Monthly Archive 31/10/2024

On October 18th, during an interview in Lhasa, it was announced that the seventh round of the “Winter Travel to Tibet” campaign has officially kicked off. The Tibet Autonomous Region government unveiled new cultural and tourism promotional policies, including the distribution of 10,000 free flights and 10,000 free train tickets to attract tourists to the region this winter.

The tourism market in Tibet experiences significant fluctuations due to its unique geography and climate, creating distinct peaks and troughs in visitor numbers. Since 2018, the regional government has implemented promotional policies for “Winter Travel to Tibet.” During the winter period, visitors can benefit from free entry to A-level tourist attractions (excluding temple sites) and discounted hotel rates. This latest “Winter Travel to Tibet” campaign will run until March 15, 2025.

The distribution of 10,000 free flights and train tickets will be conducted through a lottery system, with online offerings each year. The free flight tickets come with priority reservation rights for tickets to the Potala Palace, while the free train tickets include complimentary high-quality attraction tickets and vouchers for premium hotel stays.

In addition to the free tickets, Tibet has announced a series of consumer discount vouchers for “family travel,” “group travel,” and “senior travelers.” This initiative will also involve a lottery system, where, following the format of “pre-travel lottery and post-travel redemption,” each year, lucky families, groups, and senior travelers who purchase flights or train tickets to Tibet will receive 10,000 vouchers valued at 1,000 RMB each. These vouchers can be used for cultural and tourism products within Tibet.

On October 23, local time, Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the 16th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in Kazan, Russia. In his address, he voiced China’s perspectives on key global issues.

Deckers Outdoor has reported impressive second-quarter results, surpassing expectations due to strong demand, and has raised its full-year sales forecast.

Brands like Hoka, UGG, New Balance, and the Federer-backed On are resonating well with consumers, particularly in the running category, and are gaining market share at the expense of giants like Nike.

According to Deckers’ financial report, Hoka’s sales grew nearly 35% in the second quarter, while UGG saw a 13% increase.

Dana Telsey, an analyst at Telsey Advisory Group, noted, “Deckers continues to perform strongly amid an uncertain macroeconomic environment, demonstrating that its robust market position and healthy brand portfolio can support sustained long-term growth.”

As retailers restock consumer-favorite products, Hoka has successfully launched in Dick’s Sporting Goods and Nordstrom.

Joseph Civello, an analyst with Truist Securities, commented, “The company is performing well in driving brand heat and increasing global brand awareness, with plans to ramp up marketing investments seen as a strategic move that should continue to support revenue growth.”

Deckers now anticipates a 12% increase in full-year sales, targeting $4.8 billion, up from a previous estimate of 10% growth to $4.7 billion.

Last quarter, net sales reached $1.31 billion, exceeding the expected $1.2 billion, while adjusted earnings per share stood at $1.59, surpassing the projected $1.23.

Looking ahead, Deckers is projected to have a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.95 for the next 12 months, compared to Nike’s 26.59 and On’s 43.62.

A tragic train collision occurred near Llanbrynmair in Powys on the evening of October 21, 2024, resulting in one passenger fatality and 15 others receiving treatment for injuries. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as passengers were thrown to the floor upon impact, with images revealing a crumpled carriage.

On the morning following the incident, investigators arrived at the site to determine the factors leading to the collision on a single-track section of the Cambrian line, which includes a passing loop designed for trains to alternate passing each other. Preliminary reports suggest that the train designated to stop did not, although the low-speed nature of the collision prevented derailment.

Authorities have launched a multi-agency investigation, examining potential causes, including the effects of autumn leaves on rail conditions, which can create dangerous situations akin to black ice on roads.

Survivors reported a range of injuries, with some suffering broken bones, though officials stated that none of the injuries were considered life-threatening. Witness Jonah Evans, 25, recalled the moment of impact: “There was a train that was stopped and the other train couldn’t stop. The driver warned us to brace ourselves, and injuries followed, with some losing teeth and others with cracked ribs.”

Anthony Hurford, a passenger en route to Shrewsbury, described the frightening experience: “We went from maybe 40 or 50 miles per hour to a sudden stop. My laptop飛 was thrown ahead of me, and I was left on the floor, completely stunned. There were so many emergency responders; it was overwhelming.”

In a joint statement, Network Rail and Transport for Wales confirmed that the collision occurred at 7:29 PM on October 21. They expressed condolences to the loved ones of the deceased and highlighted the ongoing closure of the Cambrian railway as investigations continue.

