The conflict in Syria, which has been ongoing for over a decade, has resulted in immense human suffering and displacement. The country has been torn apart by violence, with various groups vying for power and influence. The situation has been further complicated by the involvement of external actors, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey, each supporting different factions for their own strategic interests.In the era of rapid technological advancement and digital transformation, the concept of new productive forces has emerged as a key driver of economic growth and innovation. The dynamism and adaptability of these new forces have played a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of industries and markets. From artificial intelligence to renewable energy, from 3D printing to biotechnology, the boundaries of traditional production methods have been blurred, giving rise to a new wave of productivity and efficiency.
Big Ten could place four teams in playoff, thanks to IU's riseVanderbilt faces lowly New Orleans in final tuneup for SECIn a statement issued by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the importance of such multilateral dialogues was emphasized. The Ministry stressed the need for all nuclear-armed states to fulfill their commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and reiterated China's firm commitment to promoting nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation on the international stage.
As the man continues to monitor his credit status and work closely with Waterdrop Credit to prevent future incidents of identity theft, his story serves as a cautionary tale for others to stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay protected against the growing threats of cyber fraud and identity theft. By taking proactive steps to safeguard personal information, individuals can mitigate the risks and enjoy a safer, more secure digital experience.METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Dejounte Murray plans to return to the New Orleans Pelicans ' lineup on Wednesday night for the first time since fracturing his left hand in a season-opening victory over Chicago on Oct. 23. And when Murray takes the court against the Toronto Raptors , his mother will be on his mind. After practice on Tuesday, Murray discussed his impending return and disclosed more details about the previously unspecified “personal matters” that caused him to leave the team during the final days of the preseason. His mother had a stroke, he said. “It was tough to leave and go deal with that. As she got better, she wanted me to come play,” Murray said of his last-minute decision to start against Chicago. He added that his hand injury near the end of that game was God's way of telling him, “‘Nah, you need to stay with your mom.’” “I was more concerned about my mother. That was my priority,” Murray continued. “I wasn’t really worried about my recovery.” Murray's mother has recovered well, he said, while he is “healthy and ready to help this team.” “I’m ready to hoop. Play for my mother — she’s going to be watching," Murray said. “I’m ready to compete, bring that winning spirit.” The Pelicans (4-14) certainly could use the help, having lost 14 of 16 games since opening the season with a pair of victories. Injuries have ravaged the roster. At times, all five starters have been out. Star power forward Zion Williamson has missed 12 games this season — one with an illness and 11 with a hamstring injury. Herb Jones has been sidelined by a shoulder strain and Brandon Ingram's status is in doubt after he sat out practice on Tuesday with calf soreness that also sidelined him during a loss on Monday night at Indiana. But at least two starters — Murray and fellow guard CJ McCollum — are expected to play against the Raptors. “I don’t care how many games we’ve lost. I just know every time I step on the floor I feel like we can win games,” said Murray, who had 14 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in his lone game with the Pelicans. "That’s just my mentality, and I feel like it can carry over to a lot of guys.” AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
Anthony Albanese pressing hard for a majority at the next election
Inside an arena in Tampere, Finland in mid-December, future top PWHL draft prospects faced off in a tournament final. At the Women's Euro Hockey Tour (or Six Nations Tournament), the Canadians faced an American roster stacked with senior national team talent, including Lacey Eden, Abbey Murphy, Caroline Harvey and Laila Edwards. A Canadian squad with less international experience stuck in the game until the final minutes, when the Americans pulled ahead on a Murphy goal for an eventual 5-3 win. Canadian goaltender Ève Gascon had 33 saves in the loss, putting up a performance her coach described as "phenomenal." "Not necessarily the results against the U.S. that we were hoping for, but we are super proud of our team's performances throughout the course of the tournament," Canadian national development team head coach Alison Domenico said in an interview with CBC Sports. "In that last game alone to kind of come back, being down a couple, it could have been easy to pack it in." American forward Abbey Murphy, pictured here at a Canada-U.S. Rivalry Series game in November 2024, scored the game-winning goal for the American national development team at the Women's Euro Hockey Tour/Six Nations Tournament. (Tony Avelar/AP) Even though several players on both sides of that final are likely to be high draft picks in the PWHL within the next few years, the tournament wasn't broadcast in Canada, nor