Author: shuiyaoinns.com

Goldin, the premier sports auction house, recently announced that the ball used by Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani for his 50th home run this season has fetched an eye-popping $4,392,000 at auction. This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a ball in any sport’s history.

Last month, during a Major League Baseball (MLB) game where the Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed 20-4 over the Miami Marlins, Ohtani made history by becoming the first player to achieve a remarkable 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, effectively joining the exclusive 50-50 club. His extraordinary performance also propelled the Dodgers into the playoffs, marking Ohtani’s first postseason appearance in his professional career.

Under Ohtani’s leadership, the Dodgers have clinched the National League Championship for the first time in three seasons, and they are now set to face off against the American League champions, the New York Yankees, in the World Series.

Born in 1994 in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, Ohtani has made a name for himself as one of the rare two-way stars in baseball, excelling both as a pitcher and as a hitter. He rose to prominence during his high school years, becoming a sought-after player in Japan’s baseball scene.

In 2018, Ohtani made the leap to MLB with the Los Angeles Angels, winning the Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. Over the following years, he blossomed into a superstar, earning the American League MVP title twice in 2021 and 2023. He made history as the first Asian player to win the MVP award twice, and also as the first player ever to receive unanimous MVP votes on both occasions.

At the end of the 2023 season, Ohtani announced his transfer to the Los Angeles Dodgers with a staggering ten-year contract valued at $700 million. This deal not only set a new record in MLB history but also broke the all-time contract record across North America’s four major professional sports leagues. Japanese media have called it “the highest contract in the history of world sports,” while MLB has dubbed it “the most significant signing ever.”

Despite not pitching this season due to injury, Ohtani continues to make headlines. As the World Series approaches on October 26, fans eagerly anticipate his contribution as the Dodgers aim for their eighth championship title.

At the entrance of the anime expo, Patty Wong warmly welcomed every attendee entering the Santa Clara City Library on October 12. The library hosted a vibrant Comic Con that drew numerous families and anime enthusiasts. Many fans arrived in costumes representing their favorite characters, while parents brought their kids dressed as Transformers and Ninja Turtles. Several anime artists and illustrators interacted with the crowd, and Star Wars fans showcased interactive lightsabers and a moving R2-D2 robot.

The event featured numerous anime-themed booths, including Deluxe Sabers, a workshop specializing in creating various Star Wars lightsabers. Not only can these lightsabers change colors, but they also allow for light dueling. A group of dedicated Star Wars fans from the “Bay Area Droid Builders” brought beloved robot characters R2-D2 and BB-8 to life. The life-sized R2-D2 was a hit, capable of moving around the venue and greeting visitors, prompting many to snap photos with it.

The expo was packed with activities: inside, attendees could browse various exhibition booths and take photos with famous characters such as Barbie, Transformers, Snoopy, and even the Toys “R” Us giraffe. Outside, there were craft booths, a rocket launch station, and dance lessons, providing an array of engaging experiences for everyone.

Patty Wong, the library director, expressed her excitement about this year’s Comic Con, stating it was the best ever. “So many people came to the library to share joyful moments,” she noted, highlighting the smiles on the faces of attendees dressed as their favorite characters. She extended her gratitude to all the staff and volunteers whose hard work made such an incredible event possible, as well as to the supporting foundations and every participant who attended.

John Schlosser, the library’s information director and one of the primary organizers of the event, dressed as a Toys “R” Us employee that day.

One Taiwanese parent who brought her family to the expo remarked that it was their first time attending the library’s Comic Con. She initially thought it would focus solely on anime, but was pleasantly surprised by the variety of activities and booths available. “It’s not just for anime fans; it’s a great outing for families,” she said. Her children, particularly excited to see the Elephant & Piggie characters from their favorite picture books, thoroughly enjoyed taking photos with the costumed characters, making it a fun experience for both kids and adults alike.

The event successfully attracted over 10,000 visitors, showcasing the library as a central hub for community engagement and celebration of pop culture.

As we step into the ginger harvesting season, the vibrant green ginger leaves sway gently in the breeze at the ginger cultivation base in Zhaojiacun Village, Liqingu Town, Dingzhou City, Hebei Province. The fresh aroma of ginger mingles with the earthy scent of the soil, creating a delightful sensory experience.

