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Kimberly Yang, a former psychiatrist turned chocolatier, finds immense joy in her participation at local markets where she showcases her exquisite chocolate creations. She describes the experience of watching people savor her chocolate samples as profoundly fulfilling. As a second-generation Taiwanese American, Kimberly beautifully melds the rich flavors and traditions of her Taiwanese heritage with Western-style chocolates. Her remarkable confections recently caught the attention of the U.S. State Department, leading her to provide gift boxes for diplomats at the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in San Francisco. Transitioning from the white coat of a doctor to the white hat of a chocolatier, Kimberly spreads happiness through her chocolates while introducing the essence of Taiwan into mainstream American culture.

Originally from a small town in Oklahoma, Kimberly grew up in a predominantly white community, where it was challenging to find peers who shared her Taiwanese identity. It wasn’t until she participated in a program run by the Taiwan Overseas Community Affairs Council at the age of 16, often referred to as “Love Boat,” that she first visited Taiwan. This trip allowed her to connect with others who had similar backgrounds, giving her a profound sense of belonging.

Once back in the U.S., Kimberly set her sights on becoming a psychiatrist, immersing herself in her studies and unable to visit Taiwan during her intense training. She diligently completed her medical education and began her career at the University of Michigan, where she supported Asian American students.

In 2014, she relocated to Oakland, California, to work with Kaiser Permanente. The diverse Asian community there offered her a sense of familiarity and connection. However, she soon noticed that many in the Asian community struggled to express their emotions openly, often prioritizing endurance over vulnerability—a sentiment echoed by her mother’s advice to “be patient.”

After a decade in psychiatry, Kimberly began to feel burnt out and found it challenging to connect with her patients. To counter this, she turned to her passion for baking and sought training in chocolate-making in New York and Las Vegas, eventually going to Belgium to refine her skills. Listening to her patients often express regret over unfulfilled dreams in their later years, Kimberly realized that if she continued in medicine, she might always regret not pursuing her chocolate ambitions. So she took a year to explore how to turn her love for chocolate into a business.

In 2019, Kimberly made the bold decision to leave her medical career behind and embarked on her journey as a chocolatier, establishing “Formosa Chocolates,” a studio that celebrates Taiwanese culture in San Rafael, Northern California. Through her creations, she creatively incorporates chocolate with local Taiwanese flavors, crafting unique delights like Kavalan whiskey ganache chocolates and citrus cheesecake bars, along with using Taiwanese coffee and high mountain tea. Her visually stunning chocolates also feature elements of Taiwanese culture, such as pieces stamped with phonetic symbols and mooncake-inspired designs.

As her small studio gained traction, “Formosa Chocolates” received accolades from major media outlets. In 2022, it was named the “Most Beautifully Boxed Chocolate” by Consumer Reports. That same year, Kimberly was featured in an interview with KTVU FOX 2 and made it onto Bon Appetit’s list of “Best Chocolates to Buy Online” for 2023. Her work was also highlighted by Food Network magazine in its 2024 list of “Chinese New Year Gifts,” and local radio station QKED referred to her as part of the “new wave of Asian American chocolatiers.”

Kimberly’s innovative chocolate designs even caught the attention of the U.S. State Department, which ordered 3,300 special APEC chocolate gift boxes. Each box contained chocolates made with hojicha, dark chocolate, and hazelnuts, proudly displaying the “Formosa Chocolates” logo. Three hundred larger boxes were specially gifted to dignitaries attending the APEC conference, with the remaining 3,000 going to distinguished guests.

Reflecting on her upbringing, Kimberly noted that, like many Asian families, hers didn’t often verbalize affection but expressed it through a plentiful supply of food. This shaped her belief that sharing food, especially chocolate, could bring joy to others.

Her parents initially struggled to understand her career change, viewing chocolate as simply unhealthy. However, Kimberly gradually proved that she could sustain herself through her chocolate business. She also crafted low-sugar options that appealed to her family’s tastes, helping them embrace her new path.

