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Three Chinese men from New York recently appeared in a Rhode Island court in South Kingstown, facing allegations of altering and forging gift cards for fraudulent activities across various stores in the state. Two of the men were arrested in February of this year, while the third was apprehended in March. Law enforcement recovered over 6,000 tampered gift cards from their possession.

According to local police, 45-year-old Quanbin Huang and 46-year-old Zhixiong Lu, both citizens of China residing in Middletown, New York, are also facing immigration charges for illegally entering the U.S. from the southern border in 2023. The third suspect was arrested in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

The unraveling of this case began in February when a CVS employee in South Kingstown noticed a suspicious individual attempting to return a gift card to the store’s shelf. The employee questioned the man, took note of his license plate, and reported the incident to the police. Officers soon intercepted and detained two of the suspects, discovering three boxes containing 1,848 altered gift cards in their vehicle, along with an additional 935 tampered gift cards obtained from CVS.

In March, 36-year-old Zhongzhen Lin was arrested under similar circumstances at a Walgreens in Narragansett, with police seizing 4,387 altered gift cards from his vehicle.

All three men have been charged with forgery, counterfeiting, and conspiracy. Huang was released on a $1,000 bond, while Lu and Lin were released on $5,000 bonds each. The suspects have agreed to be extradited back to New York for trial. Authorities suspect they may be part of a retail theft ring involved in gift card scams.

South Kingstown Police Chief Matthew C. Moynihan highlighted that organized retail crime is becoming a widespread issue. “This is the second time in just over a month that members of an international crime organization have been apprehended in Rhode Island. It’s crucial for the public to be aware that there may still be thousands of forged or altered gift cards in our stores,” he noted. He advised consumers to purchase gift cards online when possible and to ask staff to retrieve physical cards directly from behind the counter. Law enforcement also encourages more victims to come forward and report similar incidents.

Since August’s low point, Taiwan’s weighted stock index has rebounded by 19%, marking one of the best performances globally. As we enter the third quarter earnings season, led by TSMC’s earnings call, there is renewed excitement in the market, particularly around artificial intelligence (AI). Many investors believe the momentum in Taiwan’s stock market may continue.

TSMC’s earnings exceeded expectations, and the optimistic outlook surrounding NVIDIA’s new chip shipments has eliminated previous concerns about demand. In the coming weeks, earnings reports from tech companies in Taiwan’s advanced semiconductor hub are expected to attract even more capital.

Xin-Yao Ng, an Asian equities manager at abrdn plc, noted, “The fundamentals remain very strong, and broadly speaking, a large portion of Taiwan’s stock market is tech-oriented, especially in the semiconductor sector.” He emphasized that many Taiwanese companies could be considered as extensions of “NVIDIA and TSMC’s concepts.”

The resurgence of the Taiwan weighted stock index since its August low has been impressive, with TSMC’s stock hitting new highs. Last Friday, foreign investments reached a two-month peak, marking the first month of net buying since June.

More than 95% of the constituents in the Taiwan weighted index are set to release their earnings reports by mid-November. With the revival of the AI trend, any earnings surpassing expectations could further boost stock prices.

Morgan Stanley strategists, including Mixo Das, recently reported, “Following the disappointing third-quarter performance, AI confidence has rebounded, prompting us to upgrade our rating on Taiwan’s tech stocks to overweight.” They anticipate that earnings growth in tech stocks will continue until 2025.

This recent rebound has pushed the projected price-to-earnings ratio of the Taiwan weighted index to 17 times, exceeding the five-year average. However, the robust growth outlook gives bulls more reasons to buy.

Randy Abrams, head of Taiwan research at UBS, stated, “We believe this rally still has momentum. Regarding AI, we anticipate that the arms race among hyperscalers, businesses prioritizing AI integration to enhance revenue and efficiency, along with additional sovereign investments, will drive strong investment well into 2025.”

