Month: November 2024

On October 22, construction workers from China Railway Eleventh Bureau were busy assembling tunnel segments at the Jintang Undersea Tunnel of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway. The 10:00 AM milestone marked a significant breakthrough as the “Dinghai” shield machine successfully crossed the seawall and transitioned from the land section to the underwater segment, officially kicking off the construction of the world’s longest undersea high-speed railway tunnel.

Located beneath the Jintang Channel between Ningbo and Zhoushan, the Jintang Undersea Tunnel is a key project of the Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway. It stretches 16.18 kilometers, making it the longest underwater high-speed railway tunnel in the world, with 11.21 kilometers of its length constructed using the shield tunneling method.

Since its simultaneous launch from both sides on May 16, the “Dinghai” and “Yongzhou” shield machines have been digging towards each other, with the “Dinghai” machine aimed at advancing 6,270 meters from east to west, and the “Yongzhou” machine drilling 4,940 meters from west to east. The two machines are set to meet at the seabed after navigating high water pressure and various complex geological conditions.

Currently, the “Dinghai” machine has achieved the “zero-subsidence” goal as it advances at an impressive pace of 16 meters per day, nearing the 1,000-meter mark. Meanwhile, the “Yongzhou” machine has completed 902 meters of tunneling in the land section and is expected to enter the underwater phase by May of next year.

During the transition to the underwater construction phase, the “Dinghai” shield machine will need to navigate potential risks such as seawall protection, the entanglement of drainage sheets with the cutter head, and the challenges posed by crossing navigable waterways and anchorages. Addressing complex geological challenges like cutter head clogging, tool wear, and maintaining airtight seals under high water pressure will be critical, along with ensuring precise tunneling across long distances. The Shanghai-Hangzhou High-speed Railway Company, in collaboration with China Railway Eleventh Bureau and a team of expert academicians, is meticulously evaluating the construction plans to safeguard the underwater segment’s progression.

Zhang Jintao, the project manager for the Jintang Undersea Tunnel, noted, “The maximum depth of the tunnel will reach 78 meters, with water pressure peaking at 8.4 bar, equivalent to nearly one ton of weight on an adult’s palm.” He elaborated that during the construction of the “buffer zone” for the underwater segment, the team is making targeted adaptations, focusing on the shield’s tail-brushing, slurry formulation, and tunneling posture control, significantly enhancing process management and gathering a wealth of data under various conditions to ensure the shield machine’s effectiveness during its underwater journey.

The Ningbo-Zhoushan Railway is a major project within China’s Medium- to Long-Term Railway Network Plan (2016-2030). Spanning 76.4 kilometers with a design speed of 250 kilometers per hour, this project will end the historical absence of railway access in the Zhoushan Archipelago. It will connect the city of Zhoushan, the only prefecture-level city in the Yangtze River Delta without high-speed rail, to the national railway network. This connection is poised to facilitate the integrated development of Ningbo and Zhoushan, contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote high-quality development across the Yangtze River Delta region.

A jury at Woolwich Crown Court has been presented with CCTV footage showing Daniel Khalife, a former soldier, reading about his own escape from prison. The footage captures Khalife inside a west London newsagent, perusing the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror.

The prosecution asserts that Khalife escaped from Wandsworth prison on September 6, 2023, by concealing himself beneath a food truck. At 23 years old, he faces charges not only for the escape but also for allegedly collecting sensitive military information for Iran, which he denies.

In a video montage shown to the jury, Khalife is seen leaving his cell shortly after 7:00 AM on the day of his alleged escape. He briefly appears in the kitchen area where he worked before a Bidfood truck is shown exiting the prison’s main gate. The prosecution claims he hid under the truck using a makeshift sling attached near the rear axle. A witness, Skye Vokins, testified seeing him roll out from under the truck, fix his hair, and walk away casually. Authorities were alerted to his absence by 8:18 AM.

