Month: October 2024

In the early hours of Wednesday, the iconic Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas made its dramatic exit from the skyline during a demolition operation that featured a dazzling fireworks display. The 22-story structure came down in a spectacle that resembled a theatrical performance, capturing the attention of many.

According to the Associated Press, this type of demolition carries historical significance, tracing back to the influential casino mogul Steve Wynn. In 1993, he transformed such demolition events into entertainment showcases when he leveled the Dunes, making way for the Bellagio. Wynn made headlines by broadcasting the explosion live, likening it to a pirate ship attacking the Dunes from a nearby casino.

The last similar explosive demolition on the Strip took place in 2016 when the final tower of the Riviera was taken down to accommodate an expansion of the convention center.

The Tropicana’s demolition is linked to the planned relocation of the Oakland Athletics’ $1.5 billion stadium project. With a rich history, the Tropicana was the third oldest casino on the Strip, operating for 67 years before shutting down in April of this year. Its opulent décor earned it the nickname “the Tiffany of the Strip.” The casino was a favorite haunt of the legendary Rat Pack and has ties to organized crime, famously co-owned by mob boss Frank Costello.

While Wednesday’s demolition was not open to the public, many fans had already come to the Tropicana to say their goodbyes back in April, reflecting on the casino’s storied past.

Cold Dew is the seventeenth of the 24 solar terms, marking a pivotal moment in autumn. This transition invites us to witness the enchanting transformation of nature as it shifts from cool to chilly temperatures.

The term “Cold Dew” really embodies the crispness that comes with dew formation in the cooling air. It signifies a deeper progression into autumn, with a vivid display of colors surrounding us. During this time, plants exhibit a spectrum of feelings; some display a delicate grace, while others radiate intense vibrancy. We see maple leaves turning a brilliant red, poplars glowing in yellow, and chrysanthemums proudly showcasing their blooms, making them stand out beautifully against other flowers. There’s a saying that resonates during this season: “Frosty leaves are redder than flowers in February.”

Folk wisdom states, “When the geese leave in August, they bring frost with them,” and this aligns well with the migration of wild geese as they make their way south during Cold Dew.

This season also signals a bustling time for everyone, as the harvest is in full swing. Farmers are hard at work planting wheat, gathering flowers, and reaping crops like cotton and oil-tea camellia. This flurry of activity adds another layer of poetic beauty to this solar term.

Across various regions—from the breathtaking Daxing’anling in Heilongjiang to the stunning landscapes of Benxi in Liaoning, the expansive fields of Jinta in Gansu, the lively city of Wuhan in Hubei, and the striking natural beauty of Xinjiang and Kunming in Yunnan—each area has its own unique interpretation of Cold Dew, showcasing the essence of this remarkable time of year.

So, what does Cold Dew mean to you? How do you embrace this vibrant transition in your community?

In his revealing new book titled “War,” veteran journalist Bob Woodward shares some candid insights from President Biden regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to excerpts released by CNN, Biden expressed strong opinions about Netanyahu, calling him a “son of a bitch” and a “bad guy” during private conversations with friends. These comments were reportedly made amid escalating military actions in Gaza during the spring of 2024. Biden conveyed his frustration, feeling that Netanyahu often misled him, particularly regarding the Israeli leader’s assurances about eliminating every member of Hamas. Biden reportedly warned Netanyahu that such expectations were unrealistic and even suggested the possibility of withholding U.S. weaponry from Israel.

The book also dives into Biden’s unfiltered thoughts on Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In discussions held in the Oval Office, Biden labeled Putin as “evil,” highlighting what he sees as a clear example of malevolent behavior on the global stage. Woodward discloses that Biden’s national security team assessed a 50 percent chance that Putin might resort to nuclear weapons in the conflict in Ukraine.

Furthermore, Biden candidly reflected on his son Hunter’s ongoing legal issues, admitting that he shouldn’t have appointed Merrick Garland as Attorney General. He also critiqued former President Obama’s approach to Putin’s 2014 invasion of Crimea, arguing that Obama failed to take Putin seriously. Biden believes this inaction contributed to Putin’s later aggressions, stating, “They messed up in 2014” and “They shouldn’t have let Putin walk into Crimea so easily.”

Before the invasion, U.S. intelligence had collected significant evidence suggesting that Putin intended to mobilize a 175,000-strong army for an invasion of Ukraine as early as October 2021, with sources within the Kremlin supporting this information. The book underscores that while Biden and his team were aware of the seriousness of Putin’s plans, they struggled to fully grasp the extent of his intentions.