Real estate developers are increasingly recognizing the numerous benefits of constructing townhouses, such as lower costs and reduced opposition to development in residential neighborhoods. The idea of owning a home has long been at the heart of the American Dream, but soaring housing prices have placed traditional homeownership well out of reach for many. As a result, townhouses could represent a new vision of that dream.

According to a report from The Washington Post, townhouses, typically featuring two or three stories with shared walls between units, offer a compromise between single-family homes with larger yards in suburban areas and high-rise apartments in urban centers that are often rented rather than owned. Currently, townhouses make up about 22% of the U.S. housing market, while single-family homes account for 62%. Apartment buildings and condos represent about 10%, with other types of housing making up the remaining 5%.

The U.S. housing market has a significant shortfall, with estimates suggesting a need for between 3 million and 7 million additional homes. Developers have discovered that building townhouses presents several advantages, including cost efficiency and a lesser likelihood of facing “not in my backyard” (NIMBY) opposition. Consumers have responded positively to townhouses, as they encompass all the fundamental aspects of the American Dream while offering lower purchase costs and easier maintenance. Additionally, from an environmental perspective, they tend to be more sustainable.

In major metropolitan areas, the median price for townhouses is typically lower than that of single-family homes. Data from Zillow this summer revealed that, for instance, the median price of a townhouse in the San Francisco area is approximately $382,000 less than that of a single-family home. In Los Angeles, the difference is around $222,000; in Miami, $220,000; in Denver, $190,000; in Washington, D.C., $145,000; and in Phoenix, $130,000.

Christopher Latta, a 51-year-old townhouse owner from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, described townhouses as the “right-sized American Dream.” Having grown up in a single-family home in northern Pittsburgh and facing the challenges of balancing work and family after a divorce, he opted for a newly built townhouse with a garage upon remarrying. He appreciates the reduced yard maintenance on weekends and enjoys a community with nearby bars and restaurants.

However, there are downsides to townhouse living, as the close proximity of neighboring units can lead to issues such as noise and unpleasant odors. Reportedly, some townhouse communities charge high monthly fees, especially if they feature amenities like health clubs, pools, or community centers. Additionally, some retirees may find the presence of stairs in townhouses to be a drawback.

**Interview with Market Analysts on Gold and Silver Trends**

**Interviewer:** Recently, we’ve seen significant fluctuations in gold prices, especially after reaching record highs. Can you provide an overview of the current market situation?

**Analyst:** Absolutely. Over the past couple of days, the gold market has experienced a notable pullback after hitting a record high of $2,758.3 per ounce. At one point, it dipped below $2,710, but by October 24, we observed a slight recovery, with prices rising by 0.72% to $2,749.1 per ounce. Silver also saw some movement, with New York silver prices increasing by 1.23% to $34.255 per ounce.

**Interviewer:** Interesting. I noticed that silver prices have also been under pressure recently. How do you see the future of silver in comparison to gold?

**Analyst:** Yes, on October 23, silver in London fell sharply, dropping 4%. However, several institutions are bullish on silver’s future. Compared to gold, silver’s positioning is relatively low, indicating substantial potential for recovery. If gold fails to rebound above the $2,730 to $2,734 range, we may continue to see downward trends. Current support levels to watch for gold could be around $2,685 and $2,650, where previous uptrend lines might provide some cushioning.

**Interviewer:** Who’s driving the demand for gold these days? Are there specific demographics we should consider?

**Analyst:** Recently, the buyer profile has shifted. According to our senior futures analyst, Xuewei Xiong, as gold prices climb, the individual purchasing proportion has decreased. Instead, institutions are diversifying their portfolios by increasing their holdings in precious metals to hedge against market uncertainties. Traditionally, middle-aged and older individuals dominated gold investments, tending to purchase physical gold for wealth preservation. Yet, now we see a significant rise in younger buyers, particularly those born in the ’90s and ’00s, who are leading the charge in gold jewelry consumption. In fact, recent reports show that over 20% of gold investors are under 30.