In 2023, Kimberly returned to Taiwan to source local chocolate-making ingredients, exploring regional specialties such as Alishan oolong tea and Sun Moon Lake black tea. She also discovered high-quality Taiwanese cocoa beans from a local company and plans to develop a series of products featuring these ingredients.

This trip to Taiwan was incredibly moving for her. Kimberly highlighted the beauty and charm of Taiwan, feeling a deep sense of community during her visit. When she accidentally dropped her phone in a taxi, she felt an immense sense of relief when a friend assured her, “This is Taiwan; no one will steal your phone.” True to that spirit, the kind taxi driver returned her phone shortly after.

While in Taichung, Kimberly witnessed a woman being struck by a car. Drawing on her medical training, she rushed to help and was pleasantly surprised to see many bystanders step in as well, organizing traffic and offering clothing—all without a word spoken. This experience left her deeply inspired.

Growing up in a small Midwestern town, Kimberly often faced misunderstandings about her heritage, with many confusing “Taiwan” with “Thailand.” This experience motivated her to raise awareness about Taiwan and to promote its beauty and culture through her chocolates in American society.

Kimberly passionately believes that we only live once, and we must follow our passions and take risks when needed. Despite never having taken a business course, she bravely stepped away from her medical career to establish her chocolate studio. While her friends commend her courage, Kimberly finds true joy and fulfillment in chocolate-making, stating that the most rewarding aspect of her work is “seeing people eat my chocolate.” For her, the shift from medicine to chocolate-making isn’t daunting; it’s filled with happiness and excitement.

On October 9, a significant development emerged concerning the social media platform X, owned by renowned American entrepreneur Elon Musk. The Brazilian Supreme Court announced on the 8th that X has fulfilled all requirements, thereby allowing the platform to resume its operations in Brazil.

In a report from Reuters, Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who has had a lengthy conflict with Musk, granted X the immediate authorization to operate in the country again. Judge de Moraes confirmed that X has met all the necessary conditions for reinstatement.

Previously, the Brazilian court had directed X to block certain accounts that were spreading misinformation. Musk initially pushed back against these court orders, labeling them as “censorship.” This led to X’s services being suspended in Brazil at the end of August.

However, it seems that Musk’s approach has changed in recent weeks. X has taken measures to block accounts spreading false information, appointed a local representative, and settled the required fines.

On the 8th, a representative from X stated, “We are honored to be back in Brazil.”

The economic impact of Japanese baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani on Japan’s corporate landscape has become a hot topic, showcasing both opportunities and challenges for various businesses. Ohtani, who is not only energizing the economy in Los Angeles but also generating buzz back home, is estimated to have an economic effect of around ¥87 billion (approximately $594 million) this year alone. This figure surpasses the economic benefit from Taylor Swift’s concert tour in Japan, which is projected to bring in around $230 million over just four days.

Many companies that are partnering with Ohtani are enjoying the fruits of his immense popularity. However, some businesses have felt the pinch of rising advertising costs, which have negatively impacted their stock prices.

Among the notable success stories is the job search website Dip, which has seen its stock price jump by 8.7% since the MLB season kicked off on March 20, outperforming the Topix index, which has declined by 2.4%. Dip’s CEO, Hidetaka Tomita, stated in July that the advertising returns from Ohtani’s endorsement have already surpassed the fees paid to him.

Another beneficiary is Hotland, the parent company of the Takoyaki chain Gindaco. In May, Hotland announced it had become a sponsor of Ohtani’s team, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and subsequently opened a store at the Dodgers’ home stadium. This move has resulted in a stunning 22% increase in stock price since the season began. Masakazu Iwai, an analyst at Iwai Cosmo Securities, noted that establishing a presence at a sports venue is a smart strategy for boosting brand recognition, and he anticipates positive outcomes as Hotland aims to expand in the U.S. Additionally, cosmetics giant Kose secured a global partnership with Ohtani in 2022, hoping to broaden its customer base amidst declines brought on by a slowdown in the Chinese market.

