esports resume

esports resume No. 17 BYU's stout defensive effort shut down No. 23 Colorado's explosive offense in the Cougars' 36-14 Alamo Bowl win on Saturday night in San Antonio. The Cougars, who had four sacks and two interceptions, held Colorado to just two rushing yards and 210 yards of total offense. The Buffaloes averaged 34.5 points and nearly 400 yards of offense per game entering the Alamo Bowl. "The guys believed in each other," BYU coach Kalani Sitake said. "We've been working on this and I'm really proud of the staff, the coaches and I'm happy all our fans are here. I'm definitely happy for the seniors. These guys love each other, and I am happy we got that win." BYU's Parker Kingston had a 64-yard punt return touchdown. Jake Retzlaff completed 12-of-21 passes for 151 yards and two interceptions. LJ Martin (93 rushing yards) had two touchdowns on the ground and Sione I Moa ran one in for the Cougars (11-2). Evan Johnson and Isaiah Glasker had interceptions. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders completed 16-of-23 passes for 208 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter caught four passes for 106 yards and a touchdown. Sav'ell Smalls added a touchdown catch. "We're not happy with the results, but we are happy with the journey of getting here," Colorado coach Deion Sanders said. "Wonderful job by BYU. They are well coached. They did a phenomenal job of running the football. "Their special teams kicked our butts. We couldn't do nothing much at all on offense. Defensively, we had some sound stops, but we didn't have enough and came up short." DJ McKinney, Anquin Barnes Jr. and Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig had interceptions for Colorado (9-4). Martin gave BYU a 7-0 lead with a 1-yard touchdown run midway through the opening quarter. A 28-yard pass to Martin on a wheel route out of the backfield was the key play on the drive. After BYU forced a three-and out, Will Ferrin gave the Cougars a 10-0 cushion with a 51-yard field goal. At the start of the second quarter, Sanders hit Hunter on a short crossing route he turned into a 58-yard gain. But the drive stalled when Sanders was sacked by Logan Lutui for a 23-yard loss. On the next play, Alejandro Mata missed a 48-yard field goal. Kingston used a wall of blockers down the sideline on his 64-yard punt return for a touchdown that gave the Cougars a 17-0 lead late in the second quarter. BYU went into halftime up 20-0 on Ferrin's 54-yard field goal. On Colorado's first possession of the second half, Johnson picked off a pass that set up BYU's nine-play scoring drive. The Cougars took a 27-0 lead on Moa's 13-yard touchdown run. Hunter made three Cougars defenders miss on a 43-yard touchdown reception that cut the BYU lead to 27-7 with 6:14 left in the third. Martin's second TD run gave BYU a 33-7 cushion in the fourth quarter. Colorado tacked on a late score when Sanders hit Smalls with a 2-yard pass. --Field Level MediaSyria's Assad: the president who led a bloody crackdown

1. A fill-in-the-blank book for your bestie if your goal is to bring a tear to their eye. Fill it up with funny, sweet, thoughtful things about your friendship, and don't forget to grab a tissue before you read through it together! Promising review: "Absolutely loved this. It took a little bit of time to fill it out but it was fun reflecting back on the years. My friend absolutely loved it and said she'd treasure it always. I love how despite its small size, the pages are thick and it seems like it will last for the rest of her life and maybe beyond." — Lily Price: $9.95 (also available in other designs , including one for your partner , mom , dad , and more) 2. A darling embroidered bookmark any avid reader is sure to cherish. This is not only the perfect combo of beautiful and useful, but the monogram detail will also make it feel extra special. Promising review: "I gave it as a gift along with a book. The gift was liked very much, and I think because it was monogrammed with her initials, it made it more special. Very inexpensive. Was worth it." — Donna Faulkner Price: $6.98 (available in letters A–Z and four styles) 3. A Breakfast at Tiffany's -inspired eye mask that your glamorous friend who has an Audrey Hepburn canvas print hanging in their apartment will 100% appreciate. This will help them get some shut-eye while also helping them fulfill their fantasy of living in a 1960s rom-com. Promising review: "Comfortable, soft and cute! Gives enough darkness for a peaceful sleep without feeling suffocated like I have with other sleep masks. The elastic is secure but not too tight." — K. Garrett Price: $15.99 4. A customizable Lego bouquet-building set for adults who are both new to Lego building or old pros at it. Not only will it be fun for them to put together, but it'll also serve as a vibrant piece of decor that won't die a couple of days later. Promising review: "These Lego flowers were amazing! I purchased them for my fiancé for Christmas, and we had such a fun time building them together! There is a good variety, getting you lots of different flowers and repetitions of ones that are really nice! For an experienced Lego builder, these are gonna be a super easy build and come together very quickly! For someone not as experienced, it's gonna take a little more time, but is entirely within the realm of reason! Additionally, they look amazing set up and posed! " — Brayden Rozelle Price: $47.99 5. A Silly Poopy's Hide & Seek game that will play hide and seek with your kiddo, so you don't have to. Just hide the rainbow-colored poop toy, and it'll give clues until your little one finds it. Meanwhile, you can enjoy some much-deserved couch time. And let's be honest, what kid won't giggle when they open up a rianbow poop toy?? Check out a TikTok of the Silly Poopy in action. Promising review: "Let me tell you that if you want hours of endless fun of hide and go seek without having to hide yourself, this is a must get! When it's hidden it makes various toot noises and says stuff so the kids know if they are close. And when they find it and press the button to do and sing the silly poopy dance ... even you will dance and sing along!!! Doesn't need batteries and come on, it's poop? Who doesn't think poop and toot noises are funny and if they don't they are lying to themselves. A must-have for fun with your kids without barely doing any work!! " — andrea kelli gorman Price: $9.88 6. The Reverse Coloring Book , a clever way for them to zen out and take some time away from their phone and computer. Instead of adding the color to pages, they add the lines! It's simple yet satisfying, and reviewers are raving about how fun and