Month: October 2024

On October 7, the Chinese navy hospital ship “Peace Ark,” part of the “Harmonious Mission-2024,” docked in Douala, Cameroon, kicking off a week-long goodwill visit aimed at providing medical services to the local community.

The arrival was met with enthusiasm as local military and political officials from the Littoral Region, staff from the Chinese Embassy, and community representatives, including Chinese nationals and employees of Chinese businesses, gathered at the port to welcome the ship. During its stay, the “Peace Ark” will leverage its extensive medical facilities to provide a range of health services, deploying expert teams and outreach units to local hospitals, military bases, and government offices. The mission will include joint medical consultations, academic exchanges, and emergency skills training.

Just a day before its arrival in Douala, the “Peace Ark” participated in a joint exercise with two patrol boats from the Cameroonian navy. This exercise, conducted in the waters off Douala, focused on fleet formation and maneuvering, testing their command, communication, and coordination skills, which is crucial for strengthening military cooperation and exchange between the two nations.

In a remarkable announcement today, the organizers of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris revealed they have achieved a new milestone by selling 12 million tickets for both the Olympic and Paralympic events. This surpasses the previous record of 8.2 million tickets sold during the 2012 London Olympics.

As we look forward to the closing of the Games on August 11, the media and public interest are beginning to assess the overall impact and reception of the event. Prior to the Games, France dealt with considerable skepticism stemming from social unrest, political turmoil, and doubts about the government’s capabilities, which led to concerns about the country’s ability to successfully host the Games.

The Paris Olympics faced several high-stakes challenges, like the groundbreaking decision to hold the opening ceremony on water and the closure of key areas to traffic, utilizing historic landmarks as venues.

Despite these concerns, the stunning opening ceremony, remarkable venues and designs, efficient public transit, and an infectious energy created an atmosphere that turned initial apprehensions into a resounding success.

According to Reuters, roughly 9.5 million tickets were sold for the Olympic Games, while the recently concluded Paralympic Games accounted for about 2.5 million tickets sold. For context, the 2012 London Olympics set a record by selling 8.2 million Olympic tickets, while the Paralympic Games saw ticket sales reach 2.7 million.

Last week, San Francisco experienced its hottest week in 85 years, with several cities in the Bay Area breaking century-old temperature records. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, from September 30 to October 6, the city recorded an average daily high of 90.3 degrees Fahrenheit, which is an astonishing 20 degrees above the norm. This marks the warmest week for San Francisco since 1939 and the third warmest since records began in September 1874, falling just short of the previous record of 93 degrees set in September 1939.

Interestingly, a weather station operated by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E), located just three blocks from Ocean Beach, recorded a much cooler average daily high of 78 degrees in the coastal area of San Francisco. However, the average nightly low temperature climbed to 69 degrees, making this week the hottest on record for October nights.

Several cities around the Bay also saw unprecedented temperatures last week. In San Jose, the average daily high hit 100.1 degrees, marking the hottest week for the city since July 1905. On October 2, temperatures soared to 106 degrees, the highest daily temperature recorded since 1980 and 2012. San Rafael reported a daily average peak of 102.7 degrees, surpassing the old record set in 1894, with a staggering high of 107 degrees on October 6.

Additionally, towns like Santa Rosa, Kentfield, and Napa recorded daily highs of 102 degrees on October 6—a record not seen since 1930.

As climate change, primarily driven by human activity, continues to warm our planet, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has highlighted that average autumn temperatures in California have risen by approximately 3.1 degrees since 1896. This trend indicates that heatwaves are becoming more intense, frequent, and prolonged.

Meteorologist Nicole Sarment attributes the soaring temperatures last week to an unusually warm air mass and a lack of the cool maritime breezes that usually temper temperatures in coastal cities.

Looking ahead, the National Weather Service forecasts that by October 8, temperatures across the Bay Area are expected to drop below the 100-degree mark, though they will likely remain above normal for this time of year.

In a recent report from the management team of Angkor Archaeological Park, it was announced that the park has experienced remarkable growth in visitor numbers this year. From January to September, the park welcomed over 690,000 international visitors, representing a nearly 30% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Ticket sales also reflected this boom, exceeding $32 million in revenue for the first nine months, a year-over-year growth of 30.32%.

