Month: October 2024

Can you share some insights about the dwarf kōwhai and its cultural significance in Māori traditions?

The dwarf kōwhai, scientifically referred to as Sophora prostrata ‘Little Baby’, is a lovely evergreen shrub native to New Zealand. Not only is it visually appealing, but it also carries deep meaning in Māori culture, representing strength, resilience, and beauty.

What sets the dwarf kōwhai apart from other plants?

This plant is unique due to its charming zigzagging branches and delicate, small leaflets. In the springtime, it showcases vibrant yellow, pea-like flowers that really brighten up any space.

What are the light requirements for a dwarf kōwhai?

The dwarf kōwhai thrives in bright, indirect light, but it can also adapt to slightly lower light conditions. It’s a good idea to rotate the plant occasionally to encourage even growth.

Where is the ideal spot to place a dwarf kōwhai?

This shrub does very well on a bright windowsill and can also be grown outdoors. However, if you decide to keep it outside, make sure to protect it from frost.

How should one care for a dwarf kōwhai?

To keep your dwarf kōwhai healthy, water it when the top inch of soil feels dry. It likes to stay moist, but it cannot tolerate sitting in waterlogged soil. While it can handle mild frost, it’s best to shield it from temperatures below -5°C. A light pruning in late winter is beneficial for maintaining its shape and encouraging fuller growth, especially if it starts to look leggy.

Is there any intriguing fact about the kōwhai that you think people should know?

Absolutely! Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the kōwhai is deeply woven into New Zealand’s cultural fabric, symbolizing strength, resilience, and beauty within Māori culture.

In a landmark decision, Multnomah County, the most populous area in Oregon, has taken legal action against NW Natural, the state’s largest gas supplier, alleging climate deception. This unprecedented lawsuit signifies the first time a utility has faced such serious allegations. Can you elaborate on the circumstances that led to this lawsuit?

Last year, Multnomah County filed a suit against 17 fossil fuel companies and interest groups, claiming they misled the public about the climate crisis. This legal action was a response to a catastrophic heat wave in 2021 that resulted in the loss of 69 lives in the county, a tragedy researchers link to climate change. The lawsuit contends that the oil and gas sector, which plays a substantial role in global warming, should be held accountable for the climate-induced damages.

Recently, the county expanded its complaint to include NW Natural, which has a long-standing presence in Oregon as the oldest and largest fossil fuel provider in the state. The lawsuit claims that “NW Natural engaged in an enterprise of misrepresentation regarding the climate impact of its products.”

The lawsuit points out that NW Natural is responsible for about 9% of Oregon’s carbon dioxide emissions. It also alleges that the company has disseminated misinformation about the climate risks associated with natural gas, primarily methane—a greenhouse gas that is over 80 times more effective at warming the planet than carbon dioxide.

With an increasing number of climate-related lawsuits targeting major oil companies, what does this imply for future litigation against utilities like NW Natural? Alyssa Johl, vice president of legal and general counsel at the Center for Climate Integrity, believes this case could set a significant precedent. “Gas utilities have played key roles in ongoing efforts to mislead the public about the dangers of fossil fuels,” she notes.

Despite NW Natural’s advocacy for a “carbon-neutral future,” the lawsuit claims the company has failed to implement operational changes that would lower greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. Additionally, it accuses NW Natural of “astroturfing” to fabricate an illusion of community support for gas.

Interestingly, NW Natural has opted not to comment on the lawsuit, stating that it has not yet reviewed the details. A recent investigation by ProPublica revealed that, contrary to its public assertions of reducing emissions, NW Natural has made minimal progress.

After years of advocacy, state lawmakers are pushing for the Department of Justice to investigate the utility for false advertising. The amended complaint also includes the Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine, a non-profit accused of promoting climate denial, marking the first lawsuit of its kind against this organization. Moreover, the original complaint was notable for being the first legal action taken against McKinsey & Company, a multinational consulting firm known for its ties to the oil industry.

Multnomah County is not acting alone; it is among numerous cities, counties, and states across the U.S. that have launched lawsuits against the fossil fuel industry for climate deception. The county is seeking $50 billion in damages related to the 2021 heat dome, along with an additional $1.5 billion to mitigate future climate impacts.

County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re already paying dearly in Multnomah County for our climate crisis—with our tax dollars, our health, and our lives. Moving forward, we must strengthen our safety net just to keep people safe.”