calming it is. Check out a TikTok of the Reverse Coloring Book in action. Each book includes 50 pages of watercolor art for you to add lines, along with suggestions for what to add if you want a jumping off point. Bonus: the pages are perforated so you can easily tear them out and frame them! Promising review: "Changed my life. So I get anxious doing the adult coloring books. This was so much fun and made me really think outside of the box. I'm not the best at drawing but I felt like I was when I was a kid doodling in my textbooks in school." — Carley C. Price: $9.90 7. A silver cuff with a hidden message perfect for a loved one who needs a little pick-me-up. Plus, this simple accessory will work with almost anyone's style. The bracelet above says, "You are enough." But, there are TONS of other motivating messages to choose from including: "Be amazing today," "Just keep swimming," and "Believe in you like I do." Promising review: "I got this bracelet for a friend who was having a tough time. It is great quality and well made. The engraving is well done! Heavier than I thought it would be! Would order again! Thank you!" — HeatherMarie Price: $12.97+ (available in over 100 designs) 8. A Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game perfect for anyone who loves a good game night. Kids and adults alike enjoy this game because it's easy to play and sure to get everyone laughing. You deal all the cards out to your 2–4 players, and everyone keeps their mini-deck face down. Everyone takes a turn putting a card down in the middle of the table, saying one of the words "taco," "cat," "goat," "cheese," and "pizza," in that order. If the picture on your card matches the word that's said, everyone slaps their hand on the card in a pile as quickly as possible. The last person on the pile has to take the stack and add 'em to their cards, and whoever runs out of cards first wins! Promising review: "Fun, clean, family-friendly game. Easy to learn and fun for all ages. Quick games so players can jump in and out or swap. Could easily extend the game with another pack of cards. Lots of laughs! Buying for Christmas gifts this year!" — W M Price: $9.84 9. A bucket list insulated water bottle your frequent flyer family member will be obsessed with. If you know they're on a journey to check off all 50 states, then this gift will be the perfect way for them to keep track of how many places they have left while also keeping them hydrated on their many adventures. Promising review: "This is the perfect water bottle! Perfect size, insulates very well, high quality, beautiful colors on the stickers that adhere very well, and a super fun way to show your travels!! I am running a half marathon in every state - I have received lots of compliments on it!" — Cody Price: $45.99 Also available in a National Parks version ! 10. A stemless wineglass sure to make an a-meow-zing gift for any of your cat-loving colleagues. Promising review: "This is made out of heavy glass, not plastic. It has been through the washer more than a dozen times and the engraving is still intact and looks as great as it did from day one. Got this for my cat-loving wife for Christmas. Success! Always a winner for that cat-lover in your life, including yourself." — Arrr Matey Price: $16.99 11. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit that comes with everything they need to create a teeny masterpiece on a cozy night at home. Complete with three pre-printed canvases, seven paint pots, a mini brush, and a mini easel, the budding artist on your list will surely get a kick outta this. The kit's three paint-by-number canvases include two landscapes and one portrait of Bob. They'll also get an instruction sheet and a mini book all about Bob! Promising review: "I have to admit I was skeptical because of the price and size. However, I got these for my husband for his birthday (he loves Bob Ross) and What a find!! We had so much fun mixing colors and painting. Would definitely recommend. The fact that they are small makes them even more special. I wish there were more to paint!" — slb m Get it from Amazon for $7.99 . 12. A ridiculously cute Groot flower pot perfect for your friend who cried with you throughout Avengers: Endgame . Promising review: "I bought this as a gift for a coworker who is a fellow Marvel fan and he loved it! I really like that it can be used for so many different things!" — Roberta Bowden Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two designs). 13. The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz , a ~magical~ book of recipes that'll allow the Potterhead on your list to properly dine like a witch or wizard at Hogwarts. It includes more than 150 easy-to-make recipes, tips, and techniques. It'll teach them how to make everything from treacle tart (Harry's favorite dessert), to Molly Weasley's meat pies, to pumpkin pasties (from the Hogwarts Express cart). Editor's Note: BuzzFeed does not support discriminatory or hateful speech in any form. We stand by the LGBTQ+ community and all fans who found a home in the Harry Potter series and will work to provide a safe space for fans. If you, like us, feel impassioned about trans rights, learn more or donate here . Promising review: "I LOVE THIS. I'm no master chef, but this cookbook might change that: I might even become a master wizard chef! Anyways, the recipes are phenomenal. The book has a bunch of cute references, and my younger siblings go crazy whenever I make something from this book. I most recently made the meat and potato pies, which can be found on page 44." — Tigerlily Price: $13.39 14. A super soft pair of fuzzy slippers with memory foam insoles to give to anyone who just loves to be cozy at home. They'll probably never want to take these things off. In fact, you may want to grab a second pair for yourself! Promising review: "Incredible. Wow. I don't even know where to begin. These slippers are so soft and sturdy. My feet never slide out of them. There's a foam padding for foot support... OMG. I can go on and on. These are incredible. 10/10 recommend for anyone." — NG Price: $14.