Stock market today: Wall Street’s rally stalls as Nasdaq pulls back from its recordlottery national lottery 。

Hey Zeus: a potential saviour for rural stroke patients

Games to snuggle up with this holiday seasonA study of hot spots for collisions between ships and whales around the world, including Canadian waters, offers a map for measures to prevent the deadly strikes that could drive some species to extinction, one of the British Columbia-based authors says. Chloe Robinson said reported strikes represent a fraction of their true extent, and a lack of protection measures leaves whales vulnerable as global shipping expands. The study found shipping takes place across 92 per cent of the ranges for humpback, blue, fin and sperm whales worldwide, but measures to reduce vessel strikes have been implemented in less than seven per cent of high-risk areas. "That could really spell, you know, potential extinction for some of these species," said Robinson, director of whales for Ocean Wise, a B.C.-based organization that provided data for the paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science. "A recent study estimated anything up to 20,000 whales are killed a year through ship strikes, globally, and that's just an estimate, a best-case estimate." Robinson said she was surprised to see Swiftsure Bank, off the west coast of Vancouver Island, emerge as a risk hot spot for strikes of fin, blue and humpback whales. The area is a "migration highway" for humpbacks, she noted. The study also identified a hot spot for the same three species in the Gulf of St. Lawrence between Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. "This is something that Ocean Wise has been looking into because a lot of the management measures occur offshore and not sort of within the Gulf of St. Lawrence itself and even the St. Lawrence Seaway, (which) leads down to the Great Lakes," she said. "That was a huge hot spot, which was really interesting for me." Robinson said there have been smaller studies on the risk of ship strikes in different regions, but the study published Thursday is the first to map the distribution of the four whale species, using a variety of data sources, then compare it with the Automatic Identification System, a tool used for tracking vessels worldwide. "This was really the first of its kind to map these two on top of each other," she said. The researchers found the highest levels of risk in the Indian, western North Pacific and Mediterranean, while it also identified high-risk areas in the eastern North Pacific, North and South Atlantic Ocean along with the South China Sea. The Southern Ocean was the only region that did not contain any ship-strike hot spots due to low levels of shipping, despite high use by whales, the study found. Robinson said the findings support a strong case for maritime authorities to adopt measures such as whale alert systems, speed limits and no-go zones. "We know where there are areas where there are lots of whales and lots of ships, so this is where we need to target for management," she said in an interview. Robinson said Canada is home to many "eyes on the water" and researchers exploring innovative techniques for monitoring whales. But the country lacks mandatory mitigation measures, and it's not alone. "Next to none of the measures globally are mandatory. So, having voluntary measures (is) great, provided people comply," Robinson said. Ocean Wise launched an alert system in 2018 that notifies large vessels of the presence of whales in Pacific Northwest waters, and Robinson said about 80 per cent of mariners from Washington state up to Alaska have signed up. The WhaleReport alert system mainly functions in what she describes as "inshore" waters around busy ports in Seattle, Vancouver and Prince Rupert. The Port of Vancouver has also seen a high rate of compliance for its ECHO program, Robinson noted. The program encourages vessels to take voluntary steps, such as slowing down or staying farther away from whales, in order to reduce underwater noise and the potential for strikes in busy shipping areas. Robinson favours a multi-pronged approach to reducing ship strikes, but she said one single measure she believes could have a big impact would be equipping vessels with an infrared camera to detect whales within several kilometres. "Maybe some mariners ... respond better to knowing there 100 per cent is a whale 200 metres in front of your vessel, versus, 'slow down, there might be a whale here.'" Robinson said such cameras can cost between US$50,000 and $75,000. But the cost was a "drop in the bucket" of major companies' profits, she said. The cameras also present a public-relations opportunity for businesses to advertise themselves as operating in a more whale-friendly manner, Robinson said. "I know people who have had to go and have therapy after killing a humpback whilst at the helm," she added. "I think there's a lot to be said (for) the long-term benefits of this kind of technology." The study also found areas with lower traffic that could provide refuge for whales, especially with added protections. It shows the Arctic Ocean, for example, has very few high-risk areas for vessel strikes, and Robinson said some researchers view it as potential sanctuary. But without protections, Robinson said Arctic waters could become the next high-risk hot spot as sea ice melts with climate change, opening up shipping routes. "Knowing the plans to expand shipping routes into these areas to cut shipping time, make things faster, right through prime whale habitat, I think this is a really good opportunity to get ahead of the issue before it becomes an issue," she said. Whales play crucial roles in their ecosystems, including cycling nutrients that support other species, and they're a boon for tourism, Robinson said. They're also "magical" creatures that people feel connected to, she said, and they remain vulnerable after many species were hunted to the brink of extinction. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024.Electric Vehicle Policy