What stands out is the significant rise in Chinese tourists, who now constitute the largest group of foreign visitors. Their numbers have skyrocketed by 66.30% since last year, making up 10.44% of all international arrivals. Looking ahead, predictions for July to September 2024 suggest that Chinese tourists will again top the charts, with over 17,000 expected to visit—a 29.05% increase from the previous year.

September alone was a highlight for the park, with nearly 48,000 foreign tourists visiting, marking a 16.92% increase compared to the same month last year, and generating more than $2.1 million in ticket revenue—a promising 17.44% rise.

Situated in Siem Reap province in northwestern Cambodia, Angkor Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 and continues to stand out as the nation’s premier tourist attraction.

On World Tourism Day, September 27, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet referred to the tourism sector as “green gold,” emphasizing its crucial role in promoting peace and driving socio-economic advancement. He highlighted the importance of improving both the quantity and quality of tourism resources, calling on authorities to enhance the tourism experience in order to attract even more international visitors.

As of October 7, the Angkor Archaeological Park has welcomed over 710,000 international tourists this year, reinforcing its status as a must-visit destination.

Italian resident Andrea Lo Rosso recently made a remarkable discovery related to a painting that his father, Luigi Lo Rosso, found 62 years ago in a basement on the island of Capri, Italy. What many assumed was merely an unusual piece of art has been identified as an authentic work by Pablo Picasso, with an estimated value of around €6 million (approximately $6.67 million).

In an interview with The Guardian, Andrea recounted how Luigi stumbled upon the rolled-up painting in a cellar back in 1962. He brought it home to Pompeii, where it adorned the family’s living room for over six decades. During this time, Luigi’s wife often expressed her strong dislike for the painting, labeling it as “creepy” and even contemplating tossing it out. “My mother always said it was a terrible painting,” Andrea reflected.

The turning point came when Andrea began exploring an art history encyclopedia that his aunt had gifted him. He noticed a signature in the upper left corner—“Picasso.” Intrigued, he sought out an art authentication team, which took several months to confirm its authenticity and determine its current market value at €6 million. Andrea remarked, “My father used to collect discarded items for resale. He found the painting before I was born, but he had no idea who Picasso was. He wasn’t very well-educated.”

Before this revelation, Andrea had approached the Picasso Foundation for validation, but they dismissed his claims, believing the painting to be a forgery. As of now, it is safely housed in a vault in Milan. “My family and I are primarily focused on uncovering the truth,” Andrea emphasized, adding that they have little interest in the potential financial windfall from this discovery.

The Picasso piece features a cubist style that presents a distorted rendition, which may appear strange to those unfamiliar with the genre, leading some to describe it as “frightening.”

Pablo Picasso passed away in 1973, while Luigi found this artwork during the artist’s lifetime. Luca Marcante, Chairman of the Arcadia Foundation, suggested that this newly authenticated piece may have two original versions, depicting the same subject painted by Picasso at different times.

On October 8, the State Post Bureau of China released some impressive figures from the recent National Day holiday, which ran from October 1 to October 7. According to their monitoring data, the postal and express delivery industry managed to operate smoothly during this period. Remarkably, a total of 3.161 billion parcels were collected, marking a 28.4% increase in daily average collections compared to last year’s holiday. Deliveries also saw a significant rise, with 3.120 billion parcels delivered—up 26.7% in daily averages from the previous year.

This year, the National Day holiday witnessed a notable spike in travel demand across the country, fueled by innovative consumer habits and experiences showcasing the holiday economy’s resilience and dynamism. The postal and express delivery sector adeptly responded to market trends and consumer needs by integrating their services with the cultural and tourism industries. This collaboration led to the development of tailored offerings, such as direct deliveries to tourist attractions and baggage collection services, greatly enhancing travelers’ experiences and unlocking consumer potential.

