Monthly Archive 19/10/2024

On September 28, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province hosted the inaugural “Longjiang Medicinal Cuisine” competition, featuring 15 teams that showcased a unique blend of traditional Chinese medicine and culinary arts. The event culminated in the recognition of standout dishes, with items like fried astragalus pine cone balls, chicken kidney stew with herbs, and pork rib winter melon soup earning the prestigious title of “Top Ten Medicinal Dishes of Longjiang.”

Medicinal cuisine, which harmoniously integrates principles of Chinese medicine with culinary traditions, aims to create a balanced approach through scientifically-informed combinations. This year’s theme, “Healthy Longjiang with Medicinal Cuisine,” focused on highlighting the distinct appeal of Longjiang’s medicinal dishes while promoting their cultural heritage and innovative potential.

The competition was structured as a team-oriented event, consisting of theoretical evaluations, dish preparations, and tasting presentations. Teams took advantage of local Heilongjiang herbs and ingredients to craft three dishes that excelled in flavor, aroma, color, presentation, and health benefits, demonstrating both culinary expertise and a solid understanding of the underlying principles of medicinal cuisine.

Xu Feng, Secretary and Director of the Heilongjiang Province Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, highlighted the region’s abundant herbal resources, which offer high-quality ingredients for health-oriented products. He expressed that by integrating these resources, the province aims to fortify the connection between medicine and food, promote the medicinal cuisine industry, and enhance public appreciation for both this culinary tradition and the impact of traditional medicine on health.

The event featured an esteemed panel of judges, including Professor Chen Hongbin, Secretary-General of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies’ Medicinal Cuisine Research Committee, along with seven experts hailing from provinces such as Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Hunan.

Awards were distributed across various categories, recognizing not only the top teams but also excellence in organization, creativity, flavor, presentation, and theoretical knowledge.

Dishes that made the list as the “Top Ten Medicinal Dishes” included fried astragalus pine cone balls, chicken kidney stew with herbs, and a variety of soups, such as pork rib winter melon soup and ginseng rib soup.

The winners of the “Top Ten Medicinal Soups and Porridges” celebrated flavors and health benefits with dishes like pork rib winter melon soup and ginseng and astragalus rib soup, showcasing the rich heritage and potential of traditional medicinal cuisine.

Josefina Dueñas, the first deaf Latina mayor in California, has navigated skepticism from her fellow city council members but remains unwavering in her mission. “I represent the women, the immigrants, the disabled, and the homeless,” she declared confidently.

Upon entering the Ukiah city hall in Mendocino County, Dueñas reminisced about her journey, which began with a childhood diagnosis of bilateral hearing loss that family members had suspected for years. “It wasn’t until I was five that I finally received the diagnosis,” she recalled. Nearly six decades later, she channels her personal experiences to confront and overcome the challenges posed by her hearing impairment.

As mayor of Ukiah, Dueñas, alongside six council members, serves a community of over 16,000 residents, primarily Latino and white according to census statistics. Council members serve four-year terms, and the mayor is chosen annually in a rotating fashion.

Before taking on the role of mayor, Dueñas earned a degree in psychology from Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla in Mexico and worked in the state finance department, analyzing tax documents. It was during this time that she began using hearing aids and communicating through sign language.

Despite her professional advancement, Dueñas faced significant personal turmoil. She escaped an abusive relationship and moved to California in 1989, where she worked in local vineyards along busy Highway 101, contributing to the local economy.

“I was undocumented until 1999, following domestic violence from my second husband,” she shared during a recent afternoon at city hall. Thanks to the Violence Against Women Act passed by Congress in 1994, she was able to gain legal protection as an immigrant who had suffered abuse at the hands of a U.S. citizen. “The law also provided protections against discrimination based on disability in immigration cases,” she added.

