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Late-night hosts discussed Harris’s Fox News interview and ridiculed her opponent’s performance at a Miami town hall
Guardian staffFri 18 Oct 2024 10.25 EDTLast modified on Fri 18 Oct 2024 10.48 EDTShareLate-night hosts touched upon Kamala Harris’s treatment during an interview on Fox News and were baffled by Donald Trump’s inability to answer a question during a town hall with undecided Latino voters.
Jimmy KimmelOn Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the host told viewers they were “18 days from the election and 95 days from our next insurrection” and that Trump continues to boast a great deal of support for “reasons I can’t begin to fathom”.
He said that the former president has a “commanding lead in the annoying emails department” with the New York Times reporting that since he entered the race in November 2022, his campaign has sent 7,400 emails asking for money.
Kimmel on Trump’s all-women Fox News town hall: ‘North Korea level propaganda’Read moreKimmel said that Trump was “all over the place right now both literally and figuratively” with many appearances on carefully picked male podcasts. “None of these guys spend a minute pushing back on his nonsense,” the host complained.
He also appeared at a Univision town hall in Miami for undecided Latino voters who “for once put this nutjob on the spot”.
Kimmel played his rambling answers as proof that the same things Republicans claimed were happening to Joe Biden with increased age were “clearly happening to Donald Trump”.
He added: “How much garbage are his followers supposed to swallow?”
When asked about climate change, Trump bragged about the many environmental awards he has received. “Let’s see those awards,” Kimmel said.
The host moved on to reports that Trump’s campaign tried to offer a second hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels over the summer. He said that is “a lot of money to pay a person you didn’t have sex with to not tell people you didn’t have sex with”.
Kimmel joked that Melania Trump now “hates him more than she hates Christmas”.
Stephen ColbertOn The Late Show, Stephen Colbert said that when it comes to the US, we are “rapidly approaching what could be its series finale”.
He spoke of Harris’s interview with Bret Baier on Fox News, saying she “entered the belly of the beast and then cut her way out with a rusty spoon”.
Colbert said that Baier performs for “an audience of one” given previous allegations of him trying to suppress election results that could offend Trump.
Baier asked Harris about her complaints over Trump threatening to use the military against American citizens, yet played a carefully edited clip that didn’t show what he really said. “Maybe he couldn’t see the clips because his eyes are two dehydrated blueberries,” Colbert said.
He added: “It’s like if you only watch the first 10 minutes of Jurassic Park, you’d think that place looks like a lot of fun.”
Baier also tried to “trap Harris with the stupidest gotcha this side of the Rio Grande” asking her why Trump has so much support if he is as bad as she says he is, asking her if she thinks his followers are stupid.
“No they’re not stupid Bret, they’ve just been watching your network and you feed them lies,” Colbert said.

In a recent interview, the President of the Lebanese Chinese Chamber of Commerce highlighted the impact of a recent explosion involving communication devices in Lebanon. He stated that this incident has prompted Lebanon, along with several other countries, to shift their tech procurement from Western sources to China, particularly increasing imports of electronic products like mobile phones.

According to a report by CGTN, the explosion of communication devices used by the militant group Hezbollah on September 17 resulted in at least 12 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries across Lebanon. A subsequent episode involving walkie-talkies on September 18 killed at least three more people and injured hundreds. This series of collective explosions is unprecedented. While many international media outlets speculate that Israel may have orchestrated this attack, there has been no confirmation or denial from Israeli officials.

The Lebanese Minister of Health has expressed concern around the safety of Western technologies, citing the incident as a catalyst for shifting procurement strategies. The President noted that Turkey has already paused imports of American technology in favor of developing its own products. As a result, Lebanon and other nations are expected to reduce Western imports and look towards China for electronic goods.

Following the bombings, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced a ban effective from December 12 on the use of walkie-talkies and other communication devices for all flights, likely in response to the emerging threat.

Interestingly, the explosive walkie-talkies implicated in the attack were linked to a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo. U.S. officials disclosed that Hezbollah had ordered the devices from them, with the majority being of the AR-924 model. However, Gold Apollo has since distanced itself from the incident, asserting that they had no involvement in the design or manufacturing of the AR-924. They clarified that the model’s rights were held by a Hungarian firm, BAC Consulting KFT., which was responsible for its design, manufacturing, and sales.

This series of events has raised significant concerns about the safety and reliability of Western technology, potentially affecting future trade dynamics.

During my interview with officials on October 15, I learned about an engaging “Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture Exhibition” hosted at the University of West Attica in Greece. The exhibition effectively bridges the gap between the local community and traditional Chinese culture through a variety of interactive activities, including traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, herbal knowledge, and even Chinese calligraphy.

