizona added a 70-yard fumble return touchdown with one minute to go for the game's final score. Tetairoa McMillan caught nine passes for 115 yards to become the Arizona career leader in receiving yardage with 3,355. He surpassed his receivers coach, Bobby Wade (3,351), at the top spot. The Wildcats' Noah Fifita completed 29 of 44 passes for 284 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, which happened on the game's first snap. TCU promptly scored on a 4-yard run by Trent Battle, and Williams added a 1-yard TD run late in the first quarter for a 14-0 lead. But the Wildcats fought back, getting a 17-yard touchdown reception by Hunter and field goals of 53 and 43 yards from Tyler Loop to climb within 14-13 with 1:55 go before halftime. That's almost how the half ended, but the Horned Frogs converted third-and-18 on the ensuing drive and then gained 24 yards on third-and-25 to the Arizona 20. That set up a 20-yard run by Williams on fourth-and-1 with 13 seconds left for a 21-13 lead. --Field Level Media
Former White House aide picked as agriculture secretaryLOS ANGELES –– The Kings defeated one of the NHL’s hottest teams and turned in a perfect afternoon on special teams as they beat the Seattle Kraken 2-1 on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena. The Kings scored the game’s only power-play goal, reversing a troubling recent trend in the process, and were 3 for 3 on the penalty kill. They entered the match as losers of three of their last four games while Seattle had prevailed in five of its past six clashes. Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield, who was playing in his 200th career game, each found the net for the Kings. Anže Kopitar assisted on both goals. David Rittich stopped all 19 shots. Brandon Montour scored late for Seattle on an active night for the former Ducks defenseman. Joey Daccord made 19 saves. Two of the NHL’s 10 best teams defensively produced a predictably low-event first period – while the Kraken and Kings once combined for 17 goals in a game, they had only nine combined shots in the opening 20 minutes – but the Kings flipped the script with goals at the 4:19 and 6:03 marks of the middle frame. First, it was the vision of Alex Turcotte synergizing the finishing ability of Kempe, who scored his 10th goal of the season and his 11th point in his past 11 games. Turcotte received the puck behind the net, curled toward the right-wing boards and sold a play along the wall as he sucked in four Kraken defenders. His no-look pass hit Kempe in the slot, with Adam Larsson unable to close his gap and Daccord having little chance at Kempe’s searing short-side wrister. Then, two weights were lifted at once when the power play scored its first goal since Brandt Clarke’s Nov. 9 empty-netter and Byfield tallied for the first time since he scored in consecutive games Nov. 5 and Nov. 7. He scored his third goal of the year and the first for the newly configured top power-play unit with a kneeling one-timer from the right faceoff circle. The primary assist was Kevin Fiala’s first point in seven games and the secondary one, as it did on Kempe’s goal, went to Kopitar. The captain’s pair of helpers brought him to 14 points in his past 11 games, remaining a beacon of consistency even in lean offensive stretches for the team. The Kings had the opportunity to slam the door at the end of the period when a bizarre sequence during a Seattle power play left Byfield and Warren Foegele with a two-on-none shorthanded rush. After four passes across Daccord’s crease, Foegele’s eventual shot was negated by the handle of Daccord’s stick. Foegele would have another brush with glory in the third period, right after Montour had two of his own. His slap shot was saved by Rittich but his follow-up bid beat the big Czech, only to dent the right post just below the crossbar. Montour broke through 23 seconds after the Kings survived a six-on-four sequence, when his slap shot roared past Rittich with 1:34 to play, but Seattle drew no nearer.BRENDAN RODGERS praised Celtic’s travel weary stars as they moved clear at the top. The Hoops thumped Hearts 4-1 at Tynecastle as Aberdeen and Rangers both dropped points . 