In 2000, Dueñas was granted permanent residency through this program and became a U.S. citizen 17 years later. By this time, she had earned a bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University and worked as a teacher’s assistant while contributing to bilingual newspapers, often grappling with financial difficulties. “My electricity bill was $750, the same as my rent,” she recalled, reflecting on times when she had to live in her car.

Driven by a desire for change, Dueñas attended a city council meeting to voice her concerns. “I thanked them for their efforts, but I told them it wasn’t enough. That’s when I thought, ‘I could be there and do something different.'” This revelation inspired her to run for city council in 2020, where she achieved a successful election.

Despite facing some doubts from other council members regarding her capabilities as mayor, Dueñas has remained resolved. The Americans with Disabilities Act promotes equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and in the U.S., approximately 17.7 million adults experience hearing disabilities, nearly 2 million of whom reside in California.

During the appointment process, Dueñas faced opposition and took on the vice mayor role for an additional year before her official confirmation as mayor, despite two members voting against her. Outgoing mayor Mari Rodin expressed her opposition, stating, “I wouldn’t vote for Dueñas simply to add diversity; that goes against my principles,” although she declined an interview for this piece.

Douglas Crane, a 20-year council veteran, voiced his support for Dueñas’ appointment. “I believed she could do this,” he stated, clarifying that while he provided assistance, she possessed the skills necessary for leadership all along. “I was merely helping boost her confidence.”

To facilitate her responsibilities, the city provided Dueñas with an iPad equipped with real-time transcription software. However, she has encountered challenges with its performance, noting that slower transcription can impact her effectiveness in meetings and affect her confidence among council members.

As her term nears its end, Dueñas is running once more for a city council seat. Just prior to a recent candidate forum, she took a moment to reflect on her journey. “I thought about those who welcomed my family when we had nowhere to go. They told me, ‘Josefina, you could do it.’ And look at me now—what were my chances?”

During a press conference on October 8th, the State Council Information Office unveiled vital information regarding a comprehensive set of incremental policies aimed at fostering economic growth and enhancing development structures. Li Chunlin, the Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), discussed energy security, highlighting how early preparations have laid a solid foundation for energy supply.

When a reporter inquired about plans to ensure energy supply stability as regions approach the peak demand for electricity, heating, and gas this winter, Li assured that comprehensive measures had already been put in place following a Central Politburo meeting on September 26.

Addressing energy security, Li revealed that the NDRC has collaborated with relevant stakeholders to secure adequate energy supplies. He noted that coal production has remained stable nationwide, and regulated power plants are currently holding coal reserves exceeding 200 million tons—sufficient for over 30 days of operation, which is historically high for this period. He also mentioned that the northeastern region is well-prepared for winter. By the end of August, the country had an installed power generation capacity of 3.13 billion kilowatts. Despite challenges posed by increased reliance on renewable energy, enhanced smart dispatching and improved inter-provincial cooperation guarantee reliable electricity supply. In terms of natural gas, Li reported a plentiful supply, with peak shaving storage capacity up by 8 billion cubic meters compared to last year, and storage facilities being maximized as winter approaches.

Looking ahead, the NDRC intends to strengthen monitoring and analysis while ensuring accountability across all sectors to maintain stable energy supplies. Plans include increasing coal and natural gas production and supply, optimizing the operation of various power generation units, and boosting renewable energy utilization. The commission aims to raise coal and natural gas reserves, enhance cross-regional electricity dispatching, and ensure effective energy use during peak demand periods. Li emphasized that prioritizing the energy needs of the public will be crucial in minimizing disruptions during extreme weather or unexpected events.

Li acknowledged the challenges faced this past summer, including record-breaking extreme heat that pushed peak electricity demand to 1.451 billion kilowatts and daily consumption to 32.5 billion kilowatt-hours. He highlighted that energy supplies remained stable despite these pressures. The quick restoration of power was organized in response to temporary outages caused by typhoons and flooding. Collaborative efforts are expected to ensure a robust energy supply for the upcoming winter heating season, supporting economic recovery and providing warmth to the public.