If you're looking for some last-minute Christmas gift ideas for the gaming fan in your life, then you've come to the right place. With a couple of weeks left to grab those all-important Christmas gifts, we've picked out items than can easily be found on the high-street, or delivered next day with an Amazon Prime account. So from expensive gifts like premium video game consoles and arcade machines, to more affordable presents like headsets and books, these are the gifts gamers will be most happy with this Christmas. If you already own a PS5 and want an Xbox to match, then Microsoft has finally released its premium Xbox Series X console in a gorgeous Robot White colour scheme. This stylish new Xbox console comes with 1TB of storage, a matching controller and HDMI 2.1 lead. Priced at £429.99, the Robot White Xbox Series X is also cheaper than the original model. This is because it's a digital-only console that doesn't come with a disc drive. Indeed, it's perfect for anybody with an Xbox Game Pass subscription, especially with the built-in solid state drive that provides lightning fast load times and download speeds. If you are buying somebody an Xbox, or they already have one, then a Game Pass Ultimate subscription is the gift that keeps giving. Available from Argos for £10.99 for a one month subscription , or £32.99 for a three month membership , Xbox Game Pass Ultimate instantly unlocks hundreds of games, including day-one releases like Call of Duty Black Ops 6. These stylish Arctis GameBuds feature 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, as well as 360-degree Spatial Sound, active noise cancellation and more. They come in white if you're using them for the PS5, Switch and PC version, or black if you're buying for Xbox, Switch and PC. If you're looking for a slightly cheaper option, then you really can't go wrong with the RIG 300 PRO, which are now available in Cosmic Purple and Acid Camo colours. Alternatively, you can grab the PlayStation version for £24.99 from GAME . The headphones feature precision-tuned 40mm drivers, a 233g lightweight design for extreme comfort, as well as what Nacon describes as a virtually unbreakable headband. While the PlayStation VR 2 is a tough sell at £529.99, customers willing to act fast can grab the premium virtual reality device for just £339 from Argos . (Remember, you'll need a PS5 in order to use the PSVR 2 headset.) The PlayStation VR 2 headset uses two 4K OLED displays running at 120Hz to provide razor sharp images and smooth action. It comes with two Sense controllers that utilise similar technology to the PS5 DualSense pads. A recreation of the classic ZX Spectrum, this year's must-have retro games device comes with 48 pre-installed retro games, including The Hobbit, Manic Miner, Skool Daze and Spellbound. The updated version of the classic computer supports 720p HD output via HDMI, and comes with four USB ports for controllers and joysticks. Multiple save states will be available for each game, alongside a rewind feature, CRT filters and even basic programming functionality. Most important of all, however, is the fact that The Spectrum recreates the iconic rubber keyboard, complete with fully working keys. A must-have for retro gaming fans, the Evercade Alpha is a Bartop arcade machine with a high-resolution 8-inch IPS screen, two USB ports for external controllers, as well as two Evercade cartridge slots for your Evercade collections. There are currently two different Evercade Alpha arcade machines available to buy, both containing a selection of Capcom games. The Street Fighter Arcade features Street Fighter II Champion Edition, Super Street Fighter II Turbo, Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors' Dreams, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3 and the superb Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo. The Evercade Alpha Mega Man Edition contains more of a mixture of games, such as Mega Man: The Power Battle, Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters, Final Fight, Knights of the Round, Carrier Air Wing and Strider. A fun little gift for the Christmas tree, these Nintendo Hallmark decorations cost £8.49 each, and feature iconic characters such as Link from The Legend of Zelda, Mario and his brother Luigi , as well as Princess Peach . Needless to say, Nintendo isn't the only pop culture property to get its own tree decorations. There are also Harry Potter, Disney and Star Wars ornaments to hang on your tree. Argos is selling the Nintendo Switch OLED console with a copy of Super Mario Bros. Wonder for just £299.99. As an added bonus, you'll also receive a 12 month subscription to Switch Online, which is valued at £17.99. Far superior to the original Switch, the OLED model comes with a bigger 7-inch OLED screen. The OLED display is far brighter than its predecessor, featuring more vibrant colours that really bring Nintendo's games to life. Super Mario Bros. Wonder, on the other hand, is a return to Mario's side-scrolling platforming roots, featuring new pick-ups that completely transform the way you play. This could be anything from pipes coming alive under Mario's feet, to a stampede of enemies destroying everything in sight. When plugging it in and playing the Nintendo Switch docked, I much prefer playing with a proper joypad. This officially licensed Nintendo Switch controller is a fine choice for just such a thing, featuring Bluetooth 5.0 technology for flawless wireless gameplay, as well as 30-hour of battery on a single charge and mappable buttons on the rear of the device to give you an extra leg up on the competition. This particular model sports a colourful design that's full to the brim of Fortnite characters and icons such as Peely, Fishstick, Coral Castle, Cuddle Team Leader and more. You can pick it up for £44.99 from Argos . Run and Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters provides a comprehensive look at the entire back catalogue of games that make up this addictive genre. This means 500 pages dedicated to games like Metal Slug, Contra, Gunstar Heroes and Mega-Man. Available for £34.99 from Bitmap Books , it's a fascinating read.ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey gambling regulators have handed out $40,000 in fines to two sportsbooks and a tech company for violations that included taking bets on unauthorized events, and on games that had already ended. In information made public Monday, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement fined DraftKings $20,000. It also levied $10,000 fines on Rush Street Interactive NJ and the sports betting technology company Kambi. According to documents released by the state, Rush Street accepted 16 bets worth $1,523 in Nov. 2021 on a college basketball game between the University of North Carolina-Asheville and Tennessee Tech University after the game had already concluded with a UNC victory. Kambi told the enforcement division that a trader had failed to manually remove that game from its betting markets, saying it had stopped receiving messages from its own sports data provider due to a network connectivity error. Kambi said it has updated its guidelines and retrained its traders to prevent a recurrence. Kambi, which is based in Malta, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday. Rush Street declined comment, and DraftKings had no immediate comment Monday. DraftKings stopped using Kambi in 2021. In March 2022 Rush Street took seven bets totaling just under $2,900 on three Magic City Jai Alai games after the results were already known. Kambi told the division it experienced a connectivity issue that allowed the bets to be accepted after the games were over. An explanation of what Kambi did to address the situation was blacked out in documents released by the division. A month earlier Rush Street took 13 wagers worth $8,150 with pre-match odds on a Professional Golf Association match after the event had already begun. In this case, Kambi told the division a newly hired trader failed to enter the correct closing time time for bets on the event. The trader and a supervisor underwent retraining. DraftKings was fined for taking bets on unapproved events including Russian basketball for nine months in 2020 and 2021. It eventually voided over $61,000 in bets and returned the money to customers after being directed to do so by the state. In this case, Kambi told the division it misidentified this particular Russian basketball league as one that was approved for wagering in New Jersey. DraftKings told the state it did not catch the error, either. In 2020, DraftKings accepted 484 wagers on unapproved table tennis matches. Kambi incorrectly enabled the events for wagering without conditions required by the state, the division said. In Feb. 2022, the division said DraftKings took pre-season NFL bets involving specific players but did not give the state specific information on what information was to be included in the bets, drawing 182 wagers worth nearly $7,000 that were later voided and refunded to customers. Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC

NEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global power electronics market size is estimated to grow by USD 10.67 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.92% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The power electronics industry plays a pivotal role in power conversion for various applications, from consumer electronics to industrial systems. Single chip and System-on-Chips (SoCs) integrated with power electronics enable efficient power consumption in Silicon-based devices and Wide Bandgap (WBG) devices like SiC. Power electronics are integral to wearables, sensors, IoT devices, mobile phones, and handheld electronics, facilitating DC-to-DC conversion for battery charging and voltage scaling. In renewable energy, power electronics are crucial for power generation from sources like photovoltaics and wind turbines, ensuring efficient electrical energy consumption. Power transmission and distribution systems, including power plants and power grids, rely on power electronics for efficient power conversion and distribution. Industrial appliances, server power supplies, and motor drives also benefit from power semiconductors, reducing carbon footprint and enhancing performance. Telecom infrastructure and electric motor drives in industrial robots further expand the application scope of power electronics. ON Semiconductor and other leading companies continue to innovate in this field, pushing the boundaries of power conversion technology. Analyst Review The Power Electronics Market encompasses the design, manufacturing, and application of various electronic components and systems in numerous industries. Key technologies include diodes, thyristors, and advanced materials such as silicon, silicon carbide, and gallium nitride. The market spans various sectors, including automotive and transportation, renewable energy, consumer electronics, defense and aerospace, and healthcare. Applications range from electric vehicles (EVs) and portable devices to power transmission and generation in renewable energy sources like photovoltaics and wind turbines. The power electronics industry plays a crucial role in electrical energy consumption and power generation, contributing significantly to the efficiency and reliability of modern systems. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC 11.2 ABB 11.3 Infineon Technologies AG 11.4 Texas instruments Inc 11.5 ROHM Co. Ltd 11.6 STMicroelectronics NV 11.7 Renesas electronic corporation 11.8 Vishay Intertechnologies Inc 11.9 Toshiba Corporation 11.10 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: media@technavio.com Website: www.technavio.com/ View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/power-electronics-market-to-grow-by-usd-10-67-billion-from-2023-2028--report-on-ai-powered-market-evolution---technavio-302328816.html SOURCE TechnavioNEW YORK , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The global power electronics market size is estimated to grow by USD 10.67 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.92% during the forecast period. The report provides a comprehensive forecast of key segments below- Segmentation Overview 1.1 Discrete 1.2 Module 2.1 Silicon 2.2 Silicon carbide 2.3 Gallium nitride 3.1 APAC 3.2 Europe 3.3 North America 3.4 South America 3.5 Middle East and Africa Get a glance at the market contribution of rest of the segments - Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! 