Later that same day, Khalife was captured on CCTV entering a Mountain Warehouse shop, where he reportedly took a blue cap without paying. The following morning, at around 8:00 AM, he was seen purchasing two shirts and jogging bottoms at a Marks & Spencer in Kew, before topping up his phone at a Sainsbury’s two hours later and buying a Samsung phone for £89 on King Street.

By September 8, the former soldier was once again recorded in a Chiswick newsagent, where he read articles about his escape while buying the Daily Mail. It was during this period that he allegedly searched online for “Can a phone be tracked from IMEI?” indicating a concern for being traced. The prosecution claims that he also communicated with an account linked to Iranian intelligence, sending a message reading “I wait.”

The court was informed that on the morning of September 9, Khalife was spotted at a McDonald’s in Southall, where he changed his clothes in the restroom and ordered an espresso. Shortly after, he was apprehended on a canal towpath in Northolt.

Following his arrest, Khalife reportedly told officers that in the army “you’re literally trained for escape and evasion.” He claimed, “You’re trained to live in the woods, you’re trained to kill people,” and contended he had never considered escaping from prison a crime. He expressed a lack of awareness of the dangers of hiding under the truck until it reached higher speeds. Khalife expressed discomfort over the adverse publicity surrounding his escape and lamented being a “burden” on the country, referencing the extensive law enforcement efforts and operational disruptions during the manhunt.

During his time on the run, Khalife allegedly wrote notes stating he “didn’t want to betray the UK” by collaborating with Iran and insisted he “started with good intentions.” In one note, he articulated aspirations for a “democratically elected government in Iran” and declared he would rather “die in the pursuit of redemption” than be labeled a traitor by family and friends. He also mentioned his interactions with the Russian defense attaché and officials from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps.

The notes were discovered in a Ford Transit van that was reported stolen from Stafford Barracks, where Khalife was stationed. The van, which had been outfitted with false plates, contained a camp bed and £18,000 in cash. It was found on September 7, 2023, amid the search for Khalife.

Currently, Khalife faces multiple charges, including escaping from prison, gathering information beneficial to Iran, and perpetrating a bomb hoax, as well as violations of the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act. He continues to deny all allegations against him as the trial progresses.

Starting December 24, the immersive musical “Golden Wind and Jade Dew” will be showcased at the Huguang Guild Hall in Beijing, potentially providing a new model for the revitalization of historical venues.

Produced by the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Tianqiao Shengshi Investment Group, and created by Kyoto Cultural Investment Management Co., Ltd., “Golden Wind and Jade Dew” draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of Beijing opera. The musical narrates the vibrant history of Beijing opera and its esteemed artists through a dramatic and engaging musical format.

The story follows a passionate journey of personal growth set against the backdrop of early Republican China. The protagonist, part of the Qunming Opera Troupe performing at the Huguang Guild Hall, finds himself caught up in a murder mystery. Amidst the chaos, the troupe manager and master, Xi Fu, is wrongly accused, and it falls upon the martial artist Jin Sheng to rescue him and revive the struggling troupe. Throughout the tale, tough choices concerning family, love, friendship, and national duty lead to a dramatic rebirth, with Jin Sheng embodying the spirit of resilience.

Director Li Zhuoqun highlighted key themes of “Beijing, Republican era, theater, and youth” during a press conference on October 11. She explained that the script combines elements of late Qing mystery with the essence of the Republican period, using a play-within-a-play structure to portray the passionate development within the theater world. The musical employs modern lighting, sound, and subtitles to create an immersive experience for audiences, transporting them back to the Republican era. By merging contemporary music styles like rock and swing with traditional opera, the production aims to present an engaging and compelling Chinese musical.

In June, the production team conducted auditions and selected 18 actors from top educational institutions, including the Beijing Dance Academy and the Central Academy of Drama. The cast began their vocal and physical training in August, moving on to read-throughs of the script in September, followed by formal rehearsals starting in October.