Funmi Ogundare, The Lagoon Schools in Lekki, Lagos, recently marked a significant milestone by celebrating the incredible commitment of its teaching and non-teaching staff with 10 and 20 years of service. This event coincided with World Teacher’s Day, shining a light on the selfless contributions that these individuals have made to the growth and success of the school. Under the theme “Passion Meets Purpose,” the celebration honored staff members for their dedication in key areas such as responsibility, punctuality, innovative teaching strategies, student learning impact, work ethics, and emotional intelligence in the classroom. Recipients were presented with plaques, certificates, and cash prizes as tokens of appreciation for their hard work.

In an exclusive interview with THISDAY, the school’s director, Noemi Garcia, emphasized the vital role teachers play not only in academics but also as influential role models for their students. She discussed the challenges teachers face, including managing bullying, and expressed her deep gratitude for their unwavering commitment. Garcia challenged the notion that teachers’ rewards only exist in the afterlife by sharing touching stories of former students who returned to express their appreciation. “I remember a moment when a former student, now studying engineering, brought a bottle of wine and a thank-you card for her Further-Maths teacher, acknowledging the support she received during her secondary school years,” Garcia recounted. She stressed that the rewards for teachers can be realized both here on earth and in heaven, highlighting how cherished the simple words “thank you” are from students and parents alike. Garcia encouraged passionate teachers to remain dedicated to their calling, assuring them that their efforts will be recognized both now and in the future.

Mrs. Uju Ozoigbo, the Vice Principal of Administration, who has committed 20 years to the school, described her experience as nothing short of extraordinary. She noted the family-like environment and the spiritual and professional support she has received throughout her tenure. Ozoigbo pointed out that rewards for teachers extend beyond financial compensation; they also come from the sincere gratitude expressed by former students. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see students you’ve impacted come back to say thank you. That’s a tremendous reward,” she said, offering her congratulations to teachers around the globe for their dedication and encouraging them to keep excelling in their profession.

Another dedicated educator, Mrs. Eucharia Odamena, who has also served for 20 years, reflected on her rewarding journey, despite not initially planning to become a teacher after studying Physics at the University of Benin. “So far, it has been good,” she shared, noting that her time at Lagoon Schools has fostered both spiritual and personal growth. Odamena urged her colleagues to adopt an open-minded and patient approach in instilling knowledge and morals in their students. “Strive to impact knowledge and virtues such as tolerance and patience in the children,” she advised.

Also, Ms. Anuoluwapo Efunkunle from the Human Resources department reflected on her 10-year journey at the school. She spoke about her rapid and fulfilling career advancement, having started as an administrative staff member and now guiding students in Guidance and Counseling. “It’s been fulfilling and eye-opening, giving me the chance to grow,” Efunkunle remarked. With a background in human resources, she looks forward to further developing her career in the coming years.

As the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China approaches, we spoke with members of Chinese communities across Canada to learn how they are celebrating this significant milestone while expressing their hopes for prosperity and stability in their ancestral homeland.

In Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, we caught up with representatives from the Chinese Cultural Federation and the Chinese Business Association. On September 29, they hosted a vibrant celebration in front of City Hall to coincide with the 75th anniversary of New China and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Mayor Philip Brown participated in the festivities, joining local Chinese children in raising the five-star red flag. He shared holiday greetings with the community and acknowledged their valuable contributions to the city. The celebration included an “Art of the Seasons” exhibition, where local artists and children collaborated to create artworks that beautifully illustrated the harmony between culture and nature.

Meanwhile, in Ontario, the Canadian Chinese Association organized an outdoor cultural performance in Toronto on the same day. Local performing arts groups showcased a dazzling display of dance, opera, music, and traditional performances that captivated attendees. The organizers also treated guests to complimentary barbecue food, adding to the festive atmosphere. Later that evening, the Greater Toronto Chinese Community Center, along with other organizations, hosted a celebratory dinner featuring traditional Chinese dishes. Guests watched a video highlighting significant achievements of New China, and the program included poetry readings, martial arts demonstrations, and dance performances that celebrated Chinese culture. Local arts groups even created spontaneous “flash mob” videos at iconic Toronto landmarks, showcasing their homage to their homeland through song and dance.

In Montreal, key Chinese community organizations came together on September 28 at Zhongshan Park in Chinatown for a flag-raising ceremony. There, the flags of Canada, China, and Quebec proudly waved together in this historic setting. Community members celebrated with song and dance, followed by an impressive evening banquet, where over 500 attendees raised their glasses in honor of New China’s milestone.

