Author: tnpump.com

North Hertfordshire: I always feel a bit of excitement when ivy mining bees show up in my garden, leaving behind their little mounds of dirt that look like mini volcanoes. I don’t mind their presence at all, but I’m also okay when they eventually leave.

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 06:00 EDT, I noticed some unexpected visitors in my garden. They seemed to pop up out of nowhere, transforming my once flat green lawn into a landscape dotted with small, grey dirt mounds. However, these invaders are actually quite beneficial to the environment. These intriguing creatures are mining bees. Unlike standard bees that live in hives, mining bees create individual burrows where they live independently.

At first glance, the swarm of buzzing bees might raise some concern, but the good news is they don’t sting like typical bees. This allows me to get really close to them without worry.

Mining bees are incredibly effective pollinators. Instead of converting pollen into honey, they store it as food within their tunnels. I particularly enjoy watching them fly just a few inches above the ground, right around my ankles; it gives me a chance to observe their unique appearance. The species we have here is the ivy mining bee, which makes its appearance at the end of summer when the ivy flowers bloom. Most mining bee species, however, tend to emerge in early summer.

But just as mysteriously as they arrived, these bees eventually take their leave. That time is approaching again, and while I’ll miss them, I’m always okay with their departure because my lawn returns to its usual state, and I get my football pitch back.

Additionally, for those interested in nature writing, be sure to check out today’s Young Country Diary feature by Amaya, titled “My spade and I saved 24 jellyfish.” Young Country Diary is published every fourth Saturday of the month. The submission form is currently closed but will reopen on Friday, November 29, when we’ll be looking for winter-themed pieces.

Dr. Jianlin Wu, an internal medicine physician at the Rendr Medical Group in New York, emphasizes the importance of improving lifestyle habits and scheduling regular health check-ups to reduce the risk of diseases. Many people are aware that diabetes has a hereditary component, but did you know it can also be “contagious”?

Dr. Wu explains that both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have a genetic link. If a parent or sibling has a history of diabetes, the risk of developing the condition increases. Interestingly, even if spouses are not genetically related, if one partner has diabetes, the other might also face a heightened risk.

This phenomenon is largely due to the shared lifestyle habits that couples typically have. Dr. Wu notes that when both partners indulge in unhealthy eating—such as consuming high-sugar and high-fat foods—or lead a sedentary lifestyle, they may inadvertently “pass on” diabetes tendencies to one another. Furthermore, these poor lifestyle habits can also be transmitted from parents to their children, compounding the risk factors for the next generation alongside genetic predispositions.

Regardless of family history, there are proactive steps that individuals can take to lower their risk of diabetes:

1. **Healthy Eating**: Opt for fresh whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while avoiding diets high in sugar, fat, low in dietary fiber, and highly processed foods, as well as alcohol.

2. **Regular Exercise**: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, which could include brisk walking, tai chi, or swimming. A good gauge of intensity is feeling somewhat exerted, with an elevated heart rate and faster breathing, but not out of breath.

3. **Weight and Waist Management**: Strive to maintain a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 23.9 kg/m². It’s also crucial to monitor waist circumference to avoid abdominal obesity—commonly referred to as “apple-shaped” fat distribution—with women aiming for less than 85 cm and men for less than 90 cm.

4. **Regular Health Screenings**: While home blood sugar monitors can provide some insights, their results can be variable and less accurate. Dr. Wu recommends getting a regular health check-up every six months to a year, which includes a blood test to measure Hemoglobin A1c levels, reflecting average blood sugar levels over the past three months.

Additionally, managing stress and maintaining a consistent routine can significantly contribute to both the prevention and management of diabetes. Dr. Wu welcomes patients at two Rendr locations in Brooklyn. For appointments, you can reach them at 839 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, by calling (347) 770-8009, or at 2486 85th Street, Brooklyn, at (646) 854-3624.

