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Middle East latest: Tension on the streets of Damascus as opposition fighters close inKILLINGTON — American skier Mikaela Shiffrin said she suffered an abrasion on her left hip and that something “stabbed” her when she crashed during her second run of a World Cup giant slalom race Saturday, doing a flip and sliding into the protective fencing. Shiffrin stayed down on the edge of the course for quite some time as the ski patrol attended to her. She was taken off the hill on a sled and waved to the cheering crowd before going to a clinic for evaluation. “Not really too much cause for concern at this point, I just can’t move,” she said later in a video posted on social media . “I have a pretty good abrasion and something stabbed me. ... I’m so sorry to scare everybody. It looks like all scans so far are clear.” She plans to skip the slalom race Sunday, writing on Instagram she will be “cheering from the sideline.” The 29-year-old was leading after the first run of the GS and charging for her 100th World Cup win. She was within sight of the finish line, five gates onto Killington’s steep finish pitch, when she an outside edge. She hit a gate and did a somersault before sliding into another gate. The fencing slowed her momentum as she came to an abrupt stop. Reigning Olympic GS champion Sara Hector of Sweden won in a combined time of 1 minute, 53.08 seconds. Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia was second and Swiss racer Camille Rast took third. The Americans saw Paula Moltzan and Nina O’Brien finish fifth and sixth. “It’s just so sad, of course, to see Mikaela crash like that and skiing so well,” Hector said on the broadcast after her win. “It breaks my heart and everybody else here.” The crash was a surprise for everyone. Shiffrin rarely DNFs — ski racing parlance for “did not finish.” In 274 World Cup starts, she DNF’d only 18 times. The last time she DNF’d in GS was January 2018. Shiffrin also has not suffered any devastating injuries. In her 14-year career, she has rehabbed only two on-hill injuries: a torn medial collateral ligament and bone bruising in her right knee in December 2015 and a sprained MCL and tibiofibular ligament in her left knee after a downhill crash in January 2024. Neither knee injury required surgery, and both times, Shiffrin was back to racing within two months. Saturday was shaping up to be a banner day for Shiffrin, who skied flawlessly in the first run and held a 0.32-second lead as she chased after her 100th World Cup win. Shiffrin, who grew up in both New Hampshire and Colorado and sharpened her skills at nearby Burke Mountain Academy, has long been a fan favorite. Shiffrin is driven not so much by wins but by arcing the perfect run. She has shattered so many records along the way. She passed Lindsey Vonn’s women’s mark of 82 World Cup victories on Jan. 24, 2023, during a giant slalom in Kronplatz, Italy. That March, Shiffrin broke Swedish great Ingemar Stenmark’s Alpine mark for most World Cup wins when she captured her 87th career race. To date, she has earned five overall World Cup titles, two Olympic gold medals — along with a silver — and seven world championships. In other FIS Alpine World Cup news, the Tremblant World Cup — two women’s giant slaloms at Quebec’s Mont-Tremblant scheduled for next weekend — were canceled. Killington got 21 inches of snow on Thanksgiving Day, but Tremblant — five hours north of Killington — had to cancel its races because of a lack of snow.
The main commander of the Syrian fighters who deposed strongman Bashar al-Assad said Wednesday that anyone involved in the torture and killing of people Assad detained during his iron-fisted rule would be hunted down, with pardons out of the question. "We will pursue them in Syria, and we ask countries to hand over those who fled so we can achieve justice," Abu Mohammed al-Jolani said in a statement published on the Syrian state TV's Telegram channel. Jolani’s vow to extract revenge against Assad’s lieutenants of torture and death came as the world is watching to see if Syria's new rulers can stabilize the country after civil war fought for nearly 14 years along sectarian and ethnic lines has left it in shambles. Mohammed al-Bashir, the man installed by Jolani's fighters to lead an interim administration through March 1, pleaded with millions of refugees to return home, create unity and provide basic services. But rebuilding is a daunting proposition with little funding on hand. "In the coffers, there are only Syrian pounds worth little or nothing. One U.S. dollar buys 35,000 of our coins," Bashir told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera . "We have no foreign currency, and as for loans and bonds, we are still collecting data. So yes, financially we are very bad," said Bashir, who previously ran a small rebel-led administration in a pocket of northwestern Syria. But Bashir said the Islamist-led alliance that ousted Assad will guarantee the rights of all religious groups. "Precisely because we are Islamic, we will guarantee the rights of all people and all sects in Syria," Bashir said. More than 500,000 people were killed in the war, with more than half the population forced to flee their homes. About 6 million Syrians sought refuge abroad. Bashir pleaded with those who fled the violence to return home. In his interview with Corriere della Sera , he said, "Syria is now a free country that has earned its pride and dignity. Come back." Foreign officials are warily engaging with the former rebels, part of the former al-Qaida affiliate Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which remains designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and others. