Archives: 18/10/2024

In the breathtaking landscape of the Yangtze River, we can sense the echoes of ancient poets like Li Bai and Cui Hao, their verses harmonizing with the stunning surroundings. Iconic landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Hongya Cave, the Three Gorges Dam, Yueyang Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower light up the night sky, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Yangtze River basin.

Recently, Wuhan, Hubei, hosted the inaugural Yangtze River Cultural and Art Season, themed “Continuing the Cultural Legacy of the Yangtze River, Co-creating a New Era.” This event brings together provinces along the Yangtze, guiding attendees through the “Historical and Cultural Scroll of the Yangtze River” and allowing them to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture deeply rooted in this great river.

The Yangtze flows with immense power, embodying a civilization that is both rich and profound. During a recent visit to Jiujiang in Jiangxi province, I had the chance to explore the Yangtze National Cultural Park. Standing atop the Pipa Pavilion, I was moved by the poetry that reflects on farewells by the Xunyang River, connecting past and present. The river spread wide and calm, bustling with boats navigating this vital “golden waterway.” The picturesque landscapes along the banks were alive with visitors, and a lush ecological corridor meandered gracefully. The flowing waters and the echoes of history stirred a passion that transcends the ages.

For millennia, the Yangtze River has served as a lifeline, connecting upstream and downstream communities as well as its tributaries, fostering a vast socio-economic system that nurtures the industrious spirit of the Chinese people. The cultural history embedded in the river carries the collective memory of the Chinese nation, shaping our common spiritual home.

Yet, the situation hasn’t always been rosy. There have been times when the “Yangtze River was unwell,” plagued by pollution from unchecked industrial practices and water degradation. So, how do we care for our mother river?

General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed that “the ecological environment is the foundation for human survival and development, and changes in the environment directly affect the rise and fall of civilization.” His message is clear: we must not let the ecological state of the Yangtze worsen on our watch. Protecting this great river and preserving its culture requires a strong commitment to environmental stewardship.

Positive transformations are underway along the river’s banks. Initiatives to address the “chemical encirclement” have resulted in the closure and relocation of thousands of chemical plants. The implementation of a “ten-year fishing ban” is helping to revive the biodiversity of the Yangtze; we’re even seeing more of the endangered Yangtze finless porpoise, affectionately known as the “smiling angel.” Infrastructure enhancements along the riverbanks are gradually creating green ecological corridors. The consensus is evident: “Focus on major protection, not major development,” and the picturesque beauty of “clear waters flowing eastward” is making a comeback.

Today, the Yangtze River pulses with new vitality. In Sichuan’s Dujiangyan, the illuminated Tianfu Source Bridge draws countless night-time photographers. In Chongqing’s Fengjie, the city embraces its poetic heritage, highlighting its millennia-long allure. Meanwhile, in Suzhou, Jiangsu, the preservation of cultural heritage flows seamlessly with tourism development, intertwining cultural richness with economic prosperity, while in Shanghai’s Chongming, a focus on sustainability is crafting a new narrative for this beautiful island.

As General Secretary Xi Jinping aptly puts it, “The Yangtze nurtures a millennium of cultural threads from the Bashan and Shu waters to the waterways of Jiangnan, representing a symbolic emblem of the Chinese nation and civilization, and serves as an important source of values for socialism.” The Yangtze embodies a spirit that evolves with the times, represented by groundbreaking infrastructure projects and emerging industries along its waterfront, signaling the dawn of a new developmental era.

Historically, the Yangtze River has been a vital channel for China’s ceramics, silk, and tea reaching global markets. Today, as land and maritime dynamics converge, it stands as a lifeline for both domestic and international trade, playing a crucial role in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

In this context, we are reminded that “Chinese-style modernization injects modern vigor into Chinese civilization, while Chinese civilization provides rich foundations for this modernization.”

As we embark on this new journey, it’s essential to protect, pass down, and promote the culture of the Yangtze River, exploring its contemporary significance. By doing so, we can ensure that the cultural legacy of the Yangtze River shines brightly in our modern era, enriching the spirit of Chinese-style modernization.