Regarding the availability and pricing of essential consumer goods, Li confirmed that the market remains stable and well-supplied nationwide. There has been a boost in summer grain production, and autumn crop yields look promising. Livestock production levels are satisfactory, with abundant stocks of egg-laying chickens, and an increase in vegetable acreage has been noted. Furthermore, major cities have enough reserves of processed grains and cooking oils to meet consumer demand for over 15 days, while the capacity to regulate pork reserves continues to improve. Northern cities are ensuring sufficient vegetable supplies for the winter and spring months.

In response to the surge in consumer spending during the National Day holiday, many localities have introduced discounted sales and increased the supply of affordable goods to stabilize market prices. Moving forward, the NDRC plans to closely monitor market trends, particularly as winter and festive seasons approach. They aim to collaborate with key stakeholders to proactively address autumn and winter agricultural production, reinforce local reserve responsibilities, enhance production and sales links, facilitate logistics, and strengthen market regulation—all to ensure a stable supply of essential goods. These efforts are designed to create a conducive environment for the effective implementation of incremental policies.

Traveling internationally often means dealing with jet lag, a challenging aspect of air travel that can significantly affect your experience. To better understand how travelers can minimize the impact of jet lag on their bodies, we spoke with experts in the field. They emphasize that preparation can begin even before you board the plane; selecting flights at optimal times and choosing the right aircraft can make a difference. Additionally, external factors such as sunlight exposure and melatonin can play crucial roles in effectively resetting your internal clock.

So, what strategies can travelers employ to tackle this common issue?

Cream or no cream? Onions or no onions? What kind of cured pork or cheese should we choose? It’s intriguing to think that spaghetti ‘carbonara’ likely didn’t come onto the scene until after 1950.

Ada Boni, a trailblazer in home economics, launched a magazine called Preziosa (Precious) in 1915. Just six years later, her collection of slender monthly issues laid the foundation for her legendary cookbook, Il Talismano della Felicità (The Talisman of Happiness), which is still in print today. Boni ran Preziosa until 1959, creating a dynamic synergy between the magazine and her cookbook, each influencing culinary trends as they evolved.

I happen to own a fabric-covered 18th edition of Il Talismano from 1949. It boasts an impressive array of recipes sourced from Italy and beyond. Since Boni was Roman, it’s fascinating to see how she interpreted classic pasta dishes during that time—like spaghetti all’amatriciana (featuring guanciale, onion, tomato, and either pecorino or parmesan), spaghetti al guanciale, and spaghetti con tonno e funghi (with tuna and mushrooms). Yet, there’s no sign of a carbonara recipe at all, which didn’t appear in print until several years later.

There are suggestions that chef Renato Gualandi from Bologna may have created a dish similar to carbonara for American soldiers stationed in Rome toward the end of World War II. Others speculate that traditional Abruzzese recipes, which combined pasta with cheese, egg, and cured pork, could be the origins of carbonara. However, as food historian Luca Cesari notes in his biography on carbonara, the first documented recipe emerged in America in 1952, found in Patricia Bronté’s book, Vittles and Vice: An Extraordinary Guide to What’s Cooking on Chicago’s Near North Side. The recipe was straightforward: boil one and a half pounds of tagliarini and fry half a pound of Italian bacon. After draining both, mix four eggs with a quarter-pound of grated parmesan, whip them, and then combine with the pasta and bacon over a flame.

In August 1954, La Cucina Italiana published Italy’s first carbonara recipe, spurred by reader requests. It called for pancetta, Gruyère, eggs, and garlic.

While I don’t yet have a 1960s edition of Il Talismano, I do possess a notable 1961 cookbook titled Il Carnacina by Luigi Carnacina, which includes a carbonara recipe that features spaghetti, guanciale, olive oil, butter, parmesan, and “a few” tablespoons of fresh cream. Additionally, a 1979 edition of Il Talismano suggests that carbonara should include onions and pancetta cooked in butter and wine, along with eggs, parsley, parmesan, and pepper, while a 1999 edition omits both onion and wine.