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the new government must "uphold clear commitments to fully respect the rights of minorities, facilitate the flow of humanitarian assistance to all in need, prevent Syria from being used as a base for terrorism or posing a threat to its neighbors." U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, "It's our duty to do everything to support different Syrian leaders in order to make sure that they come together, they are able to guarantee a smooth transition." But the U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the security situation in Syria remains volatile. The agency said it has found more than 50 minefields over the past 10 days, which is curtailing the movement of civilians and impeding the delivery of goods and services. Meanwhile, Russia, which had supported Assad’s fight against the rebels and now has granted him asylum, said Wednesday it is closely monitoring the situation in Syria and is in contact with “those who are currently controlling the situation.” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted Russia’s need to ensure the security of its diplomatic facilities and its military bases in Syria, where Russian troops were based for years supporting the Syrian military in the country’s civil war. Assad’s fall also dealt a blow to Iran’s interests in the region, cutting off a land delivery route for weapons to the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon, as well as territory in which Iranian militias could operate. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday rejected the idea of a weakened Iranian network in the region, which includes its support of Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, militias in Iraq and Houthi militants in Yemen. Khamenei also said what happened in Syria was the result of a U.S.-Israeli plan, and that a “neighboring state” of Syria played a role in Assad’s ouster. He did not name the neighboring country, but Turkey, which borders Syria, was a main supporter of groups that opposed Assad. As Syrians work to establish the future of their country, Pope Francis said Wednesday he hoped for a political solution that promotes “the stability and unity of the country.” "I pray ... that the Syrian people may live in peace and security in their beloved land and the different religions may walk together in friendship and mutual respect for the good of that nation afflicted by so many years of war,” he said. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.( MENAFN - Newsfile Corp) Shanghai, China--(Newsfile Corp. - November 30, 2024) - Double Dutch Shanghai Vol.8 was held in Qingpu District, Shanghai, on November 23rd to 24th. The competition attracted nearly a thousand high-level athletes from eight countries and regions, including the United States, France, Belgium, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Macao, China, representing the highest level of international participation in its history. Additionally, 59 teams from 12 cities across eight provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions such as Beijing, Chongqing, Xinjiang, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Shanghai participated, presenting a sports spectacle filled with "speed and passion". International Competition: A Rare Display of Superb Skills In the world of rope skipping, Double Dutch is recognized as a trendy sport that requires tight coordination between partners. Two rope holders grasp the ends of two ropes and swing them to hit the ground in the same or opposite directions, while skippers perform various tricks between the ropes. Rope holders and skippers can switch roles. With the integration of various popular elements such as gymnastics, strength, dance, footwork, and music, interactive rope skipping (or Double Dutch) has become the undeniable face of rope skipping, combining entertainment, spectacle, and competition, and has emerged as the spokesperson of trendy sports. Since its inaugural edition in 2014, Double Dutch Contest Shanghai has been successfully held for eight consecutive years, attracting nearly 400 teams from around the world. The scale of the event, competitive level, and international influence have continued to rise. Among the participants were "Light-Speed Boy" Huang Junkai, the Australian Double Dutch Dynamite team, the Japanese Millennium Collection team, and other notable athletes, making this year's lineup even more impressive than previous ones, akin to a highly competitive event featuring top-notch athletes. After two days of intense competition, the Australian Double Dutch Dynamite team and Hong Kong's IPhone Pro MAX team won the first and second places in the open division of the DDC Performance with their creative routines and high-difficulty moves. The combination of Huang Junkai, Wang Yinan, and Jiang Dali tied last year's championship record in the DDC Speed, performing 138 skips on a single foot. Notably, Xu Faguang, who is currently ranked first in Chinese Double Dutch Contest, repeated as the champion of the DDC ONE'S, successfully earning a spot in the 2025 DOUBLE DUTCH ONE'S World Finals. Shanghai: The Fertile Soil for Rope Skipping's Growth As the scale and influence of the event continue to rise, it begins to nurture this "fertile soil in the East." On the one hand, the event attracts global attention to Qingpu with its professionalism, international participants, and exciting performance, showcasing the spiritual temperament and humanistic connotation of Shanghai's western gateway as a "beautiful place, the essence of Jiangnan, an innovation hub, and a warm home" on the world stage. On the other hand, high-level international sports events have always been the best entry point for attracting traffic, not only enhancing the city's management and service level but also driving the upgrade of "spectator" consumption and continuously promoting the interactive development of mass sports, competitive sports, and the sports industry, contributing to the comprehensive upgrade of industry, city, and people's livelihood. A Decade of Accumulation and Maturation: Successfully Creating a Global 'Meeting Hall' From its establishment in 2014 to over the past nearly ten years of incubation and nurturing in Qingpu, Double Dutch Contest Shanghai has undergone continuous growth and development. With its continuously improving professional standards, frequent visits by internationally renowned guests, and continuously diversifying and expanding supporting activities, it has become a globally connected and interactive social hub that spreads the Chinese sports spirit and showcases Shanghai's city image amid widespread public attention and anticipation. Media contact Contact: Zhanghao Company: Shanghai Yuedong Cultural Technology Co., Ltd Website: Email: ... To view the source version of this press release, please visit SOURCE: Hmedium MENAFN30112024004218003983ID1108942158 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. 