As the Lagos State Ministry of Health gears up to immunize 21 million residents against preventable diseases starting October 19, Dr. Akinpelu Adetola, the Immunization Program Coordinator for the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, provided crucial updates during a recent media dialogue in Lagos. This dialogue aims to enhance routine immunization efforts and reduce the number of zero-dose cases, with the theme, “Achieving the Health Sector SDGs for Over Two Million Children at Risk of Death in Nigeria.”

Dr. Adetola shared that discussions are well underway with nearly 64,000 personnel and over 14,000 healthcare workers to support this essential initiative. He expressed confidence in the board’s completion of the mapping process and assured that there will be enough healthcare professionals involved in this significant campaign, which also seeks to address the immunization gaps left by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our primary focus is to vaccinate residents against measles and yellow fever, and to provide girls who haven’t received the HPV vaccine with the opportunity to do so,” Dr. Adetola explained. He detailed that, “For measles, we’re targeting children aged 9 to 59 months. This is a critical opportunity for those who missed their first dose, as well as for those in need of their second or booster shots. Our ultimate goal is to achieve herd immunity.”

Dr. Adetola also noted that yellow fever vaccinations will be available for individuals aged 9 months to 44 years, reaching about 80% of the state’s population—laying the groundwork for the 21 million residents targeted by the immunization campaign.

He acknowledged UNICEF’s vital role in addressing gaps within the campaign, emphasizing the importance of their advocacy in generating robust political support for healthcare interventions in Lagos. “To achieve this goal, we need collective effort. It’s a monumental task, but with our partnerships, including collaboration with the media, we can ensure that accurate information is delivered to the public promptly, so they understand the significance of this vaccination campaign,” he stated.

Dr. Adetola accentuated the importance of closing the immunity gaps that have emerged from interruptions in routine vaccination schedules. “Vaccination not only alleviates the strain on our healthcare system but also reduces financial burdens on parents. Fewer sick children translate to less financial strain on families and more opportunities for parents to engage in economic activities. It’s a win-win for everyone. Vaccination is one of the most effective tools for governments to protect their citizens,” he emphasized.

During a visit to the Badore Primary Health Care Center in Eti-Osa, journalists sought to learn more about immunization coverage, particularly among mothers and their children. Chief Nursing Officer Mrs. Chinyere Osunlana reported that the facility is open daily for vaccinations, ensuring that an officer is always available to administer shots.

“We provide vitamin A to enhance children’s eyesight and boost their immunity,” Mrs. Osunlana explained. “We administer the hepatitis B vaccine, the oral polio vaccine, and a five-in-one vaccine known as Penta. We also provide IPV to further reduce polio risk, along with measles, yellow fever, and meningitis vaccines. We make sure that all these vaccines are consistently available from Monday through Sunday. Whenever you visit our facility, you’ll find vaccines ready and someone here to assist you.”

The logistics corridor plays a crucial role in promoting trade, which, in turn, drives industrial growth.

The Chongqing International Logistics Hub serves as the starting point for both the China-Europe Railway Express and the new western land-sea corridor. This hub connects over 100 cities across 40 countries in Asia and Europe with the China-Europe Railway Express. Meanwhile, the western land-sea corridor opens access to over 500 ports in more than 100 countries and regions, effectively creating a global network of trade pathways.

On April 22, 2024, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the Chongqing International Logistics Hub, where he explored the operation and scheduling center of the dry port associated with the western land-sea corridor. During his visit, he was briefed on the latest developments in this innovative route, emphasizing that logistics serves as the backbone of the real economy.

A month later, while visiting Shandong, Xi reiterated the significance of logistics, stressing the need for a proactive approach in building international logistics corridors.

The “Decisions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform and Advancing Modernization with Chinese Characteristics” highlights the necessity of improving the circulation system. It calls for accelerating the development of the Internet of Things, establishing cohesive circulation regulations and standards, and reducing logistical costs throughout society. Additionally, it encourages specific regions to develop international logistics hub centers and major commodity resource allocation hubs.

As the logistics network continues to evolve, the real economy is witnessing a vibrant resurgence.