For example, in Yunnan, delivery companies proactively adjusted their resource allocation and extended service hours to meet the logistical demands of busy tourist spots. They ensured prompt and convenient delivery services in these areas. Additionally, delivery personnel underwent specialized training tailored to the cultural tourism landscape, raising operational standards and guaranteeing swift collection and secure delivery.

In Shanxi, historical architecture and traditional culture emerged as popular destinations during the holiday, leading to an increase in demand for various cultural and creative products. Delivery companies formed partnerships with local cultural businesses to offer a comprehensive range of services, including storage, sorting, packaging, and distribution, ensuring that these unique products reached customers accurately and efficiently across the country.

As the National Day holiday comes to an end, the postal and express delivery industry is gearing up for one of its busiest seasons. The sector is committed to playing a crucial role in enhancing product circulation, stimulating consumption, fostering industry collaboration, and supporting rural revitalization—all contributing positively to both economic and social development.

On October 6, the Jiusan branch of Beidahuang Group, often referred to as the “Green Soybean Capital of China,” proudly announced a remarkable milestone in its soybean harvesting campaign. The company completed the harvest across an impressive 2.6623 million acres, achieving an average yield of over 400 jin per acre. Notably, one area even reported a record-breaking yield of 598.7 jin per acre, marking a significant achievement in soybean production for the company.

For years, the Jiusan branch has been committed to advancing the soybean industry. This year, the company made strategic adjustments to its planting approach, increasing its soybean cultivation area to account for 67.4% of the total sowing area for all crops. In restructuring their soybean varieties, they selected a mix of early and mid-maturing types, with 60% being early to mid-maturing and the remaining 40% mid-maturing. This careful planning resulted in maintaining field losses during the harvest to less than 2%.

Lü Guangyan, the head of the Agricultural Development Department at the Jiusan branch, provided insights on the challenges posed by this year’s climate. Despite facing below-average rainfall, ranging from 228 to 348 millimeters, the company implemented a range of drought-resistant measures and adjusted their summer management techniques. One notable initiative was the “one spray, multiple promotion” strategy, which led to a 15% increase in soybean weight per hundred grains compared to previous years.

As part of their harvesting strategy, the company vigilantly monitored the moisture levels of various soybean varieties to ensure optimal harvesting conditions, targeting moisture levels below 13.5%. They initiated the harvest when moisture levels were between 13.5% and 14%, emphasizing the careful segregation and cleaning of harvested seeds to ensure quality for next year’s planting.

In addition, the company took proactive measures for areas where soybeans had fallen over by promptly installing supports to minimize losses during the harvest. This approach helped to reduce field losses and maintain product integrity, ensuring that the successful yields were properly stored.

In an insightful interview, Andrew Clements discusses Nimbus Records’ ongoing commitment to documenting George Benjamin’s musical contributions. Since its inception, the label has cataloged nearly all of Benjamin’s major works, and now it has released his fourth opera, featuring a libretto by Martin Crimp. This production, which first premiered at the Aix-en-Provence festival last July, captures the essence of the opera where it was originally performed, under the composer’s own baton.

As the production of “Picture a Day Like This” transitioned to Covent Garden’s Linbury Theatre two months later, Clements points out that the cast changed, and Benjamin stepped down as conductor, making this recording with the original Aix ensemble particularly valuable. Leading the cast is Marianne Crebassa, who portrays the Woman on a desperate quest for a miracle to restore her child to life. She has just one day to find someone who is genuinely happy. Meanwhile, Anna Prohaska plays Zabelle, the gardener who offers not so much a miracle as a path for the Woman to confront her grief.

Clements praises both Crebassa and Prohaska for their ability to fully embody their roles. From the very beginning, with her unaccompanied recitative, Crebassa blends determination with a nuanced vulnerability as she embarks on her challenging journey. Prohaska, on the other hand, conveys that Zabelle’s transition to acceptance has been fraught with its own difficulties, hidden beneath her calm exterior.

The supporting cast also shines, with Beate Mordal and Cameron Shahbazi playing a pair of lovers, along with a composer and her assistant. John Brancy takes on roles including a collector and an artisan, with each actor delivering impressive performances.

