Monthly Archive 07/11/2024

As Book Week unfolds in Northern Ireland, excitement fills the air at the Saintfield library, especially as children chase bubbles around the space. Patricia Curran, area manager from Libraries NI, observes the vibrant scene and emphasizes the importance of engaging the younger generation, saying, “The children are the future of libraries.” This week-long event, in collaboration with BBC NI and Libraries NI, has fostered a love for reading for nearly a decade.

“We really encourage children of all ages to come in,” Ms. Curran explains. “Libraries are not just about books; they also offer fun activities for kids to enjoy.”

Among those attending is Carol Murphy, who has brought her four grandchildren. “It’s a lovely atmosphere, and it’s just perfect,” she remarks, appreciating that the kids are not glued to their phones or tablets. “They’re all book readers, which is really unusual these days, so we feel very fortunate.”

Vicky Fedak, also present with her two children, echoes similar sentiments. “The library creates a sense of community for us. We attend the ‘Rhythm and Rhyme’ classes here,” she shares, highlighting the benefits of introducing children to books early on. “It’s great for their development and helps build their speaking skills.”

As the lively bubbles float through the air, Ms. Curran observes the joyful noise. She points out that while children play a central role during Book Week, the initiative is designed for all ages. “There’s something for everyone at your local library,” she states. “Whether it’s ‘Knit and Natter,’ ‘Tea and Newspapers,’ jigsaw clubs, or mindful coloring, you can come alone or with friends and know there’s a community waiting for you.”

This week’s featured book is “Long Island” by renowned Irish author Colm Tóibín. Ms. Curran expresses her enthusiasm, saying, “We found so many thought-provoking topics within this book that we believed everyone could engage with the story.”

On October 26, the China News Service reported that the 2023-2024 “Report on the Development of Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in China” was released, highlighting China’s position as the world’s largest exporter of civil drones for several consecutive years. The country accounts for around 70% of global patent applications in the drone sector, making it the leading source of technology in the world.

This report was unveiled during the second CATA (China Air Transport Association) Aviation Conference held in Beijing, specifically at a forum focused on the development of general aviation and the low-altitude economy.

According to the report, from January to August of this year, civil drones in China logged a total flight time of 19.461 million hours, marking a 15.6% increase year-on-year. The growth rate of China’s drone industry has outpaced that of traditional aviation by 10 percentage points annually in recent years, solidifying its role as a key driver in the low-altitude economy.

The report further indicates that fueled by market demand, the scale of China’s drone industry continues to grow. Statistics reveal that by the end of 2023, there were over 2,300 companies engaged in the development of civil drones, with more than 1,000 different models in mass production. In 2023 alone, China delivered over 3.17 million civil drones, with the industry’s total value reaching 117.43 billion yuan, representing a 32% annual growth.

Amidst the development of smart cities and the digital economy, the application scenarios for drones are continually expanding. The report suggests that as drone technology evolves—particularly with advancements in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles—applications like urban air mobility and short-distance logistics are nearing commercial viability.

However, the report also identifies several key challenges currently hindering the drone industry’s growth, particularly in areas such as battery life, application of new materials, and integration of terrestrial and aerial networks. Looking ahead, there are promising opportunities in the development of high-performance batteries, the use of new energy sources, and drone identification technologies.

On October 20, a significant event highlighting the integration of tourism marketing and the high-quality development of Yangtze River cruise tourism took place in Wanzhou, Chongqing. Ten organizations from the Wanzhou and Hubei regions signed a “Joint Initiative for the High-Quality Development of Yangtze River Cruise Tourism,” aiming to establish the Yangtze International Golden Tourism Belt and transform it into a world-class inland cruise tourism destination.