“Judo is all about harmonizing body and mind, creating a perfect balance between physical strength and mental resilience through ongoing practice,” said Ma Duanbin, head coach of the Beijing women’s judo team, in a recent interview.

Ma views judo as more than a mere sport; he sees it as a philosophy that transcends technical skills. It’s about using finesse to overcome brute strength and leveraging the intellect of the underdog to beat a stronger opponent. He often teaches his students how to think strategically to outsmart their rivals. “When your opponent stands in front of you, if their center of gravity is off, they can easily be thrown in any direction,” he explained. An outstanding judo athlete can quickly assess their opponent’s weaknesses by observing their center of gravity, movements, and expressions, using swift actions to disrupt their competitor’s balance and secure victory.

In judo, the idea of “using gentleness to overcome strength” goes beyond technique; it’s a profound mindset. Ma stresses that athletes need a combination of strength and speed, along with the clarity of thought and strategic planning. He believes that a top judo athlete should rapidly analyze an opponent’s intentions in the fast-paced environment of a match and come up with effective counter-strategies.

During competitions, judo athletes often counter powerful attacks with agility and clever tactics. This approach demands a deep understanding of the philosophical and logical foundations of judo. Ma points out that elite judo players must have sharp observational skills, as the information on the mat can change in an instant. They need to cultivate focus and master the art of observation to make quick, accurate judgments. Furthermore, strong logical reasoning is essential; the entire judo exchange functions like problem-solving, where logic plays a crucial role. Athletes must analyze their opponent’s movements in real time and respond accordingly. Lastly, decisiveness is key; they must continuously observe, reflect, and adapt, meeting raw power with strategic flexibility.

Ma also highlights the necessity of open communication between athletes and coaches. He encourages athletes to engage in ongoing discussions about the challenges and uncertainties they face during training. This two-way communication enables training plans to be adjusted in a timely manner, helping athletes to better grasp their preparation goals and methods.

Ma Duanbin is a celebrated Chinese judo athlete, having claimed titles at the National Games, Universiade, and World Championships. Following his retirement, he took on the role of head coach for the Beijing women’s judo team. In just one year, he transformed the team from an underperforming group into a formidable contender, with his athletes winning numerous championships, including the National Games and National Youth titles.

The 35th Annual Jinshan Bay Area Double Tenth National Day Adult Softball Tournament recently wrapped up, celebrating the 113th anniversary of the Republic of China. Organized by the Haihua Softball Association in partnership with the Jinshan Bay Area Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Center and sponsored by the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China, the tournament kicked off on September 7 in San Jose and concluded with great success on September 29, spanning four weekends and eight days of intense competition.

This year, the tournament featured two divisions: Major and Minor leagues, attracting seven teams: the Falcons, Ballers, Taida Alumni, Tigers, Stanford Cardinals, 3U3D, and the DAB team, with nearly a hundred players competing in total. The initial rounds were played in a round-robin format, culminating in a points system that determined the finalists for both leagues. A total of 27 matches were played, with 21 in the preliminary rounds and six finals.

Many participants have a rich history in the sport, some competing for over ten or even twenty years. The players represent a diverse community, including first and second-generation Taiwanese, Southeast Asian expatriates, and a handful of other Asian players. Most of the athletes are professionals, many of whom work as engineers and managers in Silicon Valley’s high-tech sector. In the Major league finals, the Ballers delivered an impressive performance to secure the championship title, while the DAB team took the runner-up position, and the Falcons came in third. The Minor league championship was claimed by the Taida Alumni team, with the Stanford Cardinals and Tigers finishing in second and third, respectively.

Following the tournament, President Chen Shengming of the Haihua Softball Association led the awards ceremony. He took a moment to capture photos with the winning Major league teams: the champions Ballers, the runners-up DAB, and the third-place Falcons, alongside the 3U3D team. Participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers, collaborators, and sponsors, eagerly looking forward to future tournaments.

On September 23, officials in Birmingham, Alabama, announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the gunman involved in a tragic shooting outside a nightclub on the evening of September 21. This heartbreaking incident claimed the lives of four individuals and left 17 others injured. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin spoke to the media, highlighting the urgency of the situation. “Our immediate priority is clear: we must track down, apprehend, and convict the person responsible for this significant act of gun violence,” he said.