In a recent interview with Huang Zheng, the Director of the Pelvic Floor and Urological Gynecology Department at the Women and Children’s Medical Center in Guangzhou, we explored the concerning prevalence of urinary incontinence among women and its potential health risks. Huang indicated that for some women, the expression “laughing so hard you pee” is not merely a humorous saying; it can signify a serious health condition known as stress urinary incontinence, which is a type of pelvic floor dysfunction. He emphasized that early intervention and treatment can greatly enhance a woman’s quality of life.

On the same day, the Guangdong Provincial Medical Association’s Committee on Electrophysiology for Obstetrics and Gynecology held a conference in Guangzhou, addressing issues such as postpartum pelvic fascia pain syndrome and the role of electrophysiological techniques in facilitating rapid recovery after gynecological surgery.

Huang described the female pelvic floor as a supportive structure comprised of muscles and fascia that holds the pelvic organs—such as the uterus, rectum, and bladder—much like a hammock. This structure is vital for maintaining urinary and bowel functions. However, as women age, these muscles and tissues can weaken, resembling a stretched network that has lost its tension. This weakening can result in involuntary urine leakage during increased abdominal pressure, such as when coughing, sneezing, laughing, or exercising.

He noted that “laughing and leaking” is especially common among women during and after pregnancy, as well as post-menopause. In more severe instances, this leakage might occur even while rolling over or lying flat. The condition is often due to insufficient strength in the pelvic floor and urethral muscles, and in some cases, may arise from congenital defects in the external urethral sphincter.

Shikeun, the Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the Women and Children’s Medical Center and a recognized expert in gynecological clinical specialties, stressed the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. He suggested that strategies such as manual therapy, electrophysiological treatment, and Kegel exercises can significantly reduce the risk of pelvic organ prolapse. He further pointed out that particular attention should be given to post-surgical patients, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions to improve their quality of life.

“Preventive measures should begin early, encompassing postpartum care, surgical options, and screening for older women,” Shikeun commented. With increasing life expectancy, more women are confronting pelvic floor issues. He identified the three to six months postpartum as a “golden window” for pelvic muscle recovery, although he noted that starting treatment at any age can still be effective.

For individuals experiencing mild leakage, Huang recommends pelvic floor exercises such as Kegel and bladder training, suggesting at least 60 repetitions daily for four to six months. He also advised that activities like planks and Pilates can help strengthen the pelvic muscles. For those who do not see improvement through exercise, he encourages seeking treatment at a pelvic rehabilitation center to enhance pelvic function and restore nerve capabilities. Huang motivates patients to start with self-exercises and to seek medical advice if they do not achieve satisfactory progress, ensuring that any underlying conditions causing incontinence are identified and properly addressed based on the severity of their situation.

Walmart has recently unveiled plans to open five new pet services centers in Arizona and Georgia, set to launch in October and early November. These centers aim to provide veterinary care and grooming services, building on the success of Walmart’s inaugural pet services center, which debuted last year in the Atlanta area.

In an interview, Kaitlyn Shadiow, Vice President of Pet Sales at Walmart U.S., emphasized the pet industry as a significant growth opportunity. She noted that pet-related purchases encourage frequent shopping, appeal to a diverse customer base, and tend to remain steady even when consumers face budget constraints.

The new pet services centers will have dedicated entrances adjacent to Walmart stores. While these locations will carry the Walmart name, they will be staffed by employees from PetIQ, a company that specializes in veterinary care and pet products. Customers can look forward to routine veterinary services including health checks, vaccinations, and minor medical treatments, as well as grooming services for both cats and dogs.

Shadiow shared that the first pet services store has experienced substantial foot traffic and repeat visits. Interestingly, around 25% of customers had never purchased pet supplies at Walmart prior to visiting the center. This trend creates a “halo effect,” as shoppers seeking veterinary or grooming services often increase their purchases of pet food and related products.

Walmart’s expansion into pet services is also driven by competitive pressures in the market. Companies like Chewy and Petco are similarly expanding their offerings, with Petco positioning its stores as primary veterinary service locations. Shadiow pointed out that profit margins for these services are higher than those for pet food, fueled by the ongoing demand for related items like leashes, pet beds, and crates.