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'This Town Should Be Duplicated' – How America's Solar-Powered Hurricane Haven Cuts Power Bills In HalfPerry Minasian hoping groundwork was laid in Dallas for more Angels upgrades this winterIf you're shopping for a new TV, chances are high that you'll be split between OLED and QLED models . That's because both panel display types offer noticeable differences and distinct qualities, as we'll break down below. In a snapshot, QLED (Quantum Dot Light Emitting Diode) TVs present brighter images than standard LCD TVs. This is because QLED TVs build on LED technology by integrating proprietary software with LED backlighting. The layered nature of a QLED-built TV also eliminates the risk of burn-in, or lingering/permanent visible images. The way QLED TVs are constructed is fundamentally closer to that of LCD TVs, which are the most common type on the market. Because their main advantage is enhanced brightness, QLEDs are ideal in living rooms and well-lit environments. Generally speaking, QLEDs are cheaper and come in a broader array of sizes, both larger and smaller, than OLEDs. Also: Neo QLED vs OLED: Which technology is right for you? OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) TVs, on the other hand, do not use backlighting systems. Instead, millions of individual self-illuminating pixels create a virtually blur-free picture, no matter your viewing angle. Each pixel has its own LED bulb that can dim for enhanced contrast or shut off completely to create a true black. This also translates to high fidelity and uniformity across the screen, even if you're sitting to the far left or right in relation to it. OLED technology is considered "emissive," meaning each pixel emits its own light (vs. "transmissive" QLEDs, which rely on an LED backlight). This means each unused subpixel can turn off completely. Combined with no need for backlighting, this makes OLEDs more energy-efficient than QLEDs. Based on the OLED TVs we've tested , they offer better picture quality, including higher contrast, truer color accuracy, and deeper blacks than QLEDs. However, what works best for you might depend on your viewing environment and user needs. Following are some thoughts to consider before buying an OLED TV over a QLED TV -- and vice versa! Also: LG's G4 OLED TV is my pick for best picture quality, and it's $800 off for the holiday season You should buy an OLED TV if... Samsung S95D OLED TV at CES No matter where you're sitting in relation to an OLED TV screen, you'll most likely be able to see what's happening. An OLED TV, like the Samsung S95D (our 55-inch pick of the best OLED TVs ), has wide viewing angles and enhanced color contrast. Also: The best OLED TVs (and why they're so expensive) The Samsung S95D OLED, for example, has about 8.3 million self-illuminating pixels that can dim or switch off completely, creating deep colors and cinematic contrast. The latest OLED models also feature AI-powered processors that set the stage for enhanced audio-visual performance, pixel by pixel, beat by beat. Forget the expensive monitor -- the LG C4 65-inch OLED TV and other OLED TVs like it are multifunctional and can help with your gaming needs too . The LG C4, in particular, has a game optimizer mode with Nvidia G-Sync, which has a high refresh rate, FreeSync Premium, for tear- and stutter-free gaming, and a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), a refresh rate that automatically delivers video frames as quickly as possible. Loaded with ports, it has four HDMI 2.1 ports that support Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium VRR, three USB ports, and an Ethernet port, so you can connect it to whatever you need. OLED TVs are at their best in darker rooms to show off their rich contrast capabilities. If you're looking for a TV for a home theater or for primarily nighttime viewing, OLED is the way to go. You'll be able to better see content with darker backgrounds and have better picture quality overall. Also: Samsung's S90C OLED TV is one of my top TV picks for the holidays and it's 22% off The only problem to consider with OLED picture quality is image retention or burn-in. That's when the TV has an afterimage on it that lingers or is permanent because its pixels are in constant use. To enjoy the OLED contrast and picture quality without burn-in, turn off your TV periodically. Remember that manufacturers have incorporated preventative measures into recent OLED TVs like the LG evo C4 and that leading companies are committed to reliability . Make sure to choose a recent OLED TV if you decide to purchase one. You should buy a QLED TV if... Samsung 85-inch Class QN800 Neo QLED 8K TV OLED TVs look good in dark rooms or home theaters, so the contrast pops, while QLED TVs look especially good in sunlit rooms or near windows. A QLED TV like the $500 TCL Q7 Q-Class QLED TV has high brightness levels so you can view your show of choice no matter what time of day it is. Also: The best QLED TVs of 2024 TVs aren't as important to some people as they are to others. You could be in the market for a less expensive TV due to budgetary constraints or because you won't use it constantly -- in that case, a QLED TV will work better for your needs than an OLED TV. OLED models can come with a hefty price tag, like the LG M4 Wireless (our best big-screen OLED TV pick ), which costs $4,500. By contrast, the comparably sized 65-inch Samsung QN90C Smart Tizen QLED TV is $1,400. If the look of a typical TV doesn't fit well with your decor, consider this: a QLED TV that blends well with the rest of your room and looks like a picture frame. When you turn it off, it displays pictures of your family or friends or works of art on rotation. Samsung's popular The Frame QLED TV does just that, and for some of us, that's enough reason to get a QLED TV over an OLED TV. Alternatives to consider Open to other QLED or OLED prospects? Consider these ZDNET-recommended TVs: Why I pick this ultraportable Lenovo tablet over the iPad Air for multimedia consumption I tested the new Kindle Scribe for two weeks, and it beat my ReMarkable in several ways One of the best QLED TVs I've tested isn't made by Samsung or Hisense These Beyerdynamic earbuds delivered glorious sound for any kind of music I played
