Month: October 2024

AnimJayce wrote and published his first book when he was four years oldA six-year-old boy who has written and published three books is set to receive a national award for inspiring other children.
Jayce, from Birmingham, has been named this year’s youngest recipient of the British Citizen Youth Award, Medal of Honour, which recognises the impact he has made on his community.
He published his first book, Jayce's Sweet Tooth, about a boy who cannot resist candy, when he was four years old and became a member of Mensa with an IQ of 150 before he turned five.
Jayce told BBC Midlands Today that he felt great about the award, which he will receive at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday.
He said he was first inspired by reading other people's books and wanted to start writing his own.
“I like writing because that’s how I can inspire the children to write books,” he added.
AnimJayce holds story sessions at venues across BirminghamHis mother Anim said she knew he was gifted when he began reading and writing short sentences from the age of two.
Of the award, she said: “It’s an incredible achievement and it is a testament to his dedication and hard work.”
Jayce’s first two books – Jayce’s Sweet Tooth and A Beach With No Sea – were published when he four, with his third, Jayce’s Alphabet Rules, following shortly after.
He was assessed by Mensa after his first books were published and his IQ of 150 placed him in the top 0.1% of children his age.
AnimJayce will receive his award at the Palace of Westminster on ThursdayAs well as his writing, Jayce runs story sessions at nurseries, primary schools, libraries, bookshops and community groups.
He also hands out educational gift boxes called Jayce’s World of Learning in a bid to promote early literacy and inclusion among children.
Anim said: “He is so committed to making a difference in the lives of not just his community but the world at large.”
Jayce said his ambition was to keep on writing books so he can keep inspiring other children to read and write.
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The “Outstanding Tutoring Center” Bay Side branch, known for its exceptionally high admission rates, has officially begun enrollment for the spring session. Additionally, a special intensive prep course for the Hunter College High School entrance exam has been introduced to help students achieve academic success.

The Bay Side branch is also offering scholarships for high-achieving students. Those who score 95 or above on the free practice test will receive full tuition coverage, while those scoring above 85 will receive a 30% discount, 75 and above will get a 50% discount, and scores over 65 will enjoy a 70% discount. We encourage parents and students to participate and assess their current level.

The Hunter Middle School practice test classes run from October 27 to January 12 of next year, with less than three months remaining before this year’s entrance exam for gifted middle school applicants. This final preparation phase is crucial for success. Our crash course has consistently received praise and recommendations from parents, as it teaches test-takers how to prepare effectively and master answering techniques. The program includes 11 sets of simulated exams and in-depth problem explanations, with distinguished educators from top New York schools personally crafting the questions and providing detailed instruction, ensuring high effectiveness and accuracy.

The “Outstanding Tutoring Center” specializes in providing high-quality exam preparation courses for students in grades 2 through 12. Our fall offerings include: elementary statewide enhancement courses in English and Math; middle school statewide enhancement courses in English and Math; preparatory courses for the three major specialized high schools SHSAT; high school PSAT, SAT; Hunter College High School prep; ESL classes for new immigrants; after-school tutoring (with transportation and snacks available); and writing classes.

All of our courses are carefully prepared by instructors with decades of teaching experience at the Outstanding Tutoring Center, ensuring comprehensive and clear instruction that effectively improves student performance. The SAT/New SAT/PSAT enhancement classes are specifically designed for students in grade 9 and above, incorporating over a decade of successful methodologies; these classes use the new SAT as a standard and feature simulated tests and real-world practice. English lessons focus on vocabulary, grammar, critical reading, and writing exercises, presenting systematic and practical strategies to overcome challenges. Math instruction emphasizes targeted practice, problem-solving techniques, and training for accuracy and speed, aiming for top scores.

Over the past 20 years, many students who attended the SAT courses at our center have achieved outstanding results on official exams, with numerous students being accepted into prestigious schools such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Cornell each year. The enhancement courses for grades 2-8 in math, English, and reading/writing cover the complete curricula for their respective grades, with English instruction including writing, vocabulary, and reading practices. The teaching materials are comprehensive and are, on average, 6 months to a year and a half more advanced than those used in public schools.

All instructors at the Outstanding Tutoring Center hold teaching licenses and have taught in both public and private schools, bringing a wealth of instructional experience. They not only supplement school practices but also enhance students’ abilities to analyze and solve problems.