**Morningside Lights Lantern Festival**

Every fall, the Morningside Lights event brings exquisite handmade lanterns to life, creating a luminous procession that brightens the night sky. This year, the theme is “Reflections: 100 Years of New York Art,” celebrating the reciprocal influence between art and the city itself. On Saturday, September 21, as dusk falls, residents will be treated to over 50 community-crafted lanterns in Morningside Heights, each representing different generations of artists and their work. The lantern procession will kick off at 8 PM from the intersection of 116th Street and Morningside Avenue, making its way to the Columbia University campus by around 8:45 PM.

**Tibetan Buddhist Art Exhibition at The Met**

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has recently launched a special exhibition focusing on Tibetan Buddhist art. Central to the exhibit is the mandala, a symbol representing the universe and reality, also used in Tibetan culture to illustrate the path to quick enlightenment. The exhibition opened on September 19 and explores sacred art and Buddhist imagery from the Himalayas through over 100 paintings, sculptures, textiles, instruments, and a range of ritual items, primarily dated from the 12th to the 15th centuries. Additionally, it includes a contemporary installation by Tibetan artist Tenzing Rigdol, offering viewers a roadmap to understanding Tibetan Buddhist worship.

**Annual Dog Parade Event**

The AKC Museum of the Dog is gearing up for its annual dog parade and social gathering on September 21, inviting dogs and dog lovers of all ages to gather in Bryant Park, located in Midtown Manhattan. The festivities kick off at 11 AM, where dogs and their owners can enjoy the park’s lawns, complete with live music, art activities, dog skill demonstrations, and photo ops. Food and beverage vendors will also be on-site, ensuring a perfect picnic experience for all canine companions. Registration for this free event is available online at https://shorturl.at/l2H8d.

**Film Screenings by Johnnie To**

Johnnie To, the renowned Hong Kong filmmaker, is one of the last masters of genre cinema, skillfully weaving intricate plots and tension-filled narratives that immerse audiences in the story. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York is currently hosting a retrospective of To’s films, running from now until October 12, featuring over 20 of his works. This weekend, attendees can catch screenings of “The Heroic Trio,” “The Mission,” “Election,” and “My Left Eye Sees Ghosts.” For those interested, tickets can be purchased on the official website at https://shorturl.at/ASLAr.

**Interview with Caleb Williams: A Rising Star in the NFL**

**Interviewer:** Caleb, congratulations on your outstanding performance against the Carolina Panthers! Can you walk us through what made that game particularly special for you?

**Caleb Williams:** Thanks! It was definitely a day to remember. I threw for 304 yards and two touchdowns, which felt amazing. What really stood out was connecting with DJ Moore, especially since he had a fantastic game against his former team. We needed this win as a team, and I’m proud of how we all came together.

**Interviewer:** The Chicago Bears are really gaining momentum this season. How does it feel to have won two games in a row?

**Caleb Williams:** Winning always lifts the team’s spirits. After some tough outings, it was crucial for us to bounce back. We’ve got a solid group, and D’Andre Swift’s performance was a huge boost as well, racking up 120 yards from scrimmage. We just need to keep this momentum rolling.

**Interviewer:** You faced some challenges, particularly going against a Panthers defense that was a bit battered. How did you adapt your play during the game?

**Caleb Williams:** Honestly, I focused on staying composed and making smart choices. I completed 20 of 29 passes without any interceptions, and I can’t say enough about how well the offensive line protected me. With their support, I was able to find openings and execute our game plan effectively.

**Interviewer:** It seems like you’re really settling into your role as the No. 1 pick this year. What are your thoughts on your development as a player so far?

**Caleb Williams:** It’s definitely been a valuable learning experience. Each game teaches me something new, whether it’s about reading defenses or improving my timing with the receivers. I’m taking it one week at a time and focusing on continuous improvement.

**Interviewer:** As you look ahead to the rest of the season, what do you think is crucial for the team to focus on as you push toward the playoffs?

**Caleb Williams:** We need to keep our focus sharp and maintain strong chemistry. It’s all about executing our plays and minimizing mistakes. If we can do that and stay healthy, we can build on what we’ve started.