British Transport Police Superintendent Andrew Morgan also addressed the media, confirming the death and extending sympathies to the victims and their families. He indicated that a comprehensive investigation was underway to clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Emergency services, including the Welsh ambulance service and Dyfed Powys police, responded promptly to the situation, and the First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, expressed her gratitude to the responders while extending her thoughts to all affected.

The incident recalls a previous train collision in Salisbury in October 2020, where similar conditions related to rail maintenance and autumn leaves played a role in causing injuries.

England midfielder Georgia Stanway emphasizes the significance of upcoming friendlies as they gear up to defend their European title. Ahead of the friendly match against Germany at Wembley, a repeat of the Euro 2022 final, Stanway shared her thoughts on the team’s preparation. The 25-year-old Bayern Munich player underscored the importance of these four friendlies as a way to “hit the ground running” before the finals tournament in Switzerland next summer, having already secured qualification in July.

When asked if England’s performance had stagnated since reaching the World Cup final in 2023—especially after recent losses to Belgium and France and narrowly missing out on Olympic qualification—Stanway responded with confidence. “No, I think it’s natural to experience a bit of a comedown after such high achievements. We won the Euros and made it to the World Cup final, which was an incredible accomplishment. It’s expected that there would be a plateau at some point,” she explained.

She acknowledged the struggles in the Nations League but highlighted the positives from their performances against top-ranked teams like France and Sweden. “From those matches, you can see how we want to play as we prepare for the Euros. It’s constructive that we have areas to improve on; this is our chance to address them,” she added.

Stanway sees this period as an exciting starting point for their Euro campaign. “These friendlies are crucial for us to refine our style and begin anew. We want to build on our past successes.”

On a related note, Stanway also addressed the recent news about over 100 professional women’s players signing a letter urging FIFA to end its sponsorship deal with the Saudi state-owned oil company Aramco, citing serious human rights violations. Although she hadn’t read the news at the time of her interview, Stanway expressed solidarity with her fellow players. “We need to stand for what we believe in,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of advocating for women’s rights in sports. “The unity in women’s football allows us to challenge issues together. We know our value and the legacy we want to leave for future generations.”

Regarding the recent appointment of former Bayern Munich men’s head coach Thomas Tuchel as the new England men’s manager, Stanway expressed her support for the decision. “I think it’s fantastic. I’ve worked under a Norwegian manager at Bayern, and it really comes down to finding the right person for the job,” she remarked, recalling her positive experiences with Tuchel. “He was genuinely invested in women’s football and always took the time to engage with us.”

Heading into the match against Germany, Stanway is aware of the challenge that awaits, especially with her clubmates on the opposing side. “You always know what to expect from the Germans—they’re fierce, technically proficient, and relentless. Players like Giulia Gwinn and Klara Bühl pose significant threats,” she concluded, reflecting on the competitive nature of the upcoming game.

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, along with his partner Matthew Smith and employee James Jacobson, were arrested and charged on October 22 for alleged involvement in human trafficking and prostitution. The charges accuse them of promising modeling opportunities to young men, luring them into drug-fueled sex parties.

The indictment, filed in Brooklyn federal court, claims that Jeffries and his associates exploited their positions, wealth, and resources to engage in a global operation centered around procuring young men for their sexual appetites.

Federal prosecutor Breon Peace emphasized the severity of the charges, highlighting that those who exploit others under the guise of offering modeling opportunities should be held accountable for their actions. “Sexual exploitation of vulnerable individuals is a crime,” he stated. “Using the glamour of the fashion and modeling industries to entice victims is equally reprehensible.” James Dennehy, the FBI’s New York assistant director, termed the allegations against the trio “disturbing.”

Many of the details in the indictment mirror civil lawsuits filed by multiple young victims, which allege that Jeffries promised them modeling jobs in exchange for sexual acts that satisfied the defendants’ desires.

Attorneys for Jeffries and Smith, Brian Bieber and Joseph Nascimento respectively, responded to media inquiries by stating, “The truth will come out in court.” Jacobson asserted that he was not involved in any coercive or deceptive actions and was unaware of such behaviors occurring.

The three defendants are scheduled to appear in a St. Paul, Minnesota court later after their arrests—Jeffries and Smith in Florida and Jacobson in Wisconsin. They face charges of human trafficking and interstate prostitution, backed by testimonies from 15 alleged victims.