**Interviewer:** As we discuss investment strategies, what recommendations do you have for investors looking to navigate these market fluctuations?

**Analyst:** Looking ahead, it’s crucial to focus not only on gold but also on silver, as many institutions are increasingly optimistic about its potential. Goldman Sachs has labeled silver as one of the best trades available right now. The low positioning in silver compared to gold presents notable upside potential. Additionally, silver is integral to the development of artificial intelligence, which ties its market performance closely to tech leaders like Nvidia. The demand for industrial and green metals is also providing strong support for silver.

That said, given the current market dynamics, including rising U.S. dollar strength and geopolitical uncertainties, investing in gold may become more volatile. We advise caution in chasing high prices and recommend considering derivatives to better manage risk.

During the Global Wealth Management Forum 2024 held at the Suhewan Conference in Shanghai on October 26, Neil Godfrey, Managing Director and Global Head of Distribution at Barings, stated that the Asia-Pacific region accounts for approximately one-third of Barings’ third-party asset management. He anticipates that this region will be a key driver of the company’s growth in the future.

Barings, a subsidiary of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, manages assets exceeding $430 billion globally. Godfrey highlighted that the firm has been committed to expanding its business in developing countries and across the Asia-Pacific area, with a long-standing presence in the Chinese capital markets.

Since the establishment of Qualified Domestic Limited Partnership (QDLP) and Private Fund Manager (PFM) structures in 2018, Barings has introduced eight QDLP funds and one PFM fund. For over a decade, Barings has actively engaged in cross-border investments in mainland China, including through Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor (QDII), Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII), Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (RQFII), and the stock market mutual access programs.

“Diversification and further diversification have been major trends for global investors,” Godfrey noted. He observed that there has been a growing demand among Chinese individual investors for diversification into overseas assets, which presents significant business opportunities for Barings in providing domestic investment consulting services to global investors.

Godfrey also remarked that recent policies announced by the Chinese government have brought renewed focus to the country. The concerted efforts in fiscal and monetary policies have improved the economic outlook, and attractive relative valuations offer exciting opportunities for long-term investors. “Barings has been investing in the mainland China and Hong Kong stock markets since 1982, and we maintain a constructive view on the long-term development of the Chinese market.”

Looking ahead, Godfrey emphasized that Barings aims to deepen its engagement in the Chinese market by providing tailored investment solutions for valued financial institutions, wealth management firms, and individual investors. The firm is committed to offering timely investor education and playing a vital role in the globalization of China’s financial markets.

From the expression “The workplace has tormented me a thousand times, yet I treat it like my first love” to the more recent phenomenon of “disgusting work outfits” and the rising trend of “workplace fools,” what’s really happening in the workforce today?

Clothing often mirrors one’s mood. Faced with workplace unfairness, criticism from bosses, meager salaries, and the bleak prospect of promotions, many individuals are opting for a strategy of “lying flat.” Some take this a step further by intentionally dressing unattractively as a form of resistance against their companies. Not only do they choose to show up in attire they describe as “ugly,” but they’re also selecting social media profile pictures meant to dissuade any communication from their bosses. “This outfit is so hideous; perfect for work,” they declare, seemingly indifferent to their personal image or the company’s reputation.

The term “workplace fool” has recently gained popularity online, evolving from the concept of wearing “disgusting outfits” as a means of coping with the demands of a job. Some workers are adopting a “dumb” persona as a form of protest against their relentless workloads and often complicated interpersonal dynamics. In the face of job stress, they adopt the stance of “I don’t know” or “I can’t do it” as a way to evade responsibilities and make themselves as invisible as possible in the workplace—except when payday arrives.