On October 22, villagers are busy harvesting ginger from the fields. Zhao Lipo, the head of Dingzhou Henshen Family Farm, beams with pride as he holds up some freshly dug ginger. “We grow Northern big ginger, known for its large size, thick flesh, bright yellow color, and strong fragrance. This year, we’re seeing an average yield of about 13,000 pounds per acre. Right now, the market is favorable, with prices at around 2.9 yuan per pound, generating about 20,000 yuan in profit per acre,” he shares enthusiastically.

Zhaojiacun Village enjoys a mild climate, with loose, well-aerated soil that is perfect for ginger cultivation. Since starting ginger farming in 2022, Henshen Family Farm has expanded from a few dozen acres to over 300 acres today, shipping out more than 60 tons daily. The ginger is sold both domestically, including markets in Shandong, and internationally across Europe and America.

To ensure optimal freshness and storage of the ginger, Zhao Lipo mentions, “We’ve invested over 700,000 yuan to build a cold storage facility covering 1.1 acres, which allows us to time our sales according to market conditions.”

With the growth of the ginger industry in Zhaojiacun Village, several job opportunities have been created for local residents. Zhao Lihui, a villager, explains, “I’ve been working here since the farm started, which allows me to earn a living while taking care of my family. It’s quite convenient.” He adds that he typically manages tasks like weeding and mulching, and during the harvest period, he earns about 100 yuan each day.

In recent years, Liqingu Town has effectively leveraged its natural resources to optimize agricultural structures. By implementing a “family farm + base + households” model, the town has encouraged villagers to specialize in ginger cultivation, which not only diversifies their food supply but also increases their income. Moreover, the town has been proactive in promoting innovative planting and management techniques, inviting provincial agricultural experts to share valuable insights on ginger cultivation, care, disease management, and storage, boosting farmers’ confidence.

“The increase in yield and the strong market demand have naturally led to the expansion of ginger farming,” says Qi Jingwei, the deputy mayor of Liqingu Town. Looking ahead, the town plans to continue consolidating resources to explore the development of a deep processing industry for ginger, aiming to enhance product value and promote large-scale, industrialized ginger farming.

During a recent press conference held by the State Council’s Information Office, Luo Wen, the Director of the Market Regulation Administration, announced significant steps aimed at enhancing oversight on improper fees imposed on enterprises. The goal is to alleviate burdens on businesses.

First, the administration is committed to firmly halting the establishment of illegal charge items. This initiative will target government departments, their affiliated units, and industry associations. The focus will be on thoroughly vetting the origins of fee-related policy documents. Any discovered policies lacking legal foundation will be advocated for modification or repeal. The administration will also conduct rigorous inspections of financial institutions and utility providers—addressing recurring issues like double charging and compulsory fees. A comprehensive public list of fees applicable to businesses will be formed, detailing the items, legal basis, and standards, with no charges allowed for items not on the list.

Second, there will be an increase in punitive measures against arbitrary charging practices. For administrative agencies, public institutions, and social organizations that hold advantageous positions in specific sectors, the administration will intensify the use of integrated regulatory approaches, including market oversight and credit supervision. Significant cases that draw public complaints will be exposed. Efforts will also be made to enhance public understanding of typical cases, clarifying laws and regulations so that enterprises are informed of their obligations and fee collectors adhere strictly to the established policies. There will be improved coordination in transferring evidence of misconduct.

Third, legal safeguards for regulating enterprise-related charges will be strengthened. Taking advantage of the revision of the Price Law, the administration will clarify the legal requirements surrounding fee collection by state organs and public institutions. A new set of measures to address illegal fee collection practices is expected to be introduced, along with stricter penalties for violations. The administration will expedite the revision of compliance and enforcement guidelines across various fields, solidifying a robust legal framework for fee regulation. Additionally, the implementation of guidelines for industry associations will be reinforced to better regulate their charging behaviors and improve the overall business environment.

Lastly, a long-term regulatory mechanism for enterprise-related fees will be established. The focus will be on addressing the root causes of arbitrary charges while exploring the implementation of compliance review systems for fee-related policy documents. Continuous monitoring and feedback collection mechanisms will be enhanced, establishing monitoring points to act as “frontline stations” against improper fees. The administration also plans to innovate regulatory methods, including reminders, corrective orders, warnings, and targeted supervision, to ensure effective resolution of fee-related issues.

As visitors return to Grindavík amid expected volcanic activity, local safety chief Gunnar Schram shares his insights on the area’s allure and the importance of caution. When asked why people are drawn to Grindavík, which has experienced six eruptions since December, Schram laughs, underscoring the fascination with active volcanoes.