In an interview, Gao Ziqing, the Deputy District Mayor of Wanzhou, emphasized the importance of the Yangtze River cruise industry, stating, “As a representative of global inland river tourism, the Yangtze cruise is not only fundamental to the Three Gorges tourism market but also acts as a barometer for Yangtze tourism. It’s essential for building the Yangtze International Golden Tourism Belt.” Gao announced that Wanzhou is accelerating the implementation of high-quality cruise projects, which includes upgrading existing cruise ships and supporting the development of unique and personalized vessels. They also plan to introduce sightseeing boats like the “Wanzhou Water Bus” to cater to various consumer levels, ensuring a comprehensive range of quick sightseeing products. Additionally, Wanzhou aims to provide seamless services for cruise companies, enhancing the visitor experience and promoting local products.

Highlighting the need for collaboration, Gao noted, “The Yangtze cruise tourism sector is vast and interconnected, requiring a strong integration of various stakeholders.” Wanzhou plans to establish a cooperative platform for the Yangtze cruise tourism alliance to facilitate communication among cruise companies. The goal is to enrich the product offerings and deepen the tourism partnership within the broader Three Gorges and Daba Mountains areas, enhancing resource and product integration across the region.

Wanzhou also aims to upgrade its signature tourism offerings, such as the Wanzhou High-Canyon Lake and the Wanzhou Waterfall. Together with cultural tourism departments along the Three Gorges, they will develop premium water-based tours and combined land-water itineraries, exploring opportunities for conversion between different types of traffic and maximizing the overall impact of cruise tourism.

Jin Hongqiang, the Deputy Mayor of Yichang City in Hubei Province, added that efforts would be made to modernize the hardware facilities of Three Gorges cruises. He stressed the importance of fostering innovation and diversity in cruise tourism, as well as delving into the cultural aspects of cruises. By incorporating Yangtze culture and Three Gorges stories into their services, they plan to create adventure tourism and educational travel products, making the experience of sailing the Three Gorges cruise a profound cultural journey.

On October 14, several screenshots from a WeChat group chat circulated online, revealing that a seventh-grade homeroom teacher at Southwest University Affiliated Middle School, identified as Xu, had a breakdown and made extreme remarks. That evening, the school’s official website announced that the teacher had been suspended from educational duties, with further actions to be determined based on the results of an investigation.

In the context of teaching, it’s essential that educators prioritize ethics and adhere strictly to professional conduct. The “Regulations on Homeroom Teacher Work in Primary and Secondary Schools” stipulate that when selecting homeroom teachers, the emphasis should be placed on their ability to love students and communicate effectively with them, their parents, and fellow teachers. Moreover, maintaining proper attire, using respectful language, and demonstrating civilized behavior are crucial expectations outlined in the “Code of Professional Ethics for Teachers.” In this regard, the homeroom teacher’s outburst in the parent group chat, which led to their suspension, seems justifiable.

However, it’s often said that “an adult’s breakdown can happen in an instant,” and teachers, as adults, are no exception. Therefore, it’s my belief that addressing this incident should go beyond simply holding the teacher accountable. Educational authorities and schools must take comprehensive measures to enhance emotional management training for teachers. This support could help educators develop better self-regulation, learn to embrace students’ mistakes, and communicate with parents on an equal footing.

Additionally, this incident raises broader concerns. A recent survey conducted by Southern Metropolis Daily revealed that a staggering 39.13% of teachers are very unwilling to serve as homeroom teachers, while 18.84% express reluctance, with only 4.35% eager to take on the role. This indicates a significant discomfort with the responsibilities of homeroom teachers. To address these issues, it is critical to recognize the heavy workload and psychological pressure faced by homeroom teachers. Implementing measures such as controlling teaching hours, appointing assistant homeroom teachers, clarifying responsibilities, and providing training in parental education could alleviate their burdens. Ultimately, ensuring that homeroom teachers have ample time and energy to focus on their roles is a fundamental solution to this problem.

In an exclusive interview, we explore the vibrant village of Guifeng in Youxi County, Sanming City, during the golden season of autumn, which is an ideal time to experience the local tradition of “sun-drying.”

Guifeng Village, founded during the Southern Song Dynasty, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscape often described as a “mystical realm in the mountains.” It stands out as one of the best-preserved ancient villages in Fujian Province. In recent years, local authorities have focused on balancing preservation with development, enhancing tourism infrastructure and enriching rural tourism experiences. This commitment paid off in 2018 when the village was designated a national 4A-level tourist attraction.