In a recent interview, Michael Olugbodein from Abuja reported on a critical initiative aimed at addressing conflict resolution in Nigeria. The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), along with various stakeholders in peace advocacy, emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to minimize conflicts throughout the nation. This call to action was made during a two-day training workshop for an Early Warning Response Group (EWRG) focusing on conflict resolution.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Steve Agbo, the Deputy Director of Research at the National Conflict Early Warning and Early Response and coordinator of the project, explained, “The goal of this initiative is to strengthen Nigeria’s early warning and response systems to foster sustainable peace through proactive conflict prevention. Our research indicates that a significant barrier to effective conflict early warning in Nigeria is the lack of timely responses, which contributes to the ongoing multitude of conflicts across the country.”

Agbo stressed the importance of the training group, stating, “Today’s workshop is aimed at establishing a diverse Early Warning Response Group that includes both security and non-security personnel from various agencies.” He noted that the initiative began in 2003 and has since expanded to include established groups at the state level in nine selected states, including Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano.

Mr. Oguntayo Olayinka, a Chief Superintendent with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), shared his insights as a participant: “This training has equipped us with a model for effectively managing conflicts. We learned to identify stakeholder interests and needs, which enhances our ability to analyze conflicts and propose viable solutions.”

The workshop attracted high-ranking representatives from key security agencies, including the Directorate of State Services (DSS), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), among others.

Looking ahead, the training aims to achieve its targeted goals by developing a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of conflict while promoting cooperation and trust among all stakeholders. This initiative is a collaborative effort by the IPCR, Peace Action for Rapid and Transformative Nigeria Early Response (PARTNER), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Agbo concluded by referencing the UN-World Bank report, “Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict,” which highlights an alarming increase in violent conflicts since 2010. He underscored the necessity of conflict prevention mechanisms, such as Early Warning and Response Systems (EWRS), and the importance of modern training techniques to empower key stakeholders in resolving conflicts effectively.

On October 27, at around 8 AM, the Chinese hovercraft “Zhengcheng 1” set off from the Heihe waterway port, carrying 18 passengers on its way to the Amur River passenger port in Blagoveshchensk, Russia. This event marks the official launch of winter hovercraft international transportation services from the Heihe port for the 2024 season.

Passengers boarding the hovercraft at the Heihe waterway port on October 27 were greeted by this new travel option to Russia. According to reports, the first departure each day is scheduled for 8 AM (China Standard Time), with the last leaving at 3 PM. For return trips from Blagoveshchensk, the last departure is set for 4 PM. Each hovercraft has a capacity of 18 passengers and the journey takes approximately 2 minutes. In total, both China and Russia have deployed 7 hovercrafts, with around 1,300 passengers expected to be transported on the first day alone.

A representative from the Heihe Exit and Entry Border Inspection Station highlighted the measures being implemented to enhance security at the port. These include increasing patrol teams, conducting secondary checks on entry and exit documents, and monitoring critical areas to prevent unauthorized boarding and the disposal of items. During peak travel times, the station plans to open additional channels and implement pre-check procedures to effectively reduce waiting times and ensure a smooth transit experience for travelers entering and exiting the country.

On October 22, a curious post surfaced on social media: “I am Ye Huimei. If you need concert tickets for my son Jay Chou, please contact me.” It elicited a wave of skepticism, with many dismissing it as a joke. However, when Jay Chou himself shared the post to debunk it, over 400 of his fans liked it.

“This is ridiculous—someone impersonating me is one thing, but impersonating my mother is just crossing the line…” Jay expressed his dismay on social media. He took to his account to caution fans against falling for scams, attaching a photo clearly marked “Fake” with a red cross to emphasize that the account was not legitimate.

After many years in the industry, Jay has faced countless impersonators, including those who have gone so far as to launch tours under his name. While he often brushes off such mimicry with humor, this particular incident struck a nerve. A dedicated son, Jay would not tolerate anyone exploiting his mother’s name for fraudulent purposes, prompting him to expose the scammer.

This issue isn’t isolated; the concert ticket market has long been riddled with unscrupulous practices. Despite repeated interventions from authorities against scalpers, the depth of their schemes often leaves consumers vulnerable.

To shed light on the risks associated with different ticket types such as friends and family tickets, and to help navigate the complexities of ticket purchasing, we spoke with Chang Sha, a partner at Beijing Jingshi Law Firm.

Chang outlined that there isn’t a universally accepted definition of “friends and family tickets” online. Generally, these are complimentary tickets distributed by concert organizers or production teams to specific individuals, such as media representatives, sponsors, or personal acquaintances of the artist.