1.1 Fastest growing segment: The power electronics industry plays a pivotal role in power conversion for various applications, from consumer electronics to industrial systems. Single chip and System-on-Chips (SoCs) integrated with power electronics enable efficient power consumption in Silicon-based devices and Wide Bandgap (WBG) devices like SiC. Power electronics are integral to wearables, sensors, IoT devices, mobile phones, and handheld electronics, facilitating DC-to-DC conversion for battery charging and voltage scaling. In renewable energy, power electronics are crucial for power generation from sources like photovoltaics and wind turbines, ensuring efficient electrical energy consumption. Power transmission and distribution systems, including power plants and power grids, rely on power electronics for efficient power conversion and distribution. Industrial appliances, server power supplies, and motor drives also benefit from power semiconductors, reducing carbon footprint and enhancing performance. Telecom infrastructure and electric motor drives in industrial robots further expand the application scope of power electronics. ON Semiconductor and other leading companies continue to innovate in this field, pushing the boundaries of power conversion technology. Analyst Review The Power Electronics Market encompasses the design, manufacturing, and application of various electronic components and systems in numerous industries. Key technologies include diodes, thyristors, and advanced materials such as silicon, silicon carbide, and gallium nitride. The market spans various sectors, including automotive and transportation, renewable energy, consumer electronics, defense and aerospace, and healthcare. Applications range from electric vehicles (EVs) and portable devices to power transmission and generation in renewable energy sources like photovoltaics and wind turbines. The power electronics industry plays a crucial role in electrical energy consumption and power generation, contributing significantly to the efficiency and reliability of modern systems. To understand more about this market- Download a FREE Sample Report in minutes! Key Topics Covered: 1 Executive Summary 2 Market Landscape 3 Market Sizing 4 Historic Market Size 5 Five Forces Analysis 6 Market Segmentation 7 Customer Landscape 8 Geographic Landscape 9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends 10 Venodr Landscape 11 Vendor Analysis 11.1 Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC 11.2 ABB 11.3 Infineon Technologies AG 11.4 Texas instruments Inc 11.5 ROHM Co. Ltd 11.6 STMicroelectronics NV 11.7 Renesas electronic corporation 11.8 Vishay Intertechnologies Inc 11.9 Toshiba Corporation 11.10 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 12 Appendix About Technavio Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions. With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios. Contacts Technavio Research Jesse Maida Media & Marketing Executive US: +1 844 364 1100 UK: +44 203 893 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: www.technavio.com/ SOURCE Technavio

East Carolina wins 71-64 over StetsonS&P/TSX composite up almost 150 at closing, U.S. markets also higher TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press Dec 23, 2024 2:27 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message The TMX Market Centre is shown in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paige Taylor White TORONTO — Canada's main stock index pushed higher to end Monday up almost 150 points on light trading action, while U.S. stock markets also gained ahead of the Christmas break. "Today is a quiet pre-Christmas Day of trading," said Kevin Burkett, a portfolio manager at Victoria, B.C.-based Burkett Asset Management. While markets in both Canada and the U.S. were mild, Burkett suggests watching the markets closely during the holiday season, a contrast to what's typically a sleepy period for markets. "We're continuing to watch markets very closely here because you've got some tectonic plate shifting in terms of the macroeconomic backdrop," he said. "It's all the political conversations both in Canada and in the U.S." Burkett added fiscal policy seems to be disconnected from monetary policy in the post-pandemic period. "The fiscal policy may shift and that shift absolutely has market implications both in the short and long term," he said. The S&P/TSX composite index was up 149.50 points at 24,748.98. Statistics Canada released its latest numbers on Canada's economic growth, up 0.3 per cent in October — driven by the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector. The loonie continued its slide, trading for 69.47 cents US compared with 69.61 cents US on Friday. The telecom sector was the biggest loser at the closing on TSX, which Burkett attributed to "tax loss selling happening at the end of the year." Competition Bureau Canada announced on Monday it was suing Rogers Communications Inc. for allegedly making misleading claims about its infinite wireless plans. The stock price for Rogers, which is hovering near 52-week lows, fell 0.7 per cent on Monday. Meanwhile, BCE was down almost 1.4 per cent and Telus dropped 0.9 per cent. Burkett suggested the day's poor performance among telecom companies was likely tax loss selling since it's almost the end of the year. "It's been a tough year for the communication services sector," he said. South of the border, communications services was the top-performing sector, led by large-cap tech companies. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 66.69 points at 42,906.95. The S&P 500 index was up 43.22 points at 5,974.07, while the Nasdaq composite was up 192.29 points at 19,764.89. The February crude oil contract was down 22 cents at US$69.24 per barrel and the February natural gas contract was down six cents at US$3.35 per mmBTU. The February gold contract was down US$16.90 at US$2,628.20 an ounce and the March copper contract was down one cent at US$4.09 a pound. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 23, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX: GSPTSE, TSX: CADUSD, TSE: BCE, TSE: RCI. B) Ritika Dubey, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More The Mix Revised airline compensation rules will do little to change status quo: experts Dec 23, 2024 2:25 PM Burt, the huge Australian crocodile who had a cameo in ‘Crocodile Dundee,’ dies at 90 Dec 23, 2024 2:00 PM Scheifele notches hat trick as Jets top Maple Leafs 5-2 ahead of NHL's holiday break Dec 23, 2024 1:58 PM Featured Flyer