TVA Sports journalist, Renaud Lavoie, has officially taken a stance on the New York Rangers' fourth goal against the Montreal Canadiens . According to him, it's clear, direct, and precise. That goal was not valid: Do you agree with Renaud Lavoie? A tough game for the referees during the match between the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers Let's recall that, during the sequence leading to the winning goal, the home team's forward, Will Cuylle, clearly tripped Joel Armia . - Stu Cowan, journalist covering the Habs Furthermore, in the post-game press conference, head coach Martin St-Louis stayed in front of reporters for less than 90 seconds. His response spoke volumes.. And what about you? Do you think the Montreal Canadiens deserved a better outcome in New York? Do you believe the Rangers' fourth goal was valid? Following this loss, the Habs are now in 30th place in the NHL standings (last in the East) with 19 points in 23 games and a record of 8 wins, 12 losses, and 3 overtime losses. The team has a lot of work to do if they hope to quickly get back in the mix. This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.
The judge on Tuesday ordered WordPress owner Automattic to reverse its actions against WP Engine. The battle between WordPress owner Automattic and WP Engine seemingly struck US federal Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin as rather one-sided, as she ruled against Automattic on Tuesday and granted WP Engine the preliminary injunction it sought. “Judge Martinez-Olguin’s ruling clearly explains why [Automattic founder] Matt Mullenweg’s campaign against WP Engine has been so misguided,” said IDC research manager Michele Rosen. “By going to war with one vendor that is engaging in a common business practice, Mullenweg caused irreparable damage to the WordPress ecosystem.” The ruling Martinez-Olguin ordered Automattic to reverse many of its actions against WP Engine, and gave Automattic 72 hours to: Remove a list of exiting WP Engine customers that Automattic was publicizing to show how many of WP Engine’s customers were leaving. “Restore WP Engine’s and Related Entities’ access to wordpress.org as it existed as of September 20, 2024, including: reactivating and restoring all WP Engine employee login credentials to wordpress.org resources (including login credentials to login.wordpress.org) as they existed as of September 20, 2024.” Disable “any technological blocking of WP Engine’s and Related Entities’ access to wordpress.org that occurred on or around September 25, 2024, including IP address blocking or other blocking mechanisms” “Restore WP Engine’s and Related Entities’ access to wordpress.org in the manner that such access existed as of September 20, 2024, including: functionality and development resources; data resources (WordPress Plugin, Theme, and Block Directories, repositories, listings, and other password-protected resources within wordpress.org); security resources (login.wordpress.org); support resources (trac.wordpress.org and slack.wordpress.org); removing the checkbox at login.wordpress.org that Defendants added on or about October 8, 2024 asking users to confirm that they are ‘not affiliated with WP Engine in any way, financially or otherwise.’” Return and restore “WP Engine’s “access to and control of its Advanced Custom Fields (“ACF”) plugin directory.” The judge further ordered Automattic to: Stop “blocking, disabling, or interfering with WP Engine’s and/or its employees’, users’, customers’, or partners’ access to wordpress.org.” Stop “interfering with WP Engine’s control over, or access to, plugins or extensions hosted on wordpress.org that were developed, published, or maintained by WP Engine, including those that had been published, developed, or maintained by WP Engine as of September 20, 2024.” No longer interfere with “WP Engine’s and Related Entities’ WordPress installations (i.e., websites built with WordPress software) by using auto-migrate or auto-update commands to delete, overwrite, disable, or modify any WP Engine plugin without the express request by or consent of WP Engine and/or its users, customers, or partners.” However, she added, “The above does not preclude wordpress.org’s ability to ensure the security and operability of its site consistent with procedures and policies in place as of September 20, 2024.” In her detailed decision, Martinez-Olguin reviewed every claim that WP Engine made against Automattic, and found for WP Engine in just about every instance, arguing that WP Engine “is likely to succeed on the merits.” For example, Automattic had argued that there were no contracts between WP Engine and key customers. Although Automattic representatives “press WP Engine to identify specific contracts, there is no credible argument that contracts do not exist between WP Engine and its customers,” Martinez-Olguin wrote. “At a minimum, by seeking to entice WP Engine customers to move away from the company ... defendants at least acknowledge that WP Engine has existing contracts with the customers Defendants are targeting.” Additionally, she said, Automattic’s argument “that the interference WP Engine alleges consists of acts they had a right to take fares no better. They insist that Mullenweg was under no obligation to