While these tickets are legal and their transfer isn’t inherently against the law, selling them at inflated prices constitutes a violation of the Public Security Administration Punishment Law and can lead to administrative penalties, including detention or fines.

In cases where someone impersonates a celebrity or their family to sell such tickets, they could face charges of fraud. Chang explained that fraud involves deceitful practices aimed at unlawfully acquiring significant public or private property. Under Article 266 of the Criminal Law, those convicted of defrauding substantial amounts can face prison terms ranging from a few years up to life, depending on the severity of the crime.

She noted the importance of verifying information on social media platforms, which often have official verification features. Fans should pay attention to these indicators as well as the number of followers and the content in comment sections to filter out fake accounts.

Moreover, the rise of electronic tickets has significantly curbed ticket scalping, yet some scalpers still claim to have access to systems that allow them to input buyer information directly. Chang cautioned that any illegal manipulation of computer systems by scalpers could lead to additional charges, especially if organizers are found to have facilitated such acts.

A concert that should be filled with happiness and mutual excitement can quickly turn sour if it involves tickets from scalpers. Police have repeatedly advised the public to purchase tickets only through legitimate channels to avoid falling victim to scams.

For consumers who suffer financial losses from buying scalped tickets, they should know that the law does not protect such illegal transactions. However, laws are in place to safeguard citizens’ lawful property. Chang advised individuals who suspect they’ve been scammed to contact law enforcement immediately and keep thorough evidence, including chat logs and transaction records, to aid in investigations.

During a quarterly news conference held by the Ministry of Emergency Management on October 22, Yang Xudong, the Director of the Fire Prevention Monitoring Division, shared insights on the autumn and winter wildfire risk in China. According to predictions from the National Forest Fire Prevention Office, this autumn is expected to bring generally higher temperatures across the country. Precipitation patterns are varied, with northern and southern China experiencing more rain, while central and southwestern regions see less. Some areas in Northeast, North, and Northwest China face elevated fire risk levels, particularly severe in certain northeastern locales. Additionally, regions with fewer rains and higher temperatures in central and southwestern China are coinciding, leading to increased fire risks. Looking ahead to winter, areas in central, eastern, southern, and southwestern China are anticipated to experience similarly high fire risk levels. Compounding these challenges are additional factors from earlier floods and natural disasters that have increased the amount of combustible materials in forests.

In response to this complex and severe fire prevention scenario for the autumn and winter seasons, the National Forest Fire Prevention Office and the Ministry of Emergency Management are prioritizing prevention efforts. They are focusing on two key areas: controlling fire sources and strengthening community defenses against fires.

First, stringent control of fire sources is paramount. This involves implementing comprehensive management responsibilities and utilizing grid management techniques to ensure accountability at the grassroots level, from forest regions to individual households. Strict inspections will target outdoor fire sources, combining human resources and technological measures to monitor high-risk groups and positions closely. Fire checkpoints in forest areas will enforce rigorous controls to ensure fire sources are contained outside forest boundaries. Simultaneously, significant efforts will be made to fortify community defenses. This includes extensive fire prevention outreach campaigns to businesses, rural areas, communities, schools, and homes, alongside legally enforcing fire regulations and publicizing typical cases to encourage safer fire-use habits among the public.

Second, the approach to disaster response and management will focus on the entire process of fire incidents. Enhancing monitoring, warning systems, and collaborative assessments is crucial. Special attention will be given to real-time tracking and multidimensional monitoring in high-risk forest fire areas in Northeast and Southwest China. Precise early warnings and timely high-risk information dissemination are planned, with targeted alerts for specific regions. The national firefighting command and resources will be strategically positioned in high-risk forest areas, with advanced firefighting equipment, such as bulldozers and tracked forest firefighting vehicles, prepared for immediate deployment in response to major fires.

Third, efforts will concentrate on fortifying the foundational elements of forest and grassland fire prevention. Following guidelines from the Central Committee General Office and the State Council on enhancing wildfire prevention under the new circumstances, investments in infrastructure and urgently needed equipment will be increased. Improvements to the fire disaster early warning and monitoring system are critical, alongside fast repairs to fire roads damaged by disasters. Emergency measures for extreme conditions, such as power and network outages, will be reinforced. Furthermore, the implementation of policies to strengthen local forest fire teams will be emphasized, with guidance and support in terms of policy and funding to ensure coordinated training and operational readiness among various firefighting teams.