We welcome parents and their children to visit any nearby branch for inquiries. The Bay Side address is 214-25 42 Ave, 2FL (near Bell Blvd Bay Side train station), phone: 646-616-0751; 646-616-0753.

The Flushing branch is located at 37-20 Prince St., #4B, Flushing, phone: 718-961-1816; the Chinatown branch is at 98 Mott St., 4FL, NY, phone: 212-219-1860.

In a startling investigation, law enforcement officials in Suffolk County, Long Island, arrested Remon Gibson, a 43-year-old drug dealer with a prior conviction for drug trafficking, after uncovering a massive stash of deadly narcotics in his home. According to investigators, the amount of drugs recovered was “enough to kill everyone in Long Island.” Despite the serious charges, Gibson has pleaded not guilty and has been released on bail pending further proceedings.

The arrest took place on September 25 when police executed a search warrant at Gibson’s residence in Bellport. They discovered 33 pounds of illegal drugs, including a significant quantity of fentanyl hidden in a nightstand next to a child’s bedroom. In total, authorities seized 7 kilograms of fentanyl and over 8 kilograms of cocaine, some of which were concealed in a hidden trap in his backyard shed. Intriguingly, some of the seized drug bricks bore the imprint “COVID-19.”

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney commented on the operation, stating that the amount of lethal substances confiscated was staggering, with a street value estimated at $3.5 million. He emphasized the potential danger, saying, “The amount of fentanyl here is sufficient to kill every man, woman, and child in Long Island.” During the search, law enforcement also uncovered $80,000 in cash, half a kilogram of the sedative xylazine, drug paraphernalia, a press, and plates containing fentanyl and cocaine.

When Gibson appeared in court on October 9, he faced multiple charges, including operating as a major trafficker, illegal possession of controlled substances, endangering the welfare of a child, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, to which he maintained his plea of not guilty. Judge Richard Ambro set bail conditions at $200,000 in cash, $800,000 in bonds, and a $2 million partially secured bond. Gibson has since posted bail and is scheduled to return to court on November 8.

This is not Gibson’s first encounter with drug-related charges; records indicate he was previously convicted for illegal possession of controlled substances and served three and a half years in prison starting in 2020. His attorney has yet to respond to inquiries regarding this latest arrest.

Kanye West, now known as Ye, recently sold his Malibu mansion for $21 million, a staggering loss considering he purchased it for over $57 million just three years prior. The property, once valued at around $53 million when listed in January, saw its price slashed significantly by April to $39 million before finally selling for just 40% of its original value.

According to CoStar Homes, the mansion went under contract on July 25th, 2024, selling for 60% less than its initial asking price, yet still surpassing the buyer’s offer of $20 million. The new owner is Belwood Investments, a real estate firm that has plans to renovate the property, which was noted for its architectural significance designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

Bo Belmont, CEO of Belwood Investments, has criticized Ye’s decision to demolish various parts of the home, calling it “foolish.” Belmont stated that they aim to restore the damaged property back to its original condition before listing it again, estimating renovation costs between $6 million and $8 million and a timeline of 12 to 14 months for completion.

The luxurious three-story mansion features 4,000 square feet of living space, breathtaking ocean views through its expansive windows, and an additional 1,500 square feet of outdoor space. Initially celebrated as a rare architectural masterpiece, the property garnered considerable media attention when Ye stripped it down to its concrete foundation, removing all interior fittings, windows, and air conditioning systems. This drastic action drew criticism and fascination alike.

Belwood Investments reassured potential buyers that the restoration would be manageable, citing that they had already contacted the original builders to ensure the house would be reconstructed to its former glory. Despite this financial setback, Ye appears unfazed; he is currently on a world tour and recently performed with his family in Hainan, China, where tickets sold out rapidly, reflecting his enduring popularity.

Employment is a fundamental aspect of people’s lives, directly impacting their well-being. Enhancing the public employment service system is a crucial part of deepening reforms in the employment sector. Recently, the Central Committee of the Communist Party and the State Council released an opinion regarding the implementation of a priority employment strategy to promote high-quality and sufficient employment, emphasizing the need for a precise and efficient public employment service system.

As a component of basic public services, a well-rounded public employment service benefits workers by providing employment information, improving their professional skills, and facilitating communication between labor and management, ultimately enhancing the job market. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, China has placed significant importance on and effectively advanced its public employment service system, establishing over 4,400 public employment talent service institutions that serve an average of 110 million people annually.