“Many tourists arrive in Iceland without ever having seen lava up close,” he remarks, acknowledging the majestic sight that attracts so many. Although most dangerous areas are off-limits, visitors still venture to Grindavík at their own risk, and children are advised to stay away. He warns, “The ground is still emitting steam; just a meter below the surface, temperatures reach 800°C.” Scientists are closely monitoring the situation, anticipating another eruption in the coming months.

“If it weren’t for the barriers around Grindavík, much of the town would be submerged in lava today,” Schram notes. He adds that even Icelanders, accustomed to nature’s power, find their perspectives changed when they witness a volcano up close. “But for tourists, experiencing these natural wonders in Grindavík must be something extraordinary.”

Despite its appeal, the town, once home to a vibrant community of 3,800 people, has seen only about 50 visitors a day since its reopening. While Iceland’s volcanic landscape is a major draw, recent eruptions have had dire human consequences, in stark contrast to the more tourist-friendly eruption of Fagradalsfjall in 2021.

Tragedy struck earlier this year when Lúðvík Pétursson, 50, went missing while attempting to repair ground cracks, and search efforts were ultimately suspended. When the Observer visited Grindavík earlier, access was limited to visitors with special QR codes scanned at checkpoints, while police and moving vans patrolled the area. Many remaining residents were in the process of relocating amidst unstable buildings, deep fissures in the ground, and signs indicating homes had been abandoned. Masks were once necessary due to the sulfur dioxide fumes, but that guideline is no longer in place.

Today, some local businesses, including the Grindavík Guesthouse, have reopened despite the owners relocating multiple times over the past year. They are promoting the nearby lava fields as a way for visitors to engage with the raw Icelandic landscape, attracting tourists curious about the deserted town and those en route to the famous Blue Lagoon.

The local tourism board reports a consistent flow of visitors since the reopening, although developing volcano tourism poses challenges due to ongoing eruption uncertainty. A local tour operator is beginning guided tours highlighting changes before and after the evacuation, with more anticipated in the future.

Tourist numbers initially dipped, partly attributed to negative media coverage, but have since rebounded, with over 1.7 million visitors to Iceland recorded between January and September 2024. Newly elected Icelandic President Halla Tómasdóttir stressed to the Observer that the country remains open and safe for tourism.

Yet, safety is a primary concern. The Icelandic tourist board cautions that those who ignore official guidelines should not expect rescue. Safety specialist Dagbjartur Brynjarsson warns against “disaster tourism,” noting the perils of social media-driven thrill-seeking. “We’ve seen individuals, mostly foreigners, running across fresh lava and approaching the crater. If something goes wrong, help will not be forthcoming.”

With just ten days left until the 2024 Election Day, California’s Deputy Secretary of State for Communications, Joe Kocurek, took the time to inform voters about important voting guidelines. During an event organized by minority media on October 25, Kocurek encouraged Californians to vote as early as possible.

Kocurek highlighted that voters can start casting their ballots now through various methods. These options include mailing in ballots, voting in person at polling stations, or dropping off completed and signed ballots at designated drop boxes. For those who choose to mail their ballots, Kocurek mentioned that they could track the status of their ballots online at https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/. This website also allows voters to check the current status of ballots sent to them.

For voters planning to vote in person, Kocurek directed them to find nearby polling places at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/polling-place.

He specifically reminded voters to sign the back of their mail-in ballot envelopes, as this helps election officials verify the authenticity of the ballots. He reassured voters that the envelopes for mail-in ballots are pre-paid. Any mail-in ballot postmarked by November 5 and received by November 12 will be considered valid.

Kocurek noted that those who wish to register to vote at this late stage can do so in person at polling places. However, online and mail registration deadlines have already passed.

For any questions about voting, Kocurek urged voters to contact the California voter hotline. The English hotline can be reached at 800-345-8683, and the Chinese hotline is available at 800-339-2857. These hotlines offer information on proposals and candidates in various languages, and additional language services can be found on their website: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/voting-california/voter-hotlines.

One significant challenge Kocurek mentioned is encouraging young people to participate in the voting process. Given their reliance on technology, many might not be accustomed to mailing ballots, voting in person, or using drop boxes.

Regarding language translations on ballots, Kocurek assured that the election office collaborates with translation companies and has procedures in place to ensure accuracy. However, he admitted there are occasionally complaints related to translation issues.

When discussing the election process, Kocurek explained that the counting of ballots is primarily conducted by county election offices, which guarantee the validity of the ballots. Once results are tabulated, they are reported to the state government for certification.