This month’s lecture features Dr. Srikanth R Boddu, who delivers insights on the topic accompanied by simultaneous Chinese interpretation. Have you ever experienced a low buzzing or hissing sound in your ears, especially noticeable when trying to sleep, resembling your own heartbeat? This could indicate that you are suffering from pulsatile tinnitus.

The World Journal, in collaboration with NewYork-Presbyterian Queens (NYPQ), has been hosting an online health lecture series for five years, aimed at providing the community with expert medical knowledge and the latest health information. The latest session, titled “Pulsatile Tinnitus,” premiered on the World Journal’s website and the official World e-Life YouTube channel on October 9. Dr. Boddu, who serves as the director of Interventional Neurosurgery at NYPQ and is also an associate professor at Weill Cornell Medicine, shares his expertise on the symptoms and treatments of pulsatile tinnitus.

Dr. Boddu explains that tinnitus refers to hearing sounds without an external source, often described as buzzing, hissing, or ringing. Tinnitus can be temporary or chronic, with various underlying causes, including hearing loss, ear problems, stress, anxiety, medication side effects, or systemic health issues like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

For those suffering from pulsatile tinnitus, which is a persistent form of tinnitus, timely medical intervention is crucial to improve quality of life. Whether in a quiet environment or the bustle of daily activities, the sound can be distracting, impact concentration, and even disrupt sleep. It’s recommended to seek medical advice to eliminate potential health risks associated with ongoing symptoms.

Overall, tinnitus caused by arterial and venous issues accounts for about 15% to 20% of patients, while 80% to 85% usually have underlying venous problems such as stenosis or diverticula. It’s essential to recognize that while arterial and venous issues are present in only a small number of tinnitus patients, they carry a much higher risk of bleeding or stroke compared to those whose tinnitus stems from venous problems.

Thanks to advanced imaging techniques like MRI, MRA, and MRV, combined with personalized treatment plans, pulsatile tinnitus can be effectively treated, leading to a return to a calm and peaceful life.

To watch Dr. Boddu’s full lecture, please visit bit.ly/2024nypq10 or scan the QR code in the article. After viewing, participants can fill out a feedback survey for a chance to win a $25 Amazon eGift Card, an opportunity not to be missed!

The expert team at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens specializes in treating a variety of conditions, including arteriovenous malformations, brain aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis, cerebral dural arteriovenous fistulas, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pulsatile tinnitus, vertebral compression fractures, lower back pain, and spinal care. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 303-3739.

Furthermore, the Och Spine team at NYPQ has expertise in treating a range of spinal and neck conditions. This team includes renowned neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, pain management specialists, and a comprehensive rehabilitation team consisting of physical, occupational, and speech therapists. They provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care for patients of all ages with various spinal issues, from everyday back pain to complex spinal tumors and deformities.

The Och Spine team offers extensive outpatient services across various locations in Queens, including Flushing, Long Island City, Fresh Meadows, Forest Hills, and Jackson Heights. For services, please call (646) 317-7463 to book an appointment. For more information, contact the Community Health Development Department at (718) 670-1178.

In response to the pandemic, NYPQ and the World Journal transitioned from in-person community lectures to online health discussions in 2020. Over the past four years, they have released numerous videos covering a variety of health topics that resonate with the community’s concerns, providing in-depth analysis across different medical disciplines, thereby reaching tens of thousands of viewers with vital health information and consultation resources.

On October 24, 2023, the Lingnan School of Painting Memorial Museum, after more than four years of renovations and upgrades, officially reopened its doors with the inauguration of the “Starting Over” exhibition series.

The Lingnan School of Painting, which emerged in the 1920s, is a significant movement in modern Chinese art, advocating an artistic philosophy that blends Eastern and Western styles while integrating traditional and contemporary influences. Located on the Changgang campus of the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts, the memorial museum was established in 1991 and serves as an important landmark of Lingnan culture.