Franklin Templeton Canada Announces Final Valuations for Terminating ETFsTOM UTLEY: The infuriating reason every Christmas at the Utleys begins with smiles... and ends with blood on the carpet By TOM UTLEY FOR THE DAILY MAIL Published: 23:22 GMT, 5 December 2024 | Updated: 23:40 GMT, 5 December 2024 e-mail View comments The numbers get bigger every year, as our ever-growing family squashes round the table in a house that comfortably seats only six. Otherwise, it’s always the same in the Utley household, as Christmas Day draws to its close. After weeks of planning and shopping for presents and food, the lunchtime banquet that has kept my wife busy since the first glimmer of dawn is over at last, having stretched well into the evening. The plates and the worst of the debris have been cleared away. Now that blissful moment arrives when the youngest, exhausted after all the excitement, are bathed and tucked up in the travel-cots and camp beds that cover every square inch of spare floor space upstairs. At long last we adults, bloated and slightly sozzled, can top up our glasses, put our feet up in front of the telly and enjoy a little peace. Except we never can. For every Christmas, without fail, this is the moment a blasted son or a daughter-in-law chooses to bang on the table and issue the order: ‘OK, let’s play a game!’ Spoilsport At this, every fibre of my being groans. But all my pleas for mercy are overruled. ‘Come on, Dad. Don’t be a spoilsport. We need you to make up our team.’ Holidays and celebration concept -multi generations family having christmas dinner at home, drinking red wine and clinking glasses. No game played by the Utleys at Christmas, when we’re all full of turkey and booze, can ever be described as civilised, writes Tom Utley (Stock photo) This week Matter said that 63 per cent of families at Christmas have taken part in an initially friendly board game that soon became much less so (Stock photo) It’s not that I have any fundamental objection to the parlour and board games beloved of our four sons and their other halves. Indeed, I quite enjoy a civilised game of Charades , Boggle, Scrabble, Articulate or even Trivial Pursuit (though only when I win). What’s more, I’m proud to say that I was president of the chess club at school. It’s just that no game played by the Utleys at Christmas, when we’re all full of turkey and booze, can ever be described as civilised. The trouble is that apart from Mrs U, every one of my immediate family is fiercely competitive. (If you’re wondering where they get it from, I’m ashamed to say that I gave up playing chess after son number two started beating me; he was only eight at the time, and I just couldn’t bear the humiliation.) This means that whichever game our young insist on playing, it is sure to spark bitter recriminations and wild allegations of cheating, with all of us accusing our opponents of making up the rules as they go along. A day that began with smiles all round, and speeches of rapturous thanks for presents of novelty socks that we will never wear, is all but guaranteed to end with blood on the carpet. This week, a survey confirms that in that respect, my lot are far from unique. Having questioned more than 2,000 Britons, researchers commissioned by Mattel , the toy and games company, find that 63 per cent of us have taken part in an initially friendly board game that soon became much less so. Even more, 73 per cent, admit that games bring out their competitive side, with 23 per cent describing themselves as ‘extremely competitive’. Meanwhile, 46 per cent complain of cheating by friends or relatives, with more than a third saying that arguments have led to games being abandoned altogether. 73 per cent, admit that games bring out their competitive side, with 23 per cent describing themselves as ‘extremely competitive’ (Stock photo) 46 per cent complain of cheating by friends or relatives, with more than a third saying that arguments have led to games being abandoned altogether (Stock photo) The only surprise to me is that those figures are quite so low. To pick the obvious example, I can’t remember a single game of Monopoly that my family has played through to the end. Ever since our boys first learned to play it, our games have had to be abandoned half-way through, when one or other of them has left the room in a huff or hurled the board and all its pieces onto the floor. For months afterwards, miniature silver irons, green houses and red hotels would turn up behind the radiator or under the sofa. Unfamiliar As for the guessing games loved by my children and their partners, I fear I’m often the first to stir up acrimony by complaining furiously of foul play. Take the game that involves working out the name of a celebrity, living or dead, chosen by an opponent and stuck unseen to one’s forehead. How the devil is an old buffer like me expected to have heard of obscure American rappers, Second Division football managers or contestants on Love Island? I reckon it affronts the spirit of Christmas to choose a name unfamiliar to some of the players – and I’m never afraid to say so, at the top of my voice. Read More Playing family board games can lead to arguments and full-on relationship breakdowns So what if my opponents haven’t heard of the celebrity I’ve chosen – a junior minister in Margaret Thatcher’s government, say, or a former editor of the Financial Times? I say they jolly well ought to have done. And if they haven’t, well, don’t they deserve a taste of their own medicine? Before you know it, we’re all at each other’s throats. Then there’s the infuriating moment in the middle of a board game, when a daughter-in-law suddenly announces a house rule, known only to her. ‘Sorry. The way we’ve always played it in my family is that you lose a turn when you throw a double two.’ It’s no good pointing out that it says nothing about that in the official rule-book. A full-blown barney invariably ensues. But it’s worst of all when someone insists on playing a brand-new board game, unwrapped earlier in the day, which none of us has played before. In even my most sober moments, I find it increasingly hard these days to remember the rules of any game we may have played at our last family gathering, only a few weeks earlier. Maddening As for trying to master a completely new game, in my befuddled state after Christmas lunch, I find it all but impossible. Is it just me, or do rules become ever more complicated as the years go by? The truly maddening thing is that our sons and the mothers of our grandchildren seem to grasp those rules as soon as someone reads them aloud. Meanwhile, I’m still floundering after reading them again and again. ‘Don’t be an idiot, Dad. How many times do I have to tell you that you can only move three squares forward if the matrix card is in the ascendant and the arrow on the buzzle is pointing to the spy-circle?’ But you must forgive me if I sound a little jaded. My excuse is that to mark my birthday last week, my darling wife took it into her head to prepare a sit-down lunch for 24 people – 19 of them called Utley – though some of the young had to stand. So it was that, while Mrs U shopped and cooked, I spent much of the week shifting furniture and erecting fold-away tables and camp beds, before dismantling them all when the last of our guests left on Sunday. But since it’s our turn to do Christmas again this year, they’ll be back in force before the month is out, and we’ll have to go through the whole exhausting business again. Just one observation. My birthday lunch seemed to pass in perfect domestic harmony, from beginning to end, with a good time had by all. Could this have had something to do with the miracle that, on this occasion, we were spared any organised games? In the name of peace and goodwill to all men, is it too much to hope that the young will show similar mercy on December 25? Share or comment on this article: TOM UTLEY: The infuriating reason every Christmas at the Utleys begins with smiles... and ends with blood on the carpet e-mail Add comment More top storiesROSEN, A GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED LAW FIRM, Encourages Celsius Holdings, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – CELHShare this Story : Why this weekend is big for the Ottawa 67's, and what's ahead for Team Canada juniors Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Sports Hockey Junior Hockey World Juniors Why this weekend is big for the Ottawa 67's, and what's ahead for Team Canada juniors Head coach Dave Cameron will soon be stepping away from the OHL club to guide the Canadian team in the world junior hockey championship in Ottawa. Author of the article: Don Brennan Published Dec 05, 2024 • Last updated 6 minutes ago • 4 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. A file photo of 67's head coach Dave Cameron behind the bench during an exhibition game against the Kingston Frontenacs in Cornwall. Photo by Robert Lefebvre / Postmedia Article content The Ottawa 67’s will have Dave Cameron behind the bench for just two more games before he leaves the team, without really going anywhere, to his gig as head coach of Canada’s world junior squad. Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team . Why this weekend is big for the Ottawa 67's, and what's ahead for Team Canada juniors Back to video Article content As a sendoff, he’d like to see the 67’s play better against the Sarnia Sting (TD Place, Friday, 7 p.m.) and Barrie Colts (TD Place, Sunday, 2 p.m.) than they have the last two games. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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Activate your Online Access Now Article content On Wednesday in Oshawa, Cameron’s troops took a 4-3 lead into the third period before losing 8-4 to the East Division first-place Generals. That loss came on the heels of a 10-4 loss to the CHL’s No. 1-ranked London Knights, a game when the 67’s trailed 9-0 and gave up five power-play goals. “We have to find a way to just tidy up a little bit better defensively,” Cameron said moments after returning from Oshawa on Thursday afternoon. They also need better goaltending and to drastically improve their short-handed play. The 67’s have the worst penalty-killing numbers in the Ontario Hockey League, surviving just 60.2 percent of man-disadvantage situations. Their problems with a player in the box are a major factor in a disappointing 9-10-6 record that has them sitting fourth in the five-team East Division. Their power play was the best in the OHL (29 per cent) until it was surpassed by the Knights, who were at 30.6 per cent. The 67’s would likely still be No. 1 if they could go up against their own penalty-kill units. “Faceoffs, and we don’t block enough shots,” Cameron said when asked about the issues with the PK. “Those are the two main things.” Sports Get the latest sport headlines and breaking news. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sports will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Article content Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content While Sunday will mark the 67’s annual “Teddy Bear Toss”, this weekend will be a lot like last weekend for the 67’s, who started with the last-place Peterborough Petes — who they beat 4-2 — before taking on first-place London. Is it a bad time for him to be taking a leave of absence from his full-time job? “It’s not because the team is in good hands,” Cameron said, referring to assistants Norm Milley and Paul Stoykewych. “I’ve got two really good coaches.” He’s also very thankful his bosses at OSEG are allowing him this opportunity to guide Team Canada at the WJCs. What does Cameron think of the roster he’s inheriting for the prestigious global tournament? The list of 30 players who will attend the selection camp, which begins Tuesday at TD Place, has been debated and questioned since it was released earlier this week. A number of top first-round picks were not invited, including Ottawa Senators prospect Carter Yakemchuk, a Calgary Hitmen defenceman who was selected seventh overall in the 2024 draft and at one point appeared to be ready to play in the National Hockey League this season. Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Senators general manager Steve Staois has publicly stated he believes Yakemchuk could be a top-pairing blue liner for Team Canada. “We don’t pick an all-star team,” Cameron said. “We pick them with a focus We pick them with a focus on team that can win in different ways.” It’s quite likely that, after losing to the Czechs in the quarterfinals of the 2024 tournament in Sweden, Canada wants to make sure it has a veteran lineup. What does Cameron see when he looks at the list of players coming to Ottawa next week? “A real good, competitive team,” he said. “We’re going to be really competitive. We’ve got to find a way to win the big games. We’re going to need a little bit of luck. “Put it this way,” he added of the second-guessers. “You could pick 30 different teams and somebody would be offended. That’s the nature of the tournament.” The committee that selected the Canadian roster for the Four Nations Face-off in February might say the same thing. What’s the schedule of events for Team Canada leading to the Boxing Day tournament opener against Finland? The selection camp will start Tuesday at TD Place and remain there for exhibition games against U Sports all-stars on Thursday (3 p.m.) and Friday (12 noon). Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Fans wanting to attend selection camp games can purchase tickets at HockeyCanada.ca/WorldJuniors, with two-game packages starting at $52 and individual-game tickets starting as low as $35. Both games will also be livestreamed at HNLive.ca. Following selection camp, Canada’s National Junior Team will travel to Petawawa, Ont., for a four-day training camp at the Silver Dart Arena on Dec. 15-18, Team Canada will also take on Switzerland, Sweden and Czechia in pre-tournament action. The Boxing Day tournament opener has a 7:30 p.m. start time and will be televised on TSN and RDS. What 67’s are stepping away? Other than captain Luca Pinelli, who will attend Team Canada’s selection camp, rookie centre Filip Ekberg has been picked to play for Sweden at the world junior tournament. “Weeks ago, the coach called me and just said, ‘You’re on the team,'” Ekberg, who has seven goals and 10 assists through his first 21 OHL games, said Thursday. “I talked to my team, the 67’s, and they said, ‘OK.’ So that was a nice feeling.” Ekberg and defenceman Kaleb Dietsch have been selected to the Eastern Conference roster for the inaugural Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 15 at the Brantford Civic Centre. “We are extremely proud of Filip and Kaleb for the work they have done to earn this opportunity,” 67’s GM James Boyd said. “We look forward to watching them compete on this stage, alongside some of our league’s top players.” Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : Why this weekend is big for the Ottawa 67's, and what's ahead for Team Canada juniors Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. 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Stock market today: Wall Street’s rally stalls as Nasdaq pulls back from its recordBy KRISTEN WOOD Chilly weather and early nights make the holiday season the best time of year for cuddling up with your favorite games. From enjoying a quiet afternoon alone to gathering with family, these board, video and card games will bring cozy vibes to your holiday gaming. The holidays are prime time for coziness. Cold weather, hot drinks and days off work or school are perfect for snuggling up under a blanket. With many games designed to be cozy, relaxed and lighthearted, accompanying your cozy afternoons with a game might be your new holiday tradition. Many holidays bring together friends and family as well. While some families may look forward to feuding over the Risk board or resources in Settlers of Catan, more low-key games can be an opportunity to bond with loved ones. Cooperative games or games with a bit of friendly competition let you focus on who you’re playing with. Since these cozy games often have easier instructions, everyone can get involved. A busy holiday season also benefits from rest. Take a break from shopping, cooking, traveling and other holiday tasks with some games. Stress-busting games let you enjoy a couple of hours of quiet gameplay or raucous laughter, both sure to provide some relaxation. Relaxing board games are great for a lazy afternoon with friends or after dinner at a holiday party. These games often feature cooperative play or minimal competition, beautiful artwork and straightforward gameplay ideal for all ages. For the holidays, these games provide a whimsical escape from seasonal chaos. Patchwork Patchwork is a chill two-player puzzle game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The tactile experience and cozy results are relaxing on a chilly day. If you have more than two players, try Calico instead where you’ll create quilts for cats. Carcassonne In Carcassonne, players compete to build Medieval cities and fields by laying tiles. The game takes a bit of strategy and luck, and it will generate some friendly competition among children and adults alike. The charming artwork of parks, featuring America’s national parks, will also transport you on a road trip from the comfort of your home. Everdell and Flamecraft For those looking for longer gameplay, Everdell will have you playing as cute forest creatures building new cities during a game that averages a little over an hour. Flamecraft is another