One of the village’s most notable traditions, known as “sun-drying,” begins around the Autumn Equinox and continues until the end of December. From an observation deck, visitors can marvel at the picturesque scenes of harvest: villagers hang golden corn from eaves, while drying racks are filled with rice, pumpkins, and red peppers. “We’ve been hosting the Sun-Drying Festival since 2016, and it has become a significant draw for tourists,” says village official Cai Wenming. “This year, we had numerous inquiries from tourists through social media and phone calls even before the festival commenced.”

In a local candy workshop, the sweet scent of malt sugar wafts through the air as a cast-iron pot simmers with boiling syrup. Workshop owner Cai Xun engages fascinated visitors, offering samples of his homemade malt sugar while explaining its production process and benefits.

According to “The Intangible Cultural Heritage Atlas of Youxi County,” Cai Xun’s family has a rich history, with the technique of making malt sugar being passed down through 28 generations since it was introduced by Cai Xiang, a renowned Northern Song statesman. At 51, Cai Xun represents the 28th generation of this craft, which was recognized in March 2020 as part of Sanming City’s representative list of intangible cultural heritage.

Cai Xun elaborates on the intricate process of making malt sugar, which involves six steps: sprouting, crushing, steaming glutinous rice, fermenting, pressing, and boiling. “Making malt sugar is labor-intensive. I typically start the fermentation process the night before around 8 PM, rise at 3 AM to press the ingredients, and spend nearly 18 hours each day on this task,” he shares, showcasing the golden syrup that is ready when it can cling to a spatula.

In addition to malt sugar, Cai and his wife also create specialty products like malt wine, sugarcane wine, and sugarcane vinegar, along with selling beverages and toys. “My malt wine recipe is unique, made only with malt and glutinous rice, which many customers enjoy,” he explains, noting that the workshop generated around 300,000 yuan in revenue last year through their bundled sales strategy.

As rural tourism thrives, local incomes have increased. Nearby, at the Xishan Hanfu Studio beside Shiyin Bridge in Guifeng Village, tourists form long lines. Owner Cai Ji returned from Xiamen in 2022 to establish the first dedicated photography studio in the village. “I rented an entire ancient residence; the first floor serves as a studio for makeup, costume rental, photography, and editing services, while the second floor features a guesthouse with five rooms,” he details. During the National Day holiday, Hanfu-themed shoots proved particularly popular, drawing dozens of visitors daily.

Cai Yuefang, owner of a century-old tofu workshop, describes how her family has built a loyal customer base over the years. “My husband and I wake up at 3 AM to make tofu. During holidays, we grind over 50 kilograms of soybeans and sell hundreds of bowls of tofu pudding daily. Our vacuum-packed marinated tofu has become a ‘viral’ product shipped across the country,” she notes, smiling as she serves silky tofu to customers.

In recent years, through a blend of culture and tourism, Guifeng Village has earned multiple accolades, including “Chinese Historical and Cultural Village,” “National Ecological Village,” “China’s Most Charming Leisure Village,” and “Key Rural Tourism Village.” In the first half of this year alone, Guifeng welcomed 186,000 visitors, generating nearly 60 million yuan in tourism spending.

During an exciting quarter-final match at the 2024 Northern Ireland Open held on October 25, local time, Chinese player Pang Junxu showcased remarkable skill and resilience, defeating Australian star Neil Robertson in a thrilling comeback, where he scored a stunning 129 in the deciding frame to secure his spot in the semi-finals.

At just 24 years old, Pang Junxu is a rising talent in Chinese snooker. Currently ranked 27th in the world, he had a strong showing in this tournament. He made his way to the quarter-finals by first defeating compatriot Yuan Sijun in the opening round, where he scored a century and narrowly missed another. In the round of 32, he faced Belgian star Luca Brecel, who is ranked 6th globally. Pang played impressively, recording breaks of 63, 71, and 118, leading him to a convincing 4-1 victory. In the round of 16, despite only achieving one break over 50, he dominated world number 53 Martin O’Donnell with a clean 4-0 win, making him the only Chinese player to reach the top eight among the 17 participants from China in this tournament.