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–10 and 13 colors) 15. A keychain bracelet that has a card holder so they can keep their keys, ID, and cash handy and easily accessible. This stylish bracelet is much cuter than a basic lanyard and a great gift or stocking stuffer for anyone who just got their license or just got a new car. Promising review: "Bought two bracelets in the denim blue for my teenage granddaughters. They love them and actually said they will wear them out and use them for shopping and when they are driving and don’t want to take a purse. You can fit your driver's license, credit card, and some cash. Teens are hard to buy for, and I came off a winner here!" — Fashionista Grandma Price: $6.99+ (available in 22 colors) 16. A 60-shade eyeshadow palette full of various neutral shades in matte, foil, pearl, and metallic finishes perfect for your makeup-loving friend or sibling. They'll think you spent a pretty penny at Ulta or Sephora on this because of how great the quality is — reviews say the shades are super pigmented, blendable, and long-lasting. Promising review : "This was way better than I expected it to be! More pigmented than some of my 'high-end' eyeshadow palettes. I would most definitely purchase from this company again, and again!!" — Shawna Promising review: "BUY IT! 100% WORTH IT... love the creamy formula, lots of pigment, and it blends so nicely with the other colors in the palette. I recently got the Bare Necessities palette from ColourPop, but this one has 2X as many colors at 1/3 the price, and it isn't as nice as this one in quality, tbh! Back in the day, I owned the original Naked 1, 2, and 3 palettes from Urban Decay, and THESE MATCH THE COLORS PERFECTLY AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE. Plus, it has the honey and heat versions, too! I will use this every time I do my makeup. " — katherine Price: $11.99+ (available in two options) 17. And a 14-piece rose gold makeup brush set that's great for makeup beginners or those who can do a contour way better than you ever could. This set has almost everything they'll need and it'll look fabulous on their vanity. The bristles are vegan and cruelty-free, made of durable synthetic fiber that's soft and silky! This set will fulfill pretty much all of your makeup needs, including a blending brush, eyebrow brush, eyeshadow brushes, as well as ones suited for eyeliner, contouring, blush, and more. Promising review: "I am a makeup brush fanatic! I own Sigma and Sephora and It Cosmetics brushes, as well as Elf and Real Techniques. I love quality, not brand labels. This is one of the best makeup brush sets I own. There are lots of thick soft hairs in the brush that help to create a smooth flawless looking finish. The handle and ferrule are made of nice materials and lend the brushes the perfect balance of weight right where you need it." — Christina Price: $8.99+ (available in six colors) 18. An extremely delightful boba tea pencil holder perfect for holding their supplies for class, homework, or bullet journaling. This will be a cute and organized way to keep pencils, gel pens, scissors, erasers, and more in one spot. Promising review: "This is super cute! It holds my skinny markers. It came intact. When I saw it I didn't see the pockets — they are farther down and they work. It's worth the $10. I take it to work and get compliments on it. I'm gonna get another one :)." — Kona Price: $6.99+ (available in six colors) 19. A pair of LED light saber chopsticks for anyone who is always watching Star Wars movies on repeat. They definitely won't have to ~force~ a smile when they open this gift! There's a button to turn 'em on and off, and they come with batteries. Here's why BuzzFeed Shopping writer, Emma Lord , loves them: "As you can see from the above GIF, I bought these for myself, and I love them to pieces. TBH, I use them as decor every bit as much as I use them to eat. Sometimes I just keep them in my work area to light them up during the day to feel fancy. They toggle back and forth between a bunch of different colors, like red, blue, yellow, purple, and multicolor, so you can either make them match *or* have a red and blue one together and bring ~balance~ to The Force." Price: $10.97 (available in two styles) 20. A set of 12 handcrafted, moisturizing bath bombs made with natural ingredients, perfect for anyone who loves a good #SelfCareSunday moment. Promising review: "After receiving the first box as a gift, I had to order more. I am a true bath person and have tried bath products across the globe. I can honestly say that these are the absolute best bath bombs I have ever used! The fragrance is incredible and my skin is left soft, not oily. Here comes the part that blew me away: No residue or ring left in my tub! One more thing, the price allows me to order more and give as gifts!" — Pamela Price: $26.80 21. A cozy blanket sweatshirt for the person in your life who is like, always cold and loves to be cozy. Speaking from personal experience, they will want to wear it every day this winter! I LOVE this thing. It allows you to literally wrap yourself in a blanket, but still be able to use your hands, without your poor arm suffering in the cold breeze. I wear this while working from home, watching Netflix, and while taking naps. It's so comfy that there have been times I don't want to take it off when I have to run to the store — the only reason I do is because I don't want it to get dirty. I can't imagine one person who wouldn't be happy to have this wonderful bundle of coziness. Promising review: "To say that it is comfy is more than and understatement. It feels like wearing a soft and warm blanket turned into a hoodie. Because I want to take a nap while wearing, I just put the hood on, tuck my legs in and fall asleep right away, warm and comfortable, no need to wear a blanket over it. Perfect for lazy Sundays!" — Patricia Price: $49.99+ (available in 28 styles) 22. A copy of Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments by Ann Shen , which any fashion-obsessed friend will love to flip through. It'll inspire them to try new styles *and* teach them about powerful, groundbreaking women throughout history. Here's what my colleague, Heather Braga , had to say about the book: "Ann Shen's book, Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments , is jam-packed with stunning illustrations and facts about fabulous women from all around the world. I have a copy and it's something I absolutely treasure — and I learned a lot from it! Anyone would be lucky to receive this book this holiday season!" Price: $14.28 23. A set of three terra-cotta pots with drainage holes and saucers perfect for the plant parent on your list who has more greenery in their home than Poison Ivy does. Promising review: "I love these so much. The depth is perfect for my plants! I never write reviews but had to with these pots because they are stunning and inexpensive ." — Dominique Friend Price: $28.99 (available in four colors and four sizes) 24. A teak bathtub tray so they can have a convenient place to put their book, candle, and beverage while they soak in a luxurious bubble bath. Promising review: "Well made, pretty tray that fits all the way across my tub. Has support for a book or iPad