delightfully whimsical game where players try to attract dragons to improve the reputation of their shops. Each of these games is simple to pick up and, with every playthrough offering something new, they’ll get you through the entire holiday season. Parks, Everdell and Flamecraft can also be single-player games if you need a break from socialization. Snuggling up on the couch with a video game is inherently relaxing. Whether you enjoy mobile, computer, handheld or console games, the cozy game genre provides dozens of options. This season, try games ranging from relaxing to enchanting. If having everything in its place provides calm in the chaos of the holiday season, you’ll love Unpacking. This puzzle game, available on Switch, PC and Xbox, has you unpacking boxes and putting items away. Playing games like Unpacking can be a meditative experience. Other puzzle games like A Little to the Left and Spiritfarer blend stories into the gameplay. For spooky autumn vibes, try Strange Horticulture and play as the owner of a plant shop and potion maker. Maintaining a virtual farm or building a make-believe castle from your sofa can be a great stress reliever. Stardew Valley is a quintessential farming game surrounded by charming townspeople. With the highly anticipated November update, you can now play on console, mobile and PC. Palia , a massively multiplayer online game, features farming, quests and community building with other players. It’s also free. For those with a Nintendo Switch, the Animal Crossing series has you interacting with other animal players in a peaceful village. With multiplayer modes, these games are great options for playing with friends and family from afar during the holidays. For a single-player escape, try the recently-released Tiny Glade on PC where you’ll build castles. This cozy game’s detailed artistry and conflict-free gameplay will bring hours of relaxation. Or build a world from tiles in Dorfromantik. The game can be entirely chill or provide a bit of strategy if you want to go for a high score. A pack of cards is reliable entertainment at any gathering. From classics to innovative new card games, having a few in your game collection can be worthwhile. Card games can range from simple to complex, a few minutes to a few hours and single-player to dozens of players. If you have a standard deck of playing cards, Blitz is a great option for any number of players. Also known as Thirty One, this game gives every player three cards and lets them trade out a card on each turn, trying to get a value of thirty-one. President is another simple social card game where players race to get rid of their cards in ascending order. If you are imbibing this holiday season, some people play it as a drinking game. For a two-player card game, try The Fox in the Forest. This trick-taking card game features cozy graphics, and its fast, simple gameplay is perfect for a winter date night. For two to four players, Arboretum has darling tree graphics on its cards. Players lay cards down with the goal of creating a beautiful garden. This holiday season, be sure to take time to connect with loved ones and catch a few moments to yourself. Cozy games are a lighthearted escape. As the genre grows, there are options for everyone this season, from mindless games to those that require a touch of strategy – perfect for any mood or moment. Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, avid cozy gamer and creator of The Cozy Gaming Nook , your source for everything cozy games. Her work has been featured in various online and print publications, including Elle, NBC, Forbes, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Seattle Times and more.

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These days, the “F” in LAFC ought to stand for “France.” Free agent Jeremy Ebobisse became the Los Angeles Football Club’s fifth Frenchman on Monday, as the roster takes shape early in the offseason. The deal runs through 2027, with a club option for 2028. “Jeremy is a proven forward in our league who has scored goals and been a meaningful contributor to his teams throughout his career,” LAFC co-president and general manager John Thorrington said in a statement announcing the signing. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Jeremy to strengthen our attack as we continue in our ambitions to compete for multiple trophies in 2025. We know Jeremy will be a great addition to LAFC on and off the field.” Last year at this time, LAFC had one French player on the roster, the prolific Denis Bouanga, who over the course of 2024 was joined by Hugo Lloris, Maxime Chanot and Olivier Giroud. Meanwhile, Ebobisse spent the year suiting up for last-place San Jose, starting 25 of his 31 MLS appearances while scoring six times — a drop in production with the Silicon Valley side following consecutive seasons with double-digit goals (17 in 2022 and 10 in 2023). With 60 goals and 18 assists in 198 MLS regular season appearances, the Paris-born Ebobisse has been a solid performer inside the league since Portland drafted him No. 4 overall from Duke University in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. Related Articles Los Angeles Football Club | LAFC selects UMass star Alec Hughes in MLS SuperDraft Los Angeles Football Club | Galaxy, LAFC kick off 2025 MLS season with February home games Los Angeles Football Club | Galaxy receives first-round bye in CONCACAF Champions Cup Los Angeles Football Club | LAFC signs 16-year-old Jude Terry to homegrown contract Los Angeles Football Club | LAFC season review: Disappointing finish after much progress Ebobisse helped Portland reach the 2018 MLS Cup final. The forward earned Best XI honors in 2020 when the Timbers won the MLS is Back tournament. Traded by the Timbers to the Earthquakes in the summer of 2021 for more than a million dollars in general allocation money, Ebobisse, a dual national raised in Bethesda, Md., since the age of 2, proved adept at finishing around the goal, linking play, and operating as a hardworking defender.Emboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level MediaNone