Clements notes that the fairytale-like ambiguity of “Picture a Day Like This” bears more resemblance to Benjamin and Crimp’s initial collaboration, “Into the Little Hill,” than it does to the more intense tragedies of “Written on Skin” and “Lessons in Love and Violence.” Throughout, Benjamin’s skillful orchestration stands out, showcasing an exquisite range of colors and textures, paired with vocal lines that respect the integrity of the text. While there are moments where the pacing could be improved and the opera’s basic premise feels somewhat mechanical, the overall jewel-like precision remains undeniably striking.

For fans eager to experience this latest work, the recording is available on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.

The 2024 Snowy Gula Peak Mountain Bike Challenge officially launched on October 2nd in Changdu County, Lhasa, thanks to the efforts of the Tibet Autonomous Region Sports Bureau and the Lhasa Municipal Government.

With over 80 participants on board, including members from amateur clubs across the nation and individual cycling enthusiasts, the competition was intense. Riders competed in several categories: the men’s elite group (45 km), the men’s open group (30 km), and the women’s elite group (30 km). Set against the breathtaking backdrop of altitudes ranging from 4,298 to 4,432 meters, the course featured a cumulative elevation gain of 134 meters over a 15 km lap.

After a thrilling contest, Huang Shihai from the Beijing GDR team took home the championship title in the men’s elite group, while Dawa Zhuza of the Tibet Yache team emerged victorious in the men’s open group. The women’s elite group saw Gao Yanjiao from the SAVA-KAPVOE women’s team clinch first place. Additionally, the top organizing teams, including the Sunshine Team, Friends of Lhasa Team, and the United Team of Disabled and Able-bodied Athletes, were recognized for their outstanding organization. Individual awards celebrating sportsmanship went to Sha Tiezhu, Basang Luobu, and Baima Yangji.

This year’s Snowy Gula Peak Mountain Bike Challenge is an exciting part of the ongoing series of events for the 21st China Tibet Mountaineering Conference. Cyclists navigated a course that highlighted the region’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, with a route that included highland gravel roads, meadows, lakes, and pastoral areas. This event not only showcases the beauty of Tibet but also represents a commitment to green living, environmental awareness, health, and vitality, further fostering the development of cycling sports in the region.

On the evening of September 27th, Steve Chan, the Republican candidate for New York’s 17th State Senate District, hosted a lively fundraising event at the New Phoenix Seafood Restaurant in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. With nearly 500 supporters gathered at 55 tables, Chan took the opportunity to address key safety concerns affecting neighborhoods from Sunset Park to Bensonhurst. Firmly opposing the elimination of qualified immunity for police officers, he emphasized that his main goal, if elected, would be to enhance police presence and ensure they have the resources and authority needed to support community safety.

Chan began the night by expressing his gratitude in Cantonese, setting a warm tone for the evening. He reiterated his commitment to improving safety in New York, arguing that providing police with the flexibility to effectively do their jobs is essential.

Throughout the event, Chan also touched on several other pressing issues he plans to tackle, including addressing reverse discrimination against Asians in the education system, combating government waste, the situation of undocumented immigrants, and the complexities of bail reform.

Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate for New York City mayor in 2022, rallied the crowd to support Chan, expressing his confidence that Chan can usher in a brighter future for the Asian community. On recent controversies surrounding Mayor Adams, Sliwa criticized him for having “brought chaos to New York City,” while revealing his own plans to run for mayor in 2025 and seeking continued community backing.

Richard Barsamian, the Brooklyn Republican chairman, lauded Chan’s impressive 27-year law enforcement career as a testament to his patriotism and pride as a Chinese American. He energized the room with slogans like “Make America Great Again” and “Make New York Great Again.”

Originally from Taishan, Chan moved from Hong Kong to the U.S. at age 11 and served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps before joining the New York City Police Department. After retiring from the force in 2020, he took on the role of chair of the parent committee at PS 17.

Chan is vying for the 17th District against incumbent Democratic State Senator Simcha Felder, representing neighborhoods like Kensington, Sunset Park, Borough Park, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and Bath Beach. Early voting for this year’s general election in New York City is scheduled for October 26 to November 3, with Election Day on November 5.