**Interviewer:** Thanks for your time, Caleb. Wishing you the best of luck for the rest of the season!

At various venues across Wales, the biennial photography festival is showcasing the exceptional contributions of women who are reshaping the art form. This year, the festival features an eclectic array of themes, from x-rayed paintings to familial horror.

I had the opportunity to chat with Marian Delyth, an acclaimed photographer whose work is prominently displayed at this year’s festival. She fondly remembers a moment captured in one of her photographs, depicting seven spirited children laughing joyfully against a backdrop of weathered buildings. I was intrigued to know how she managed to evoke such genuine smiles from them. “I just wanted them to have fun,” Delyth shared, “and somehow one of them ended up striking a Superman pose!”

While her work touches on the familiar theme of “poor children in a derelict urban context,” Delyth’s approach transcends the cliché. Her lens captures the intricate layers of humor and hardship in urban life. Her retrospective, titled “Fragments,” showcases 50 years of her work at Ffotogallery in Cardiff, making it a highlight of Ffoto Cymru, Wales’ international photography festival.

Interestingly, this exhibition pays tribute to Mary Dillwyn, a trailblazer in Welsh photography and recognized as the first to capture a genuine smile in 1853—an act that challenged the strict Victorian norms of photography.

I inquired about Delyth’s earlier work, specifically her black-and-white images of Welsh life in the 1960s and 70s. She remarked, “These photographs are not just images; they’re pieces of history. I printed them myself at home, and each one tells a story.” Her portrait of an elderly gentleman with a weathered face is a testament to resilience, while another of an elderly woman caught in a moment of labor and rest speaks volumes about the spirit of that generation.

Transitioning into the political realm, Delyth expressed her deep-rooted passion for activism. “In the 1980s, I was profoundly affected by political graffiti and participated in demonstrations advocating for Welsh rights, peace, and civil rights,” she explained. Her clean, graphic photography vividly illustrates the ethos of grassroots movements, featuring signs such as “I want to grow up, not blow up.” Viewed through today’s lens, there’s a bittersweet undertone to that optimism.

As we explored her evolution as an artist, it became evident that Delyth embraced color and digital techniques in the 2000s, while maintaining her focus on marginalized communities. She emphasized her role as a catalyst within the photography community, noting her co-founding of Ffotogallery in 1978. “Photography can do so much more than hang on walls; it can foster connections and ignite conversations,” she said, highlighting how little recognition she receives beyond Welsh-speaking circles.

The festival itself spans multiple locations, including Cardiff, Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, and others, all under the unifying theme “What You See is What You Get?” This title captures the experiences of many women and non-binary photographers, who make up the majority of exhibitors this year.

I was particularly moved by Jessie Edwards-Thomas’s new commission, “Out of Sight and Out of Mind,” displayed in a deconsecrated chapel surrounded by a tranquil cemetery in Penarth. This work delves into the fragility of parenting within a capitalist framework, blending archival photographs, anatomical illustrations, and haunting self-portraits to create an immersive experience.

In a back bar in Swansea, I encountered the works of three South American artists from the Foto Féminas network, each presenting a distinct perspective on motherhood. Julieta Anaut’s vibrant photomontages combine Patagonia’s landscapes with familial heirlooms, narrating complex matrilineal stories. Lorena Marchetti captures the essence of Latin American megacities through panoramic photography that encourages reflection.

Luiza Kons’s staged depictions of her family life in rural Brazil offered a darker portrayal of motherhood, intertwining past traumas with her current experiences. She describes her work as “a mix of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” leaving me enchanted by the authenticity and depth of her storytelling.

Back in Cardiff at the National Museum, Holly Davey’s installation “In Plain Sight (Miss Jenkins? After Richard Wilson)” cleverly engages viewers by revealing hidden layers of an 18th-century painting. Through X-rays, she uncovered a previously obscured portrait of a woman, skillfully juxtaposing it with Wilson’s landscape. Davey’s work poignantly highlights the historical erasure of certain bodies and voices.

Organizing a photography festival is no small task, especially with limited budgets and small teams. Yet, Ffoto Cymru 24 has successfully gathered diverse voices and perspectives, shining a light on the brilliance of artists who might otherwise be overlooked. The festival runs until October 31, and it’s clear that it’s hitting all the right notes.