provide WP Engine access to some or all of the sources on the Website and that he had a right, under the Website’s developer guidelines, to fork the ACF plugin as he did, including to address outstanding issues. “Mullenweg’s statement that he had the right to disable WP Engine’s account access and to make changes to the ACF plugin for the sake of public safety is belied by the declarations of WP Engine’s executives stating that the claimed vulnerability was minor, patched well before the fix-it window set by industry standard, and showing that Defendants tried to pass off the rating and reviews for the ACF plugin as those for their new purportedly forked SCF plugin.” WP Engine ‘wins a battle but everyone continues to lose the war’ Automattic responded with a statement saying that the ruling “is a preliminary order designed to maintain the status quo. It was made without the benefit of discovery, our motion to dismiss, or the counterclaims we will be filing against WP Engine shortly. We look forward to prevailing at trial as we continue to protect the open source ecosystem during full-fact discovery and a full review of the merits.” WP Engine also shared a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We are grateful that the court has granted our motion for a preliminary injunction that restores access to and functionality of wordpressdotorg for WP Engine, its customers, and its users. This ruling provides much-needed stability for the WordPress ecosystem. We deeply appreciate our customers for their continued trust and support. We remain committed to serving them and their sites with the performance, availability, and integrity they deserve, while collaborating to ensure a vigorous, thriving and stable WordPress community.” The case has concerned many in the open source community, as the acrimonious war of actions and words between Automattic and WP Engine scared various open source companies, along with enterprise CIOs , who worry that these companies might become too toxic and they might need to keep their distance. One open source executive read the judge’s decision and said he was concerned that the ruling might have come too late to halt the damage done to the open source community. “WP Engine wins a battle, but everyone continues to lose the war. WP Engine has had (about a) 15% increase in cancellations in the last few months, and 159 WordPress employees have quit. No doubt these distractions will negatively impact the innovation and evolution of the WordPress solution for months, if not years to come. It’s not hyperbole to say 40% of the internet is and will be losing in some way,” said Michael Sonier, general manager at ButterCMS. “As a 20-year-old technology, WP remained ubiquitous because of its ecosystem, but now it’s turned on its own. Hard not to see this accelerating the adoption of technologies that are 20 years younger,” he noted. “More broadly, it sets back the open source movement, which was always about community, collaboration, and contribution. Now it’s going to be associated with potential legal battles, finger pointing, and volatility.”
Arsenal fan banned 3 years for online Partey abuseWASHINGTON: US President-elect Donald Trump is set to be named Time magazine's "Person of the Year" on Thursday, coinciding with his scheduled appearance to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, according to sources familiar with the developments. A spokesperson for Time declined to comment on the selection. The Republican president-elect built his fortune as a New York real estate investor before turning to politics. During his first term as president, he measured his success in part by the strength of the stock market, which has so far welcomed his re-election. The ringing of the bell signifies the start or closing of the trading day at the world’s largest stock exchange, and is considered an honour. The act has historically been reserved for company executives celebrating an initial public offering or other major corporate milestones, but celebrities and politicians like Ronald Reagan, Nelson Mandela and Arnold Schwarzenegger have also rung it. Politico first reported the news of Trump's selection and plans. Time bestowed the "Person of the Year" title to Trump once before, in 2016. It named Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris "Person of the Year" in 2020, after they defeated Trump. Pop star Taylor Swift received the title last year.
WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump has warned of a potential 100% tariff on the BRICS nations if their proposed currency plans weaken the US dollar. "We require a commitment... that they will neither create a new BRICS Currency, nor back any other Currency to replace the mighty US Dollar or, they will face 100 percent Tariffs," Trump wrote on his Truth Social website, referring to the grouping that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and others. The statement comes after a BRICS summit held last month in Kazan, Russia, where the countries discussed boosting non-dollar transactions and strengthening local currencies. The BRICS group has expanded significantly since its inception in 2009, and now includes countries such as Iran, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Altogether the BRICS coalition accounts for a significant minority of the world’s economic output. At the Kazan summit in October, Moscow secured a joint declaration encouraging the "strengthening of correspondent banking networks within BRICS and enabling settlements in local currencies in line with BRICS Cross-Border Payments Initiative." But at the end of the summit Putin indicated that little progress had been made on launching a possible competitor to the Belgium-based SWIFT financial messaging system. "As for SWIFT and any alternatives, we have not created and are not creating any alternatives," Putin told reporters at the end of the summit. He added: "As for a unified BRICS currency, we are not considering that question at the moment." Trump has vowed to pursue a protectionist agenda, threatening hefty tariffs on neighbors and rivals. If BRICS countries continue with their plans, Trump warned, they "should expect to say goodbye to selling into the wonderful US Economy," he wrote. "They can go find another ‘sucker!’ There is no chance that the BRICS will replace the US Dollar in International Trade, and any Country that tries should wave goodbye to America."