According to police reports, multiple shooters initially targeted a specific individual, but the chaos escalated, resulting in gunfire aimed at a crowd of people waiting to enter the club located in the bustling Five Points South district. Police Chief Scott Thurmond revealed that the gunmen likely intended to hit one or more of the deceased, while many of the injured were innocent bystanders. As of September 23, five of the injured remained hospitalized. The FBI has added $50,000 to the reward fund, while Crime Stoppers has matched that amount, combining to a total of $100,000. Those with tips can remain anonymous.

Birmingham, a city rich in the history of the American civil rights movement, has unfortunately seen a rise in gun violence in recent years. This shooting marks the third incident in 2023 alone that led to four deaths, contributing to a national tally of 23 mass shootings—Birmingham accounting for three of those cases.

With a population of roughly 200,000, Birmingham has recorded 114 homicides this year. In contrast, Chicago—home to more than 2 million people—has reported around 400 homicides, which is approximately ten times the rate of Birmingham.

The incident unfolded at Hush Lounge, which is surrounded by numerous restaurants and bars in the vibrant downtown area. Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bloodstains marking the ground—an unsettling aftermath that remained visible until the evening of the 22nd.

The first three confirmed victims have been identified as Anitra Holloman, 21, from suburban Bessemer; Tahj Booker, 27; and Carlos McCain, 27, both residents of Birmingham. The fourth victim, Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., 26, was identified later on September 23.

Police collected nearly 100 shell casings from the scene and suspect that the shooters may have utilized a “converter” to increase the firing rate of a semi-automatic rifle, although Chief Thurmond noted that this detail has yet to be confirmed.

In a recent interview with Wu Yili from China News Service, we explored the dynamic technology and innovation landscape emerging in Hubei Province, which is drawing tourists with its captivating sci-fi experiences.

This year, self-driving cars and aerial rail trains have become integral components of Hubei’s “cultural tourism package” for international visitors, highlighting the exciting results of technological advancements. Hubei officials have projected that the automotive manufacturing sector, along with the “Opto-electronic Core, Screen, Terminal, and Network” industry, will surpass 1 trillion RMB this year.

A particularly noteworthy development is the rapid growth of Hezhima Intelligent Technology Co. in Wuhan, which recently became the first Chinese company to go public with autonomous driving chips. These chips, designed for autonomous driving and cross-domain integration, support features like automatic lane-keeping, parking, and smart cabin interfaces, with the goal of further enhancing urban autonomous driving capabilities.

As tourists enter their passwords and settle into their seats, the steering wheel of the self-driving cars begins to move on its own, transforming the streets of Wuhan into what feels like a scene from a sci-fi film. A range of autonomous driving technologies will also be trialed in Wuhan’s Economic Development Zone, aimed at commercial applications such as freight delivery, sanitation, and security. Currently, Wuhan holds the title for the world’s largest operational area for autonomous driving services.

Hubei, acknowledged as a pivotal center for the optoelectronic information industry, has experienced impressive growth in the “Opto-electronic Core, Screen, Terminal, and Network” sector. In the “Optics Valley of China,” over 5,700 high-tech firms have emerged, leading to significant innovations. For example, China Information Communication Technologies has broken world records in optical communication technology six times; Huagong Laser introduced the first fully domestically produced semiconductor laser cutting equipment; and the Jiufengshan Laboratory launched the world’s first 8-inch silicon photonic lithium niobate integrated wafer.

Zhuang Dan, Executive Director and President of Yangtze Optical Fibre and Cable Joint Stock Limited Company, reflected on the journey of China’s fiber optic industry. Over a decade ago, China faced challenges in producing its own fiber optic and cable products, but today, the company boasts complete domestic production capabilities with global orders flowing in.

Furthermore, Hubei is aggressively fostering collaborative innovation within the Optics Valley Science and Technology Innovation Corridor while fast-tracking the development of innovation centers in Xiangyang and Yichang. Recent data indicates that in 2023, Hubei surpassed 25,000 high-tech enterprises, along with over 35,000 technology-driven small and medium-sized enterprises.

Liu Jun, General Manager of the Jiufengshan Laboratory’s Process Center, shared insights on the establishment of a talent hub for compound semiconductors, which has attracted over 80% of technical personnel and nearly 70 high-level international talents in just over a year.