Alameda County’s 14 police unions united on October 5th in a public statement supporting the movement to recall District Attorney Pamela Price. This comes three months after the Alameda County Prosecutors Association overwhelmingly voted in favor of her removal. As calls for Price’s resignation grow louder, law enforcement representatives from cities including Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, San Leandro, and Emeryville, as well as the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of Alameda County, held a press conference to voice their concerns.

Brenda Grisham, one of the initiators of the recall movement, along with Oakland Chinatown leader Carl Chan and crime victims, also attended the event, highlighting the increasing urgency of their message.

The joint statement from all the police unions expressed firsthand observations of Price’s policies, stating they “fail to ensure the safety of residents and hold offenders accountable.”

The statement emphasized, “Unfortunately, as law enforcement officials of Alameda County, we witness a judicial system under the guise of reform that repeatedly cycles through the same perpetrators committing the same offenses, getting repeatedly arrested and released, leaving more citizens as victims. We cannot use ‘reform’ as an excuse to allow criminals to continue harming our community without consequences.”

Iain Fry, president of the San Leandro Police Union, remarked, “As the chief law enforcement officer of Alameda County, District Attorney Price has an obligation to defend the rights of crime victims, seek justice for them, and make it clear to those who continue to harm citizens that they must be held accountable for their actions.”

Pamela Price was elected as Alameda County’s District Attorney in 2022 with 53% of the vote, promising to reform the criminal justice system and implementing several policies, including banning special circumstance charges and enhancing penalties. Critics argue that she has failed to hold offenders accountable and that her policies are overly lenient, whereas supporters contend that her approach is essential for reforming a broken system.

Federal Congressman Eric Swalwell, representing the East Bay’s 15th district, also expressed his support for the recall last week, criticizing Price for being “soft on crime.”

During a recent press conference on October 8, the Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, Zheng Zhanjie, addressed the comprehensive rollout of a suite of incremental policies designed to stabilize and enhance the economy.

When reporters inquired about the specific measures for implementing these policies, particularly regarding coordination among finance, fiscal issues, consumption, and investment, Zheng outlined five primary focus areas:

1. **Enhancing Macro Policy Efficiency**
Zheng highlighted the necessity of a more robust counter-cyclical approach to macro policies. This includes harmonizing fiscal, monetary, investment, consumption, and income distribution strategies to strengthen their unified impact. He underscored the importance of ensuring adequate fiscal spending and expediting fund disbursement to drive economic growth. The policy also aims to assist local governments through debt swaps, reduce reserve requirements, and lower interest rates to foster a more supportive financial climate for business financing.

2. **Expanding Domestic Demand**
Regarding consumer spending, Zheng proposed linking consumption initiatives with social welfare, especially targeting middle and low-income groups. He mentioned several strategies, such as boosting support for vulnerable communities and improving financial assistance for students. Additionally, he discussed broadening consumer markets through policies that stimulate the upgrade of major appliances and vehicles, as well as enhancing services in elder and child care sectors.

3. **Increasing Support for Enterprises**
Zheng stressed the critical need for more favorable regulatory practices concerning businesses. He noted the importance of proactively establishing follow-up measures for expiring policies to maintain ongoing support for companies. A key focus will be increasing financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, along with promoting access to renewable energy resources.

4. **Stabilizing the Real Estate Market**
To tackle the volatility in the real estate sector, Zheng outlined a systematic approach that prioritizes quality over quantity in new construction projects, optimizes the existing housing inventory, and revises purchasing restrictions to stimulate demand. Certain cities have already started to ease purchasing limits, and efforts are underway to develop a new model for real estate growth.

5. **Boosting Capital Markets**
Zheng pointed out that relevant authorities are collaborating to enact strong measures aimed at directing long-term capital into the market, facilitating the restructuring of listed companies, and establishing protective policies for small investors.

Looking forward, the National Development and Reform Commission is committed to closely monitoring economic trends, assessing the efficacy of these policies, and preparing additional incremental measures to ensure sustained economic stability and improvement in quality.