was it streamed by Hockey Canada. While many Canadians will watch top NHL prospects at the world junior hockey championship for men under 20, which begins on Dec. 26, there's no world championship for women of the same age. There's a world championship for women under 18, which will take place in Finland in January and is broadcast nationally on TSN. But there are few international opportunities between that tournament and the senior national team, creating a development gap as women aim to reach the highest level of the sport. For fans, it also means fewer opportunities to see and get excited about future PWHL stars. Most will go from the under-18 tournament to play in the NCAA, but those games aren't always easy to find in Canada, either. Earlier this year, the IIHF said a women's world junior championship is on the horizon, but isn't likely to happen for several years, the Canadian Press reported. In Europe, the problem is that there aren't enough female players to fill teams on the under-18 side, a senior national team and another age group in between, according to Mike Helber, the director of hockey operations for the Swedish Ice Hockey Association. "What will end up happening is that our best players will play at least in two of the tournaments, maybe even all three," Helber said in an interview with CBC Sports. On the flip side, it's difficult for players to develop without opportunities to play against top players. Helber's goal is to increase the number of Swedish players between the ages of 19 and 24, and to get more of those players coming to North America for college. Those players grow playing against top Canadian and American prospects, and bring what they learn back to Sweden when they return to their national team, Helber said. "We need to get more players over towards North America to see how good the players actually are," said Helber, an American who played collegiate hockey at the University of Michigan. "They're shocked at times." Once the player pool grows, Helber would be open to seeing a world championship for college-aged players. In the meantime, he still wants to see Swedish players getting opportunities to compete against other countries. Sweden's Hilda Svensson celebrates a goal with the Swedish team at the women's world championship in April 2024. The 18-year-old also competed for her country at the Women's Euro Hockey Tour/Six Nations Tournament. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) He liked the format of the Six Nations tournament, and is also looking for opportunities for the Swedish team to compete against American college teams. "They need to see the level that North American athletes play at," he said. "The best way to do that is to find ways to play against them." Countries weren't limited to sending players of a certain age to the Six Nations tournament. The PWHL took a break during the tournament but most European PWHL players opted to stay with their club teams, with a few exceptions, like Boston Fleet goaltender Emma Söderberg (Sweden). Like the United States, Canada sent its development team, which has only a handful of opportunities to compete each year. The team also played a three-game series against the Americans this past summer, which the U.S. won two games to one. Some players on the development team could be a big part of Canada's senior national team at the 2030 Olympics and beyond, including defender Nicole Gosling, who won a world championship with the senior team in April, and Caitlin Kraemer, . Defender Nicole Gosling competed for Canada's national development team at the Women's Euro Hockey Tour/Six Nations Tournament, and is likely to be a top PWHL draft pick in the near future. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) With no in-between world championship for those players, it's important to find ways to keep getting them international experience, Domenico said. "Any way we can get them playing other countries and even just getting used to going overseas, getting the jet lag plan," she said. "Going through all of those experiences are really important when you get to that next level." For the PWHL, there could be a few benefits to having the best up-and-coming college-aged players competing against each other. It could help teams scout prospects. It could also help introduce a player like Kraemer to more fans before she gets drafted into the PWHL, just like a world junior tournament has done for top young players like Macklin Celebrini or Connor Bedard. "The PWHL is supportive of the development of women's hockey at all levels, which includes events that would provide greater opportunities for player development and that continue to grow the game globally," the league's senior vice-president of hockey operations, Jayna Hefford, told CBC Sports.
Zheng Qinwen, the 20-year-old phenom who has been making waves on the WTA tour with her powerful game and fearless attitude, was widely considered a strong contender for the Player of the Year award. With several impressive victories under her belt and a meteoric rise in the rankings, many believed that this could have been her moment to shine. Unfortunately, despite her remarkable achievements, Zheng fell just short of clinching the top honor, leaving her supporters disappointed but hopeful for the future.In addition to the giveaway extravaganza, we will also be unveiling special limited-edition merchandise and exclusive discounts on select PlayStation games and accessories during the event. Fans will have the opportunity to snag some unique collectibles to add to their gaming collections while enjoying incredible savings on popular titles.