The archetype of the “workplace fool” isn’t a new phenomenon. After years of navigating the job market, some have arrived at what they consider a profound realization: “Passive acceptance is better than hard work.” While they may acknowledge criticisms about their capabilities, they draw the line at being assigned more labor. In the past, such attitudes might have been met with disbelief, but now they seem to resonate with many.

In some companies, the most competent employees end up shouldering the heaviest burdens. A slight misstep can tarnish their image in front of management, while the lazier employees seem to escape unscathed. This environment directly fosters the emergence of the “workplace fool.” Add to that a culture of unpaid overtime, a singular day off on weekends, pressured vacation schedules, regular pay cuts, expectations to be constantly available on messaging platforms, and the ever-looming threat of layoffs—all of these factors contribute to a toxic workplace atmosphere.

Companies are not without their struggles. Many face unprecedented challenges due to external pressures, often leading to unavoidable layoffs. Workers are aware that the health of the company can directly affect their own job security and livelihoods. However, such challenges do not justify neglecting labor laws or disregarding employee rights.

It’s true that finding a job today is difficult, and securing a good one is even more so. However, this reality should not be used as an excuse to undermine employee rights or to normalize unreasonable expectations around overtime and pay cuts. Showing genuine concern for employees can foster a healthier workplace culture.

As one song suggests, meaningful connections take effort: “It must be a special bond that allows us to become like family.” When companies show genuine care for their employees, the employees often reciprocate by regarding the company as their second home. Promoting fairness and nurturing a positive workplace environment can motivate employees to continually develop and refine their skills. If this doesn’t change, employees may continue to work resentfully, preferring to “play dumb” or “dress poorly,” rather than fully commit.

The troubling trend of “overburdening the capable” in workplaces needs to be addressed as well. While it’s laudable to recognize outstanding performance, when capable workers find themselves overloaded with responsibilities without hope for a reprieve, it is understandable that they might resort to playing the fool as a survival tactic.

Caring for employees is a shared responsibility that goes beyond good intentions from companies. Strong regulatory oversight is necessary to ensure that employee rights and benefits are respected. It’s important to address labor violations decisively, balancing an understanding of the challenges companies face with a commitment to upholding legal labor standards.

Building a positive workplace relationship requires effort from both sides. Companies need to listen to employees’ concerns, while employees should strive for better understanding and communication, embracing a more positive work ethic. Simply ignoring issues in the hope that they will resolve themselves will only lead to wasted time and effort. In confronting workplace injustices, it’s vital to express concerns bravely while also seeking constructive solutions that enhance personal capabilities and resilience, breaking the cycle of avoidance and alienation.

Reporter: Mao Zhenhua
Original Article Title: “Workplace Fool: Playing Dumb Isn’t the Optimal Solution”
(From the Semi-Monthly Report WeChat Official Account)

In the wake of the “California Forever” initiative, a new group predominantly made up of tech professionals is eyeing the creation of a utopia in Cloverdale, a small town in Sonoma County. Following the pause in development for “California Forever” led by Bay Area billionaires, this new project titled “Esmeralda” aims to establish a dream community in the region’s wine country.

According to a report from the San Francisco Chronicle, the Esmeralda development is proposed for the southeastern part of Cloverdale, covering 267 acres adjacent to Highway 101. The vision of the developers is to create a tech utopia inspired by Italian architecture. Although the project is still in its conceptual phase, it has already sparked significant interest.

Devon Zuegel, the founder of the Esmeralda development group, recently shared a series of videos and renderings on social media platform X, illustrating the concept behind Esmeralda. Zuegel, a software engineer and entrepreneur who graduated from Stanford University, previously served as editor-in-chief of the Stanford Review, an independent publication founded by venture capitalist Peter Thiel.

On X, Zuegel expressed, “If you dream of living in a small town with many creative and determined individuals, we are building that dream home for you.”

The Chronicle reports that Esmeralda represents yet another attempt by Silicon Valley tech professionals to establish a new community on vast agricultural lands in the Bay Area, targeting those who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life while still enjoying metropolitan amenities.

