Month: October 2024

During a recent fashion week that concluded on Tuesday, the attention shifted from the typical lineup of twenty-something pop stars to an unexpected cohort of middle-aged men making bold fashion statements. Rather than the usual sight of Mamils (middle-aged men in Lycra), we observed a compelling trend featuring these men in the latest designs from Loewe.

One standout figure was 56-year-old Daniel Craig, who turned heads at the Loewe show in an eccentric knitted jumper, cargo balloon pants, unlaced hiking boots, and yellow-tinted sunglasses. Following close behind was 71-year-old Jeff Goldblum, who prioritized comfort with baggy white chinos paired with an oversized leather jacket. At the Saint Laurent runway, 60-year-old Lenny Kravitz made a striking appearance in a black and silver striped pussy-bow blouse, elegantly tucked into skin-tight trousers. Meanwhile, 69-year-old Willem Dafoe wrapped up the Miu Miu show in a cheeky white shirt with a collar peeking from under a navy jumper and unbuckled boots.

“After decades of boring suits, we’ve officially entered a fun fashion era for menswear,” declared 60-year-old Rob Lowe, who caused a stir in a deep-cut vest at the Stella McCartney show. He paired it with oversized dove-grey trousers embellished with metallic chains, exclaiming, “It’s about freaking time!” Images of these style icons generated a buzz on social media, with many applauding their daring fashion choices. GQ even referred to Craig’s style as “sublime chaos.”

Craig first captured viral attention in July with his Loewe advertisement, showcasing a fresh look that diverged from his classic James Bond image. Sporting a playful fringe, he showcased a mix of whimsical knitwear and beaded trousers. His recent appearance at the Paris show continued this fashion reinvention.

Fashion commentator Luke Leitch observed, “It might be a challenge for some to see an actor associated with the traditional male archetype of James Bond dressed like a contemporary art curator experiencing a midlife fashion crisis, but I think it’s fantastic. Ideas about what’s ‘smart’ or ‘normal’ are outdated.”

While younger stars have made headlines for breaking traditional dressing codes—such as Timothée Chalamet’s daring backless red satin two-piece at the Venice Film Festival or Harry Styles’ vibrant mesh jumpsuit—this evolution in male aesthetics among middle-aged celebrities certainly comes as a surprise. In 2022, Brad Pitt made waves when he opted for a skirt instead of a classic tuxedo, famously stating, “We’re all going to die, so let’s mess it up.”

The fashion choices of Pitt and Craig mark a significant shift away from the stereotypical macho images of the past. Andrew P. Smiler, PhD, author of *Is Masculinity Toxic?*, suggests that these changes reflect broader societal shifts in perceptions of masculinity. “As cultures evolve—particularly Western culture, which is currently undergoing considerable transformation—so too do our definitions of masculinity,” Smiler explained. “Some men cling to familiar ideals, while others embrace a more adventurous path in redefining masculinity.”

Moreover, brands are strategically seizing this trend by showcasing older celebrities who resonate with younger generations. This fusion of mainstream and internet culture is evident, as figures like 65-year-old Kyle MacLachlan have earned endearing online nicknames like “babygirl,” while Goldblum, a baby boomer, is affectionately called “Father.”

Leitch attributes part of Goldblum and MacLachlan’s appeal to their “non-conformist intelligence” that pairs seamlessly with their quirky fashion choices. Cultural commentator Jason Diamond emphasized the intrigue in watching these men evolve into their iconic selves: “There’s a stark contrast between the impressively stylized, often unattainable looks of actors like Chris Hemsworth and Ryan Gosling, and the unique realism embodied by Goldblum and Dafoe. Their individuality is what makes them truly captivating.”

In an interview with Russell Jeung, a professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University, he shared alarming statistics: nearly 49% of Asian Pacific Islanders in the U.S. have encountered discrimination or violations of their civil rights. These experiences range from unjust firings or disciplinary actions at work to being denied service in restaurants or stores, overlooked when attempting to rent or buy homes, and facing bullying or unwarranted police stops based solely on their Asian Pacific identity.