In Vancouver, members of the Chinese community gathered for a dinner organized by the Chinese Benevolent Association and other prominent groups to commemorate both the 75th anniversary of New China and the 54th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China. They also organized community bonding activities to usher in National Day celebrations for their homeland.

Chinese communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories also joined forces in Calgary, known as the “oil city,” for the “Beauty of the Boundless Lands” cultural gala. This high-energy event attracted over a thousand participants, including government officials, community groups, and local citizens. Attendees were treated to a variety of performances, from singing and dancing to martial arts, Peking opera, and poetry recitals, culminating in a memorable evening of celebration.

These events highlight the rich cultural tapestry and deep connections between Canada and China, fostering understanding and cooperation while honoring their heritage.

We’re interested in learning about the adaptations you’ve made to your home in response to flooding, extreme heat, or strong winds. How have you adjusted your living space to handle unexpected weather changes? From implementing protective measures against strong winds to enhancing your home’s heat resilience, we want to understand the steps you’ve taken to prevent damage.

Could you share the details of these changes? Specifically, we’re keen to know what adaptations you’ve made, their costs, and your thoughts on their long-term effectiveness.

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In an interview with industry experts, it’s been revealed that investments in water conservancy projects in China have surpassed 800 billion yuan in the first eight months of this year, reflecting a remarkable upward trend. According to reports from the Ministry of Water Resources, there has been an impressive 18.7% increase in new water projects initiated this year compared to the same period last year.

As of October 8, the total investment in water conservancy construction has reached 801.94 billion yuan, which represents a year-over-year increase of 10.7%. Several major water infrastructure projects are being expedited, with 37 significant water projects launched during this period, including the construction of the Guoxian water hub on the Yellow River and the full operation of the Pearl River Delta water resource allocation project. Additionally, other important initiatives, such as the Heihe Huangzangsi water hub and the Dongtaizi Reservoir in Inner Mongolia, are also making progress.

Furthermore, the water conservancy sector is creating a wealth of job opportunities. In the first eight months alone, 42,000 water projects were implemented, reflecting a 14.1% increase from the previous year, with 28,000 of those projects newly initiated, showcasing an 18.7% growth. By the end of August, these water projects had generated job opportunities for nearly 2.1 million individuals, marking a 6.9% increase year-over-year, with 1.7 million of these positions going to rural workers—a notable rise of 10.4%.

There are also significant efforts underway to enhance agricultural water supply and develop irrigation areas. By the end of August, around 93 billion yuan had been invested in rural water supply projects, with 17,700 rural supply initiatives launched and plans for high-quality water supply development being implemented across all provinces. Additionally, support for irrigation projects has exceeded 1,300, with central funding surpassing 100 billion yuan. So far this year, more than 60 billion yuan has been allocated to irrigation development projects.

On the evening of October 6th, the cultural center theater in Urumqi buzzed with excitement as it hosted the artistic gala “Glorious Mission,” marking the 70th anniversary of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Among the audience was He Lifeng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Vice Premier of the State Council, joining a diverse crowd for a night of celebration.

The gala kicked off with a stirring symphonic choir piece entitled “Children of the Corps Look to the Party.” The event was structured into three thematic chapters: “Hard Work and Entrepreneurship,” “Exploration and Progress,” and “Striving in the New Era.” Each segment showcased the remarkable achievements of the Corps, particularly since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, emphasizing comprehensive reforms and high-quality economic and social development under the strong leadership of the Central Committee, with Xi Jinping at the helm. The audience, including He Lifeng and other members of the central delegation, responded with enthusiastic applause throughout the night, culminating in a heartfelt rendition of “Sing for the Motherland.”

Notable attendees included Ma Xingrui, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region Party Committee, Miao Hua, a member of the Central Military Commission and Director of the Political Work Department, along with other prominent figures from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and the central delegation.

The central delegation arrived in Urumqi by plane on the afternoon of October 6th to participate in the festivities, consisting of 24 members representing various central and national agencies.

Frankie Archer, a folk singer renowned for her innovative approach to traditional ballads, is transforming the genre with an exciting electronic twist. Influenced by artists such as Björk, Hannah Peel, Rosalía, and James Blake, Archer fuses her Northumbrian accent with synths and electronic elements, crafting atmospheric arrangements. One of her standout features is her use of distortion effects on the violin, most notably in her recent single “Lovely Joan,” where it strikingly resembles an electric guitar.

