Traditional takedown recurve bow

WILMINGTON: Joe Biden promised on Thursday (Aug 20) to end the "darkness" of Donald Trump's presidency in a speech accepting the Democratic nomination with an impassioned call for unity and a return to optimism. "The current president has cloaked America in darkness for much too long. Too much anger, too much fear, too much division," Biden said. READ: Democrats nominate Joe Biden for president, vowing he will end Trump 'chaos' "If you entrust me with the presidency, I will draw on the best of us, not the worst. I will be an ally of the light, not the darkness," he said. "It's time for us, for we the people, to come together." Speaking in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, but with an audience almost entirely online or on television, Biden's acceptance speech reflected the enormity of the shutdown that has upended life across the United States in the battle against the deadly coronavirus. And Biden, 77, urged Americans in blistering terms to punish Trump for the … [Read more...] about Biden pledges to end US ‘darkness’ in accepting Democratic nomination

NEW YORK: After months of slumping sales and businesses toppling into bankruptcy, Black Friday is offering a small beacon of hope. In normal times, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, drawing millions of shoppers eager to get started on their holiday spending. But these are not normal times: The economy is tanking and crowds are expected to be dramatically diminished as COVID-19 cases spike and shoppers do more of their purchases online. Many retailers closed their doors on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26) but are beefing up their safety protocols to reassure wary customers that they can still come back the next day. For those who can't be reassured, stores are moving their doorbuster deals online and ramping up curbside pickup options as a last grasp at sales before the year ends and they head into the dark days of winter with the pandemic still raging. “Black Friday is still critical," said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail. “No retailer … [Read more...] about Black Friday offers beacon of hope to struggling stores amid COVID-19

To say we're in the Christmas spirit is an understatement. Full disclosure: This ultimate gift list was concocted while wearing a novelty Christmas sweater, eating gingerbread men, drinking mulled wine and blasting carols on loop in the background. Because... Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It’s been a tough 2020 for everyone and we’re all in need of some Yuletide cheer. And what brings more cheer than thoughtfully picked-out presents for our nearest and dearest? Whether they're into gadgets, beauty products or something else entirely, our gifts guide features a hand-picked selection of the best products out there – no halfhearted last minute shopping needed. Bonus hugs from the recipient guaranteed. READ: 'A gift and a lesson': Rebecca Lim and Elvin Ng reflect on 2020 this Christmas season READ: Christmas treats: Dark chocolate logcakes, cheddar cheese cookies and more FOR YOUR BIG BROOD OF GODCHILDREN The Lego Super Mario toy set The … [Read more...] about From Super Mario to whisky: Our ultimate Christmas gift guide for family and friends

A Czech Christmas ornament maker has added tiny masks to the country's traditional golden pigs, which are said to arrive in the homes of good children who fast before Christmas Eve's family feast. The glass ornaments which can be hung from a Christmas tree have proved incredibly popular. OZDOBAcz company owner Romana Juklova said they decided to mask the pigs in September to reflect how Czechs are adapting for Christmas this year. "We used to add bows and flowers to them and this year, we added a face mask... We hope that next year we can decorate them a bit more cheerfully." According to custom, the pigs bring good luck and happiness. The masked pig ornaments have proved so popular, Juklova said, that they are making little else. "They have become a massive hit," she said. "Now we are not doing anything else apart from making the piglets in face masks." (Source: Reuters) … [Read more...] about Czech golden pig ornaments wearing tiny masks are a hit for COVID Christmas

SINGAPORE: On Sep 21, Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus scored against Wolverhampton Wanderers, a goal that not only gave Manchester City a 3-1 win but also made history in the English Premier League (EPL). It was the 44th goal of the round, the highest number ever scored since the number of teams were reduced from 22 to 20 in 1995. After three rounds of the 2020 to 2021 season so far, there have been 103 goals scored in 28 games - two did not take place in the opening weekend. If it is sustained, that 3.68 goals a game average would be by some distance the highest average in the league’s history, beating the 2.82 set over the 2018 to 2019 season. One may think the higher number of goals is the result of the EPL now having more talented attacking players than before. READ: Commentary: Klopp will lead Liverpool to EPL glory again It has become common place since the beginning of the EPL for the top teams such as Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea … [Read more...] about Commentary: What is behind the EPL’s record goals haul this season?