UEFA Champions League: Bayern edge past PSG, City’s struggles continue, and moreUnless you’re planning to whisk them away on a camping trip, fishing excursion, biking tour or safari, finding the right gifts for outdoorsy people can feel like an uphill climb (pun intended). If you’re not the take-a-hike type yourself, don’t worry — all it takes is a little bit of getting your head in the game. The key is to think of practical presents that tap into their wanderlust or connect with their call of the wild, whether it’s something incredibly useful or delightfully adventurous. GSI Outdoors Spice Missile America the Beautiful Pass - 2024/2025 AllTrails+ LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Nomadix Ultralight Towel Beloved Landscape Custom Collage Print All Gender ReEmber Slippers/Sneakers Darn Tough Sunset Ridge Micro Crew Lightweight Socks Mountain Summit Gear Deluxe Roll Top Kitchen HotHands Hand Warmer Value Pack, 10 Count Intex Challenger K1 Inflatable Kayak Petzl Tikka Core Rechargeable Headlamp Uco Stormproof Match Kit Jolly Green Products Rotating + Telescoping Roasting Sticks, 5-Pack AeroPress Original Portable Coffee and Espresso-Style Maker Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System Therm-a-Rest Z-Seat Pad Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3 Kaenon Mens Burnet Mid Sunglasses License to Train Short-Sleeve Shirt Atomic Bear Paracord Bracelet, 2-Pack Solo Stove Lite Gear Kit YetiRoadie 32 Wheeled Cooler National Park Sculpture Necklace Buff Original EcoStretch Neck Gaiter Vuori Halo Essential Hoodie Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullover Lone Peak Hiker 2 Hiking Boots REI Kindercone Sleeping Bag Camelbak Kids' Scout Hydration Pack Guardian Bike Kelty Mistral Sleeping Bag REI Co-op Trailsmith Fleece Jacket - Kids In my pre-mortgage, pre-kid days, I spent more time under the stars than under a roof, and I was always "between jobs" as I chased my next big foray. So trust me — I know what the nature enthusiast on your list will love this holiday. Here are my all-time favorite gifts for outdoor lovers, plus new finds that have me (and my fellow adventurers) hoping to make an extra good impression on Santa this year. On one camping excursion a friend broke this little baby out and it was met with gasps and awe. It's so compact! It's so practical! It's such a smart design! Any camper who isn't satisfied eating reconstituted mac and cheese knows that spices can make or break a backcountry meal. We all want to be rustic — but bland food? We aren't animals. There is so much more than meets the eye when it comes to this lightweight little doodad. It breaks into three double-sided compartments, so you can carry SIX spices with you on the trails. Give them the gift of exploration! This all-access pass offers entry to over 2,000 recreation areas managed by six federal agencies, including the National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management. It's valid for 12 months, offering up to 365 days of outdoor goodness. Whether they are hikers or backpackers or just love to explore short strolls in the woods, this is the penultimate trail map app. AllTrails+ will take their exploration to the next level while keeping them safe along the way. With over 450,000 trail maps worldwide, it’s a must-have for any adventurer. The Plus membership lets them download offline maps, get real-time turn alerts (for when they go off-trail), receive weather updates, and access 200+ National Park guides. Problem: Carrying a sufficient amount of water on any major outdoor excursion is heavy. Solution: This lightweight filter that makes suspect streams, nasty ponds and just about any water source you might encounter instantly potable. This simple-to-use doodad removes 99.99999% of parasites, bacteria, microplastics and all of that silt and cloudiness that makes certain water too scummy to drink. A potentially life-saving gizmo that's perfectly-sized to stuff a Christmas stocking? Sold. This travel towel is the best of all worlds — it's made of super soft and ultra-absorbent micro suede. It repels sand and, while it sucks up water faster and more efficiently than typical terry cloth, it rapidly dries in the sun. It's lightweight and packs down to about the size of a 6-inch submarine sandwich, making it highly portable as well. For a thoughtful and sentimental gift for the outdoorsy person in your life, this customizable collage celebrates what's most important to them in a sweet and unique work of art. The one-of-a-kind piece is handmade by the artist and can be personalized with details like hair color, pack colors and names — and you can even include pets! The result? A beautifully unique keepsake that they can admire and daydream over. After a long day of adventuring outdoors, these comfy slides are a well-deserved campsite or trailhead treat for your feet. The flexible, cushiony footbed is a salve for your sole. (Soul? Nah, sole.) But my favorite part? The back of the shoe is soft and collapsable, so they convert from sneaker to slipper in seconds. Great for those middle-of-the-night runs to the loo when you don't want to fuss with laces, but the ground is too cold for shower shoes. Sure, people may argue that socks are a boring gift, but any outdoors person will tell you we live for a great pair. This Vermont-made brand makes some of the most talked about socks on the market (a sentence I never thought I'd write): They're cushiony without being restricting; they're warm but lightweight and never make your feet feel sweaty. And they dry quickly, for when your traverse across a stream ends in disaster. The best gift I ever got my husband was this collapsible camp kitchen. Prepping