Transitioning from a school-run enterprise, Huagong Technology has established itself as a key player in Hubei’s optoelectronics sector, accelerating research and industrialization surrounding silicon optical chips and next-generation optical communication modules. The company is actively attracting top-tier talent to Wuhan with initiatives like the “Falcon Talent Program” and “PhD 100 Program,” aiming to recruit hundreds of master’s and doctoral graduates. Their partnerships with universities and research institutions encourage seamless connections between knowledge and technological innovation, along with innovation and industrial supply chains.

Recently, Hubei unveiled a strategic development roadmap for “integrated education and technology talent,” inspired by the aspiration to create a world-class cluster of large scientific facilities. This initiative aims to cultivate a synergistic environment that attracts high-level talent through major scientific projects. Additionally, there are concerted efforts to bolster collaborative industry-academia-research partnerships in establishing technology innovation institutions and enhancing pathways for talent development.

According to Xia Song, Deputy Director of Hubei’s Science and Technology Department, the province has amassed significant resources for technological innovation, featuring 23 central research institutions and 132 universities, with nearly 2 million students enrolled. Ten Hubei laboratories, established through collaborative efforts with universities, research organizations, and enterprises, have drawn close to 3,000 talented individuals across various fields.

NORTH TEXAS— Every year, thousands of guns once used by law enforcement officers are discovered at crime scenes, even as police work to keep firearms out of criminals’ hands.
CBS News partnered with nonprofit newsrooms “The Trace” and “Reveal” to survey 200 police agencies nationwide. The investigation revealed that a majority of these agencies sell their guns when upgrading their arsenals.
In North Texas, police departments in Dallas, Arlington and Fort Worth have traded in old service weapons to vendors while purchasing new firearms. Although these departments declined interviews, they emphasized via email that they follow federal guidelines when trading in used firearms to licensed gun dealers.
Under these trade-in agreements, departments receive credit toward new firearms and dealers subsequently sell these former police guns to individuals who have passed federal background checks. However, the journey of these guns doesn’t always end there. They can be stolen or resold in private transactions that don’t require background checks. Even with a background check, there’s no guarantee that a gun won’t later be used in a crime.
Federal law limits access to gun trace data, making it nearly impossible to figure out where a particular gun comes from. However, the Center for Investigative Reporting successfully sued the ATF to acquire statistical gun data. From those numbers, a CBS News investigation found that over a sixteen-year period, 52,000 guns recovered from crimes across the country were previously owned by law enforcement.
CBS News Texas Former Texas state representative Lon Burnam expressed his opinion: “I think they should be destroying those guns. They’re a public good. We should not sell them back into circulation without knowing the potential outcome.”

Burnam, who frequently advocated for gun restrictions while in office, believes that police departments send the wrong message by adding guns to circulation. He emphasized that this issue is as much about symbolism as it is about reality. “With a glut of guns already in circulation, allowing former police guns to be sold feeds the culture of violence we all live in and suffer from,” he said.
When it comes to guns confiscated from criminals, both Dallas and Fort Worth police departments destroy them. Fort Worth police send the seized firearms to a steel mill in Midlothian for melting.
CBS News Texas Burnam suggests that departments should take the same approach when getting rid of old service weapons. While Dallas and Arlington have not disclosed the number of guns traded, Fort Worth records reveal that more than 2,400 firearms have been exchanged with private dealers since 2011.
Along with trading in old guns to vendors, many departments offer retiring officers the option to purchase their service weapon. This is something the Texas Highway Patrol also offers. Once purchased, officers are free to sell these firearms.

On October 9, a representative from the China Air Transport Association (CATA) announced that the second CATA Aviation Conference will take place in Beijing from October 25 to 27, with the theme “Smart Civil Aviation: Innovating the Future.”

According to officials from CATA, this year’s conference will continue to emphasize the key elements of safety, service, normalcy, sustainability, and intelligence, while maintaining the “one conference, one exhibition” format. The event will consist of an opening ceremony, industry forums, and professional exhibitions.

In contrast to the first CATA Aviation Conference, this year’s opening ceremony will feature the announcement of the evaluation results for the Civil Aviation Science and Technology Awards for 2022 and 2023, as well as the individual service quality award results for airlines in 2024. Additionally, building on last year’s recognition of the “Most Beautiful Captain” and “Most Beautiful Flight Attendant,” the conference will introduce a new award for the “Most Beautiful Air Traffic Controller.”

The industry forums will delve into topics such as the high-quality development of air transport, innovations in smart civil aviation, network and data security in civil aviation, general aviation and low-altitude economic development, aviation finance, and logistics. The professional exhibition will include a comprehensive exhibition area, a section dedicated to general aviation and low-altitude economic development, and a zone featuring award-winning exhibits from the Civil Aviation Science and Technology Awards.