The exhibition, organized by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in collaboration with the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum and the Shanghai Pudong Science Popularization Association, features several sections that vividly portray the rich and profound culture of traditional Chinese medicine. Displays such as “Ancient Medical Treasures,” “Notable Doctors and Their Prescriptions,” and “The Evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine” showcase the captivating charm of Chinese cultural heritage.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the introduction of popular science books published by the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum. Titles such as “Seeking Medicine Through Stone” (available in English and French), “Museum History Unearthed: Illustrated History of the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum” (in both Chinese and English), and “Recognizing Herbs by Fragrance: Traditional Chinese Medicine in Daily Life” (also in Chinese and English) have been well received by guests and visitors alike.

A special stamp area at the exhibition further attracted attendees, with the organizers providing themed postcards and stamps featuring the museum’s architecture, as well as portraits of its first curator, Wang Jiming, and the renowned Tang dynasty doctor, Sun Simiao. This interactive component allowed visitors to collect stamps and deepen their understanding of the museum’s history and the long-standing traditions of Chinese medicine.

Greek attendees expressed a keen interest in experiencing the profound and captivating aspects of Chinese traditional culture through the exhibition and its activities.

After the exhibition concludes, most of the displayed items will be donated to the Confucius Institute at the University of West Attica, a joint initiative between Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the university. As the fourth Confucius Institute established in Greece, this institute not only offers Chinese language education and cultural activities but also aims to promote the dissemination and development of traditional Chinese medicine in Greece, leveraging the academic strengths of both institutions. These donated items will continue to play a vital role in preserving and promoting the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and the rich cultural heritage of China.

During an interview in Ambon market, a vendor selling flags of the Dutch national football team shared that these flags have been in high demand during the World Cup. The strong connection between the Maluku Islands in Indonesia and the Netherlands, dating back over 300 years of colonial influence, remains evident today. The Maluku people learn Dutch, maintain cultural ties, and cheer for the Dutch football team. However, historians caution that the economic benefits during the colonial period were minimal, and the support for the establishment of the “South Maluku Republic” was eventually withdrawn. They urge the need to promote cooperation while remembering past lessons.

Joyce Amelia Loedia, born in Geleen, Netherlands, in 1954, moved to Jakarta with her family at the age of eight. As a result, she speaks fluent Dutch. Every week, Joyce gathers with other Dutch speakers at church or restaurants, where they read the Bible and sing Dutch hymns, sharing their emotional ties to both Maluku and the Netherlands.

Reflecting on the past, during Indonesia’s independence war, thousands of Maluku people joined the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) to resist the Indonesian government and establish the South Maluku Republic, leading to their perception as traitors and subsequent repression by the Indonesian military.

After the Dutch military withdrawal in the early 1950s, around 12,500 Maluku soldiers and their families sought refuge in the Netherlands. Initially supported by the Dutch government while they awaited the establishment of the South Maluku Republic, their hopes were ultimately dashed.

While Joyce’s family returned to Indonesia, many Maluku people chose to stay in the Netherlands. According to Dutch government statistics, approximately 70,000 Maluku individuals lived in the Netherlands as of 2018, leading to a strong familial connection for many residing in Indonesia.

In Maluku province, residents predominantly practice Islam and Christianity, including Catholicism, with over 60% of the capital, Ambon, being Christian. Joyce’s connection to the Netherlands runs deep; for many in Ambon, cheering for the Dutch national football team becomes a cultural expression that highlights their shared heritage.

The Dutch football team features several players of Maluku descent, including well-known figures like Simon Tahamata and Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Joseph Matheus Rudolf Fofid, a cultural historian, notes that while these players represent the Netherlands, they resonate with the Maluku people as a symbol of their presence on the world stage through football.

Nico Tulalessy, a music teacher in Ambon, passionately supports the Dutch team, even painting his motorcycle in their signature orange. He maintains close ties with relatives in the Netherlands, celebrating their victories with communal festivities that turn the city orange, regardless of the outcome.

However, Joseph acknowledges a complex emotional landscape regarding the Maluku people’s deep feelings for the Netherlands. He explains that the colonial era left lasting scars, with the Dutch East India Company implementing harsh policies, including forced labor and violent suppression of dissent.

The initial generations of Maluku soldiers and their families faced difficulties in the Netherlands, often struggling to assimilate and facing discrimination. Many lived in poor conditions in refugee camps, and the sentiments of betrayal lingered due to the cessation of Dutch support for their aspirations.