For decades, Cloverdale officials have encouraged development on the land that Zuegel’s team intends to purchase. This property previously housed an old lumber mill, and several developers have approached the city with ideas for resorts and golf courses, all of which have ultimately failed. City Manager David Kelley noted that Esmeralda Land Co. is currently conducting due diligence prior to the land purchase.

The Chronicle indicates that the envisioned community of Esmeralda is somewhat reminiscent of “California Forever.” However, unlike the latter, which conducted secret land acquisitions in Solano County before unveiling its concept—leading to rumors and distrust—the Cloverdale community has so far shown support for Esmeralda. Neena Hanchett, the executive director of the local chamber of commerce, expressed her enthusiasm for the developers, noting that Cloverdale has long been seen as a “backwater town at the end of a dirt road.”

However, critics argue that Esmeralda’s vision of creating an affluent community centered around luxury hotels could threaten Cloverdale, the last bastion of affordable housing in Sonoma County.

With a population of just under 10,000, Cloverdale’s residents are predominantly middle and working-class. Nancy Reyes, a cleaning worker in the area, commented, “It sounds like they want to make this place like Healdsburg, which doesn’t seem suitable for people like me.”

Previously, the Mercury News reported on a July report criticizing the billionaires-backed plan for a utopian city being constructed from scratch near Fairfield, known as “California Forever.” Shortly after, the company behind the project canceled a referendum proposal originally slated for voters in the county this November.

Dr. Denise Jaramillo, the Superintendent of the Alhambra Unified School District (AUSD), has received the prestigious 2024 “Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year Award.” This recognition highlights her exceptional contributions in leadership, student success, and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. On the morning of October 23, Dr. Debra Duardo, the Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, surprised Jaramillo with this award during an internal meeting at AUSD.

Having graduated from Mark Keppel High School within the Alhambra Unified School District, Jaramillo has dedicated 37 years to serving the community. Her leadership is characterized by empathy, equity, and a firm belief in the potential of every student. Under her guidance, the district has implemented innovative solutions and maintained strong collaborations with unions to enhance student well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaramillo prioritized the needs of staff and students while fostering community cohesion. She partnered with local organizations and leaders to provide meals, mobile internet access, and facilitated COVID-19 vaccinations for staff and students through mobile clinics.

Jaramillo is also committed to advancing equity, inclusivity, and student engagement within the district. She played a pivotal role in establishing a student member on the school board and launching a student advisory committee for the 2023-24 academic year, ensuring that student voices are integral to district decision-making. Furthermore, she personally mentors students in leadership roles and encourages meaningful dialogues with district leaders and community representatives.

Reflecting on her award, Jaramillo expressed, “I am incredibly grateful and humbled by this honor, but it truly reflects the collective efforts and dedication of countless individuals within the Alhambra Unified School District community.” She admitted to being quite surprised by the recognition.

Dr. Duardo remarked, “Dr. Jaramillo is a true visionary who has transformed the Alhambra Unified School District into a thriving educational community. She demonstrates expertise, empathy, and forward-thinking solutions in every challenge she faces.” Jaramillo’s accomplishments have also been recognized by various organizations, including the Alhambra Educational Foundation, the Alhambra Latino Association, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, and the California School Administrators Association (ACSA) District 15.

The “Los Angeles County Superintendent of the Year Award” has been presented by the Los Angeles County Office of Education since 2017 to honor outstanding superintendents in various areas of education. Jaramillo will be formally recognized at the “Los Angeles County Education Celebration” on November 7 aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach.

An Israeli airstrike on a school building in central Gaza has reportedly claimed the lives of at least 17 individuals, as confirmed by the Al-Awda hospital. According to reports from AFP and Reuters, the strike occurred on Thursday at the Al-Shuhada school situated in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Hamas-run government media office corroborated the death toll, noting that the school was serving as a refuge for displaced persons.