In closing, Kocurek urged everyone to vote early and avoid rushing at the last minute, which could lead to unforeseen complications.

On October 25th, a representative from the Beijing Development and Reform Commission provided an update on the ongoing North Qing Road rapid transformation project in Beijing. Since the beginning of this year, construction has been in full swing, consistently advancing the project’s timeline. It is expected that the main structure will be largely completed by the end of the year. Once fully operational, this project will facilitate fast transportation connections between key areas such as the Huai Tian region, Zhongguancun Science City, and the Yongfeng Industrial Base, thereby strengthening the link between Haidian and Changping districts and promoting the movement of people and resources to better support regional development.

As a crucial component of the “one horizontal, one vertical, five connections, and five smoothings” backbone road network initiative in the Huai Tian area, the importance of the North Qing Road rapid transformation project is clear. The first phase includes a stretch of approximately 8.9 kilometers from Youyi Road to Hongfu West Road, with about 4.78 kilometers designated for elevated sections. The project includes interchanges for the G6 and G7 expressways and will intersect with Hongfu West Road, with future plans for an elevated bridge over it.

Currently, the North Qing Road rapid transformation project has entered a critical phase, with over a thousand builders dedicated to ensuring safety, maintaining quality, and advancing construction progress. Workers are laboring around the clock in two shifts to meet the project timeline. Recently, the project completed the installation of steel box girders for the southern half of the main line across the Jingxin Expressway, successfully linking the Haidian and Changping sections for the first time. Work on the southern half of the main line is near completion, while construction on the northern half’s superstructure is underway, along with work on the ramp areas. The plan is to finish the installation of the steel box girders on the ramp by the end of this month, with the main structural completion anticipated by the end of the year.

Upon completion, the North Qing Road rapid transformation project will integrate with the Jingxin Expressway, forming a high-speed road network system in the northern region. This development will enhance connections between the northwest and northeast corridors, improving links between areas such as Zhangjiakou, Yanqing, Changping, and Beijing’s urban sub-center. Integrating North Qing Road into the city’s rapid road network is expected to greatly improve current commuting conditions and significantly enhance travel efficiency in the northern regions.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Tel Aviv for discussions amidst ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises in the region. Following a recent Israeli airstrike near Hariri Hospital in Beirut, which resulted in at least 13 fatalities and 57 injuries, Israel defended the attack, claiming it targeted a Hezbollah site rather than the hospital itself. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, triggering air-raid sirens but fortunately causing no reported injuries or damage.

The situation in Lebanon remains dire, with over 1.2 million people displaced due to Israel’s invasion, which commenced on October 1. The latest reports indicate that at least 2,483 individuals have lost their lives due to the conflict. Blinken is expected to address the urgent need for increased humanitarian aid in Gaza and advocate for the release of remaining Israeli hostages during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Notably, the US has supported Israel by providing over 10,000 high-powered munitions since the outbreak of the conflict.

In the political arena, Liz Cheney, a former Republican congresswoman and long-time opponent of abortion rights, made headlines by backing Kamala Harris for president. Cheney condemned recent Republican-led abortion bans during joint events with Harris in crucial swing states, aiming to sway suburban Republican voters away from Donald Trump. “I’m pro-life, and I have been very troubled by what I have watched happen in so many states since Dobbs,” Cheney stated, highlighting the impact of restrictions on women’s access to medical treatment.

As the election approaches, polls indicate a tight race, with Harris holding slight leads in Pennsylvania and Nevada, while Trump holds similar margins in Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina—though all within the margin of error.

In other news, Ovidio Guzmán and Joaquín Guzmán López, sons of the infamous drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, are reportedly negotiating a plea deal that could lead them to become cooperating witnesses for the US government. They are leaders of “Los Chapitos,” a faction of the Sinaloa cartel.

Additionally, a Texas county faced backlash for misclassifying a book on colonization in their library, and reports show deteriorating conditions in refugee camps in Chad due to violence in Sudan. FIFA has also faced criticism for its handling of human rights issues in Saudi Arabia as the country prepares to host the upcoming World Cup.

On the philanthropic front, financier Thomas Klingenstein has made headlines for contributing over $10 million to the Republican party aimed at defeating what he labels the “woke regime.” Meanwhile, a study published in **Nature Climate Change** estimates that wildfire smoke pollution may be responsible for an additional 12,000 deaths annually.

Lastly, on the brewing scene, UK breweries are rejecting the term “craft beer” in favor of “indie beer,” expressing concerns that corporate branding has misled many consumers about the nature of their products.