The creative team includes industry professionals such as acclaimed producer Li Dong, director and rising playwright Li Zhuoqun, co-writer and lyricist Sun Yuxi, composer Professor Jiang Jinghong from the China Academy of Chinese Opera, and visual designer Ren Dongsheng, who is the department head of stage design at the Beijing Dance Academy. The costume design is handled by first-class designer Lan Ling.

As part of a new performing arts initiative spearheaded by the Beijing Federation of Literary and Art Circles, “Golden Wind and Jade Dew” is supported by the Beijing Publicity and Culture Guidance Fund and the “Big Theater in Beijing” arts incubation platform.

Recently, the term “assembly line ancient costume dramas” has been trending, with audiences expressing their frustration over repetitive plots, similar styling, and predictable casting combinations. Viewers are clearly saying, “We’ve had enough.”

It’s undeniable that ancient costume dramas are currently among the hottest genres in the film and television industry. Many young stars have gained massive followings thanks to this genre, and newer actors are eager to get a piece of the action. While the market is indeed thriving and attracting more creators and investors, this should not justify the mindless copying or poorly crafted productions.

Social media users have highlighted the common clichés found in today’s “assembly line” dramas: villains emphasized by heavy eyeliner, characters made younger with bangs, god-like figures in white robes, and exaggerated makeup choices that distort their appearances. Consequently, it feels like gods in heavenly realms are constantly wearing the same outfits, beautiful actresses awkwardly trying to portray tough characters, and actors failing to convey emotion as plot hints leak through predictable makeup choices.

However, this formulaic styling doesn’t emphasize character uniqueness or assist in expressing emotions; instead, it alienates audiences and gives off a sense of carelessness. Today’s ancient costume dramas heavily rely on the combination of big IPs (intellectual properties) and popular stars. Almost every platform promotes S+ level dramas following this formula. It seems that both investors and fans have come to accept this system’s viability.

Production companies are buying up online literature IPs by the bulk, and fans are betting on which characters will shine and have potential for growth, despite claiming to only be interested in officially announced projects. Still, the buzz in the comments section from celebrity studios suggests otherwise.

With the industry and fans sharing this optimism, just how powerful is this “combo” approach? Looking at the data from this year alone, several once-promising S+ ancient costume dramas have yielded underwhelming results. Some platforms have candidly admitted that the first half of the year did not meet expectations for blockbuster hits, whereas innovative projects have surprised audiences instead.

The discrepancies in expected hits show that universally applicable formulas are not foolproof. The “assembly line” dramas that audiences often criticize seem to presume that they can just replicate the success of previous hit dramas without any fresh ideas, treating viewers like mindless puppets who will accept whatever is presented.

In previous years, the popular “time-travel” theme saw characters swinging back and forth between ancient and modern times. Recently, a trend for “novel-inserted” plots emerged, with characters awakening to rebel against their authors. Palace intrigue has shifted to household dramas, still centered on conflict. The rise of “strong female lead” dramas has seen a slew of female protagonists becoming self-aware, independent, and career-focused.

Such trends should set a high standard for the industry, inspiring future works to excel rather than serving as convenient templates for others to lazily replicate. A flourishing film and television market requires diverse and innovative content.

Alongside uninspired plots, viewers are also tired of the same actors appearing in these “assembly line” dramas; there appears to be a mysterious rotation among familiar faces. Recently, a graphic circulating online illustrated how various known actors are interconnected through multiple shows. This might explain why, despite the constant release of new ancient costume dramas, audiences still feel a sense of monotony when encountering the same old faces.

Actors trapped in the cycle of “assembly line” productions also struggle to deliver standout performances. Moving from one set to another with similar stories and looks often leaves viewers unable to distinguish which show they are watching just by looking at a promotional still.

Ultimately, the term “assembly line” should not precede artistic works. Every industry professional should be contemplating how to mend the damage done to viewers’ hearts by these uninspired “assembly line ancient costume dramas.”