The indictment alleges that between 2008 and 2015, the defendants funded the grooming of dozens of young men for prostitution in hotels located in New York, the UK, France, Italy, and St. Barts in the Caribbean, catering to their sexual interests. Victims reportedly endured drug use and were subjected to demeaning acts involving lubricants, condoms, fetish clothing, sexual toys, and even painful drugs designed to prolong erection, all while being coerced into signing non-disclosure agreements.

On October 20, the Beijing Institute of Aerospace and Information Innovation hosted a symposium celebrating the academic contributions of Academician Tong Qingxi and the launch of the book “Poetic Science Exploration: Six Decades of Remote Sensing Research by Academician Tong Qingxi.” The event brought together numerous esteemed academicians and experts from the remote sensing community to discuss the pioneering contributions of Tong Qingxi, one of the earliest figures in China’s remote sensing science and technology.

Academician Tong has witnessed and been an integral part of the development of China’s remote sensing industry, which has transformed from its infancy to a position of strength. His efforts have laid a crucial foundation for China’s international standing in the field while significantly contributing to the leap-forward progress of remote sensing in the country.

Wang Qinmin, Vice Chairman of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, reflected on his collaboration with Tong from over 30 years ago in remote sensing and Earth sciences. He emphasized that as a strategic scientist, Tong’s contributions to China’s remote sensing field extend beyond his 60 years of groundbreaking research; he has also systematically analyzed and strategically planned for the advancement of remote sensing technology, resulting in major advancements in technology application and industrial development.

Academician Li DeRen, a recipient of the National Supreme Science and Technology Award, praised Tong for his foundational and innovative work in satellite and aerial remote sensing technologies, particularly highlighting his collaboration with fellow Academician Xue Yongqi, which helped pioneer hyperspectral remote sensing applications both domestically and internationally. He urged the remote sensing community to learn from Tong’s legacy and strive for close cooperation to transition remote sensing to new productive capacities, further enhancing its contributions to both China and the global community.

Academician Guo Huadong reflected on Tong’s visionary academic insights, his mentorship of young people, and his generous spirit. He noted that Tong embodies the essence of scientific exploration, innovation platform development, and education in remote sensing technology, playing a pivotal role in China’s strategic leadership and foundational work in the field.

Academician Zhou Chenghu remarked on Tong’s outstanding contributions to the development of aerial remote sensing, the promotion of hyperspectral remote sensing disciplines, and the construction of commercial small satellite systems. He praised Tong’s vigorous work ethic and unwavering support for younger scientists, calling him a role model for the older generation of scientists.

Several other dignitaries, including former Minister of Science and Technology Xu Guanhua, Director of the Beijing Institute of Aerospace and Information Innovation Wu Yirong, and former Director of the National Remote Sensing Center Chen Weijiang, shared their experiences of working alongside Tong through video messages or live discussions, reflecting on the remarkable achievements he has made for the field and expressing hope for even greater advancements in China’s remote sensing endeavors.

The newly launched book, “Poetic Science Exploration: Six Decades of Remote Sensing Research by Academician Tong Qingxi,” serves as a significant summary of Tong’s six decades of work in remote sensing and offers a valuable historical document for the study of the development of remote sensing technology in China. The Science Press aims to use the narratives of Tong and other early remote sensing scientists to create a vital vehicle for transmitting scientific spirit, inspiring more individuals to engage in scientific pursuits and strive for excellence in their fields.

On October 22, during the fifth round of the 2024-2025 China Men’s Basketball Professional League (CBA) regular season, the Liaoning Flying Leopards hosted the Qingdao Eagles. The game culminated in a 106-83 victory for the Flying Leopards, marking their fifth consecutive win to start the season.

Historically, the Liaoning team has dominated the rivalry with Qingdao, winning 32 out of 41 encounters. In the previous season, the Flying Leopards triumphed in both matchups against the Eagles.

The first quarter saw the Flying Leopards struggling, ending it with a deficit of 22-26. However, they rallied in the second quarter, sparked by a 10-0 scoring run that flipped the game in their favor, closing the half at 50-41. In the second half, Liaoning maintained control of the pace and secured a comfortable victory.