This illustrates a fundamental truth: recipes are always evolving. Through the contributions of Ada, Renato, Luca, Patricia, and Luigi, we combine elements like bacon, butter, parmesan, pancetta, wine, onion, garlic, and cream into our understanding of carbonara. For this week’s recipe, I’m recommending the 1979 version, adjusted for six servings to honor Ada’s proportions.

This recipe uses a clever “bowl” technique to prevent the eggs from scrambling. The residual heat in the warm bowl allows the beaten egg, cheese, pork, and its fat to come together as a sauce. I’ve made a couple of adjustments: I found that using three whole eggs was challenging to incorporate, so I suggest using three egg yolks and one whole egg instead. Also, the recipe advises against salting pasta water, a step I’m skipping from now on. Feel free to experiment with Il Talismano’s suggestions or stick with your go-to recipe, which may insist that carbonara must contain only guanciale, pecorino, and egg—at least for now.

**Spaghetti alla Carbonara, 1979 Style (Serves 6)**

– 1 onion, peeled and sliced
– 200g pancetta, diced
– 30g butter
– Half a glass of white wine
– 3 egg yolks, plus 1 whole egg
– 50g grated parmesan
– 1 small bunch parsley, minced
– Black pepper
– 600g spaghetti

1. In a frying pan, sauté the onion and pancetta in butter until lightly colored, then add the wine and let it simmer until it evaporates slowly.
2. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks and whole egg with the cheese, parsley, and black pepper.
3. Cook the pasta in plenty of water until al dente, then drain or lift it directly into the bowl with the cheese and egg mixture. Mix well, then add the very hot pancetta and onion, mix again, and serve immediately.

With the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and gentle green pines surrounding her, Mary Novakovich describes her peaceful end-of-summer escape to the quieter islands of Zlarin and Prvić. In an interview about her travels on October 7, 2024, she highlights how her journey took a different path than the typical Croatian island-hopping route, which often emphasizes well-known spots like Split, Hvar, and Brač.

“Šibenik itself is a hidden gem,” Mary shares. “It’s relatively crowd-free compared to other coastal cities in Croatia. People are naturally drawn to the breathtaking UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral, and then they often relax at the café terraces along the Riva waterfront or enjoy the bars by the fishing boats moored at the quayside.” She adds that the medieval St. Michael’s Fortress, along with its 17th-century Venetian counterparts, provides a stunning backdrop. “These fortresses were built to fend off Ottoman attacks and have since become cultural sites, with St. Michael’s hosting concerts and Barone functioning as an outdoor cinema.”

As she explored further, Mary reflected on the history that drove locals to seek refuge on the islands during Ottoman threats. “Today, it’s a car-free oasis in the Šibenik archipelago,” she explains, reminiscing about her 25-minute ferry ride to Zlarin, one of the six inhabited islands. “Zlarin village is car-free except for a few emergency vehicles and the occasional film crew. Instead, transportation consists of golf buggies, bicycles, and the rare scooter.”

During her stay on Zlarin, she rented an apartment with a breathtaking terrace that overlooked the bay. “The view of the vividly blue sea against the terracotta rooftops and deep green Aleppo pines was just stunning,” she recalls. “It quickly became my paradise for relaxation.”

Reflecting on her previous visit just a few months earlier, she reveals her growing curiosity about Zlarin and its even smaller neighbor, Prvić. “These small island communities have such unique stories and the unhurried lifestyle I craved as summer came to a close.”

Zlarin, with its charming harbor filled with boats and bustling bars, was exactly what she envisioned. “You could see visitors enjoying their coffee in the sunshine, while the pebbly beaches—warm in September—beckoned for morning swims.” She also praises the local eateries that serve exceptional seafood in rustic settings.