Despite the significant number of individuals affected, only about one in five report their experiences. There are existing frameworks aimed at investigating and remedying civil rights violations, such as human resources initiatives in workplaces and formal reporting channels to government civil rights agencies. Yet, studies indicate that few individuals take the initiative to report these incidents.

Jeung pointed out that one major reason behind the low reporting rates is the complexity of the reporting process, which causes many to opt for silence. He noted that 56% of those who reported civil rights violations found the process itself discouraging, while 52% of those who chose not to report believed that informing law enforcement or certain activist organizations would not catalyze any meaningful change.

Though surveys may differ in their questions, they typically categorize experiences of abuse, verbal harassment, or denial of service as hate incidents. In 2022, it’s estimated that one in five Asians encountered some form of a hate incident, totaling around five million anti-Asian incidents nationwide within that year.

Jeung emphasized that while hate incidents have surged in recent years, the Asian community is also evolving, with an increasing number of individuals taking a stand. This includes storytelling events in various locations, student organizations promoting Asian studies in schools, and legislative initiatives to combat hate crimes. “More people are stepping up to oppose racism,” he remarked. However, he also pointed out a troubling consequence of strained U.S.-China relations, which can intensify racial animosity. When China is framed as an enemy, Chinese Americans often face unjust suspicion, blurring the lines between them and the Chinese government.

As the interview concluded, Jeung noted that the broader context of U.S.-China tensions has given rise to conspiracy theories about China, which fuel a surge of racist rhetoric. He observed that social media plays a critical role in amplifying these sentiments, further igniting racist attitudes among certain individuals.

On October 8th, the National Health Commission convened a press conference to explore how seasonal changes impact health. Chang Zhaorui, a researcher from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, provided insights into common health issues many people face after the National Day holiday, including colds, coughs, vomiting, and diarrhea. He attributed these ailments to several contributing factors.

Chang explained that the holiday’s weather changes could lead to discomfort, especially with the significant temperature swings experienced between day and night, which can easily trigger colds.

He also emphasized that the rise in gatherings during the holiday—whether traveling or socializing—raises the risk of disease transmission, particularly for respiratory infections.

Dietary habits were another concern. Chang highlighted that irregular eating patterns and the consumption of potentially unhygienic food or water during this time can result in gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Furthermore, he pointed out that disruptions to daily routines, often due to traveling and visiting friends or relatives, can lead to fatigue and a weakened immune system, increasing vulnerability to illness.

To mitigate these symptoms, Chang offered several recommendations: prioritize rest and ensure you get enough sleep for recovery; stay hydrated and maintain a light diet; manage symptoms appropriately; and monitor your health closely. He advised that if symptoms worsen or persist, seeking medical attention is essential. Additionally, if diagnosed with illnesses like the flu or norovirus, it’s vital to avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

In a recent public inquiry into Covid-19, England’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Sir Chris Whitty, underscored the urgent need for increased intensive care capacity in the UK, arguing that the current low levels are a “political choice.” He voiced concerns about the inevitability of future pandemics, possibly on the scale of Covid, which has led to the loss of 7 million lives globally.

Reflecting on the UK’s response to the pandemic in 2020, Whitty characterized the situation for the NHS as “absolutely catastrophic.” He acknowledged the importance of lockdown measures in alleviating the crisis but emphasized the need for the UK to brace itself for future pandemics. “We have to assume that something on this scale will occur again,” he asserted. Furthermore, he cautioned that ignoring the possibility of asymptomatic transmission of deadly viruses would be “foolish.”

The inquiry also highlighted the emotional challenges faced by NHS workers. Dr. Kevin Fong, a former clinical adviser, became visibly emotional as he shared his experiences treating patients during the pandemic, likening it to responding to a “terrorist attack every day.” He discussed the intense pressure on staff, including instances where some hospitals resorted to placing bodies in refuse sacks due to a shortage of proper bags, only to reuse beds immediately for new patients.

