Monthly Archive 17/10/2024

In an interview following the Dodgers’ narrow 6-5 loss to the Padres on October 8th, superstar Shohei Ohtani shared his thoughts on the team’s spirit amidst the challenging situation in the National League Division Series, where they now find themselves facing a must-win scenario down 1-2. Ohtani expressed optimism, stating, “We just need to focus on winning back-to-back games.”

Despite being held to just one broken-bat hit in four at-bats and experiencing two strikeouts during the game, Ohtani remained positive about his performance. “I felt good at the plate. If I could have connected on that one pitch, it could have changed the outcome of the game. It was just a little bit off,” he reflected, noting a fly ball to center field that was caught in the warning track in the fifth inning.

As the Dodgers head into a critical stretch, facing the possibility of elimination, Ohtani emphasized the importance of not dwelling on their current record. “Right now, we just need to focus on winning two games. Keeping that mindset simple is key. Even though we lost today, the atmosphere in the team is still good. Everyone is focused on the desire to win,” he concluded.

In an exclusive interview, we explore the remarkable success of “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death” since its release. According to data from online platforms, the film made a significant impact, surpassing 100 million yuan in box office revenue within just one day of its debut on October 2. It maintained this impressive momentum, achieving the same milestone for two consecutive days, and by the end of its first three days, it accumulated over 300 million yuan.

As the second chapter of the “Volunteers” trilogy, this film focuses on the critical Battle of Tiejian. It tells the gripping story of the 63rd Army of the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, where 25,000 soldiers valiantly faced off against nearly 50,000 UN forces over an intense twelve-day battle, establishing an impenetrable defense.

Director Chen Kaige emphasizes the film’s intention to honor the unsung heroes of the Korean War. Reflecting on his inspiration for the project, he remarked, “This battle was fought by the children of countless ordinary Chinese families. These soldiers fought with knives and guns, and we must never forget their sacrifices. I hope future generations will remember these nameless warriors.”

Actor Zhu Yilong, who plays Li Xiang, spoke about the character’s significance, stating, “Li Xiang represents the countless volunteer soldiers. In reality, there were many ‘Li Xiangs’ on the front lines. Their brave spirit in fighting for the country is something we, as contemporary youth, should honor.”

Recently, members of a specific unit from the Beijing Garrison’s armed police, linked to the “Heroic Iron Army” 63rd Army’s 188th Division featured in the film, watched “The Volunteers: The Battle of Life and Death.” In a moving scene, when Li Xiang declares, “The first battalion has fallen; we can’t go back. You continue forward,” the soldiers responded with pride, “We will continue forward! We will continue forward! We will continue forward!” This powerful moment resonated deeply with many viewers online.

Facing relentless gunfire, these volunteers fought fiercely for their nation, bravely confronting heavily armored enemy forces. The peace and happiness we enjoy today stand as a testament to the dedication and sacrifices of generations of heroes. Let’s take a moment to honor the valor of those soldiers who fought in the Korean War.

In a recent report from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, it has come to light that Dou Wangu, the former Vice Chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Political Consultative Conference and a member of the Standing Committee, is currently under investigation for significant violations of discipline and law. This investigation follows approval from the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and was announced on October 7.

Details from the investigation indicate that Dou has strayed from his ideals and beliefs, deviating from his original mission and failing to execute the crucial decisions laid out by the Central Committee. His conduct reportedly violated the principles of democratic centralism, and he was found engaging in opportunistic behavior and associating with individuals involved in political fraud. Dou is also accused of neglecting his responsibility to enforce strict party governance, having accepted invitations that could have compromised his ability to perform his official duties impartially.

Moreover, Dou has allegedly breached organizational norms by seeking to purchase official positions and has provided misleading information during organizational inquiries. His actions crossed ethical boundaries, including unlawfully accepting gifts and leveraging his power to benefit friends and family in business dealings. His misuse of authority extended into areas such as mineral resource development and project contracting, during which he reportedly received considerable sums of money unlawfully.

These actions are serious breaches of the Party’s disciplines regarding political conduct, organizational integrity, and personal behavior, marking significant violations and potential bribery offenses. Alarmingly, in the wake of the 18th National Congress of the Party, Dou displayed a lack of restraint, highlighting the severity and detrimental effects of his actions.

In response to these violations, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, after thorough deliberation and the Central Committee’s approval, has decided to expel Dou Wangu from the Party. Furthermore, the National Supervisory Commission will terminate his public office, revoke his qualifications as a representative to the 10th CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Congress, confiscate his illegal gains, and refer his case to the prosecutorial authorities for legal proceedings, including the handling of related assets.