As she delved deeper into Zlarin, she learned about its historical importance as a coral harvesting community, a trade that supported its small population for generations. “It was fascinating to discover that Zlarin was once Croatia’s largest coral supplier until the Italian market started sourcing its own in the 1970s,” she explains.

While tourism has since flourished, transforming the village atmosphere, Mary found Zlarin’s charm to remain intact during her quiet September visit.

When she moved on to Prvić, Mary was enchanted by the smaller island, which features two picturesque villages and a welcoming population. “The vibe here was just as delightful,” she describes, noting the absence of cars and the lovely stone homes adorned with colorful shutters. “My flat in Šepurine was perfectly located by the village square and fishing port.”

Exploring Prvić allowed her to embrace the slow island life. She discovered the culinary talents of Krešimir Kursar, a chef who returned after years abroad to reclaim local traditions. “Hearing stories of locals coming back to their roots and positively impacting the community was heartwarming,” she shares.

Mary also highlights the genuine warmth of the people she encountered, like Goran and Lenka Franić, who took her on a squid-fishing adventure. “Listening to Goran’s journey from renowned musician to local boat renter made the experience even more memorable,” she adds. “Their singing of traditional Dalmatian songs created a beautiful soundtrack to my trip, making it one I wished would never end.”

Her journey through Croatia, organized by croatia.hr, offers a glimpse into a more serene side of the Adriatic. Accommodations at Heritage Hotel Life Palace in Šibenik start from €95, with affordable rental options available in Zlarin and Prvić.

On September 11, the Overseas Chinese Health and Wellness Center in Quanzhou officially opened its doors, welcoming over 40 participants from nearly 30 countries and regions. This event marked a significant step in catering to the needs of the overseas Chinese community.

Among the inaugural group were prominent leaders and key figures from the Chinese communities in the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond, who participated in the first session of the “Gathering Overseas Chinese, World Heritage, and Silk Road Together” training program for overseas Chinese leaders hailing from Quanzhou. They also attended the 2024 Quanzhou Overseas Community Liaison Mechanism Meeting and witnessed the launch of a judges’ workshop aimed at protecting the rights of overseas Chinese, showcasing the innovative initiatives their hometown is undertaking to support its diaspora.

Quanzhou stands out as a major hometown for overseas Chinese, with around 9.5 million residents originating from this region, dispersed across over 170 countries. This figure constitutes nearly two-thirds of all overseas Chinese from Fujian Province, emphasizing Quanzhou’s leadership among Chinese cities, earning the moniker that “nine out of ten households are overseas Chinese.” To foster belonging and satisfaction among these overseas citizens, and to capitalize on its status as a city of world heritage, the Quanzhou Overseas Chinese Federation has founded the Overseas Chinese Health and Wellness Center.

Luo Gang, chairman of the Quanzhou Taiwan Business Investment Zone’s Overseas Chinese Federation and honorary president of the Hong Kong Quanzhou Association, underscored the necessity of addressing the unique needs of overseas Chinese. “In recent years, there has been a growing interest in traditional Chinese medicine abroad, and Quanzhou is a treasure trove of TCM resources, boasting many revered physicians throughout history who are highly regarded in overseas communities,” he explained.

The newly established Overseas Chinese Health and Wellness Center brings together resources from various platforms, including Quanzhou Yihe Hospital and the Quanzhou Baxian Guohai Tourist Resort. It combines TCM-based therapies and wellness philosophies while offering a broad range of services that encompass healthcare, tourism, culture, and leisure, all designed to provide a holistic and enriching wellness experience for overseas Chinese.

Reflecting on his time there, Xu Shaotang, an executive committee member of the United Filipino Chinese Association and a participant in the inaugural group, shared, “Today’s experience truly highlighted the respect and hospitality my hometown extends to overseas Chinese. I also deepened my appreciation for the rich culture of traditional Chinese medicine. The wellness center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and offers notably attentive and patient service.” As a tourism professional in the Philippines, he found this visit to be a significant reconnection to his roots.