Whitty contended that boosting the NHS’s intensive care unit capacity is essential for future preparedness. “The UK has a very low ICU capacity compared to most high-income nations,” he remarked, stressing that this situation arises from a conscious choice in system configuration. He added, “You have less reserve when a major emergency occurs, even if it’s not on the scale of Covid.”

Moreover, he highlighted the critical need to address the NHS workforce crisis, stating, “Healthcare systems cannot be ‘scaled up’ in a future pandemic without trained personnel.” He explained that while resources like beds and equipment can be quickly secured, the real limitation lies in having enough experienced healthcare professionals, which cannot be resolved quickly.

Among his recommendations, Whitty urged for enhanced scientific research capabilities and a serious commitment to addressing health inequalities. He argued that without proactive steps to tackle these disparities between pandemics, achieving significant improvements during an outbreak would be unlikely.

Whitty also emphasized the role of scientific innovation, particularly in vaccine development and treatments. He insisted that, at the onset of a pandemic, it’s typically science that offers solutions, while other measures are merely aimed at maintaining stability until scientific breakthroughs occur.

He expressed concern over the indirect impacts of Covid, noting the rise in mortality rates from various diseases due to the overwhelmed healthcare system. Additionally, he acknowledged the previous confusion surrounding mask guidelines for NHS staff and communication failures that discouraged public visits to hospitals for non-Covid-related health issues. He reflected on the difficulty of maintaining the right balance in messaging during the early phases of the pandemic, admitting, “I still worry whether we got the level of concern right.”

In response to the testimony, the group Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, which represents thousands of affected families, stated that the heartbreaking scenes portrayed during the inquiry were preventable and should never happen again.

On October 9th, a report from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) revealed the establishment of a joint task force with the Ministry of Finance. This initiative is designed to embody the principles set forth during the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party and to meet the directives from the Central Financial Work Conference, which emphasized the need for an expanded toolkit for monetary policy. One of the key strategies includes gradually increasing the trading of government bonds in the central bank’s open market operations.

The inaugural meeting of this task force recently took place, featuring notable attendees such as Xuan Changneng, a member of the PBOC Party Committee and Vice Governor, along with Liao Min, a member of the Ministry of Finance Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister. During the session, both leaders underscored the importance of their ongoing collaboration in the central bank’s trading of government bonds and laid out the operational mechanisms for the task force. They also shared insights on the functioning of the bond market.

There was a consensus on the vital role that the central bank’s trading of government bonds plays in enhancing the monetary policy toolkit and improving liquidity management. Looking ahead, the focus will be on achieving a balance between development and security, while continuing to promote policy coordination. Their goal is to refine the institutional arrangements related to this initiative and ensure the stable development of the bond market, thus fostering a conducive environment for the central bank’s bond trading activities. Officials from the relevant departments of both the PBOC and the Ministry of Finance were also involved in the discussions.

In a recent conversation with Stephen Fry, we delved into his latest installment in the four-book retelling of Greek myths, marking a compelling conclusion to his series. It’s fascinating to observe that just weeks prior, Elon Musk made waves on X by endorsing a literary classic, tweeting, “Can’t recommend the Iliad enough!” alongside a screenshot of The Odyssey’s Penguin edition. It appears Homer’s enduring narratives still hold relevance in our contemporary culture.

Fry’s modern interpretation aligns seamlessly with a longstanding tradition of reimagining these ancient tales for today’s readers. His previous works—Mythos, Heroes, and Troy—create a rich context for The Odyssey, which, while accessible, cleverly infuses humor appealing to adults as well.

Notably, Fry’s approach steers away from the epic grandeur typically associated with these stories, opting instead for a modern vernacular that is both witty and relatable. For example, characters like Agamemnon are portrayed in a lively and humorous manner rather than as distant mythological figures. When he returns home, he comes across less as a heroic king and more as a light-hearted gentleman returning from a round of golf:

“Well, well, well! My darling, you grow ever more beautiful. The treasure ships are not far behind. The things you see! […] What’s that you say? A bath? Oh, my dear darling wife, there is only one thing I have been looking forward to more. And that can follow the bath, eh, eh?! Or maybe can be included in the bath, what?”