dinner on a dirty campsite table is chaotic and — let’s be real — pretty gross. This setup is the ideal height to keep little hands and paws away from the action and has just the right amount of compartments to keep everything organized and within reach. It folds flat for easy travel and, best of all, it’ll inspire whoever you gift it to to handle all the cooking. Win! These things are the best. Yes, they are a must-have on ski slopes and during ice climbs, but they are also a very-nice-to-have during camping trips or post surf-sessions when they are trying to bring their body temps back up to normal. They're a First Aid kit gem. Ten come in this pack, so your recipient can be a little indulgent. Maybe they're new to kayaking. Maybe they're short on space. Either way, this inflatable is the gift they need to get all of the seafaring adventures they dream of underway. This all-in-one setup is easy to assemble and will have them in the water in no time. It's highly rated for stability, in case they're not quite expert-level and more kayaking-curious. And if you're gifting a couple, there's a ! Weather resistant with enough power to last 110 (!!) hours, this genius headlamp has a dual battery system, allowing you to juice it up but bring AAAs for longer excursions. Choose from three white levels and a red light (particularly useful as a safety feature, should the user get lost in the woods). A charge indicator lets you know when battery is running low and a lock function ensures it won't accidentally turn on when it's hanging out at the bottom of your bag. Up to 450 lumens of light can cut through even the most dense fog. Plus, the design lets it sit as comfortably on your forehead as it will on a bike or ski helmet. This is the créme de la créme of headlamps — you'll find others that cost more, but this is a beast with all the bells and whistles they could ever need. Picture this: The sun is setting, an invigorating chill is in the air, the s'mores fixings are ready — and the darn fire won't start. This kit has everything they need to get cookin' — stat — in one convenient, packable package. They'll receive matches in a waterproofed shell, a fire-starting flint and some cotton kindling to get those flames roaring faster than someone can say, "pass the chocolate!" In case you haven't noticed a trend in my gift suggestions, I'm very into s'mores. There's something to be said for finding the perfect stick to skewer your marshmallows, but that all goes when your trusty tool catches fire. These telescoping, dual-pronged sticks are ideal for getting your marshmallows, hot dogs, veggies — whatever — roasting at a respectable (and safe) distance, and they'll never turn into accidental kindling if your attention veers off. Each has a rotation wheel that ensures even roasting. When done, the whole set of five collapses and fits into a handy storage bag. What if we told you their campsite coffee game is about to get a whole lot better? It's time for them to ditch that muddy instant brew. The Aeropress is the ultimate for traveling light — and it makes a truly fantastic, full-bodied cup of joe (seriously, love this thing). Compact and convenient, it'll elevate every sunrise. While we're on the subject of coffee, they'll need speedy access to piping hot water to get a great cuppa going on a cold morning. Boiling H20 over a camp stove can be a grueling and arduous task when you've got cold fingertips. This super-fast gadget can boil water in 100 seconds — even in sub-zero temperatures. Plus, it's lightweight and breaks down to be compact enough to backpack with. Not a coffee fan? They'll love you for helping them have hot water at the ready when they're prepping their or . This small pad is something folks wouldn't think to buy for themselves, but once they try it they'll be hooked. It's lightweight, packs small and cleans up easily. I could go on about the virtues of this unassuming yet indispensable piece of equipment, but I'll let a reviewer explain why it's so great. "I use mine to sit on, as a back rest, as a clean surface area when preparing food, to stand on when changing pants (so sock or barefoot doesn't get dirty), to rest my bare feet on outside the tent when removing boots (again, preventing them, and the inside of the tent, from getting dirty), as an extra sleeping pad layer under my hips (side sleepers rejoice!), as a wrap, around my dirty/wet sandals when affixing to the outside of my pack and on and on." The great outdoors lends itself to unplugging and getting away from tech but — pics or it didn't happen. This handy clip is small, rugged and attaches to any backpack strap to turn it into a handy camera mount. Why does your resident shutterbug need this? Carrying an SLR or DSLR around your neck can cause fatigue, plus, it puts a camera in a precarious spot where precious lenses can get knocked around. This keeps the camera stable and secure, and eager to grab the second that must-get shot comes into view. The glare of the sun on sand, snow or surf can be a real downer on an outdoorsy day. These ultra-polarized sunnies are featherweight yet highly protective. The brand's make for some incredible eye protection that will have them ditching their Oakleys — for real. A combo of crisp clarity and superior glare reduction make for a pretty fantastic optical experience. Add to it the impact and scratch-resistant lenses and you get adventure-ready specs that should last for years. The thing that makes these stand out from the pack? They're astonishingly lightweight. It's tough to get this kind of protection with non-glass lenses, but these pull it off, making them an excellent choice for long days of wear. Since they are so lightweight, may we suggest so they don't fly off? Feeling swampy when adventuring is a deal-breaker — no matter what his activity of choice, staying dry is key to staying comfortable. This quick-drying, super-soft workout shirt has an anti-stink, anti-cling design that's ideal for the guy who likes to push himself while exploring the world. Plus, the odor-busting technology is a