As Hurricane Milton neared Florida, it experienced changes in intensity before making landfall as a Category 3 storm. In an interview, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis commented, “It will continue to move across central Florida throughout the night and into the early morning hours.”

Maggie Smith, the beloved actress known for her portrayal of the stern yet affectionate Professor Minerva McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” film series, passed away peacefully on September 27 at a hospital in London. She was 89 years old.

In a heartfelt announcement, her two sons conveyed their sorrow, stating, “We are heartbroken to share that Dame Maggie Smith passed away peacefully in the early hours of Friday, September 27.”

They emphasized her commitment to privacy, sharing that “She was a highly private person and had close friends and family by her side in her final moments.” Smith leaves behind her two sons and five adoring grandchildren, all of whom are mourning the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

Widely regarded as one of the finest actresses in the UK, Smith’s career spanned nearly 75 years, beginning in the 1950s. During her illustrious journey, she graced over 60 films and 70 stage productions.

Her remarkable achievements include two Academy Awards, four Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award, making her one of the rare actors to achieve this prestigious triple crown.

For many millennials, Smith’s legacy is most vividly tied to her iconic role as Professor McGonagall in the “Harry Potter” franchise. Additionally, she received significant praise for her role in the celebrated British period drama “Downton Abbey,” both in its television series and film adaptations, which helped her cultivate a vast fanbase, particularly in the United States.

On September 16, 2024, the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) wrapped up in Beijing, with the health and medical services segment running from September 12 to 16 under the ongoing theme “Global Services, Shared Health.”

This year’s event showcased participation from 89 prominent companies and specialized medical service institutions across a variety of sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, innovative research, digital healthcare, and health management. The exhibition adopted a hybrid format, highlighting advanced technologies, products, equipment, and comprehensive medical service solutions throughout the entire healthcare cycle, from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation.

Organized by the Beijing Municipal Health Commission and backed by the academic support of the China Hospital Association, this year’s exhibition achieved a remarkable 100% participation rate, with an overall internationalization rate of 33.3%. Notably, 35.96% of participating entities hailed from the Fortune Global 500 and other industry-leading firms, setting multiple records in the process.

The event featured impressive displays, including contributions from 20 national medical centers, pilot hospitals dedicated to advancing public health, and technology industrial parks. Institutions such as Hong Kong University Shenzhen Hospital, the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and notable hospitals showcased cutting-edge medical research and the application of new technologies.

One standout attraction was the AI-based emotional assessment system featured at the Beijing Anding Hospital exhibit, which gathered considerable interest from attendees through hands-on experiences. According to the staff on site, this system leverages AI and brain-computer interface technology to deliver precise readings of brain signals, enabling users to complete a comprehensive mental health assessment in just three minutes.

Developed using proprietary high-precision EEG and HRV collection technologies, this system is designed to be portable, quick, and cost-effective for a range of applications—including use in educational institutions, social mental health services, rehabilitation centers, and home settings. It effectively monitors mental health across various age groups and provides objective evaluations.

Beijing Anding Hospital also spotlighted other innovative projects, such as an EEG clinical characterization system and new treatment technologies targeting depression through gut microbiomes, signaling significant progress in the mental health landscape during the fair.

At the Beijing Anzhen Hospital exhibit, numerous innovations in cardiovascular devices drew attention, showcasing a vascular flow meter, intraoperative brain protection devices for cardiac procedures, cardiac stabilizers, new neurointerventional catheters, targeted drug delivery systems for atherosclerosis, minimally invasive coronary bypass tools, and a pioneering liquid-helium-free atomic magnetometer for cardiac magnetic field imaging.

During CIFTIS, Beijing Anzhen Hospital forged important collaborations with various tech firms, including agreements for joint medical laboratories focused on ventricular assist device therapy and AI-based simulation research for heart failure support. These partnerships aim to accelerate the implementation of innovations such as multi-channel intraoperative coordination and quality control robotic systems, thus energizing the high-quality development of the medical and health industry.