Currently, China’s job market still faces structural contradictions, such as the mismatch of “jobs available but no one to fill them, and people seeking jobs but finding none.” Issues like uneven regional distribution of employment services, weak foundational development, and inconsistent service quality warrant attention. Therefore, it is essential to further refine the system, optimize the framework, and fully leverage the advantages of public services to ease employment and workforce challenges.

The new opinion highlights the need to enhance a public employment service system that covers all citizens. To improve the system, we must increase the inclusivity of services. The number of flexible workers, including delivery personnel and ride-hailing drivers, has been rising rapidly. Key groups such as college graduates, migrant workers, and those who have recently escaped poverty continue to face significant employment pressure. These groups have a high demand for employment services, particularly public ones, necessitating access to suitable job placements, protection of legal labor rights, and the establishment of harmonious labor relations.

Additionally, to improve the system, enhancing the accessibility of services is crucial. A public employment service network covering both urban and rural areas is now largely in place, with most streets and towns having set up employment service windows. However, some workers still struggle to access these services. We need to maintain a grassroots focus by strengthening employment services in industrial clusters and densely populated areas while extending support to resettlement areas, remote regions, and rural areas. This involves breaking down barriers related to residency, region, and identity, establishing local employment service stations and gig markets, and implementing a “big data + on-the-ground service” model to ensure resources reach the grassroots level.

Finally, we must further improve the professionalism of services. The emergence of new employment forms has led to new labor relationships and issues, meaning traditional public employment services are no longer sufficient. This situation requires enhancing the professional capabilities of service personnel, building a well-structured and high-quality service team, and effectively utilizing big data to create a unified national public employment service information platform to promote data sharing. Collaborating with market-based human resource service organizations can also expand the supply of specialized services and facilitate effective resource integration.

On October 15, during a meeting in Islamabad, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with the Chairman of the Pakistan Senate, Sadiq Sanjrani, and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

In the meeting, Premier Li highlighted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 73 years ago, China and Pakistan have maintained a strong trajectory of growth in their bilateral relationship. He expressed China’s willingness to continue working hand in hand with Pakistan to implement the important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and Pakistani leaders. His aim is to promote traditional friendship, strengthen political trust, expand practical cooperation, and elevate bilateral relations to new heights, ultimately bringing tangible benefits to the people of both nations.

Li emphasized the importance of maintaining high-level exchanges and enhancing strategic communication between the two countries. He noted that there is significant potential for mutually beneficial cooperation and stressed that both sides should strive to translate their economic complementarities into concrete outcomes. Furthermore, he expressed hope that Pakistan’s Senate and National Assembly would create a supportive legal environment for the development of their relationship. He also expressed China’s readiness to enhance cooperation between legislative bodies to foster collaboration in areas such as the rule of law, legislative oversight, and improving the welfare of citizens, thereby contributing to the friendship between the two nations.

In response, the Pakistani side reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China, emphasizing that public sentiment in Pakistan strongly supports the development of friendly relations with China. They expressed admiration for the substantial achievements China has made under President Xi Jinping’s leadership and extended heartfelt gratitude for the invaluable assistance China has provided to Pakistan’s development over the years. The Pakistani representatives highly appreciated and actively participated in the Belt and Road Initiative, noting the progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is significantly benefiting the people of both countries. They expressed a commitment to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the National People’s Congress of China to foster mutual understanding and trust, and to promote the continuous advancement of Pakistan-China relations.

In today’s digital age dominated by viral short videos, it’s become common to see young influencers exploring local eateries, often employing flashy camera techniques and exaggerated language to capture their audience’s attention. Yet, one remarkable individual, an over-80 Chinese “Uncle” named Liu Xihuang, is carving out a niche for himself by creating content in Cantonese. Although he doesn’t rely on flashy presentations, his genuine sharing and love for traditional cuisine aim to “revitalize Chinatown.”

Known online as “Uncle Big Lau,” Liu has earned the title of “the most trusted food critic in Chinatown.” Two years ago, he began posting videos on various social media platforms, showcasing restaurants in different Chinese communities around the city. In a landscape filled with colorful and extravagant short videos, Uncle Big Lau’s candid storytelling in Cantonese, accompanied by English subtitles, stands out as a refreshing perspective, breathing new life into traditional culinary delights.