game-changer for when he's packing light and needs a top that'll withstand numerous wears before being washed. Your outdoorsy friend doesn't want a tennis bracelet. Instead gift them a (sorta) piece of jewelry that will help them be prepared for the elements. A fully functioning compass, a fire starter, a loud whistle (should they get lost) and paracord make this a wildly practical survival tool. For the camper who loves to whip up meals, this portable kitchen system takes Solo Stove’s signature smokeless fire pit and shrinks it down to a compact, go-anywhere size. The kit comes with everything they'll need: a 900ml cook pot, windscreen, carry case, alcohol burner and fire striker. Weighing just over half a pound, this lightweight, fuel-free option is basically s'mores-ready (see, I'm talking about s'mores again!). Carrying a cooler is backbreaking work. This 32-gallon wheeled winner will let them roll into the party with up to 50 cans. It's big enough to store everything they need for a campout or tailgate but small enough to fit in the trunk of a Prius (tested by yours truly). I can attest that everything will stay cool (from said cans to hot dogs and anything else) for up to 48 hours. Maybe she can't always get to the mountains, but this lovely charm will always remind her where her heart is. Each one of these wearable pieces of art is handcrafted from clay to show a vignette of one of nine national parks — from Joshua Tree to Grand Teton. This is a slam-dunk gift. The breathable, quick-dry, SPF 50 neck and head covering can scrunch down to be a scarf on cooler days or accordion out on scorchers. They can dip it in water to keep cool, cover their nose on dusty trails and pull it over their hair to tame sweaty strands. It's indispensable and comes in dozens of colors and styles. This top is so soft you'll feel like you're slipping into silk — yet it performs better than silk ever could on a trail. The breathable fabric will keep them warm without overheating no matter what adventure they may find themselves on — and it dries quickly, should they work up a sweat. This piece is ideal for layering and makes a perfect mid-layer for shoulder season hikes. Doesn't matter if they already have a fleece — this gorgeous pullover is the upgrade they didn't know they needed. It's warm, it's well-made and, quite frankly, the print is stunning. Made by Patagonia (a darling in the outdoorsy community), it's almost entirely made of recycled double-sided fleece, ensuring supreme softness inside and out. Like all Patagonia gear, it's made responsibly in a fair trade-certified factory. We're big fans of the chevron-style pattern, but if you think their style veers elsewhere, it comes in nine other options. True story: I thought my hiking days were behind me. A series of ankle rolls meant I needed a highly structured boot. In my experience that tended to translate as restrictive and blister-inducing, which ruined the experience. My friend Karilyn Owen, a travel blogger at with a strong focus on backpacking and hiking, recommended I try these and I’m so glad I did. Not only are they highly supportive, they are ludicrously comfortable. Unlike many competitors they maintain enough cushion to keep you comfortable even during multi-day treks. But that cushioning doesn’t become a liability: You can actually feel the ground beneath you, which is so important when navigating hidden roots and rocks. And the soles are grippy — they can almost double as rock climbing shoes. I’ve tried them all: Hokas, Merrills, Vasques, Salomons — not only are these the most comfortable (and blister-free!), they're the most stable. Rarely would I recommend you gift something so subjective as a hiking boot, but — for these — I’ll make an exception. In a previous life I tested outdoor gear for a living. When it came to kids' sleeping bags, year after year after year and test after test after test, the REI Kindercone came out on top. Its size makes it ideal for little ones under 5 feet tall, and it has loads of kid-friendly features, like an anti-snag zipper, an adjustable mummy hood and an extra-puffy draft tube to keep cold air out and warm air in. It's machine washable, which is clutch when you're potty training or a mischievous sweet tooth sneaks their s'mores into the sack and falls asleep with it. (MY kid.) All that is well and good but my favorite feature? The attached stuff sack, so it'll never get lost, no matter what level of chaos your child courts. A small pack is essential for keeping half-pints happy on the trails, and this one is just the right size. The internal bladder helps teach little adventurers to stay hydrated early on. It has enough pockets and daisy chains to keep things organized without going crazy with compartments. This thing is built to last; my kid has had his for four years and it's held up beautifully. Know a kid who's struggling with biking? Guardian models are made just for this purpose. The brake design and pedal system allow little ones to put all of the pieces together to gain the confidence they need to soar. The patented Sure Stop brake system ensures they won't flip over the handlebars and the ultra-lightweight frame makes it a snap to maneuver. Yup, another sleeping bag. Got a kid encroaching on (or maybe surpassing) the 5-foot-tall mark? The Kelty Mistral has been my son's favorite since his last growth spurt and, at 5'2", it's my pick too. (It's so affordable I got one for myself!) Sleeping in this bag is nothing short of cloud-like. The extra-long, 19-inch footbed allows for plenty of growth spurts before you need to size up. Until then, it's a great spot for extra clothes, stuffies, a book, a water bottle, or any other "must-have" comforts your kid is angling for before bed. Need a gift for an on-the-go kid in your life? No outdoor gear arsenal is complete without a great fleece. Warm, breathable, durable and fast-drying, this well-made top is designed with 80% postconsumer recycled content so you can feel good about the purchase. And it's so cute!Leos Carax’s Self-Portrait Film “It’s Not Me” Is So Him