which is great." — Jolene Saiz Price: $55.99 (also available in a bamboo style ) 25. A glass teapot , which comes with a glass infuser that's perfect for loose teas. It's microwave- and stovetop-safe and it's so stinkin' adorable it'll have them begging you to come over for tea parties. Promising review: "I absolutely love my little teapot. I use it on the stovetop ever morning and it is perfect. I have had mine about three weeks now and it’s doing amazing. I love using the hot water first for my morning matcha, then I add the loose tea to the remainder of the hot water for my afternoon tea. It’s perfect for me and despite being worried about putting it on the burner at first, it turns out it’s nothing to be worried about at all. It works and looks super cute!" — Amazon Customer Price: $29.99 26. A CovoBox — it's hollow on the inside, so they can use it to hide any unsightly cords or routers. Instead, it'll look like they have a beautiful collection of perfectly coordinated books. Before adding this to your cart, you have the option to customize it, including selecting from 14 lengths and 15 colors (including custom colors). The CovoBox is made from reclaimed books and sustainable wood. Covogoods is a small family-owned business creating home decor in Utah! Promising review: "I’m pretty sure I’ve never loved a purchase from Amazon as much as I love this one. This product is EXTREMELY well made and very unique. Plus, it does the job of hiding the ugly routers and cords. And the customer service was great and responsive. I was a little hesitant to spend the money on this but after years of living with the husband’s pile of technology, the money was well spent!" — AmazonEmme Price: $29+ (available in customizable sizes and colors) 27. A portable instant photo printer great for the person who is constantly snapping pics. The sticky-backed paper makes this perfect for journaling and scrapbooking! Promising review: "I originally purchased this product for my 11-year-old granddaughter who's always taking pictures. This is the absolute best gift I could have ever given her. It is compact, easy to use, and takes great quality reproductions of pictures in sticker form — how fun. I would recommend this product to anyone who wishes to give an out-of-the-ordinary gift." — Bianca Trevino Price: $67.99+ (available in five colors and a stater bundle option) 28. A shower phone holder for anyone who would love to watch YouTube videos, TikToks, or jam to their favorite playlist while they take way too long in the shower. Promising review: "This product is the answer to my search for a way to have music or Netflix playing while in the shower! The adhesion quality is great, and it's very easy to use. It fits my iPhone XS Max very well and is very sturdy. I would recommend this to anyone!" — Jackie Donovan Price: $9.99+ (available in nine colors/styles) 29. A 3-in-1 wireless charger that'll allow them to charge their iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods at the same time *without* a bunch of cords cluttering up their nightstand. Promising review: "I love this charging station! I‘m one of those people who has all the Apple things, so being able to charge my phone, watch, and AirPod Pros at the same time is a total game-changer for me. I can’t even guess how many times I’ve misplaced my AirPods because I didn’t have a dedicated place for them. Now there’s no question where they are every morning. Not only that, but the charger is pretty fast (especially for the watch and earbuds), and the station itself is easy to set up and use." — Anonymous Price: $29.99 (available in seven colors) 30. An LED flat plate so they can read all night long if they want, without disturbing their partner. The bookworm on your list will totally appreciate this. Promising review: "LOVE! This book light is perfect for nighttime reading. I opted for this particular brand over others I saw for less as it has a dimmer. I really like this one as the glow is soft and not harsh on my eyes. The dimmer has a wide range when I turn the knob. You can use this book light horizontally or vertically. It’s not large enough to cover the whole page of most books, but it does completely light up an entire page so you don’t have to move it up and down while reading." — Flora Price: $24.99+ (available in two colors) 31. A crystal carafe that'll look so chic on their nightstand. No more stumbling out of bed in the middle of the night for a glass of water. They will definitely feel luxurious when they use this gift (and they'll never know it was under $25). Promising review: "I bought one and love it so much that I got another one. It's meticulously made, gorgeously crafted solid crystal, and has serious heft. It's not huge or unwieldy but has enough capacity for not only nighttime carafe use, but also for daytime, e.g. I make iced tea and use it at my home office. I love the convenience of the glass/cover, which I use not as a drinking glass but for for dust particles not to get into my water and drinks. For the price, this cannot be beat. The quality of this is remarkable and if you're on the fence about this, get it — you won't be sorry. :-)" — IandThouSpirit Price: $21+ (available in three colors) 32. A pack of Crayola Globbles — a fidget toy that they'll love throwing at the wall and watching as they roll back down... so they can do it all over again. They can also squeeze and squish them as a stress ball. And the best part? These won't leave behind any sticky residue! Some reviewers initially bought them for their kids, but then bought more for themselves! After they get a little dirty, just wash them with soap and they'll be sticky again! Promising review : "Amazing toys! My 1- and 2-year-old LOVE them! They scream 'sticky balls!' and run around throwing them on the fridge, windows, cabinets, walls, etc. Easy to wash and air-dry, and don't lose their stickiness! My new go-to gift! Love them!" — Rachel Price: $19.59 (for a pack of 16) 33. A pair of aerating wineglasses that might just make their $8 bottle of Moscato taste like something from a fancy restaurant. Your wine-loving auntie will be using this all the time! Promising review: "I got these for my mom and she loves them! They are great conversation pieces, and fun to use. The wine fans out and falls into the glass as pictured. She runs them through the dishwasher and hasn't had any issues cleaning them that way. These are fun for wine drinkers." — Kaitlyn G. Price: $59.19 34. A felt letter board for the person who always has the best inspirational quotes in their Instagram captions — now they can display their skills in their home for all guests to admire. Promising review: "Great