In the quarter-finals, facing a top-performing Neil Robertson, Pang quickly took an early lead. Robertson, however, struck back with a century in the second frame. The match remained closely contested, with Pang struggling with some uncharacteristic errors but managing to level the score at one point with an impressive break of 87. Tensions rose as the match reached a nail-biting climax with Pang trailing 3-4. However, he maintained his composure and delivered stellar performances, scoring 85 and then a phenomenal 129 in the final two frames, completing the comeback with a 5-4 victory.

Looking ahead, Pang Junxu will face world number 2, Kyren Wilson, in the semi-finals. Wilson advanced after eliminating world number 7, Mark Williams, in the quarter-finals. In the other semi-final, world number 1, Judd Trump, will take on world number 35, Elliot Slessor.

On October 25 in Hangzhou, a press conference was held to discuss the city’s community embedded service facilities initiative. Xu Zhen, a member of the Hangzhou Development and Reform Commission’s leading party group and deputy director, shared insights on the ambitious plans for these community service projects.

“This year, we have launched the first batch of 46 pilot projects for embedded service facilities across urban communities, with all of them already underway. By the end of the year, we aim to complete 30 of these projects,” Xu stated. “Looking ahead, we plan to initiate over 54 new pilot projects next year, with the goal of fulfilling our target within two years. By 2026, we hope to have a total of more than 100 completed pilot projects.”

Xu explained that these embedded service facilities are designed to provide a variety of functional amenities and services within community spaces. These services include elder care, community meal assistance, housekeeping, health services, sports and fitness programs, cultural leisure activities, and children’s recreation.

In an effort to become a national pilot city, Hangzhou introduced the “Implementation Plan for Community Embedded Service Facility Construction” back in March of this year. The results are already becoming evident across various sectors.

The integration of elder care into the community embedded service facility construction is a significant move to strengthen home and community-based elderly services. Currently, Hangzhou boasts over 2,900 community elder care centers that provide a range of services including day care, full-time care, and meal assistance. Additionally, more than 2,200 meal assistance points have been established, collectively serving over 18 million people through the “All City Connected” smart meal service.

Another challenge that has been noted is the lack of facilities for infant and toddler care, coupled with a reliance on grandparental support and limited awareness of scientific parenting concepts. In response, Hangzhou has pioneered the “Infant and Toddler Growth Station,” a community embedded service designed to enrich the growth environment for young children and their caregivers. This station offers comprehensive services such as parenting skill guidance, parent-child game engagement, health management, and temporary childcare.

“As of now, we have established 735 Infant and Toddler Growth Stations, and we are implementing local standards for their management and service,” stated Cui Weiwu, deputy director of the Hangzhou Health Commission.

Since the Hangzhou Asian Games, the enthusiasm for fitness among residents has been on the rise. Over the last two years, the city has developed 5,420 embedded sports venues, covering an area of 1.832 million square meters, effectively addressing the public’s concerns about accessible places to exercise.

For instance, the Wanguo Interchange in the Linping District, once merely a green space, has been transformed into a multifunctional sports facility that accommodates football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and gateball.

Qiu Xianzhong, a second-level inspector at the Hangzhou Sports Bureau, highlighted the next steps: “We will encourage and guide capable government agencies and enterprises to open up their facilities for public use. We aim to establish new embedded sports facilities in well-positioned areas and enhance management efficiency through smart technology like fitness traffic sensors and unmanned equipment. Furthermore, we are committed to hosting various fitness events and activities for the community, such as the People’s Sports Meeting, ‘Village BA’ tournaments, and promoting national sports in neighborhoods.”

The 136th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair Phase II, kicked off in Guangzhou on October 23 with the theme “Quality Home.” Spanning an exhibition area of 515,000 square meters, the event features over 10,000 companies participating in person and nearly 1.59 million products showcased online, which include household items, gifts, decorative pieces, building materials, and furniture.