Witnesses have shared harrowing videos from the scene, which have been verified by the BBC, showing wounded children being carried away by men. In a statement, Israel announced that it targeted a Hamas command center at that location, alleging it was utilized by the group to plan and carry out attacks against Israel and its military forces.

The government media office mentioned that “thousands of displaced people” were sheltering at the school when the strike occurred, the majority of whom were children and women. Among the deceased were nine children, with over 52 others reported injured.

Mahmud Bassal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense agency, also confirmed to AFP that 17 individuals had died, with dozens more injured. In recent weeks, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted strikes on numerous buildings being used as shelters throughout Gaza, claiming to target Hamas operatives and infrastructure.

It’s worth noting that Israel restricts access for international media outlets, including the BBC, complicating efforts to independently verify facts on the ground. As a result, information is primarily gathered from video evidence, witness accounts, and official statements from both Israeli and Hamas sources.

In northern Gaza, the IDF is intensifying a prolonged offensive against what it describes as regrouped Hamas fighters. The Hamas-run health ministry reports that at least 650 people have died since the new offensive began.

The Israeli military has stated its continued efforts to facilitate civilian evacuations while simultaneously conducting operations against what it terms “terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.” However, many residents are reportedly facing dire conditions as they are either unwilling or unable to comply with Israeli evacuation orders, leading to shortages of food and essential supplies.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has highlighted that in the first three weeks of October, Israeli authorities allowed only four out of 70 coordinated aid missions to reach northern Gaza. Recently, the U.S. issued a warning to Israel, urging an increase in humanitarian aid to avoid potential cuts to military assistance.

Cogat, the Israeli military body overseeing humanitarian matters in Gaza, indicated that food, water, and medical supplies were transferred to the northern region over the past week. However, OCHA has reiterated that access for humanitarian aid remains severely restricted.

Moreover, the last phase of an emergency polio vaccination campaign has been delayed by UN agencies due to ongoing intense bombardments, mass displacement, and lack of access. This phase, which was supposed to start on Wednesday, aims to address the first case of polio reported in Gaza in 25 years that left a baby boy paralyzed. Almost 120,000 children in northern Gaza were slated to receive a second dose of the oral polio vaccine.

On October 17th, a significant meeting took place in Shenzhen, organized by the market regulatory agencies of Guangdong, Shandong, Fujian, Guangxi, and Hainan. This assembly culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing regional collaboration in inspection and testing among these five provinces and regions.

Inspection and testing play a fundamental role in strengthening quality management, improving market efficiency, and facilitating trade within a market economy. They are not only essential for accelerating the development of new productive forces but also critical strategic points for growth.

During the conference, participants emphasized the need to enhance communication and information exchange among their agencies. They committed to advancing collaborative regional oversight, jointly conducting capacity validations, supporting institutional cooperation, and strengthening team capabilities. By establishing a comprehensive regional collaboration mechanism, they aim to tackle significant issues, share inspection and testing resources, elevate governance capabilities, and foster innovation in the inspection and testing services sector.

The conference underscored the importance of actionable collaboration. The regulatory agencies from these five regions plan to hold an annual meeting dedicated to inspecting and testing collaboration, where they will review the accomplishments of the past year and outline priorities for the coming year. Additionally, multiple specialized working meetings will be conducted throughout the year to discuss specific collaborative tasks and ensure the effective implementation of agreements.

During the meeting, representatives from the National Market Regulation Administration’s Recognition and Testing Division convened with officials from the inspection and testing regulatory departments of the five regions, as well as the China Inspection and Quarantine Science Research Institute’s Testing and Evaluation Center. They engaged in discussions focused on advancing the technical review work for the qualification accreditation of inspection and testing institutions. The Shenzhen Institute of Metrology and Quality Inspection also shared valuable insights and experiences regarding how inspection and testing can promote industrial optimization and upgrade processes.