idea. Great for a small space on your wall that you need to fill. The white letters fix nicely to the fabric board until you want to remove them — which is also easy to do. Very cute." — Grant Price: $18.99+ (available in four sizes and 27 colors) 35. A pair of humorous novelty socks that'll make a great gift for a bacon lover, wine lover, taco lover, coffee lover, and more. Basically, these are an adorable add-on or stocking stuffer for pretty much anyone on your list. Promising review: "Funny and well-made. Got these for my lady friend, who funny enough drinks tea and wears socks. She loved the colors, the graphics and the material. Extra soft and comfortable. Highly recommend." — Rick Baird Price: $9.99+ (available in 16 designs) 36. A copy of Burn After Writing , a guided journal meant to encourage them to explore their feelings. It features different questions and thought experiments to help them learn about themself and let go of certain things. Promising review: "I first saw this book on TikTok and decided to look more into it. I purchased four total because I know some people holding onto things that are difficult to let go of. It’s a great way to look at things from a different perspective and truly hold yourself accountable to different things in your life. I love what it stands for and I look forward to when I burn mine after I’m done. Self love, self care, and meditation for a better state of mind tomorrow is always the goal. I definitely recommend it to those susceptible to change and the willingness to try things different. You’re so much more than what’s been done to you and someone’s inability to see your worth does not decrease your value. Choose you for a change." — Brent Helm Price: $7.32 37. A pair of constellation tassel earrings that are ~out of this world~ gorgeous! And for less than $10??! Any fashionista who loves a good accessory will be thrilled to unwrap these. Promising review: "These are absolutely beautiful, and clever with the post being falling stars. The stud sits comfortably and is lovely. Not gaudy or tacky in the least. I’m thrilled with them — and the price? If you are charmed by the picture you won’t be disappointed! They’re beautiful!" — Amyss Price: $8.66 (available in two colors) 38. A Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy to keep on their desk so they can have a little dance party with him whenever they need some cheering up. Promising review: " I opened the package and screamed for joy! As I placed the 9-volt battery my hands were trembling with what was going to happen next! As I turned on the wacky waving inflatable tube man I knew I have a friend for life. Someone you can really count on cheering you up when you are feeling down. He brought me such joy, I started to cry with laughter and happiness. " — Robert Wurstner Price: $8.58 Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

The Finance Ministry is conducting a survey of 40,000 people in the government's 10,000-baht cash handout scheme to assess its impact on the economy and society. According to finance permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit, the survey is expected to be completed by the end of this month. This is the first detailed survey to examine the actual impact of a stimulus cash handout, seeking insights into its effects on the economy and society, rather than relying on speculation, he said. Mr Lavaron said the survey uses a large sample size to ensure the results reflect the true impact of the programme, helping to determine whether it is a worthwhile initiative. For the survey process, the ministry hired Suan Dusit University to conduct a survey of handout recipients, focusing on their spending behaviour. The survey is conducted independently. To assess the impact on entrepreneurs, the ministry commissioned the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce for a survey. In addition, he said the ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) will use population census data from the National Statistical Office, which coincidentally conducted its census during the same period as the ministry surveys. The ministry and NESDC plan to analyse the data from the National Statistical Office as part of their study. The cash handout was originally intended to be a one-time distribution for individuals aged 16 and older through a digital wallet, with the government creating a platform to support it. The total cost was projected to exceed 500 billion baht. However, there were objections from various parties regarding its economic suitability and legal validity, especially from the Bank of Thailand, which disagreed with the indiscriminate distribution of funds. The central bank suggested the money should only be given to those in need, such as vulnerable groups in society. The government adjusted the programme by setting conditions for eligibility. Recipients cannot have monthly income exceeding 70,000 baht nor savings in excess of 500,000 baht. The distribution is being carried out in phases, starting with holders of state welfare cards who registered via the government's Tang Rat app, totalling 14.4 million people. The first phase has a budget of around 144 billion baht. The cash distribution to state welfare cardholders began in September. As of the end of November, 1.44 million individuals had received the 10,000-baht handout. However, there are still 75,400 eligible individuals who have not completed the required steps, such as linking their PromptPay accounts. These individuals must complete the process by Dec 19, which is the final opportunity to receive the cash. After that deadline, this portion of the targeted group will be considered as opting to decline the handout, according to the ministry.Local holiday happenings and opportunities to give