Conversely, not all companies have fared well. Bottled beverage producer Ito En appointed Ohtani as the global ambassador for its flagship green tea, Oi Ocha, in April. However, this decision led to a 20% rise in advertising costs between May and July, resulting in a 29% dip in operating profits. Since the season began, Ito En’s stock has dropped by 8.6%, far exceeding the declines seen in the Topix index. Iwai pointed out that consumers are unlikely to choose Ito En’s tea solely based on Ohtani’s endorsement, implying limited influence on the company’s overall performance. Nonetheless, Ito En is optimistic about potential sales boosts in the U.S. in the upcoming quarters due to this partnership.

Japan Airlines (JAL) has also tapped Ohtani as a spokesperson, even launching a plane adorned with his image, yet this has not translated into stock price gains. The depreciation of the yen has increased costs when converted to dollars, resulting in a 14% decline in JAL’s stock since March 20.

The Libyan national team is encountering serious challenges as they gear up for their double-header against the Super Eagles. Notably, key players Wilfred Ndidi and Benjamin Tanimu were unable to attend the training camp in Uyo due to a last-minute cancellation of their domestic flight from Lagos. Reports indicate that Super Eagles Assistant Coach Daniel Ogunmodede faced the same flight disruption.

According to Scorenigeria.com.ng, the Ibom Air flight, which was supposed to leave at 3 PM, experienced multiple delays before being ultimately canceled. The airline has since announced a new departure time of 6:30 AM on Tuesday.

As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya’s Mediterranean Knights, which kick off this Friday in Akwa Ibom followed by a return match on October 15 in Libya, they opened their training camp yesterday in Uyo.

On the other hand, time is not on Libya’s side as newly appointed coach Nasser Al-Hadhiri struggles to assemble a competitive squad with just days left before these vital matches. According to Libya News 24, several players invited to join the national team have declined, adding to the coach’s difficulties and complicating their preparations for the games against Nigeria.

This predicament has increased scrutiny from fans, especially since Libya finds itself at the bottom of the standings after losing their first two matches. Coach Al-Hadhiri confirmed that three players from Al-Ahly Tripoli—Hamdou El-Houni, Sand Al-Warfali, and Mohamed Al-Munir—have not responded to the call-up.

The absence of these players, coupled with injuries and growing public criticism, has intensified the pressure on the coach. He also pointed out the team’s inadequate physical preparation, acknowledging, “We have not yet reached the required readiness to face a strong opponent like Nigeria.” The team has faced challenges in their initial training sessions, making it difficult to implement a cohesive tactical plan for the upcoming matches.

At the recent Xbox Games Showcase in June, Microsoft unveiled a trailer for the highly anticipated eighth installment in the Gears of War series—a prequel that aims to blend its trademark violence with unexpected emotional depth. The trailer opens with younger versions of familiar characters Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago, capturing what Microsoft describes as “an emotional homecoming like no other.” Yet it’s the haunting melody of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World,” played softly in the background, that truly resonates with viewers. One YouTube user poignantly remarked, “As a 41-year-old man, that piano got me tearing up.”

This moment harks back to the iconic 2006 Gears of War trailer, where a solitary Fenix traverses a devastated landscape to a cover of the same song by Gary Jules. Microsoft is clearly leaning into nostalgia; as Don Draper from Mad Men once said, nostalgia is both delicate and powerful. Eighteen years later, that original trailer remains one of gaming history’s most effective marketing pieces, tapping into the underlying melancholy of what appears to be a hyper-masculine shooter.

Back in 2006, Cliff Bleszinski was just 31 and working as a game designer at Epic Games. He was crafting a shooter that revolved around the bond between rugged soldiers and their chainsaw-wielding weapons—a concept he described as a “chocolate-and-peanut-butter situation” in an MTV promotional film. However, initial playtesters expressed concern that the graphic violence might be too extreme. With the Xbox 360 just launched and no new Halo title on the horizon, Gears needed to take the spotlight as a system-seller for Microsoft.