In a landmark announcement aimed at ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans, President Joe Biden is set to unveil a new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule during his trip to Wisconsin. This new regulation comes a decade after the well-documented Flint, Michigan water crisis underscored the severe risks associated with lead in drinking water. The rule establishes a 10-year deadline for cities nationwide to replace their lead pipes.

In a crucial moment amid a competitive presidential campaign, President Biden conveyed the significance of public health at a gathering with union members in Milwaukee. He posed a poignant question, “What is a government for if it cannot protect the public health?” Notably, Milwaukee boasts one of the highest concentrations of lead pipes in the country—a fact Biden labeled as unacceptable in light of ongoing efforts to address this long-standing problem.

“Finally, we’re tackling an issue that should have been addressed long ago in this country,” Biden emphasized, affirming his administration’s dedication to resolving this crisis. EPA Administrator Michael Regan echoed these sentiments, highlighting Milwaukee as a leading example of how cities nationwide are working to eliminate lead from their drinking water supplies.

With over nine million lead pipes still operational, the urgency for action is clearer than ever. The new regulation replaces a less comprehensive standard established by the Trump administration, which did not mandate universal lead pipe replacement. Under the new rule, water systems are required to maintain lead concentrations at or below 10 parts per billion, a reduction from the previous threshold of 15 ppb.

Regan pointed out the undeniable scientific consensus that there is no safe level of lead in drinking water. “Everyone wants this lead out,” he remarked, walking through the positive implications of the new regulations, including the potential to prevent up to 900,000 infants from being born with low birth weights and save approximately 1,500 lives each year from heart disease.

The newly established rule also revises how lead levels are measured, potentially revealing more cities with hazardous lead concentrations. To assist in meeting these standards, the EPA will allocate an additional $2.6 billion for drinking water infrastructure through the bipartisan infrastructure law, along with $35 million in competitive grants aimed at reducing lead levels.

Water utilities will have a three-year preparation period before the 10-year countdown begins. However, some municipalities with significant lead pipe challenges may be afforded additional time to comply with the new requirements.

The task of removing lead pipes poses significant obstacles, particularly as many cities lack accurate records of their water infrastructure. Despite the $15 billion set aside in the 2021 infrastructure law, experts caution that the overall expense could be much higher. Erik Olson, a health and food advocacy expert at the Natural Resources Defense Council, highlighted the widespread public desire to rid tap water of lead, stating, “Nobody wants to be drinking lead-contaminated tap water.”

As the Biden administration forges ahead with stringent new drinking water standards, including measures against harmful “forever chemicals,” achieving its public health objectives will require substantial cooperation and investment at every level.

As we look ahead to 2024, we are not just anticipating the new year; we are also celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over these decades, China has undergone a profound transformation, evolving from a nation facing extreme poverty to standing as the world’s second-largest economy. This remarkable journey is characterized by significant advancements in technological innovation, cultural development, social welfare, and ecological preservation—all of which have impacted our daily lives.

In conjunction with this milestone, CCTV’s “Learning Through Art” program has introduced the “An Upward China” series. This initiative encourages viewers to delve into this pivotal historical period through captivating illustrations. As the saying goes, “To get rich, one must first build roads.” The development of rural highways has addressed the pressing need for easy access among millions of farmers, serving as essential “catalysts” for rural revitalization.

In recent years, General Secretary Xi Jinping has highlighted the importance of rural road development, emphasizing the ongoing need for effective construction, management, maintenance, and operation of these vital infrastructures. In May 2024, he renewed his focus on this initiative, advocating for continued efforts and enhanced policies to strengthen governance capabilities. He also called for the introduction of new measures to uplift rural roads, aiming to promote the high-quality development of the “Four Good Rural Roads.”

Throughout the vast landscapes of China, these rural paths connect the aspirations and ambitions of its people, embodying the quest for agricultural modernization and the hope for a brighter future.

I had the pleasure of chatting with the renowned bartender Salvatore Calabrese, who shared insights into one of his standout cocktail creations that masterfully balances flavors. This captivating drink, known as the “Spicy Fifty,” combines the zesty kick of chili spice with refreshing lime and smooth vanilla.

Describing his cocktail, Calabrese likened it to a journey through flavors, where each sip delivers a delightful contrast of sweet and sour, culminating in a warm, spicy finish.

For those eager to recreate it at home, here’s the recipe:

**Spicy Fifty (Serves 1)**
– 50ml vanilla vodka (Calabrese suggests Stoli)
– 15ml elderflower cordial
– 10ml honey syrup (he prefers Monin)
– 2 thin slices of red bird’s eye chili
– 15ml fresh lime juice
– 1 whole red bird’s eye chili for garnish

To prepare the cocktail, combine all the ingredients (except for the garnish) in a shaker filled with ice. Shake it vigorously, then double strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass. For the garnish, make a small cut in the whole chili so it can balance on the rim of the glass. Serve and enjoy!