During the “2024 Silver Hair Longevity Lifestyle Expo” organized by the World Journal in Los Angeles, Ethan Chen, the Chinese-language operations manager at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, emphasized the importance of pre-planning for one’s end-of-life arrangements. He explained how taking these steps ahead of time can alleviate the emotional burden and responsibilities faced by family members after a loved one passes away.

Chen pointed out that Forest Lawn Memorial Park operates six locations in Southern California, with two Mandarin-speaking service offices in Arcadia and Industry, making it convenient for the community to access services. He stressed that pre-planning not only helps prevent disputes among family members regarding details but also lightens the load during times of mourning. By preparing in advance, individuals can find peace of mind, which in turn provides reassurance to their families.

In addition, Chen shared insights into the rich history and unique qualities of Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Founded over a century ago, the park features art and design elements that set it apart from traditional cemeteries. Some areas are styled elegantly, drawing inspiration from classical European design, while those closer to the Chinese community showcase statues that reflect Chinese culture. The park also boasts a free museum displaying oil paintings and stained glass art, alongside hosting various exhibitions. Furthermore, it organizes diverse community events each year, including Qingming Festival, Veterans Day, and Día de los Muertos.

Chen recommended the “one-stop planning” service, which encompasses every aspect from the time of passing to burial, including dressing, body preparation, and ceremony arrangements, ensuring that everything is handled in the most comprehensive manner possible. He alerted attendees to the fact that prices at Forest Lawn increase annually and suggested that early planning can save on long-term costs. Engaging in pre-planning is not just a safeguard for personal interests but also a responsible act for the family and friends left behind.

At the end of his presentation, Chen drew prizes, including a high-quality soy milk maker and the grand prize—a bottle of Lingzhi capsules—keeping many attendees in suspense as they hoped to win. Throughout the day, participants not only gained valuable information beneficial to their own and their families’ well-being but also had the chance to leave with exciting prizes, making the event well worth their time.

In October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Ming Garden restaurant on 8th Avenue in Brooklyn, in collaboration with the International Chinese Women’s Health Association, hosted the fourth annual Pink Ribbon Charity Event at Bibo Garden. During the dinner, a breast cancer survivor shared her journey through the battle against cancer. She reflected on the hardships she endured but emphasized that her diagnosis led her to seek solace through meditation and mindfulness practices. After her recovery, she described her experience as a rebirth of both body and spirit, highlighting how it became a meaningful part of her life.

Gu Ping, the owner of Ming Garden, expressed her gratitude for the strong support from the New York Chinese community, stating, “This annual charity event provides essential services to those in need, and we are happy to contribute to our community.” The evening’s fundraising efforts raised a total of $10,000, which will be donated to the Cancer Services Center at Memorial Hospital to assist individuals in breast cancer prevention and treatment. She also urged women to prioritize annual screenings as a preventive measure.

Zheng Fuying, Market Director of Bibo Garden, noted that their company has been advocating for women’s breast health management for over 30 years. She believes that maintaining health is not just an individual responsibility but also a key element in ensuring family happiness. Li Jing, the General Manager of International Bibo Garden, pointed out that while many people love health, they often have limited knowledge about it. This knowledge gap can lead to tragic outcomes, which is why they promote charity events like this to enhance public awareness of health education and preventive practices.

Member Ji Lanlan emphasized that many people mistakenly believe that only older women have a higher risk of cancer, when in fact, women in their teens can also develop breast cancer. Additionally, breast cancer has the highest incidence rate among cancers affecting women globally. “It’s crucial to encourage those around us to gain a deeper understanding and preventative knowledge about breast cancer,” she urged.

During the dinner, breast cancer survivor Zheng Shulian shared her experience. Eleven years ago, she discovered a tumor in her left breast while facing pressures from work and marital issues. Upon receiving her diagnosis, she felt surprisingly calm, having learned from a colleague who had also been diagnosed with breast cancer about the treatments that lay ahead. “I didn’t panic. After all, I knew chemotherapy would cause hair loss, so I decided to cut my hair short immediately.”

However, the night before her first chemotherapy session, she had a nightmare where she felt paralyzed after being injected with medication. This unsettling dream stirred anxiety within her, prompting her to seek ways to alleviate stress. She then turned to meditation, eventually leading her to find transformative power in Buddhism. After enduring eight rounds of chemotherapy and undergoing surgeries to remove and reconstruct both breasts, she expressed her hope that her story can inspire others facing similar challenges.