Suntory Beverage & Food Limited ( OTCMKTS:STBFY – Get Free Report ) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 4,200 shares, a growth of 23.5% from the November 30th total of 3,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 74,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.1 days. Suntory Beverage & Food Price Performance Suntory Beverage & Food stock opened at $16.05 on Friday. Suntory Beverage & Food has a 52 week low of $15.30 and a 52 week high of $19.90. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $16.53 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $17.47. About Suntory Beverage & Food ( Get Free Report ) Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Suntory Beverage & Food Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suntory Beverage & Food and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Jaipur: The illegal encroachment of the vegetable market on Sahakar Marg in Lalkothi, is increasing day by day, making it difficult for the public to walk on road. Despite several attempts by the administration to remove the encroachers, they return due to the lack of a permanent solution. Various departments seem to be shirking their responsibilities in this matter. Priyavrat Charan, DC of Malviya Nagar Zone, said, "I am not aware of this issue as I have recently taken charge. I will conduct an inspection soon and necessary action will be taken." Deputy mayor Puneet Karnawat said, "We have tried several times to remove these encroachers, but they come back repeatedly. It is easier for them to earn here, which is why they return. However, strict action will be taken soon after Rising Rajasthan Summit." JDA's DIG Kailash Bishnoi held the municipal corporation responsible for the encroachment and said, "It is JMC's responsibility to resolve this issue. We can only assist them." A few days ago, JMC held a meeting on this issue, where a proposal was made to provide an alternative location for the illegal vegetable market. However, due to the Rising Rajasthan Summit, this proposal has been put on hold for now. Residents and passersby have expressed that due to encroachment on the road, both vehicles and pedestrians face great difficulty. People are urging the administration to find an immediate and permanent solution to prevent this problem from reoccurring. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .None

NoneTORONTO, Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Friday December 6, MPP Chris Glover and MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam met with the team at Jumpstart Refugee Talent (Jumpstart) to hear how their $194,700 Resilient Communities grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has made an impact. The two-year long grant, awarded in 2022, was used to support Jumpstart in its effort to move beyond the impacts of the pandemic by providing needed resources and technology for its staff to adapt programming and services that continue to meet the needs of refugee communities. “This Resilient Communities Fund grant given through the Ontario Trillium Foundation has enabled Jumpstart Refugee Talent to continue their work empowering refugees to find their careers in Canada,” said Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre. “I am excited to see Jumpstart provide even more services that support their clients in the long run for a more resilient community." Thanks to the grant, Jumpstart was able to increase its accessibility by fully adapting all programming to be remote, in response to the needs of staff, clients, and volunteers at the time. Jumpstart has also invested in cloud-based technologies to deliver virtual programming, provided professional development training to its staff, and hired staff to engage 1,000+ clients more closely through needs assessment and career readiness programming. “Jumpstart does incredible work empowering refugees through meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Chris Glover, MPP for Spadina-Fort York. “They’ve made a profound impact on the lives of over 2,000 refugees. They’ve provided countless successful programs. Every person living in this province has the right to find meaningful employment and the resources to achieve their full potential. We all benefit from programs like these.” “COVID-19 significantly impacted vulnerable populations, especially refugees, and the organizations serving them,” said Malaz Sebai, Director of Operations, Jumpstart Refugee Talent. “OTF support was critical to adapting our programming and building our organizational resilience so we can better support the economic inclusion of refugees for years to come.” Jumpstart Refugee Talent is a refugee-led charitable organization, headquartered in Toronto with a network of offices throughout Canada and around the world. Its work is dedicated to support the economic inclusion of refugees, refugee claimants, and forcibly displaced individuals, by connecting them with meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more. Organization Contact for Media Inquiries: Amanda Fortier, Communications Manager Jumpstart Refugee Talent amanda.fortier@jumpstartrefugee.ca T: (888) 997-3384 x (728)

College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”ST. LOUIS (AP) — Robbie Avila's 19 points helped Saint Louis defeat winless Chicago State 85-62 on Sunday. Avila also had seven rebounds for the Billikens (6-3). Gibson Jimerson added 18 points and seven rebounds. Kalu Anya had 14 points. The Cougars (0-11) were led in scoring by Noble Crawford, who finished with 18 points. Jalen Forrest added 13 points and seven rebounds. Troy McCoy finished with 11 points. Saint Louis took the lead with 13:38 remaining in the first half and never looked back. Avila led their team in scoring with 12 points in the first half to help put them up 41-33 at the break. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Celtic warned Hibs in a 'much better place' to take on champions despite huge gulf in league positionsPinion was 7 of 13 from the floor and 5 of 11 from outside the arc, giving the Red Wolves their second straight win and their first over a ranked team since 1991. Taryn Todd finished with 17 points for Arkansas State (7-3). PJ Haggerty led Memphis (7-2) with 29 points, and Dain Dainja finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Arkansas State held a double-digit lead for most of the game and led 68-57 with 8 minutes left. That was enough for the Red Wolves to defeat the Tigers, snapping a seven-game losing streak to Memphis. Arkansas State: The Red Wolves certainly got the nationally ranked Tigers' attention in the first half after they shot 7 of 18 from 3-point range and built an 18-point lead. The lead got to single digits a couple of times in the second half, but Arkansas State answered the pressure. Memphis: The Tigers suffered through a miserable first half, shooting under 20% late in the half. They turned up their defensive pressure, which cut into the lead, but Memphis never made a serious threat. Memphis got within 60-53 with 11 minutes left, but Arkansas State went on a 12-6 run that included 3-pointers from Pinion, Todd and Kobe Julien to stretch the Red Wolves' lead to 75-60 with 6:29 left in the game. Arkansas State's last win over a ranked team was when it defeated then-No. 21 New Orleans 76-65 in 1991. Arkansas State hosts UT-Arlington on Thursday, and Memphis travels to Clemson on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballTerre Haute's Tommy John misses Hall of Fame induction once againCanada Carbon (CVE:CCB) Trading Down 33.3% – Time to Sell?