Fry doesn’t shy away from the deeper emotional currents of the story, vividly capturing the poignant moments between parents and children, particularly Odysseus’s remorse over missing Telemachus’s upbringing. His lyrical prowess shines through in striking visual imagery:

“A salt-caked, sun-burned, wind-scoured man lies face-down and naked on a beach. Sandflies skip on the scarred skin of his back.”

He expertly balances levity with gravity, moving fluidly between humor and the darker elements of the narrative. Odysseus’s encounter with the suitors shatters the comedic tone with a revelation reminiscent of a Tarantino film:

“He asked me who the hell I thought I was. I’ll tell you who I think I am. I think I am Odysseus of Ithaca, come back from the dead to revenge myself upon you. You fucking animals.”

While Fry exercises sensitivity around themes of violence, he manages to adapt the narrative deftly, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm his readers, particularly the younger ones.

Fry’s footnotes enrich the reading experience, providing insights and playful speculations. He explores not just etymology but also connects to modern themes, humorously contemplating characters like Hera, even suggesting that the lotus eaters might merely be munching on lettuce.

Ultimately, Fry’s retelling highlights a historical progression from deities to mortals grappling with their influence. The trial of Orestes emerges as a thematically significant moment, contemplating a “new order” grounded in logic rather than impulsive actions—a thought-provoking commentary for today.

As Fry emphasizes, even amidst tales of gods, we must reflect on how these age-old lessons resonate in our modern world. It’s a point worth considering in light of public figures like Elon Musk.

The Odyssey by Stephen Fry is published by Michael Joseph, priced at £25. To support the Guardian and Observer, copies can be ordered from guardianbookshop.com, with delivery charges applicable.

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM EDT, we had a conversation about the latest Sudoku puzzle in our publication. While the classic rules of Sudoku still apply, there’s an interesting twist: the numbers within the grey lines must add up to the totals specified in the corners. Furthermore, each shape formed by the grey lines must contain unique numbers—no repetitions are allowed. Make sure to grab next week’s Observer Digital Edition to see the completed puzzle!

On October 3rd, the “Village Super” arena in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province, was alive with excitement as players from Brazil’s São Paulo Takahashi football team immersed themselves in the unique charm of Chinese rural football, energized by a passionate crowd.

The night saw over 30,000 fans come together to support the match. Local students and residents wore matching uniforms alongside traditional ethnic attire, creating a colorful and spirited cheering section for the Brazilian team. Upon their arrival, the players were met with warm embraces from fans eager to connect, share handshakes, and capture memorable photos.

Competing against the Brazilians was a local amateur team from Guiyang, Guizhou Province. The game’s intensity peaked in the 84th minute when Ferreira from São Paulo netted the decisive goal with a flawless shot, clinching a tight 1-0 victory.

Reflecting on the experience, São Paulo player Lima commented, “Just like in Brazil, people here are crazy about football.” He was particularly impressed by the “Village Super” concept, which serves as a fantastic platform for amateur players and football enthusiasts to connect. “This exemplifies what football is all about—regardless of language barriers, we can come together as friends through our shared love for the game,” he noted.

Having visited China multiple times, Lima treasures the chance to explore various cities, savor local cuisine, and experience different climates. The warmth from Rongjiang’s fans left a strong impression on him. During the entrance ceremony, he was invited to join the local Dong women in dance, where he infused a bit of samba into the moment. “The Chinese countryside is a lot of fun. Everyone here feels so happy; dancing together makes it feel like there are no strangers,” he shared.

At the awards ceremony, the players received a truly unique prize—a couple of small chickens, which Lima described as “incredible.” His teammate Diego humorously snuggled one of the chickens for a photo, exclaiming, “I really love this prize!”