3 Kyogo Furuhashi opened the scoring after a dull first half Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 Adam Idah hit a double off the bench Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 Brendan Rodgers' oldLiverpool colleague was in the home dugout Credit: PA It means they are now three clear of the Dons and eleven ahead of Gers. And on the back of a punishing international break Rodgers couldn’t hide his delight. He said: “I have to say it’s a great testament to the mentality coming off the back of the travel that some of these guys have done. “I thought it was a little bit at times in the first half in some moments. Read More SPFL stories OFFICIAL CHANGE Bizarre moment Hearts v Celtic was delayed with three minutes to go IT'S TRICKY Pundit slams Hibs star Elie Youan - but fans insist reaction's 'not that deep' “But you've got guys that are travelling, the Japanese players for example, halfway around the world. “Austin Trusty, Ally Johnson, travelling away and joining the team on Friday. “The beauty is that it was a fantastic second half, but I know we'll get that synchronisation back again. “Now there's no more international breaks, we'll get that fluidity and quality back into the team. Most read in Football HEARTS 1 CELTIC 4 Ice cool Idah hits a hot streak at chilly Tynecastle as Hoops go 3 clear OFFICIAL CHANGE Bizarre moment Hearts v Celtic was delayed with three minutes to go SCOTT PROPERTY Celtic legend Scott Brown splashes out £2million on luxury pad with pool DOWN AND OUT Rangers boss Philippe Clement admits he has 'no credit left in the bank' “But we managed the game really well in the second half.” Kyogo Furuhashi bagged his 80th goal on his 150th Hoops appearance to finally breach the Jambos defence ten minutes after the break. Ex-Celtic star Aiden McGeady reveals moment Gordon Strachan wanted to re-sign him - years after infamous bust-up On-form winger Kuhn smashed a stunning second high past the outstanding Craig Gordon less than five minutes later. Idah scored with just his third touch after replacing Kyogo and netted again in stoppage time with a spot-kick after fellow sub James Forrest was fouled by Jorge Grant . Rodgers said: “They (Hearts) surprised us a little bit with the pressing structure. They'd normally pressed in 4-4-2, but that was slightly different. “So, we had some good movements in the first half, but our positioning wasn't quite right, which meant we'd get caught on the ball a bit more often than I would have liked. “Once we went through that at half-time and figured it out and got our positioning better, then we were able to play through that press really well and scored some fantastic goals . “The concentration in the team was really, really good. It ended up being a really, really good win for us.” On their rivals slipping up , Rodgers said: “We’re just staying focused on ourselves. “I think if some of your nearest rivals drop points, then you want to be able to take advantage of that, even though it's very early on. Man bys How they rated by ROBERT MARTIN HEARTS: Craig Gordon 8, Daniel Oyegoke 7, Frankie Kent 6, Kye Rowles 6, James Penrice 7, Cammy Devlin 7 (Yan Dhanda 80, 2), Beni Baningime 6, Malachi Boateng 6 (Jorge Grant 67, 3), Blair Spittal 6 (Musa Drammeh 80, 3), Alan Forrest 6 (Kennth Vargas 67, 2), Lawrence Shankland 6. CELTIC: Kasper Schmeichel 7, Alastair Johnston 6 (Anthony Ralston 70, 3), Cameron Carter-Vickers 8, Austin Trusty 8, Greg Taylor 6, Reo Hatate 7, Callum McGregor 7, Arne Engels 6 (Paulo Bernardo 66, 3), Daizen Maeda 6 (James Forrest 67, 3), Nicolas Kuhn 7 (Yang Hyun-jun 75, 2), Kyogo Furuhashi 7 (Adam Idah 75, 4). “But it's still always about your own self, having to perform. And I think everyone recognises, coming here with only 500 odd supporters who were absolutely brilliant, we heard them all night. “So, it's a little gap now, but as I said, we've just got to focus on ourselves and just keep increasing it.” Gutted Hearts boss Neil Critchley rued his side’s inability to take chances when they were on top at 0-0. He said: “I thought our organisation was good. I thought our structure was good. I thought we pressed well. And we went toe-to-toe with a very good team. Read more on the Scottish Sun FESTIVE FIZZ Coca-Cola Christmas truck in Scotland: Dates, locations & all you need to know AND RELAX Scots seaside hotel with outdoor hot tub and firepit named UK's top spa resort “You know in these games you might not get loads of opportunities because you know that Celtic are going to have the ball. “And you need to make sure you're clinical in those moments. And we weren't, unfortunately. That's probably been the story of the last few games.” Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page