You can also savor this delightful cocktail at Velvet, located in London’s SW1 area.

On October 10, China News Service reported that China has officially rolled out a new mechanism designed to stabilize its stock market. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has introduced the “Securities, Funds, and Insurance Companies Swap Facility” (SFISF). This initiative will enable qualified securities firms, fund managers, and insurance companies to utilize bonds, stock ETFs, and components of the CSI 300 index as collateral in exchange for high-quality liquid assets, such as government bonds and central bank bills.

The central bank has set the initial operational scale of this new tool at 500 billion yuan, with the potential for future expansion depending on market conditions. Institutions that meet the eligibility criteria can start submitting their applications right away.

During a recent press conference organized by the State Council Information Office, PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng emphasized the notable differences in credit quality and liquidity between government bonds and central bank bills versus other assets held by market participants. Many institutions hold assets that are currently illiquid; by participating in this swap with the central bank, they can attain higher quality and more liquid assets. This move is expected to significantly enhance their funding access and enable increased stock holdings, with the stipulation that the funds obtained through this tool can only be used for stock market investments.

A source close to the central bank indicated that this new tool greatly improves funding accessibility for these institutions while restricting the swaps to stock market investments, thereby reinforcing the stabilizing effects of securities firms, funds, and insurance companies.

Interestingly, similar swap mechanisms have proven effective both in China and globally. During the 2008 financial crisis, the Federal Reserve launched the Term Securities Lending Facility (TSLF), which allowed primary dealers to use less liquid securities as collateral to borrow more liquid government bonds, thereby facilitating market financing and lifting market confidence. This tool was also employed again during the pandemic in 2020.

In 2019, the PBOC initiated the Central Bank Bill Swap (CBS) tool, permitting primary dealers to exchange perpetual bonds for central bank bills, thus enhancing the liquidity of commercial banks’ perpetual bonds and assisting them in bolstering their capital.

“It’s essential to clarify that the swap facility does not constitute direct funding,” the source noted. The People’s Bank of China Law explicitly prevents the central bank from lending directly to non-bank financial institutions. Instead, the SFISF operates on a “bond-for-bond” basis, improving the financing capacity of non-bank entities without directly inflating the monetary base.

In an exclusive interview, we delved into the story of a Chinese national, referred to as Xiao Dong, who has been unable to return to the U.S. due to visa complications. For years, his luxury Maserati has remained parked, while his landlord, Tina, has taken on the responsibility of occasionally driving it.

Xiao Dong had been living in Arcadia and launched a car import-export business in 2020. However, by early 2022, he found himself in a precarious situation. His tourist visa was nearing expiration, and he attempted to travel to Mexico with the hope of re-entering the U.S. to renew his visa. Unfortunately, customs officials at the Mexican border denied him entry, citing his business activities in the U.S. as exceeding the limits of his tourist visa. He then returned to Canada, where he has legal status, and sought legal help to sort out his circumstances in the hopes of returning to the States.

Tina recounted the abrupt nature of Xiao Dong’s departure. He left many belongings unpacked, and she took charge of his personal items. Despite hiring a lawyer to challenge his situation, the legal battle stretched on for over a year, ultimately resulting in a five-year ban on his re-entry into the U.S. This development has left his cherished Maserati in need of regular upkeep.

Xiao Dong purchased the Maserati in June 2021 for $40,000, putting down $7,000 and agreeing to monthly payments of about $700. Even after being barred from the U.S., he hesitated to sell the car, continuing his payments until July of this year. Tina pointed out that he only drove the car for eight months before his visa troubles began, and he now faces over $17,000 in debt on the vehicle, putting him at risk of repossession. To keep the car in good condition, she drives it regularly to maintain the battery and ensure it receives necessary maintenance, including yearly registration renewal.

Tina shared that despite his challenges, Xiao Dong paid a year’s rent in advance, holding onto hope for a return to the U.S. During this time, she refrained from renting out his room. He had left approximately $1,500 as a deposit, which she utilized for mailing important items and managing the car’s maintenance expenses. Throughout this ordeal, she has covered the costs of gas and registration while keeping the car running. However, since the loan payments have ceased, the vehicle is now at risk of repossession, which would relieve her of the obligation to maintain it.

From a legal standpoint, immigration attorney Liu Longzhu provided insight into the complexities surrounding tourist visas and business ownership. He explained that foreigners can establish companies in the U.S. without any specific identity requirements, regardless of their residency status. However, foreign nationals cannot work for the companies they own; they can only act as owners, as employment would violate the terms of a tourist visa. While investment is allowed under a tourist visa, employment is not.