Although Archer comes from a non-musical family, her love for folk music blossomed at an early age. Looking back on her childhood, she reflects, “It was a very uncool thing for a 12-year-old to be into.” After years of performing with local bands, she launched her solo career with the debut single “Over the Border” in 2022, which is based on a centuries-old Northumbrian Smallpipe tune. Her first EP, “Never So Red,” co-produced with the acclaimed folk musician Jim Moray, was released last autumn and features timeless ballads like “Oxford City,” a tale of jealousy and poison, and “Lucy Wan,” which narrates the tragic actions of a brother against his pregnant sister. Archer’s live performance on “Later… With Jools Holland,” alongside the Last Dinner Party, further elevated her profile, and she is set to support them again next month.

In her upcoming EP, “Pressure and Persuasion,” scheduled for release on October 4, Archer delves into themes of women’s historical struggles, with the intention of amplifying their voices. Her reinterpretations of classic ballads such as “Elsie Marley” and “Barbara Allen” tackle societal pressures—pointing out the balance of being perceived as chatty yet not overly opinionated, or sexy but not promiscuous. The tension is heightened through glitchy vocals and electronic manipulation. The music video for “Barbara Allen” showcases Archer’s artistic vision with striking imagery, including melting eyes and twisting arms, intertwining past and present to create a compelling visual narrative.

On October 6, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York unveiled her proposal to make the expanded Premium Tax Credit (PTC) a permanent fixture. This initiative is designed to extend the temporary coverage increases that were put in place during the pandemic. Gillibrand stressed the need for swift action on this legislation within the current congressional session, cautioning that, without it, average monthly premium costs for New Yorkers could rise by as much as $120.

The Premium Tax Credit, a key element of the Affordable Care Act that launched in 2010, provides qualifying low-income families with subsidies for commercial insurance through tax refunds. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 broadened the PTC’s coverage and alleviated some of the premium burdens for current beneficiaries. Following that, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 prolonged these enhancements for an additional three years, but those provisions are set to expire at the end of 2025.

Gillibrand’s Health Care Affordability Act aims to make this three-year extension a permanent solution, ensuring that families in need continue to receive support. She pointed out that approximately 200,000 financially struggling families in New York benefit from this program, with the national total reaching 20 million. If these extensions are allowed to lapse, New Yorkers could see an average annual increase of $1,440 in premium costs, which breaks down to $120 each month—a substantial burden for many low-income households.

As the current congressional session is scheduled to wrap up by the year’s end, any pending legislation will fall by the wayside and would need to be reintroduced in the new session. With expected changes in Congress, the proposal’s fate hangs in the balance, particularly since health care affordability is a critical issue for both parties. Gillibrand is advocating for a Senate vote in the two months left in the session, indicating that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, her fellow New Yorker, is likely to back the initiative. However, she expressed concern that if Democrats lose their Senate majority in the upcoming elections, it remains uncertain whether the new leadership would make this vote a priority.

Gillibrand underscored that affordable health care is a pressing issue across the nation, affecting everyone’s quality of life. Joining her at the announcement, Mark Hannay, executive director of the advocacy group Metro New York Health Care for All, highlighted that many of those benefiting from the expanded tax credits are Republicans, advocating for the notion that this should be a bipartisan issue rather than a political tool.

Recent measures designed to bolster protections against gambling-related risks have been highlighted in a report by Gambling Insider.

Helma Lodders, Chair of VNLOK, shared her insights on these developments, stating, “Our members have taken proactive steps to implement additional legal safeguards for players. This includes introducing the Advertising Code for Online Gambling and enforcing stricter gaming limits for young adults. VNLOK supports regulations that have effectively maintained a safe and responsible online gambling market in the Netherlands.”

However, Lodders also voiced her apprehensions regarding the potential pitfalls of overregulation. She remarked, “With the introduction of various legal amendments, the government runs the risk of undermining the coherence of existing legislation and regulations. Some of these measures impose higher barriers to participation in online gambling, which could ironically make illegal gambling sites more appealing.”

She went on to stress the importance of balance, stating, “Even well-meaning initiatives can lead to unintended consequences. It’s essential to find a careful equilibrium between stringent regulations and preventing an increase in illegal market activities stemming from overregulation.”