Despite the turmoil, the connection between the Maluku people and their Dutch counterparts endures. Joseph describes a bittersweet longing, with family members on both sides missing each other, maintaining a bond across continents.

Seventy-four-year-old Linda, proud of her Ambon roots, hopes to pass on Dutch culture to future generations. She emphasizes the importance of continuing to learn and speak Dutch as an essential part of their identity.

Yet, Joseph insists that while reconciliation with the Dutch is important, the historical injustices must not be forgotten. He advocates for collaboration among Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Maluku in economic, educational, cultural, and sporting arenas, stressing the need to learn from the past while looking forward to the future.

The Ukrainian Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security recently released videos showing North Korean soldiers receiving military uniforms, Russian-made weapons, and fake identification from Russian military personnel. These soldiers are reportedly posing as Russian troops from Siberia and are set to be deployed to the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war after completing their training.

On October 18, the South Korean National Intelligence Service confirmed that around 1,500 North Korean special forces members have arrived in Vladivostok to undergo acclimatization training in preparation for their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The emergence of training-related videos online appears to corroborate these claims.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, currently in Naples, Italy, addressed the situation on October 19. He stated that while he cannot confirm the reports at this time, if they are true, it raises significant concerns.

Rep. Mike Turner, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, warned that this represents a crossing of red lines for both the U.S. and NATO. He expressed alarm over the implications of North Korean troops either attacking Ukraine from Russia or entering Ukrainian territory, emphasizing that such actions necessitate an immediate response from the U.S. and NATO.

The intelligence report from South Korea suggests that North Korea is sending its elite 11th Army Corps, known as the Storm Corps, to assist Russia. Earlier reports indicated that approximately 11,000 North Korean soldiers from four brigades are currently undergoing training in Russia and are expected to join Russian forces starting November 1.

The special forces contingent of 1,500 traveled from North Korea’s northern regions via Russian landing craft and escort vessels between October 8 and 13. They have reportedly been issued Russian military gear, weapons, and fake IDs to masquerade as Russian troops. A second deployment wave is anticipated soon.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte stated that it remains unconfirmed whether North Korea’s regular military forces will indeed intervene in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, pending further investigations.

Amid the unfolding situation, videos shared online depict North Korean soldiers lined up to receive supplies from Russian military personnel at a training center in Russia’s Far East. Additional footage sourced by CNN shows troops arriving at the Sergeevka Training Ground, near the Russia-China border.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously accused North Korea of providing troops and weaponry to Russia, although Russia has denied these allegations, labeling them as misinformation. The recent video released by Ukraine appears to aim at substantiating those claims.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has asserted that the North Korean soldiers are not mercenaries, but regular members of the North Korean People’s Army, criticizing Russia for drawing North Korea into the conflict in Ukraine.

As of now, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has commented on these developments.

With a military force of approximately 1.2 million personnel, North Korea has one of the largest armies in the world, though most lack combat experience. Should it be confirmed that Pyongyang is aiding Russia in its war against Ukraine, it would mark a significant intervention in an international conflict for the regime.

In a recent interview, Starbucks announced a shift in its pricing strategy that has sparked mixed reactions among its customers, particularly in the Chinese-American community. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the coffee giant is planning to cut back on discounts as part of an initiative to position itself as a premium brand. Some patrons are concerned that with the reduction in discount offers, enjoying a Starbucks beverage may become less accessible.

The Wall Street Journal highlighted that the Starbucks mobile app will feature fewer promotions, meaning consumers might miss out on certain discounts when purchasing their favorite tea or coffee. This change is the brainchild of the new CEO, Brian Niccol, who aims to elevate Starbucks to a high-end coffee brand while also alleviating employee workload. Employees have reported being overwhelmed during periods of significant discounts.

Traditionally, customers ordering through the Starbucks app could enjoy various discounts. For instance, in September, the major promotions included extra points for coffee purchases on Tuesdays and discounts on certain beverages on Saturdays. Previously, customers had access to more attractive deals like “buy one, get one free” or “second cup at half price.” The Wall Street Journal indicated that such deals may become a thing of the past, even during the upcoming holiday season. Instead, Starbucks plans to focus on advertising to promote new products.

In recent years, significant discounts from Starbucks have been few and far between. However, during the first half of this year, the company offered better promotions, hoping to lure back lost customers. Unfortunately, sales did not see the expected uptick. With Niccol’s ascension to CEO, Starbucks seems to be reverting to its former pricing policies, which entail phasing out substantial discounts. Notably, the company has reported two consecutive quarters of sales falling short of projections. In July, CNN revealed that same-store sales in North America have declined by approximately 6% for locations open for over a year, attributing this downturn to consumers struggling to afford an average coffee price of around $6.

In Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley, regular Starbucks patrons have noted that prices have consistently risen. One customer remarked on the price increase of the seasonal favorite, Pumpkin Spice Latte, which has jumped from about $5.50 a few years ago to over $6 today. This customer expressed concern that if significant discounts are eliminated, she may have to cut back on her Starbucks visits.

According to Money website, the price of the Pumpkin Spice Latte has doubled since its debut. When it launched in 2005, a grande size cost around $3.35; today, the average price has reached $6.50, with some locations charging even more.

A recent analysis from Bank of America revealed that Starbucks is losing customers, particularly those who visit infrequently in the afternoon and younger patrons aged 18 to 29.

Brian Niccol envisions transforming Starbucks into a community-centric coffee shop rather than primarily an online ordering business. In a letter to employees, he expressed a commitment to returning Starbucks to its original mission: becoming a community coffeehouse with distinct boundaries between in-store consumption and takeout options.

On October 15, 2023, Colonel Wu Qian, the director of the Ministry of Defense News Bureau and spokesperson for the Ministry, addressed recent military-related questions during a press briefing.

A reporter inquired about the recently reported commencement of the Navy’s recruitment process for pilots for 2025. Wu Qian responded by detailing that the Navy has officially launched its recruitment efforts for pilot candidates, targeting high school graduates as well as recent undergraduate and master’s degree graduates.

He highlighted that, in line with the recruitment standards of other leading naval forces globally, the Navy has relaxed certain optometric requirements. Specifically, individuals who have undergone corrective eye surgery are now eligible to apply. To meet the demanding requirements for aircraft operations in diverse maritime conditions, the Navy has also expanded its screening criteria, which now includes tests for depth perception, contrast sensitivity, as well as advanced imaging tests like cranial MRIs and chest CT scans. Additionally, candidates will undergo a 15-hour airborne flight capability assessment to ensure a more scientific and accurate selection process for aspiring carrier-based pilots.

Wu emphasized the nobility of the pursuit, saying, “Chasing dreams in the skies and seas, dedicated to serving the nation.” He announced that the preliminary screening process for the 2025 Navy pilot recruitment has officially begun as of October 15. He encouraged young aspirants to boldly engage in this courageous endeavor and truly become “dancers on the edge of the Navy’s sword.” For more detailed information, interested individuals can visit the official Chinese Navy pilot recruitment website at www.hjzf.mil.cn.

On October 16, 2023, in Jilin, China, we delve into the phenomenon of “leaf-peeping tourism” that has ignited the “autumn foliage economy” in the small city of Jiaohe.

Avoiding the crowded tourist spots, 67-year-old Cheng Yingtie chose to explore the Hongye Valley scenic area in Jiaohe City. Surrounded by vibrant red leaves, he captures moments with his professional photography equipment, taking snapshots as fellow visitors relax by the streams.

Cheng has been photographing the autumn leaves for over twenty years. As the colors deepen, his camera hardly rests. “The leaves are most beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon, especially when there’s a light drizzle,” he shares.

Jiaohe, under the administration of Jilin City, is often referred to as the “City of Red Leaves.” It has been recognized three times as one of China’s “Top Ten Most Beautiful Autumn Sceneries.” In recent years, the rise of “leaf-peeping tourism,” rural travel, and “mini-vacations” has invigorated the autumn foliage economy in this northeastern town.

The Hongye Valley, a key viewing area for red leaves, stretches over a hundred miles and offers peak scenery from late September to late October. Zhang Meiling, director of the Jiaohe Tourism Service Center, explains that the valley is home to over ten varieties of deciduous trees. In addition to maple trees, other species like the Acer truncatum and oak create a picturesque tapestry of colors, which has bolstered the enduring reputation of “Jiaohe Red Leaves.”

During the recent National Day holiday, Jiaohe welcomed 283,500 visitors, generating a tourism revenue of 113 million yuan. Tourist hotspots and rural attractions buzzed with activity, benefiting local communities with increased sales in dining, lodging, and transportation.

The Changbai Mountain Red Leaf Tourism Festival, now in its 22nd year, has become a hallmark event in northern China’s cultural tourism scene. This year, Zhang notes, the event featured an “Autumn Exchange” program, connecting visitors with tour groups from five provinces and cities nationwide. The launch of the “Jiao You Li” public brand showcased local specialties like pollen and black fungus, which have become popular souvenirs.