Reflecting on that time, Bleszinski said, “You need a game that someone can show off to their partner and say, ‘Look how cool this is!’” There were legitimate worries at Microsoft about whether players would appreciate the high level of gore. One executive mentioned in the MTV film that the chainsaw’s notorious reputation was a controversial subject. In response, Bleszinski firmly believed that the over-the-top violence was exactly the branding they were targeting.

In the end, they got their way: Bleszinski unveiled the iconic chainsaw rifle at E3, earning tremendous applause. However, while this weapon became emblematic of the game, it was not the sole driving force behind Gears. During its development, Bleszinski was grappling with personal challenges, including a troubled marriage, which inadvertently connected him to the game’s narrative.

In his 2022 memoir, Bleszinski recalls a friend named Tom D’Arcy pointing out how sad the music blaring from his Dodge Viper was. With “Mad World” and “My Immortal” on heavy rotation, he found comfort in the work that evolved into Gears of War. “I believe sometimes the best work comes out of tortured artists and sadness,” he shares, recognizing how the game’s blending of brutal masculinity and emotional depth has become his legacy.

Microsoft’s support played a key role in this journey. They understood that for Gears to truly thrive, it needed a compelling narrative alongside its famed combat. As Peter Kingsley from Xbox marketing recalls, “We knew that to become a true system seller…we needed to showcase the beauty and richness of the story universe.” The result was a trailer that beautifully captured the game’s emotional undertones without relying on dialogue or gunfire.

It’s a fortunate coincidence that the trailer featured Gary Jules’ rendition of “Mad World”—a song that deeply resonates with Bleszinski. “I never asked them to use it,” he remembers. This pairing transformed public perception, elevating Gears from a simple display of violence to a poignant exploration of loss and struggle.

Brett Hocker, a creative director at Hammer Creative, emphasizes the significance of this moment: “Gears was doing some real world-building and storytelling. It really started making games feel like an event.” The serious tone of the trailer stands in stark contrast to the more light-hearted MTV promotions of that era, illustrating the evolution of video game marketing.

As Bleszinski reflects on the themes of “Mad World,” he acknowledges the distance he has traveled since then. “I just think warmly and fondly over the fact that I was a phoenix who rose from the ashes of a crappy marriage.” Ultimately, the true essence of Gears of War lies not only in the mix of chainsaws and guns but in the emotional depth surrounding them. With the inclusion of “Mad World,” Microsoft’s intention is for audiences to embark on a nostalgic journey back to a time when Gears achieved that perfect balance.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the country found itself facing significant sanctions from the West. Despite efforts to transition towards a wartime economy, Russia is struggling with the ramifications of frozen foreign reserves and limited access to technology. Economists argue that irrespective of the war’s outcome, Russia is poised to be the biggest loser.

Anders Aslund, a Swedish economist and former advisor to Russia, recently penned an article for Project Syndicate, where he noted the contradictory stance of President Vladimir Putin and his allies. While they claim that sanctions have fortified Russia, they simultaneously advocate for their removal.

The effectiveness of Western sanctions against Russia has been a topic of debate. Some observers assert that the sanctions have had little effect, while others argue they fall short of what is needed.

Aslund posits that the current sanctions may cut Russia’s GDP by 2% to 3% annually, pushing the economy toward stagnation, which could ultimately complicate Putin’s military ambitions in Ukraine.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence, revealed on September 14 during the Yalta European Strategy summit in Kyiv that intercepted documents suggest the Kremlin might aim for peace by the end of 2025 for economic reasons.

Regardless of the veracity of this claim, it’s plausible. Russia’s economy is battling deeper financial, technological, and demographic issues than many are aware of. The war initiated by Putin is likely to be remembered not only for its brutality but also for its strategic errors.