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad oversaw a merciless crackdown on a pro-democracy revolt that morphed into one of the bloodiest wars of the century. After facing down nationwide protests demanding his ouster and an armed rebellion that he all but crushed, he had until this month taken back control of much of Syria in the civil war that began in 2011. Quiet in his demeanour, Assad is a political survivor who for years excelled in his alliance-building with Russia and Iran, and who knew just how to present himself as Syria's only viable leader in the face of the Islamist threat. But since November 27, an Islamist-led rebel offensive has wrested from Assad's control city after city, including Aleppo and Hama for the first time since 2011, leaving his grip on power severely under threat. Assad has cast himself as the protector of Syria's minorities, a bulwark against extremism and the sole possible purveyor of stability for the war-ravaged country. In multiple votes held over the years, conducted solely on government-held territory, he has taken the vast majority of the ballots, amid accusations from Western countries that the wartime elections were neither free nor fair. In appearance, whether in person or in the many portraits of him in the capital Damascus, Assad has typically eschewed military garb, opting instead for a sharp-cut business suit and sober tie. In official meetings, during interviews and even on the frontlines, the 59-year-old ophthalmologist by training conducts himself calmly and can almost appear timid. Behind the facade, however, is an astonishing ability to hold onto power amid multiple waves of violence and transformative change in Syria and the wider region. One journalist, who met with Assad on several occasions before and after war broke out in 2011, told AFP the president is a "unique and complex figure". "Each time I met him he was calm... even during the most difficult moments of the war," said the journalist, who declined to be named. Assad has "the same qualities" as his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades until his death in 2000, the journalist said. "In politics, it's important to know how to shuffle cards, not just how to arrange them," he added. "Assad has mastered the shuffling game." Hafez al-Assad, head of the Syrian Baath Party, imposed in the country a secretive, paranoid regime where even the slightest suspicion of dissent could land one in jail or worse. Bashar al-Assad was never meant to become president, but his life changed radically when his older brother Bassel, who was being groomed to inherit power, was killed in a road accident in 1994. Bashar quit his studies in ophthalmology and left London, where he had met his wife, Asma, a British-Syrian and Sunni Muslim who worked for financial services firm JP Morgan. Back home, he took a course in military studies and was tutored in politics by his father. When the latter died, Bashar became president by referendum, running unopposed, then winning a second term in 2007. Sworn in at the age of 34, Assad was widely seen by Syrians pining for freedoms as a reformer, who could do away with years of repression and introduce economic liberalisation. In the early days, Assad would be seen driving his own car or having dinner at restaurants with his wife. He relaxed some of the heavy restrictions that existed under his father. But his initial image as a reformer quickly evaporated as authorities arrested and jailed academics, intellectuals and other members of what was then known as the Damascus Spring movement. When the Arab Spring reached Syria in March 2011, peaceful demonstrations broke out calling for change. Assad, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, responded by ordering a brutal crackdown on the protesters and civil war swiftly ensued. Throughout the war, which has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced half the population, Assad's position has not changed. He has been the subject of countless cartoons by dissident artists depicting him as a killer, not least in the aftermath of the 2013 chemical attacks on rebel bastions around Damascus. A Syrian researcher in Damascus, who asked to speak anonymously over security concerns, said: "Assad's personality played an undeniable role in his survival." His "persistence and rigour" were especially important in helping him "consolidate decision-making powers, and secure the army's full support", he added. Throughout the war, Assad has enjoyed military backing from staunch allies Iran and Russia, who helped him score a string of military victories. Since the start of the Islamist-led rebel offensive on November 27, Assad has echoed his long-held stance that the conflict in Syria is machinated from abroad. "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West," Assad said on Monday. He is the father of three children. His wife, Asma, was dubbed a "rose in the desert" by Vogue magazine before the revolt. bur/ser/jhb

The Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are in a two-horse race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Las Vegas and New York are the only two-win squads in the NFL after the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Tennessee Titans during the early window in Week 14. Jacksonville's win cleared the path for the Raiders and Giants to keep losing and compete for the top selection. The Jaguars shifted down the draft order, but they are still in the top five at No. 5. Jacksonville's victory produced a crowded set of three-win teams stacked from No. 3 to No. 8 in the draft order. All of those teams have 3-10 records. 1. Las Vegas (2-11) 2. New York Giants (2-11) 3. New England (3-10) 4. Carolina (3-10) 5. Jacksonville (3-10) 6. Tennessee (3-10) 7. New York Jets (3-10) 8. Cleveland (3-10) 9. Cincinnati (4-8) 10. Chicago (4-8) 11. New Orleans (5-8) 12. Dallas (5-7) 13. San Francisco (5-7) 14. Miami (6-7) 15. Indianapolis (6-7) 16. Atlanta (6-7) 17. Los Angeles Rams (6-6) 18. Arizona (6-6) 19. Tampa Bay (7-6) 20. Seattle (7-5) 21. Washington (8-5) 22. Denver (8-5) 23. Houston (8-5) 24. Baltimore (8-5) 25. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) 26. Green Bay (9-4) 27. Pittsburgh (10-3) 28. Minnesota (11-2) 29. Buffalo (10-2) 30. Philadelphia (11-2) 31. Kansas City (11-1) 32. Detroit (12-1) The Raiders and Giants left Week 14 with 2-11 records. The co-worst teams in the NFL lost in different ways on Sunday afternoon. Las Vegas stood no chance in its double-digit loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Giants fell on a missed field goal at the last second to the New Orleans Saints. The Raiders are currently in front of the Giants on the strength of schedule tiebreaker. Las Vegas has a .533 SOS, while the Giants have a .544 SOS. Las Vegas has three home games left in its last four games, but two of them come against potential playoff teams. Its most winnable game left on the schedule is against Jacksonville in two weeks. New York has the tougher closing stretch with home games against Baltimore and Indianapolis and road trips to Philadelphia and Atlanta. The Giants have the better chance of finishing 0-4 based on their opponents, but they've also displayed more fight of late compared to the Raiders. New York lost four of its last five games by five points or less, while Vegas has four double-digit losses in its last five contests. Jacksonville ended its five-game losing streak with an AFC South win over Tennessee. While the win might be huge for confidence within the locker room, it does hurt the Jags' draft stock a bit. The Jags dropped down to the No. 5 overall pick and away from the Raiders and Giants. All three of those teams entered Week 14 with two wins. Doug Pederson's team might drift further away from the top three because it has two winnable games left on its schedule. The Jags visit the Raiders in Week 16 and play the Titans for the second time in Week 17. Two wins in those games would put the Jags closer to No. 10 than No. 5. Whether or not any more wins will help Pederson's job security remains to be seen, but if he is let go, he may end up hurting the team's draft position if the Jags win more games toward the potential end of his tenure.