To attract a younger demographic, the tourism season introduced a “Music in the Valley” concert for the first time. Thousands of music enthusiasts gathered in the Hongye Valley, celebrating amidst the stunning autumn landscape.

Interestingly, Jiaohe’s autumn foliage has gained traction on social media, appearing frequently in trending topics on short video platforms. To transform this online buzz into lasting interest, the city has established the “Red Leaf Influencer Jiaohe Cultural Tourism Promotion Team.”

Local officials highlighted ongoing efforts to innovate cultural and tourism projects. During the recent holiday period, the “Sunrise Adventure” at Lafashan drew significant attention, where visitors trekked to witness breathtaking autumn scenery and stunning sunrises over the clouds, marking a new growth point for cultural tourism in the region.

On October 17, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the military and emphasized the importance of recognizing South Korea as a foreign and adversarial entity. During his visit to the Second Command of the People’s Army, he warned that North Korea would unconditionally and decisively use force if its sovereignty was violated by South Korea.

Kim stated that the severance of highways and railroads connecting North and South Korea symbolizes not just a physical closure but also a complete break from what he referred to as a “malicious relationship” with Seoul. He stressed the need to eliminate any sense of kinship or unity between the two Koreas, asserting that only by curtailing the enemy’s power can North Korea achieve reliable, safe, and consolidated peace. He insisted that the military must become stronger.

According to reports from the Korean Central News Agency on the same day, North Korea has amended its constitution to designate South Korea as a hostile state and has destroyed connecting roads between the two countries. The North has committed to fortifying its closed southern border permanently.

As tensions between the two Koreas escalate, there are growing concerns about the potential for renewed conflict. Professor Kim Dong-yup, who teaches at Seoul’s Korea University, expressed skepticism about the likelihood of North Korea initiating a full-scale war, noting that the regime is well aware of the severe consequences that massive conflict would entail.

Similarly, Professor Nam Sung-wook, also at Korea University, suggested that North Korea’s recent accusations regarding South Korean drone incursions might serve as mere rhetorical tactics. Both Koreas, he argued, understand that they cannot bear the cost of full-blown war, making the actual use of nuclear weapons unlikely.

Professor Kang Dong-wan from Dong-A University in Busan echoed these sentiments, asserting that North Korea is leveraging military confrontations to bolster internal solidarity rather than escalate to the level of war.

According to the European Broadcasting Union, North Korea boasts the fourth-largest military in the world, with nearly 1.3 million active personnel, representing about 5% of its total population, along with approximately 600,000 reserve troops.

Since taking power in 2011, Kim has prioritized defense spending, stating in January that 15.9% of this year’s government budget would be allocated to military expenses. Estimates suggest that North Korea’s military spending could account for around 36.3% of its GDP in 2023, ranking it second highest globally.

Additionally, Kim has aggressively pursued nuclear capabilities, leading the country through four nuclear tests in 2013, 2016, and 2017. Under his leadership, there have been at least 160 ballistic missile launches, surpassing the totals conducted by both his father, Kim Jong Il, and grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

On October 11, during an exhibition match at the ATP Shanghai Masters, table tennis player Fan Zhendong showcased his skills as he returned a shot. The event featured a friendly yet competitive showdown between Team Federer, consisting of the tennis legend Roger Federer and singer Eason Chan, and Team Amazing, comprised of Fan Zhendong and tennis player Zhang Zhizhen. Ultimately, Federer and Chan triumphed over their opponents with a score of 2-0.

Following the match, Fan Zhendong jokingly consoled his partner, saying, “Losing to Federer isn’t something to be ashamed of!” To which Federer lightheartedly replied, “You aced me!”

According to media reports, the exhibition was separated into two camps: Team Federer, led by Federer himself—who boasts an impressive 20 Grand Slam titles—alongside an ecstatic Eason Chan, who expressed his excitement by admitting, “It’s a dream come true to play alongside Federer.”

Team Amazing, on the other hand, featured the gold medalist from the Paris Olympic men’s singles table tennis event, Fan Zhendong, teaming up with Zhang Zhizhen.

The match was played in a best-of-three format, requiring teams to win two sets to secure victory. Federer demonstrated he hasn’t lost his touch as an effective scorer for Team Federer, while Eason Chan actively moved across the court, successfully executing several net interceptions and showcasing his strong serves, evidence of his rigorous training.

Team Amazing also put on an impressive performance, with Fan Zhendong cleverly incorporating table tennis spin techniques into his tennis play. This was exemplified when he landed a remarkable ace against Federer, earning thunderous applause from the enthusiastic crowd.