As attendees bustling through the halls of Guangzhou noticed on October 23, the fair emphasizes the concept of “big home.” It aims to strengthen specialized sectors, such as building materials and furniture, which occupy over 140,000 square meters with 6,510 booths and participation from 3,123 companies. The household goods section covers more than 170,000 square meters with 8,281 booths, hosting 3,613 companies, while the gifts and decorative pieces segment spans over 190,000 square meters with 9,372 booths and 3,792 participating companies.

On the import side, the fair features 267 exhibitors from 33 countries and regions. Notable groups include participants from Turkey, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt, Japan, and Vietnam, showcasing kitchenware, home goods, gifts, and promotional items. Among the exhibitors, 185 companies from 22 countries involved in the “Belt and Road” initiative highlighted their products, making up approximately 69% of the international representation at the fair.

On October 16, the newly established Canada Water Agency officially announced its formation. As an independent federal entity, the agency will coordinate and collaborate with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments to enhance freshwater management across Canada.

One of the agency’s primary initiatives is to lead the implementation of a freshwater ecosystem program across Canada’s eight major water bodies. This program aims to restore and protect water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems, while also improving resilience to climate change. The water bodies involved include the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, the St. Lawrence River, the Fraser River, the Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.

Additionally, the agency is currently focused on reviewing the existing Canadian Water Resources Act to promote updates and improvements. It aims to collaborate with partners and stakeholders to develop a national freshwater data strategy, support freshwater scientific research, and work with Indigenous communities on related water issues.

The planning for the water agency began in 2019, and it initially operated as a branch of the Department of Environment and Climate Change, officially becoming an independent federal agency when the relevant bill passed in June 2023.

In its 2023 budget, the government allocated CA$650 million over ten years to implement the freshwater ecosystem program. The Canada Water Agency is still overseen by Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with five regional offices. The agency is currently set to employ approximately 220 staff members.

On the final day of their royal visit to Australia and Samoa, King Charles III and Queen Camilla attended a farewell ceremony in the village of Siumu, Samoa. Representatives from 56 nations have been participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa since the 21st. Countries from Africa and the Caribbean have been pressing the UK for reparations regarding its role in the transatlantic slave trade, or at the very least, political compensation. During the summit on the 25th, King Charles stated that the Commonwealth should acknowledge its “painful” history. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has shown a willingness to accommodate these demands from member nations but has ruled out financial reparations, considering instead “non-cash” options.

King Charles remarked, “By listening to the voices of people across the Commonwealth, I have come to understand how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate. Therefore, it is vital to recognize our history, as it can guide us in making the right choices for the future.”

According to reports from Central Broadcasting Station, the calls for Britain to pay reparations for the transatlantic slave trade have been longstanding. However, momentum has been building recently, particularly within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union.

Opponents of reparations argue that countries should not be held accountable for historical wrongs, while supporters contend that the legacy of slavery has resulted in widespread and persistent racial inequality today.

On the 21st, Sunak told the BBC that the UK would listen to the countries wishing to discuss this issue at the summit, while firmly rejecting the possibility of an apology for its historical role in the trade.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, faced with demands from Commonwealth countries for reparations potentially amounting to £18 trillion (approximately $23.3 trillion), Sunak has dismissed the calls for economic compensation and is rumored to be considering alternatives such as debt relief, support for public health initiatives, and discounted education programs for students from Commonwealth nations.

Frederick Mitchell, the Bahamas’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, informed the BBC on the 24th that the draft conclusions of the summit, set to be released on the 26th, will contain sections calling for discussions on reparations.

Patricia Scotland, a Dominican-born British diplomat and lawyer, and Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, stated during the summit, “We have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to confront this painful history, which has allowed us to sit together as equals for the past 75 years.”

From the 15th to the 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were kidnapped and forcibly taken by European ships and traders and sold into slavery. Those who survived the brutal journeys ultimately labored under inhumane conditions on plantations in the Americas, while others profited from their labor.