San Francisco has recently been awarded California’s “Supportive Housing” designation, a significant milestone that will bolster the city’s efforts in expanding affordable housing construction. Mayor London Breed, alongside California Senator Scott Wiener and City Councilmember Myrna Melgar, made this announcement on October 25 in front of the first 160 affordable housing units in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

During the event, Breed paid tribute to the late Mayor Ed Lee, praising his role in facilitating the acquisition and redevelopment of this site, calling it a dream come true for the community.

“This new designation means San Francisco will receive increased state funding support for housing, jobs, and infrastructure projects,” Mayor Breed remarked. “It’s a significant step forward for us,” she added, noting the marked shift in the City Council’s attitude since 2021. With the city opening up its housing policies, she anticipates a housing boom ahead.

Breed highlighted the recent progress made by the city government in dismantling development barriers, reducing impact fees, and expediting the approval process for housing projects. She also expressed her gratitude to Senator Wiener, emphasizing that his legislative efforts around the “Supportive Housing” policy have provided crucial funding and a competitive advantage for the city.

Senator Wiener commented that the “Supportive Housing” designation is a reward for cities that align with state policies, emphasizing that San Francisco’s leadership played a critical role in achieving this honor. He noted that the city’s policy changes demonstrate a strong commitment to overcoming its historical housing challenges.

City Councilmember Myrna Melgar attended the event and stated that the housing policies in San Francisco are not just about meeting current demands but also about laying the groundwork for future urban development. She pointed out that with the city government’s ongoing redevelopment proposals, San Francisco aims to provide safe and affordable living environments for future residents. “The housing initiatives in the West Side show our determination; this area will become an ideal place for the next generation to call home.”

The construction of affordable housing signifies a major advancement for San Francisco in addressing its housing shortage, enabling more residents to thrive in economically sustainable environments.

The UK government has recently announced the early release of 1,100 more prisoners as part of a strategy to alleviate overcrowding in jails across England and Wales. This initiative allows offenders serving sentences longer than five years to be released on license after completing 40% of their time in prison, excluding those convicted of serious violent crimes, sexual offenses, and terrorism.

This second wave of emergency releases follows the initial announcement made after the general election in September, amid urgent warnings from officials about the dire conditions in overcrowded facilities. The latest plan aims to free up 5,500 spaces by transitioning certain offenders to community supervision after serving a reduced portion of their sentences.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood discussed the shift toward alternative forms of punishment in an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today program, emphasizing the need to balance public safety with rehabilitation efforts. “We have to expand the use of punishment outside of prison,” she stated. “What we need is a long-term plan that ensures prison remains a place that works effectively for public safety while also focusing on rehabilitating offenders.”

Mahmood confirmed that the Labour government is committed to fulfilling the promise of building 14,000 new prison spaces, which were not delivered by the prior Conservative administration. However, she stressed the importance of rethinking the sentencing process to prevent future overcrowding issues. “We have an opportunity now to reshape what punishment outside of prison looks like,” she noted, pointing out that any alternative must still involve some level of restraint on offenders’ liberties.

The forthcoming sentencing review, led by David Gauke, a former Conservative justice secretary, will examine the possibility of replacing short prison sentences with innovative community punishment methods and incorporating technology to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.

As the current prison population hovers around 87,465 with only 1,671 available spaces, officials have acknowledged the pressing need for a revised approach. Andrew Nielson, campaigns director of the Howard League for Penal Reform, commented on the urgency of the situation. “Tuesday’s emergency releases are a really blunt tool,” he remarked, expressing concern that this solution merely provides temporary relief. “By this time next year, if not sooner, they’ll be facing the same issues again,” he warned, highlighting the crucial nature of the sentencing review.

The early release scheme was one of Labour’s first actions post-election, continuing a strategy initiated by the previous government. However, the rollout has faced setbacks, including the wrongful release of 37 inmates due to improper record-keeping. Critics have raised alarms regarding public safety implications, arguing that the new measures could merely shuffle the problem without an adequate risk assessment.