Aslund highlights that, no matter the war’s outcome, Russia will emerge as the largest victim. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia’s economy has expanded at a meager average of 1% per year, with its GDP declining from $2.3 trillion in 2013 to approximately $1.9 trillion today.

Additionally, Russia’s reputation as a reliable energy supplier has suffered, and the only industry showing growth is the military sector. Here, state-owned companies sell products to the government, often at inflated prices, while other sectors stagnate.

Aslund draws parallels to conditions during the Soviet era, suggesting that this hidden inflation indicates that Western financial sanctions are proving to be more effective than many commentators have recognized.

Although Russia’s external debt has dropped significantly, from $729 billion at the end of 2013 to $303 billion by March of this year, with public debt comprising only 14% of GDP, this reduction holds little benefit as Moscow is unable to borrow internationally.

Currently, Russia depends on tax revenues and foreign reserves. However, after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western nations froze half of its foreign reserves.

As of March, the liquid reserves of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund had suffered a steep decline from a peak of $183 billion in 2021 to just $55 billion, which represents only 2.8% of GDP, with much of it locked in illiquid investments.

Due to these constraints, Russia has been compelled to keep its annual budget deficit within 2% of GDP post-invasion. Budanov noted that translates to an annual deficit of about $40 billion, suggesting Russia’s foreign reserves could be depleted by next year.

In response, Russia is raising personal and corporate taxes, yet with the economy stagnating, this action is unlikely to yield significant results. Furthermore, the government is unable to issue substantial domestic debt.

Western technology sanctions are also taking a toll. Russia is becoming increasingly isolated as educated young people leave the country. This, coupled with a mix of Soviet-style repression and corruption within Putin’s regime, is exacerbating its technological challenges.

Despite attempts by the Kremlin to procure sanctioned technology from countries like China, Turkey, and those in Central Asia, the West is progressively closing these avenues through secondary sanctions.

Compounding these issues, Russia’s arms exports have significantly dropped, as virtually all military supplies are needed for the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Russia has resorted to importing shells from North Korea, which has even less advanced weapon technology.

Furthermore, Russia’s manpower is dwindling. The U.S. estimates that 120,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, with another 180,000 wounded. Although Putin has recently ordered the recruitment of an additional 180,000 soldiers, the country currently has an unemployment rate of only 2.4%, indicating a tight labor market.

Considering all hidden costs, Russia’s military expenditures related to the war could rise as high as $190 billion this year, accounting for about 10% of GDP. Given Western financial sanctions, this figure likely represents the upper limit. If Russia cannot sustain its budget deficit, it will be forced to cut public spending further, which has already been minimized.

By comparison, Ukraine’s annual military expenditure in its war against Russia stands at around $100 billion, with half of that amount coming from its national budget and the other half from foreign military support.

Aslund concludes by emphasizing that Western nations have an opportunity to utilize the interest accrued from the $300 billion of frozen Russian sovereign assets to ensure ongoing military assistance for Ukraine, enabling the Ukrainian government to resist aggression and restore its territorial integrity.

As Florida continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, one of the most catastrophic storms in U.S. history, the threat of Hurricane Milton looms on the horizon. In light of this emergency, many experts are raising alarms about the implications of the controversial Project 2025 manifesto, particularly if Donald Trump were to win re-election.

What can you tell us about Project 2025 and its potential effects on disaster preparedness?

Project 2025 is a manifesto put together by several former officials from the Trump administration, although Trump himself has distanced from it. The document advocates for significant cuts to federal resources for severe storm forecasting and disaster relief in communities that are suffering from these events. Emergency management officials are concerned that these cuts could worsen the aftermath of storms like Helene.

Could you elaborate on the specific recommendations made about the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)?

The manifesto suggests a “breakup and downsizing” of NOAA, labeling it a key player in the so-called “climate change alarm industry.” Notably, NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) is critical for providing forecasts and analyses related to hurricanes and extreme weather. Project 2025 proposes that the NWS should “fully commercialize” its operations, a recommendation that’s faced heavy criticism from Andrew Rosenberg, a former NOAA official.