With a following of over 50,000 on TikTok and Instagram, 82-year-old Uncle Big Lau ventures into various restaurants, from Chinatown to Brooklyn’s 8th Avenue and Flushing, sampling classic dishes. Beyond tasting the food, he engages in conversations with the owners, often signaling his approval with his signature thumbs-up.

Liu Xihuang, originally from Taishan in Guangdong, immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong in 1967 at the age of 25. Due to language barriers, after navigating military service obligations, he started working in garment factories but soon transitioned into the service industry by becoming a waiter in a café, thanks to a friend’s introduction. After gaining experience, he opened a restaurant in the Flushing area with relatives but eventually returned to Chinatown to work for other establishments when he couldn’t sustain the business.

During the opportunities presented by that era, he even ventured to Florida to enter the beverage trade before returning to New York to manage the “Golden Phoenix Nightclub” with friends. He recalls a time when gang activity was rampant, stating that he navigated these challenges through connections in both legal and illegal circles and served as an auxiliary officer for the NYPD’s Chinatown precinct.

During the pandemic, while at home, Liu found inspiration from his daughter and began to ponder if he could find new endeavors despite having no interests like Mahjong. Recognizing the economic downturn in Chinatown and other areas, he aimed to combine his experiences to help revitalize these communities.

Drawing from his years of work as a dishwasher, waiter, manager, and owner, Liu hopes to contribute to society by sharing his insights and “reviving multiple Chinatowns,” driven by his initial desire to encourage people to return to Chinatown and reduce the loss of excellent restaurants and chefs.

In late 2021, Liu started experimenting with video. At first, he explored eateries alone, filming himself with his phone. Eventually, his daughter, Liu Yanshan, joined him not only to assist her father, who has mobility challenges, but also to take on the editing responsibilities. Despite the change, Liu was no stranger to taking photos for family members, having done so decades ago when he was in business in Florida.

Walking the streets of Chinatown today, Liu runs into many old friends. As his recognition grows, he finds himself frequently approached for photos by fans. This newfound fame has prompted him to don his slightly formal shirt daily, ensuring he looks neat and respectful—earning attention even from renowned food critic Chua Lam in Hong Kong.

As his follower count increases, numerous restaurant owners and businesses have reached out, hoping to collaborate, including the famous sauce brand Lee Kum Kee. However, Liu has declined some offers, stating that his video endeavors aren’t driven by profit and he seeks to maintain his integrity. He believes it’s important to support businesses without glossing over their shortcomings but remains firm in his commitment to honesty.

Liu feels that his age adds to his credibility among viewers. Acknowledging the gradual decline of Cantonese language, he aims to resonate with the community through his use of Cantonese. Liu expressed, “I hope to give back to the community because I earned my living there and grew up surrounded by it.”

On October 13th, just before International White Cane Day, the Guangzhou Guide Dog School hosted a unique yoga event in Guangzhou led by yoga instructor and guide dog user Xiao Jia. Participants had the opportunity to experience yoga blindfolded, allowing them to discover the joy of exercising in the dark.

In an interview, Xiao Jia shared her inspiring journey to becoming a yoga instructor: “Due to my visual impairment, traveling and exercising became very challenging, and my weight significantly increased. Since I discovered yoga, I have been able to reconnect with the joy that physical activity brings to my mind and body.”

During the event, staff members, guide dog users, foster families, and volunteers at the Guangzhou Guide Dog School donned blindfolds and followed Xiao Jia’s guidance in their yoga practice. Additionally, attendees participated in activities designed to simulate visual impairment, demonstrations of guide dog work, and knowledge-sharing sessions about guide dogs, which deepened the community’s understanding of the stories between visually impaired individuals and their guide dogs.

Li Yuanzhen, the principal of the Guangzhou Guide Dog School and an international guide dog trainer, shared exciting news during the event: “This year, our school has successfully bred three litters of exceptional guide dog puppies, totaling 20 new guide dog recruits.” She also called on compassionate members of the community to consider becoming foster families for guide dog puppies, emphasizing the important role they play in supporting the development of guide dog services in Guangzhou.

As awareness and support for guide dog services and accessible travel for visually impaired individuals grow, more businesses and public venues are opening their doors to guide dogs. For instance, Guangzhou’s Yiqi Bus has welcomed guide dogs in training on all its routes since World Guide Dog Day in April. Furthermore, locations such as the Nanyue King Museum, Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, and Tianhuan Plaza have fully accepted guide dogs in training into their facilities.