As the government navigates these complex issues, new proposals are being considered, such as empowering magistrates to impose sentences of up to 12 months, which may help alleviate congestion in the system at the cost of potentially increasing the prison population—a concern echoed by the Criminal Bar Association.

With the legal and penal systems under intense scrutiny, the outcome of the upcoming sentencing review could set the stage for how the UK’s justice system evolves in response to the challenges of overcrowding and rehabilitation.

Japan’s electrical manufacturer Funai Electric Co. has declared bankruptcy, leaving 2,000 employees unemployed overnight, according to reports from the Associated Press. The company is facing a financial crisis compounded by management issues, resulting in debts totaling around 46.1 billion yen. On October 24th, Funai held an emergency meeting to announce the immediate layoffs, shocking many of its employees.

Founded in 1961 and based in Osaka, Funai Electric originated from the transistor radio division of Funai Light Machine Industry, established in 1951. The company produced a variety of products under the “FUNAI” brand, including televisions, audio equipment, video devices, and printers, with significant sales in North America, where it once held the highest market share in the LCD TV sector. However, increased competition from Chinese manufacturers in recent years has led to consecutive operational losses. By the end of March this year, Funai’s liabilities had soared to approximately 46.1 billion yen.

Reports indicate that since March, the frequent turnover in Funai’s management team has resulted in operational confusion. On October 24th, the company received notification from the Tokyo District Court about the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings. Employees were particularly dismayed when they did not receive their salaries on payday, October 25th.

Facing unexpected unemployment, one Funai employee expressed disbelief, saying, “I never thought it would come to this. I’m in complete shock; it’s all over in an instant.” Another employee who has worked at the company for 17 years shared, “Rather than feeling angry, most employees seem to be quietly accepting the reality. We thought the company could hold on for a few more years or even months.”

On October 23, the Ministry of Natural Resources of China announced a notification aimed at strengthening the supply of natural resources to support the high-quality development of modern logistics. This notification highlights the legal and regulatory measures necessary to meet the land, sea, island, and coastline needs for significant logistics infrastructure and warehouse projects.

To delve deeper into this initiative, we sought insights regarding the notification’s guidelines and their expected impacts on the logistics sector.

**Interviewer**: What are the main objectives of this notification?

**Official**: The primary goal is to implement the decisions made by the central government to effectively reduce logistics costs across society. This involves enhancing the supply of space for logistics development, ensuring that necessary resources are in place to support modern logistics infrastructure.

**Interviewer**: Can you elaborate on how the notification plans to expand logistics space supply?

**Official**: Certainly. The directive emphasizes a coordinated approach to building various logistics facilities while adhering to national spatial planning. It advises integrating infrastructure such as transportation logistics, warehousing, and temporary transfer facilities, among others, into a comprehensive plan.

Moreover, there’s a focus on improving urban and rural logistics systems, particularly by establishing community-based services. For instance, new community developments should include commercial and service facilities that constitute at least 10% of the total building area for emergency storage.

**Interviewer**: How will natural resources be safeguarded for major logistics projects?

**Official**: The notification specifies that we must prioritize land and sea use for key logistics infrastructure projects, ensuring they meet legal requirements. This includes significant projects like logistics hubs and transport corridors. For logistics parks recognized at national and provincial levels, we will ensure that additional storage land is prioritized to support their growth.

**Interviewer**: What innovative land supply methods are being proposed?

**Official**: We encourage flexible land supply methods like long-term leases and hybrid approaches such as “lease before transfer.” There’s also a unique model emerging where the government handles land preparation while the private sector builds and operates logistics facilities.

**Interviewer**: You mentioned mixed-use land. How will that be integrated into logistics planning?

**Official**: The initiative aims to increase the availability of mixed-use land and support compatibility with logistics functions. For example, we’re advocating for multi-level developments that can also accommodate functions such as storage and urban delivery services. This could take place near major transport hubs like railway stations, making efficient use of available space.