This year, two sub-forums will specifically focus on “smart” themes: the Smart Civil Aviation Innovation Sub-Forum and the Network and Data Security Sub-Forum. Various participants from the aviation industry, including airlines, airports, air traffic control, aviation equipment manufacturers, airline catering companies, logistics firms, financial institutions, research institutes, and civil aviation universities, will showcase their innovative advancements in the field.

Moreover, this year’s conference will place greater emphasis on social engagement, public education, and interactivity. Hall 1 will host a “Civil Aviation Story Exchange,” featuring content such as “Aviation Clothing Culture Displays” and storytelling sessions with distinguished captains and flight attendants. In Hall 14, an “Aviation Street” will highlight the full-chain service aspects of airline food supply. Throughout the event, the organizers have planned audience interaction activities, including ten designated check-in points across the exhibition area, creating a unique exploration route for attendees.

On September 21, 2024, the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the General Office of the State Council issued a directive on accelerating the development and utilization of public data resources. This initiative recognizes the public data generated by government agencies and enterprises as a significant foundational strategic resource for the nation. With the approval of the Central Committee and the State Council, the following key points have been outlined to enhance the use of public data resources, unlock their potential, and promote high-quality development.

**Overall Requirements**
Guided by Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we aim to implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress and its subsequent meetings. The focus is on a comprehensive understanding of the new development philosophy, balancing development and security, and pursuing efficiency and fairness. We will work to facilitate the compliant and efficient flow of public data, aiming to improve the level of resource development and utilization, eliminate systemic barriers, invigorate the dynamics of sharing and openness, and optimize the allocation of public data resources. The ultimate goal is to reinforce and expand the digital economy, establish new competitive advantages for the nation, and provide solid support for these objectives.

The approach emphasizes government guidance and market-driven initiatives. The government will strengthen its oversight while the market mechanisms will be better utilized to expand public data supply and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of resource allocation. Adhering to principles of respect for established norms and innovative practices, regions and departments are encouraged to tailor their strategies for open sharing and regulated operational models while enhancing the management framework for resource development and utilization.

**Goals**
By 2025, we aim to establish preliminary rules for the development and utilization of public data resources, significantly enhance the quality and scale of resource provision, and enrich the range of data products and services. By 2030, we expect these systems to be fully matured, ensuring compliance and efficiency in data circulation, while capitalizing on public data’s role in empowering the real economy, boosting consumer demand, expanding investment prospects, and enhancing governance capabilities.

**Deepening Reform in Data Resource Allocation**
We will systematically advance the sharing of government data, improve catalog management, and ensure quality while actively promoting both proactive and on-demand sharing of data. The focus will be on strengthening existing data-sharing platforms and enhancing business collaboration across various levels and sectors to improve public satisfaction.

Efforts will be made to promote the orderly opening of public data by establishing a clear policy framework that outlines responsibilities while safeguarding national data security and protecting individual and business confidentiality. Public data that addresses urgent social needs will be prioritized for open access, alongside mechanisms for public feedback on data openness.

**Encouraging Innovative Applications**
The aim is to enrich application scenarios where there is a demand for data resources, supporting enterprises in the development of products and services using public data. There’s a particular focus on the use of data resource collaboration in key regions and sectors, to promote integrated market development and nurture new industries.

**Strengthening Management and Oversight**
A robust management system for public data resources will be established, including registration and oversight of public data handling, to ensure data quality and traceability. Transparency will be encouraged through the public disclosure of operational details regarding data resource usage, maintaining integrity and fairness in competitive practices.

**Fostering a Positive Environment for Development**
The initiative underscores the need for a secure and supportive environment for data innovation, calling for clarified responsibilities among data management entities while highlighting innovation incentives. There will be greater enforcement of data security measures and a focus on managing risks associated with data utilization.

**Strengthening Organizational Implementation**
Leadership will be reinforced, with all levels of government expected to actively coordinate efforts to realize this initiative. Financial support for the development of data infrastructure will be a priority, with encouragement for financial institutions to support data-driven enterprises. Additionally, the framework for evaluating performance in the development and utilization of public data resources will be enhanced to facilitate compliance and improvement across the board.

Overall, the directive seeks to foster a culture of responsibility, innovation, and collaboration in harnessing the full potential of public data resources to drive socioeconomic growth and enhance governance in China.