Li Yuanzhen expressed her hope that as more people come to understand the needs of visually impaired friends, they will support guide dog training efforts, contributing to a more inclusive environment in Guangzhou.

In an exciting exchange of culture, the Gansu Tianshui City Dadiwan Museum’s creative products have captured the interest of Taiwanese students and teachers. Among the items, colorful ceramic tea sets and unique refrigerator magnets featuring the “Little Ancestor of Dadiwan” were hot commodities. “I bought three Dadiwan fridge magnets, and my teacher got a set of creative products showcasing Tianshui’s famous landmarks. It’s really interesting,” shared Taiwanese student Wang Jun during an interview with a reporter from China News.

On October 19, the research activity titled “Cross-Straits Shared Roots: Chinese Sentiments and Youth Journey in Longshan” took the group to the Dadiwan Museum as part of their exploration of Tianshui’s rich history, which includes Fuxi culture, Dadiwan culture, early Qin culture, the Maijishan Grottoes, and the ancient battlefields of the Three Kingdoms.

“I was particularly impressed by the colorful ceramics. The technology behind them was remarkable thousands of years ago. I took a lot of notes on history—I can’t wait to share everything with my family and friends back home,” said Taiwanese student He Bo after his visit, as he picked up a tea set adorned with colorful ceramic patterns. “It’s practical and beautiful, and I wanted to bring a piece of Dadiwan home.”

The Dadiwan site, located about 45 kilometers northeast of Tianshui City in Shaodian Village, is celebrated for its lengthy history, abundant relics, and significant contributions to the origins of Chinese civilization, recognized as one of the major archaeological finds of the 20th century.

Coincidentally, items like Five Elements storage bags, Four Spirits and Eight Trigrams pattern mirrors, and Dragon figurines from the creative shop in the nearby Fuxi Temple have also gained popularity among the Taiwanese visitors. Taiwanese student Su Shaoqi noted that his family has a tradition of visiting Fuxi Temple for festivals back home and expressed familiarity with Fuxi culture. “The Fuxi Temple in Tianshui is enormous, with a front courtyard, middle courtyard, back courtyard, and a garden. I hope to come back here with my family someday.”

Similarly, Chen Zhiqin, whose elders serve as ceremonial figures in Taiwanese temples, developed a strong interest in Fuxi culture. Before leaving the Fuxi Temple, he took a small amount of incense ash as a token of respect for the cultural ancestor.

Fuxi is recognized as a significant cultural figure, with Fuxi culture standing as a pivotal source of Chinese civilization that serves as a spiritual symbol and emotional bond for the Chinese nation. Previous cross-Straits ceremonies honoring Fuxi have been held simultaneously in both Tianshui and Taiwan.

Yongmei Yu, the executive vice president of the Gansu Provincial Overseas Friendship Association, expressed her hopes that through this research activity, Taiwanese youth will gain a multifaceted and authentic understanding of Gansu, promoting the inheritance and development of outstanding Chinese traditional culture, and enhancing communication and friendship among compatriots, fostering collaboration and shared progress between young individuals across the straits.

On October 21, the Ukrainian General Staff issued a statement revealing that Ukrainian forces launched drone strikes deep into Russian territory overnight. The targets included a military munitions manufacturer and a storage facility at a military airport in Russia’s Lipetsk region.

According to Reuters, the Ukrainian General Staff is currently assessing the damage inflicted on the enemy due to these attacks.

In response, the Russian Defense Ministry reported intercepting 110 Ukrainian drones that had crossed the border. They noted that one drone was shot down over Moscow, 43 over the Kursk region, and another 27 in the southwestern Lipetsk region.

Reports from the Russian Telegram channel SHOT indicate that Ukrainian drones attempted to strike the state-owned “Ya. M. Sverdlov State Owned Enterprise” located in the city of Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod region, approximately 400 kilometers east of Moscow. This factory is one of the largest suppliers of munitions to the Russian military and is currently under joint sanctions by the United States and the European Union.

The governor of Nizhny Novgorod region confirmed that drones attacked a local industrial zone, resulting in four firefighters sustaining minor injuries, but did not specify the exact targets of the drone strikes.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported via Telegram that eight Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Nizhny Novgorod. Meanwhile, SHOT relayed that residents reported hearing powerful explosions and witnessing billows of white smoke rising from the military munitions factory.

Reuters was unable to independently verify these claims.