**Interviewer**: Lastly, what measures will be taken to ensure the implementation of these plans?

**Official**: We are establishing comprehensive management strategies that include continuous monitoring of land use. This will help ensure that logistics facilities maintain their designated purpose and prevent any misuse that may lead to inefficiencies or empty land. The notification serves as a foundational step toward reinforcing logistics as a crucial part of the economy, ultimately allowing for enhanced cost efficiency and economic operation.

Through this focused approach, the Ministry aims to provide robust support for the infrastructure needed to foster a modern logistics system and contribute to a new development framework.

During a recent interview at the Nigerian Corrosion Association (NiCA) annual conference in Port Harcourt, Blessing Ibungein highlighted the urgent need for government investment in corrosion control. NiCA advocates for enhanced personnel training, advanced production equipment, and increased research efforts to improve professional performance in this crucial area, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the country’s economy.

The call for collaboration among the government, educational institutions, industries, and communities was emphasized as vital to addressing corrosion challenges and ensuring environmental sustainability. This appeal was made during the ongoing conference, where new executives were also inaugurated to lead NiCA in the coming years.

Prof. Auwal Kazim, the newly elected president of NiCA, underscored the importance of the gas sector to Nigeria’s economy, stating that its sustainability is essential for national progress. In his address on the theme “Management of Corrosion in the Midstream and Downstream Oil and Gas Industry,” he emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle corrosion issues, particularly in safeguarding infrastructure across homes, offices, and industries.

“Corrosion management is a matter of national importance, especially as we strive to optimize operations in the midstream and downstream sectors,” Prof. Kazim remarked. He pointed out that the consequences of unchecked corrosion extend beyond financial loss, affecting safety, environmental integrity, and operational efficiency throughout pipelines, storage facilities, and refining infrastructure.

He asserted, “Corrosion threatens vital assets unless addressed with advanced strategies and cutting-edge solutions. Over the years, NiCA has raised public awareness and partnered with the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to develop a much-needed corrosion standard in the country.”

Prof. Kazim further noted that corrosion is a widespread issue affecting various sectors beyond oil and gas, including residential areas. He advocated for the introduction of corrosion as a dedicated course in Nigerian universities to equip students with essential knowledge in this field.

“Nigerian universities should incorporate corrosion into their curriculum. Currently, many institutions focus only on materials and methodologies, lacking a dedicated course in corrosion engineering, which is crucial for the future,” he stated.

Uche Ekekwe, the national conference chairman, added, “The process of corrosion can be viewed as nature’s way of returning metals to their original state, as they existed before being mined or refined.”

Other attendees echoed the call for universities to introduce corrosion courses within engineering departments, emphasizing the importance of specialization in this critical area of study.

On October 27th, from 10 AM to 5 PM, KP International Market in Sacramento will be hosting a Halloween photo event where attendees can enjoy free self-take photos. This event is part of the Halloween week festivities running from October 25th to 31st, aimed at capturing memorable Halloween moments for everyone.

Furthermore, on November 1st, Friday at 6 PM, the KP Food Plaza will feature a free concert by the BIDAN band. This unique five-member ensemble blends traditional Korean music and is the first in Korea to present cultural contents that have been recognized as UNESCO heritage, including insights into Korean cuisine and traditional attire.

On Saturday, November 2nd, from 10 AM to 2 PM, free flu vaccinations will be offered, sponsored by the Paul Hom Asian Clinic. The clinic is conveniently located in room #403 of the karaoke next to KP Market.

Later that same day, at 4 PM in the KP International Market’s Food Plaza, the community can enjoy another free concert celebrating the seasons of Autumn, Dia de los Muertos, and Halloween. The performance will showcase works by Grieg, Gershwin, and Beethoven, along with the American premiere of the “Little Mexico Suite” composed by Nubia Jaime Tanghuan.

KP International Market is located at 10971 Olson Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, and can be reached by phone at 916-853-8000.