Rosenberg argues that introducing profit motives into weather forecasting could undermine public safety. He asks an important question: “Do you really want severe weather forecasts for massive storms driven by profit?”

How would these proposed changes impact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?

The manifesto calls for a comprehensive overhaul of FEMA, including the elimination of its federal flood insurance program, which is currently the primary provider of flood insurance in the U.S. Experts like Samantha Montano from Massachusetts Maritime Academy warn that such cuts would increase suffering, complicate disaster responses, and raise risks across the country.

What is the perspective of political representatives regarding these changes?

Florida Representative Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat and former emergency management director, emphasizes that Project 2025 could lead to more hurricane-related fatalities. He is particularly worried about the privatization of weather forecasts and the potential challenges emergency managers would face in obtaining timely and accurate information.

How reliable are the current forecasts, and what significance does historical data hold?

NOAA’s NWS predictions are heavily reliant on extensive climate data, which is vital for effective disaster readiness. Meteorologist Marjorie McGuirk noted that NOAA’s forecasts for Helene were impressively precise, stating that terms like “unprecedented” and “catastrophic” are firmly based in factual climatology.

What are the potential consequences for community recovery following disasters such as Helene and Milton?

If Project 2025 is implemented, FEMA’s influence would be significantly reduced, placing more responsibilities on state and local governments. This shift could severely limit federal support during disasters, especially considering that the administration currently covers at least 75% of disaster costs under the Stafford Act. Experts warn that decreased federal assistance could slow recovery efforts in already vulnerable communities.

Is there a general agreement about the need for reform within FEMA?

While some former FEMA officials recognize the need for reform, they argue that it is crucial to adapt the agency to address challenges posed by a changing climate. Anne Bink, who recently led FEMA’s response operations, asserts, “FEMA is needed more than ever… We can’t just rebuild as we did before; we must invest in resilience.”

As these discussions unfold, the future of disaster response and recovery remains uncertain, raising pressing questions about how prepared communities will be for increasingly frequent and intense storms. Neither the Heritage Foundation, which primarily authored Project 2025, nor Trump’s campaign has responded to inquiries on these critical matters.

During a press conference on October 9, Feng Kejin, the Director of the Anhui Province Department of Industry and Information Technology, provided an enlightening overview of the province’s strides in industrial reform and high-quality manufacturing development.

“Earlier this year, we saw 2,901 projects, each with over 100 million yuan in funding from investments in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, leading to an actual investment of 440.27 billion yuan—a substantial increase of 20.6%. This represents 64.8% of all external investment projects in the province,” Feng reported. He stressed that Anhui is taking advantage of significant strategic opportunities, particularly through its integration into the Yangtze River Delta, to foster a market-driven, law-compliant, and top-notch business environment.

Feng indicated that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and more so after the 20th Congress, Anhui’s industrial system has implemented a range of reforms designed to nurture specialized and innovative enterprises, enhance the digital transformation of manufacturing, and improve land efficiency. These initiatives have significantly propelled the province’s industrial growth and transformed four key areas of manufacturing.

One noteworthy shift, according to Feng, is the transition from being a landlocked region to embracing an open economy. “Anhui is actively engaging in the dual process of opening up its manufacturing sector and reforming to simplify administration while enhancing services. We’ve completely removed all foreign investment restrictions in manufacturing, and we’re implementing policies aimed specifically at optimizing the business environment for high-quality growth in the private sector,” he explained. He highlighted the establishment of mechanisms that ensure immediate benefits from policy incentives, the launch of ten initiatives under the “Empowering Enterprises” program, and the development of a comprehensive online and offline service network for businesses.

“Supportive policies, efficient services, and a conducive environment are creating an exciting landscape for both local and foreign investors to connect with us,” Feng noted. For example, over the past seven years, the World Manufacturing Conference has been conducted at a high level, resulting in 4,326 projects signed and over 1.5 trillion yuan in actual investments. In just the first half of this year, the investments from Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang have fueled 2,901 ongoing projects in Anhui, culminating in a total investment of 440.27 billion yuan.