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Syrian President Bashar al-Assad oversaw a merciless crackdown on a pro-democracy revolt that morphed into one of the bloodiest wars of the century. After facing down nationwide protests demanding his ouster and an armed rebellion that he all but crushed, he had until this month taken back control of much of Syria in the civil war that began in 2011. Quiet in his demeanour, Assad is a political survivor who for years excelled in his alliance-building with Russia and Iran, and who knew just how to present himself as Syria's only viable leader in the face of the Islamist threat. But since November 27, an Islamist-led rebel offensive has wrested from Assad's control city after city, including Aleppo and Hama for the first time since 2011, leaving his grip on power severely under threat. Assad has cast himself as the protector of Syria's minorities, a bulwark against extremism and the sole possible purveyor of stability for the war-ravaged country. In multiple votes held over the years, conducted solely on government-held territory, he has taken the vast majority of the ballots, amid accusations from Western countries that the wartime elections were neither free nor fair. In appearance, whether in person or in the many portraits of him in the capital Damascus, Assad has typically eschewed military garb, opting instead for a sharp-cut business suit and sober tie. In official meetings, during interviews and even on the frontlines, the 59-year-old ophthalmologist by training conducts himself calmly and can almost appear timid. Behind the facade, however, is an astonishing ability to hold onto power amid multiple waves of violence and transformative change in Syria and the wider region. One journalist, who met with Assad on several occasions before and after war broke out in 2011, told AFP the president is a "unique and complex figure". "Each time I met him he was calm... even during the most difficult moments of the war," said the journalist, who declined to be named. Assad has "the same qualities" as his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for nearly three decades until his death in 2000, the journalist said. "In politics, it's important to know how to shuffle cards, not just how to arrange them," he added. "Assad has mastered the shuffling game." Hafez al-Assad, head of the Syrian Baath Party, imposed in the country a secretive, paranoid regime where even the slightest suspicion of dissent could land one in jail or worse. Bashar al-Assad was never meant to become president, but his life changed radically when his older brother Bassel, who was being groomed to inherit power, was killed in a road accident in 1994. Bashar quit his studies in ophthalmology and left London, where he had met his wife, Asma, a British-Syrian and Sunni Muslim who worked for financial services firm JP Morgan. Back home, he took a course in military studies and was tutored in politics by his father. When the latter died, Bashar became president by referendum, running unopposed, then winning a second term in 2007. Sworn in at the age of 34, Assad was widely seen by Syrians pining for freedoms as a reformer, who could do away with years of repression and introduce economic liberalisation. In the early days, Assad would be seen driving his own car or having dinner at restaurants with his wife. He relaxed some of the heavy restrictions that existed under his father. But his initial image as a reformer quickly evaporated as authorities arrested and jailed academics, intellectuals and other members of what was then known as the Damascus Spring movement. When the Arab Spring reached Syria in March 2011, peaceful demonstrations broke out calling for change. Assad, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces, responded by ordering a brutal crackdown on the protesters and civil war swiftly ensued. Throughout the war, which has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced half the population, Assad's position has not changed. He has been the subject of countless cartoons by dissident artists depicting him as a killer, not least in the aftermath of the 2013 chemical attacks on rebel bastions around Damascus. A Syrian researcher in Damascus, who asked to speak anonymously over security concerns, said: "Assad's personality played an undeniable role in his survival." His "persistence and rigour" were especially important in helping him "consolidate decision-making powers, and secure the army's full support", he added. Throughout the war, Assad has enjoyed military backing from staunch allies Iran and Russia, who helped him score a string of military victories. Since the start of the Islamist-led rebel offensive on November 27, Assad has echoed his long-held stance that the conflict in Syria is machinated from abroad. "The terrorist escalation reflects the far-reaching goals of dividing the region and fragmenting the countries in it and redraw the map in line with the objectives of the United States and the West," Assad said on Monday. He is the father of three children. His wife, Asma, was dubbed a "rose in the desert" by Vogue magazine before the revolt. bur/ser/jhb