Eliaza, another member of the São Paulo team, expressed how he felt the energy of football and the enthusiasm of Chinese fans throughout the “Village Super” event. He found it inspiring to witness so many ordinary people coming together for their love of the sport. “I truly believe football can bring significant benefit to Rongjiang; this event attracts people from all over to engage with football culture and appreciate the stunning scenery,” he said. “I hope we can work together through football to create more opportunities for youth players from São Paulo to come to the ‘Village Super’ and see how cherished the sport is in rural China.”

As the awards concluded, vibrant fireworks illuminated the sky outside the “Village Super” arena. Inside, music filled the atmosphere, and the Brazilian players, with little time to spare, were guided by enthusiastic locals to the center of the field. There, they formed a circle, linking arms and dancing in unison, reveling in the contagious joy of Chinese rural football.

On September 28, a vibrant celebration marking both the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day was co-hosted by multiple organizations at the Hungarian Chinese Federation’s headquarters in Budapest. This event brought together over 200 attendees, as the national anthems of the People’s Republic of China and Hungary resonated throughout the venue.

During the festivities, several key speakers took the stage, including Liu Wenjian, Executive Chairman of the Hungarian Chinese Federation; Chen Shiquan, Executive President of the Hungarian Fujian Chamber of Commerce; and Zhang Jinyou, leader of the Hungarian Starlight Choir.

Liu Wenjian emphasized the significance of a strong homeland as a source of support for Chinese communities abroad. Acknowledging the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China, he shared heartfelt wishes for prosperity, happiness, and health for the nation while also extending warm greetings to Chinese expatriates in Hungary for a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.

The event featured an impressive lineup of 27 performances by the Starlight Choir and local Chinese artists, each captivating the audience and earning enthusiastic applause for their extraordinary talent.

Liu further highlighted the Federation’s dedication to fostering Sino-Hungarian friendship and supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. He reaffirmed their commitment to serving Chinese businesses while maintaining strong ties to their homeland. Annually, they organize celebrations during key Chinese holidays, aiming to enrich the cultural experience for the Chinese community in Hungary and promote cultural exchange between China and Hungary.

Beans not only boost the nutritional value of these simple sweet treats but also contribute a rich, fudgy texture.

In an interview, Tom Hunt, a devoted supporter of the “Beans is How” campaign—an initiative aimed at doubling global bean consumption by 2028—discusses how his own bean intake has surged since joining the cause. “I’ve always loved beans, but learning about their environmental benefits, even from conventional farming, has inspired me to include them even more in my cooking,” he explains. Hunt shares that beans now make an appearance in nearly every meal he prepares, from spaghetti bolognese—where he replaces half the pasta with beans—to hearty stews that feature more legumes and less meat. “By the end of the week, I often find leftover beans, which sparks my creativity in the kitchen. That’s how these beany blondies came to life.”

When describing the recipe, Hunt emphasizes the delightful combination of peanut butter and maple syrup, which blend perfectly to create a sweet balance that subtly covers the taste of the beans. He notes that although you can use other sweeteners, adding vanilla extract is essential for depth of flavor.

To simplify meal prep, Hunt soaks and batch-cooks pulses weekly, keeping them at the ready for a nutritional boost and to reduce starchy carbs. “The creamy, fudgy texture of beans makes them ideal for desserts, enhancing the overall mouthfeel,” he adds.

Here’s how you can make these delicious blondies yourself:

**Makes 12 Blondie Bites**

– Olive oil (for greasing)
– 240g white beans or peas (Hunt recommends Hodmedod’s flamingo peas)
– 3 tbsp aquafaba (or water)
– 120g peanut butter
– 70g sweetener (such as maple syrup, agave, or sugar)
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 50g dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
– Flaky sea salt (to taste, optional)

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 200C (or 180C fan)/390F/gas mark 6. Grease a small ovenproof dish or tray, about 15cm long by 10cm wide, with olive oil. For easier handling, you can line it with greaseproof paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the beans or peas, aquafaba (or water), peanut butter, sweetener, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
3. Stir in 35g of the chopped chocolate, then pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate on top.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and, if desired, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Allow to cool, then cut into 12 squares. Store the blondies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Savor this indulgent yet nutritious treat, courtesy of Tom Hunt’s culinary creativity!