Additionally, the province has shifted significantly from an agriculture-centric economy to an industrial powerhouse. From January to August of this year, Anhui’s industrial output value increased by 8.4%, outpacing the national average by 2.6 percentage points, positioning the province fifth nationally in this category.

Max Verstappen Stays Firm in Press Conference After Swearing Controversy

Lando Norris topped the charts in qualifying, with Max Verstappen securing a close second place.

During a recent press conference following the qualifying session for the Singapore Grand Prix, Max Verstappen, known for his fierce competitive nature, took a strong stance against the FIA. His limited responses to the media hinted at his discontent with the governing body and its president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, particularly after receiving a penalty for using profanity.

Prior to the race weekend, Ben Sulayem had encouraged drivers to curb their use of offensive language, a request that backfired after Verstappen referred to his car as “f***ed.” In response, the FIA imposed a penalty on Verstappen, equivalent to a day of community service in Formula 1 terms.

At the obligatory FIA press conference for the top three drivers, Verstappen addressed the first question briefly, expressing satisfaction with his qualifying run and acknowledging his Red Bull team. However, he switched to terse replies for the following inquiries.

When pushed for further details, he made his stance unmistakable: “No,” he stated when asked to elaborate. “I might get fined, get an extra day.” His remarks were clearly directed at the FIA, as he clarified to moderator Tom Clarkson, “This is not towards you.”

Verstappen showed a willingness to answer questions outside the FIA’s jurisdiction, saying, “I would prefer if you ask these questions outside of the room,” reinforcing his position.

Both Norris and Hamilton expressed support for Verstappen, with Hamilton openly criticizing Ben Sulayem’s approach. “It’s a bit of a joke,” Hamilton commented. “This is the pinnacle of the sport; mistakes are made. I certainly wouldn’t be doing it, and I hope Max doesn’t either.”

Initially, Norris coaxed some laughter, suggesting Verstappen deserved the penalty, but quickly shifted gears, commenting, “It’s pretty unfair. I don’t agree with any of it.”

The tension in the press conference likely unsettled the FIA, but Verstappen seemed to enjoy the moment. He added a bit of humor, remarking, “I am answering, just not a lot—problem with my voice.”

When the discussion turned to whether he felt the FIA leadership was lacking, Verstappen was straightforward. “It’s just ridiculous to get a penalty for that,” he emphasized. “When you insult someone, that’s pretty clear. I didn’t aim it at a person; it was a bit of a slip of the tongue. It’s not the right way to go forward in our sport.”

As of now, the FIA has not responded to Verstappen’s comments or behavior. It was clear that he aimed to make a statement, especially after achieving a strong qualifying result. Norris clinched pole position with an impressive lap, two-tenths ahead of Verstappen, who nonetheless delivered a significant performance, especially given the challenging conditions at the Marina Bay circuit.

Verstappen not only maximized his efforts but also strengthened his position in the championship, looking to preserve his 59-point lead over Norris. The two drivers will be side by side on the grid for what promises to be a thrilling race under the lights of Singapore, setting the stage for potentially more heated exchanges. Rounding out the top five were George Russell in fourth and Oscar Piastri in fifth.

**Health Insights: Preparing for Flu Season**

As we move into autumn and winter, the risk of respiratory infections, particularly the flu, rises significantly. The flu is highly contagious and can spread quickly throughout communities, affecting daily activities, work, and education. Vaccination against the flu virus remains the most cost-effective and efficient method for preventing infection.

But what makes it essential to get the flu vaccine every year? What key points should individuals keep in mind when considering a flu shot? To gain some clarity on these important questions, we sat down with Dr. Yu Gang, an associate chief physician at the Children’s Vaccine Consultation Clinic at Wenzhou Medical University’s Second Affiliated Hospital.

Stay informed and prepared this flu season!