Colombia’s Environment Minister, Susana Muhamad, recently shared the nation’s vision of leading a unified approach to climate action and biodiversity conservation. This initiative aims to merge efforts for environmental protection with climate change mitigation within the framework of United Nations negotiations.

In a report by Reuters, it was announced that the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity will be held on October 21 in Colombia, with the ambitious goal of stopping the rapid degradation of nature.

Currently, the United Nations oversees three separate environmental conventions focused on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification. Minister Muhamad emphasized the difficulties faced by resource-strapped developing nations in navigating such fragmented negotiations, suggesting that these limited resources could be better allocated to create a more cohesive approach.

“If we’re having the same discussions in all three conventions, we’re wasting time and missing out on potential synergistic benefits,” she stated.

She pointed out that these synergistic opportunities include efforts to curb deforestation, which poses a significant threat to biodiversity and is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions in many Latin American countries.

Muhamad indicated that Colombia intends to advocate for this unified strategy ahead of next year’s 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, set to take place in Brazil. “We want to promote a comprehensive plan that addresses all three conventions, as they are intricately linked,” she explained.

Additionally, she mentioned that at a recent meeting of Latin American environment ministers in Rio de Janeiro, Panama presented the idea of a unified commitment, which received robust support from several countries, although she chose not to disclose their names.

Furthermore, she highlighted Colombia’s recently announced $40 billion investment plan, which aims to transition from fossil fuel reliance, promote energy transformation, and support conservation efforts.

Colombia is also advocating for the integration of human rights into environmental policies and plans to introduce a “Living in Harmony with Nature” alliance at COP16.

“We genuinely believe that protecting and reconnecting with nature, alongside collaborating with diverse communities for its conservation, will not only foster peace but also enhance our resilience against climate change impacts,” Muhamad emphasized. “Ignoring climate change could lead to larger conflicts.”

On August 29, the unthinkable happened when NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew lost their lives in a tragic bicycle accident on a rural road in South Jersey. They were just hours away from standing as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding. The driver involved, 43-year-old Sean M. Higgins, is facing serious charges after his blood-alcohol level was found to be .087, exceeding New Jersey’s legal limit of .08, according to prosecutors.

During a virtual court hearing, Higgins was charged with two counts of death by auto, reckless driving, possession of an open container, and drinking alcohol in a vehicle. Prosecutors highlighted his alleged history of road rage and aggressive driving, prompting the judge to order his detention until the trial. Disturbingly, Higgins’ wife recounted a conversation they had right after his arrest, where she confronted him about his reckless driving habits: “You were probably driving like a nut like I always tell you,” she stated, as reported by first assistant prosecutor Jonathan Flynn.

Higgins’ defense team painted a different picture, portraying him as a caring husband and father who made a critical error that night. “He’s an empathetic individual and he’s a loving father of two daughters,” attorney Matthew Portella asserted. “He’s a good person who made a horrible decision that night.” Following the crash, Higgins admitted to drinking five or six beers and acknowledged that he had been consuming alcohol while driving, a detail outlined in the criminal complaint.

The complaint sheds light on his state of mind prior to the incident, revealing he had an argument with his mother earlier in the day and then engaged in a two-hour phone call with a friend while driving with an open container. Witness accounts indicated that Higgins was driving aggressively, speeding, and tailgating another car. As cyclists approached, it’s reported that Higgins accelerated, ultimately colliding with the Gaudreau brothers without noticing them in time.

Superior Court Judge Michael J. Silvanio expressed that Higgins’ impatience was directly linked to the deaths of two people, warning that he could face a substantial prison sentence of up to 20 years. Despite Higgins holding a master’s degree and working in finance, his wife raised concerns about his drinking habits that have reportedly worsened since he began working from home during the pandemic.

Johnny Gaudreau, affectionately known as ‘Johnny Hockey’, was a beloved player with a decade-long career in the NHL, looking forward to his third season with the Columbus Blue Jackets following a lucrative seven-year contract. At the emotional double funeral for the brothers, their widows, Meredith and Madeline Gaudreau, delivered heartfelt tributes, with Madeline urging the public to refrain from drinking and driving: “Call a ride. Please do not put another family through this torture,” she pleaded.

In an attempt to secure bail, Higgins’ defense suggested that he could use a locking device to prevent further alcohol consumption while driving. However, prosecutors challenged this notion, arguing that such measures wouldn’t really tackle the “fundamental issue” of his aggressive driving behavior exacerbated by alcohol.