In terms of individual performances, Liaoning’s foreign player, Fogg, led all scorers with 30 points, along with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Another foreign addition, Shayok, contributed 20 points and 6 rebounds, while veteran Han Dejun added 20 points, bringing his CBA career total to 8,264 points, which places him 13th on the all-time scoring list, surpassing the legend Bateer. For Qingdao, Wang Ruize scored 29 points and grabbed 5 rebounds; foreign player Weatherspoon added 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists.

After the game, Liaoning’s head coach, Yang Ming, discussed the challenges both teams faced due to injuries, emphasizing that the match did not reflect their true capabilities. He noted that the slow start in the first quarter was corrected after adjustments were made and expressed hope that the team would continue to stay in top form moving forward.

Looking ahead, Liaoning is set to face Shanxi at home on October 24.

A recent interview with Luke Buckmaster sheds light on the captivating world of “Territory,” Netflix’s new Australian drama set against the breathtaking backdrop of a Northern Territory cattle station. Buckmaster describes the show as a blend of “Succession in the outback” and “Yellowstone, in Australia,” drawing parallels to family power struggles seen in those acclaimed series.

Director Greg McLean, known for his work on “Wolf Creek,” artfully weaves themes of conflict and family dynamics amidst the stunning landscapes of the Top End. Buckmaster notes that while the natural beauty of the area is grand, it serves as a mere backdrop to the intense human struggles that unfold, commenting on how these conflicts resonate deeply, particularly at the fictional Marianne Station, the largest cattle station in the world.

The show kicks off with an unexpected twist when heir apparent Daniel, played by Jake Ryan, meets his demise in a shocking encounter—a pack of dingoes attacks him in a scene reminiscent of a harrowing moment from Joe Carnahan’s film “The Grey.” Buckmaster draws attention to the stark contrast between Daniel’s toughness and that of the legendary Liam Neeson, leading to the young man’s tragic downfall. With Daniel gone, the Lawson family’s future is thrown into turmoil as they grapple with succession issues.

Patriarch Colin, portrayed by Robert Taylor, faces a challenging situation with options that include his struggling alcoholic son Graham (Michael Dorman), a daughter-in-law with ties to a rival family (Anna Torv), and their children, each with their own ambitions. Buckmaster highlights Marshall, the free-spirited son, who seems less interested in power and more in adventure, adding further complexity to the family dynamics.

The writing team, including Timothy Lee and others, cleverly establishes the significance of cattle stations as “kingdoms,” with Colin’s bitter observations about his family adding a layer of humor amidst the drama. Buckmaster emphasizes the effectiveness of these lines when used thoughtfully, enhancing the viewer’s understanding of each character’s plight.

The performances in “Territory” are particularly striking. Buckmaster notes Torv’s ability to convey both strength and vulnerability and praises Dorman’s powerful portrayal of a man battling his own demons. Meanwhile, the supporting cast, highlighted by Clarence Ryan as Indigenous station owner Nolan Brannock and Hamilton Morris as the elder Uncle Bryce, grounds the story in rich, varied perspectives.

As for the action in “Territory,” Buckmaster remarks on its unpredictability, punctuated by bursts of excitement, such as Torv’s character jumping into a helicopter to intervene in a gunfight. These thrilling moments, while not entirely realistic, fit seamlessly into the show’s narrative, creating a unique blend of prestige drama with an exhilarating edge.

“Territory” promises to be a standout offering from Netflix when it premieres on October 24, inviting viewers into a world where family, power, and the untamed outback collide in spectacular fashion.

On October 26, we visited a picturesque park in the Hunnan District of Shenyang, where breathtaking scenery drew residents to capture the beauty on camera. We spoke with several visitors about their experience.

“What brings you here today?” I asked one enthusiastic local.

“The colors and the atmosphere are just incredible,” they replied, smiling as they posed for a photo in front of a stunning backdrop. “It feels like a perfect day to make memories.”

Another visitor chimed in, “I love how this park makes me forget about the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a slice of nature that’s so easy to get lost in.”

As we wandered through the park, we witnessed families gathering and groups of friends snapping pictures, all taking advantage of the beautiful scenery. One child, perched on the railing of a bridge, excitedly pointed out the reflections in the water. “Look, Mom! It’s like a painting!”

The park’s charm clearly resonated with everyone. “It’s wonderful to see how people find joy in such simple things,” a parent noted. “This is what community and nature are all about.”

With the lush surroundings and vibrant atmosphere, it’s no wonder that the park became a popular spot for photos and peaceful daydreaming.