With so much of our lives spent in bed, we all must get a restful night’s sleep so we’re ready to start the day energized. While our bodies naturally cool down as we wind down, some sleep much colder than others. The right mattress can help cold sleepers stay warm and cozy throughout the night. Most mattresses target your sleep position and not your temperature, which makes shopping around tricky. This guide can help you understand what makes the right mattress for cold sleepers and everything you need to know to sleep well. Our top pick, the DreamCloud Premier Rest 16-inch Mattress , is designed to regulate temperature for a comfortable sleep. Cold sleepers should look to any mattress containing foam or latex, as these two materials trap heat more than other options, particularly breathable innerspring mattresses. While trapping in heat is a turnoff for some sleepers, those who are cold embrace the warmth kept within. Hybrid mattresses are increasingly popular. They feature a combination of foam or latex and innerspring layers to provide a balance of comfort and support. The foam or latex layers are typically the uppermost layers and help regulate temperature. How soft or firm the right mattress is for you is influenced mainly by your sleep position and size. Those who sleep on their stomach should avoid a soft mattress so that they don’t sink into the bed and strain their spine, but they should also avoid an extra-firm mattress that doesn’t support their hips and shoulders. Side sleepers should be cradled by a softer mattress with a bit of resistance for their shoulders and head. Back sleepers find firmer options most comfortable. Heavier individuals should avoid softer mattresses as they can sink in and not receive the proper support. Conversely, slighter persons may enjoy less firm mattresses since they can cradle them. For some people, gel foam is a much-desired feature; however, cold sleepers should avoid foam or hybrid mattresses incorporating gel foam. This is because the gel helps offset the heat trappings of foam by adding cooling technology, making the mattress a good choice for those who sleep warm, not cold. Most mattresses that include foam or latex are adept at lessening motion transfer, meaning that one person’s rustling or movement won’t disturb the other person in bed. What’s more, foam and latex options tend to be quiet. Foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are pricier, especially those with multiple layers. Cold sleepers can expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for a queen-size mattress. A. Investing in a mattress protector is wise, especially for a densely made mattress that traps heat. A mattress protector prevents dust, mites, and, in some cases, liquids from penetrating the mattress, which can cause an odor and lead to slow deterioration. Rotate your mattress every few months so it’s used evenly, especially if you have foam layers that may conform to your body. A. Size and thickness don’t necessarily influence a mattress’s heat retention. Mattresses for cold sleepers come in all standard sizes. That choice should be made based on your size, available space and whether you sleep with a partner. Thickness ranges from around 6 to 14 inches. DreamCloud Premier Rest 16-inch Mattress – Luxury Hybrid Memory Foam What you need to know: This high-quality, thick hybrid mattress has foam layers on top for a warm, cozy night’s sleep. What you’ll love: The innerspring base supports all sleep positions while foam layers hold in warmth. There’s no motion transfer or noise when moving. What you should consider: It may be too firm for petite individuals. ZINUS 12 Inch Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress What you need to know: This mattress offers both comfort and support at a reasonable price. What you’ll love: It includes layers of low-toxin foam that help maintain the temperature as you sleep. It’s also infused with green tea extract, which helps to fight against unwelcome odors. What you should consider: While it does say it includes cooling gel, it’s still too hot for some people. GhostBed 3D Matrix Mattress What you need to know: This adaptable mattress adjusts to your shape and temperature to create the most comfortable sleeping experience. What you’ll love: It’s a hybrid mattress that cradles the body while still supporting the shoulders and hips and lacks motion transfer. The top layers provide warmth and comfort. What you should consider: It may be too soft for heavier individuals. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
As a result, property prices have started to stabilize, with some areas even witnessing modest growth. This shift in dynamics has reignited interest among investors and speculators, who see the current market conditions as an opportune time to enter or expand their property holdings. The overall sentiment in the industry is optimistic, with many expecting a gradual but sustained recovery in the coming months.
Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials following some underwhelming displays away from home, and the Gunners manager got exactly what he asked for. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. The Gunners had failed to win or score in their two away games in the competition so far this season, but they made a blistering start in the Portuguese capital and took the lead after only seven minutes. Declan Rice fed overlapping full-back Jurrien Timber, who curled a low cross in behind the home defence for Martinelli to finish at the far post. Arsenal doubled their lead in the 20th minute thanks to a glorious ball over the top from Thomas Partey. Saka escaped the clutches of his marker Maximiliano Araujo to beat the offside trap and poke the ball past advancing goalkeeper Franco Israel for Havertz to tap home. It was a scintillating first-half display which completely overshadowed the presence of Viktor Gyokeres in Sporting’s attack. The prolific Sweden striker, formerly of Coventry, has been turning the heads of Europe’s top clubs with his 24 goals in 17 games this season – including a hat-trick against Manchester City earlier this month. But the only time he got a sniff of a run at goal after an optimistic long ball, he was marshalled out of harm’s way by Gabriel. David Raya was forced into one save, tipping a fierce Geovany Quenda drive over the crossbar. But Arsenal added a third on the stroke of half-time, Gabriel charging in to head Rice’s corner into the back of the net. Our second-half goalscorers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aFCIMffFaK — Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 26, 2024 To rub salt in the wound, the Brazilian defender mimicked Gyokeres’ hands-over-his-face goal celebration. That may have wound Sporting up as they came out after the interval meaning business, and they pulled one back after Raya tipped Hidemasa Morita’s shot behind, with Goncalo Inacio netting at the near post from the corner. Former Tottenham winger Marcus Edwards fired over, as did Gyokeres, with Arsenal temporarily on the back foot. But when Martin Odegaard’s darting run into the area was halted by Ousmane Diomande’s foul, Saka tucked away the penalty. Substitute Trossard added the fifth with eight minutes remaining, heading in the rebound after Mikel Merino’s shot was saved, and Gyokeres’ miserable night was summed up when his late shot crashed back off the post.
The Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.”
In light of this incident, experts advise individuals to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their personal information. Simple measures such as regularly checking credit reports, setting up fraud alerts, and using strong, unique passwords for online accounts can go a long way in deterring potential identity thieves. Additionally, enlisting the help of reputable credit monitoring services like Waterdrop Credit can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind in today's data-driven world.Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker, reported an impressive growth in its sales for the month of November. The company's sales reached 2760.6 billion New Taiwan dollars, marking a substantial 34% increase compared to the same period last year.