As visitors enter the memorial museum, they are greeted by a striking white dome structure situated beside a pool, surrounded by lush greenery. Three sculptures of prominent figures—Gao Jianfu, Gao Qifeng, and Chen Shuren, the founders of the Lingnan School of Painting—stand proudly above the water.

In 2020, the museum undertook a new phase of renovation that maintained the original design concept while incorporating modern elements to reflect the essence of Lingnan culture. The redesigned sunken plaza has transformed into an open space, bridging the gap between the city and the museum, thus providing the public a cultural venue to engage with art. The new linking corridor effectively connects exhibition areas with administrative offices, enhancing operational efficiency and facilitating exhibition preparations. The refurbished outdoor platform of the office area is also set to serve as a space for faculty and students from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts to engage in outdoor sketching and dialogue.

Moreover, the revamped exhibition zones encompass a blend of local themes, specialized topics, and artistic expression, offering visitors a rich and varied experience. The introduction of the “Creative Workshop” provides a platform for discussions, creative production, and experimentation.

Li Jinkun, chairman of the Guangdong Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles and director of the Lingnan School of Painting Memorial Museum, expressed a vision for the museum’s future. He hopes it will chart a path for differentiated development and evolve into a “museum + cultural complex” that emphasizes research, exhibitions, trends, and innovation.

As the inaugural exhibition following the museum’s reopening, the “Starting Over” series features 108 precious original works by renowned artists such as Gao Jianfu, Gao Qifeng, Chen Shuren, Li Xiongcai, and Guan Shanyue.

Supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles faced a federal court in Melbourne for the first time since the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) initiated legal action against them for alleged deceptive discount practices.

During a court appearance on Wednesday, representatives from the supermarkets attributed recent price increases to suppliers requesting higher costs amid what they described as a “sudden outbreak of high inflation.” This follows allegations from the ACCC that the companies misled consumers by advertising illusory discounts on a wide range of everyday products.

John Sheahan KC, counsel for Coles, stated that his client would demonstrate that the price spikes were a direct result of suppliers’ requests for price hikes due to rising costs associated with inflation. He emphasized the need to evaluate the actual discounted price against the real increases in product costs, calling this legal case “very significant” for the entire industry, including suppliers, retailers, and consumers.

On the other hand, Cameron Moore SC, representing Woolworths, criticized the ACCC’s claims as “misconceived,” asserting that it was inaccurate to suggest that supermarkets instigated temporary price hikes. “Any price increases were initiated by suppliers… in response to rising costs,” he explained.

In rebuttal, Sarida McLeod, representing the ACCC, asserted that the supermarkets’ explanations were not surprising and maintained that their conduct was still misleading. Last month, the ACCC took legal action against the two major retailers, claiming they had violated consumer laws by allegedly inflating grocery prices before advertising them as discounted promotions.

Justice Michael O’Bryan indicated that he would oversee the case management hearings for both supermarkets together, although each case would be heard separately. Another case management hearing is set to be scheduled in the future.

The ACCC’s latest court filings highlight 276 promotional items from Woolworths and 255 from Coles, alleging that the supermarkets inflated prices shortly before marketing them as discounts. For example, Woolworths reportedly sold Arnott’s Tim Tams at $4.50 for 617 days, only to raise the price to $6 for 21 days before advertising them at a promotional price of $5.50—a move that actually resulted in a 22% price increase.

In another instance, the ACCC found that Woolworths sold Maggi beef noodles in discount promotions for 30% more than their regular price. Similarly, Coles allegedly raised the price of L’Oréal anti-wrinkle moisturizers from $15 to $24 before rolling them out in discount promotions at $18, which was still 20% higher than their previously regular price. Additionally, a MasterFoods marinade was reported to be sold by Coles at 33% above its regular price during promotional sales.

The alleged consumer law violations encompass a broad range of product categories, with snacks, pantry staples, beverages, cosmetics, and pet food all included in the ACCC’s findings.

Alan Hartley, the man behind AE Hartley & Son, reflects on a remarkable journey that began when he was just a teenager. Initially, his sights were set on a career in engineering, but his passion for entrepreneurship soon directed him toward running his own mobile fruit and vegetable store. “I had a chat with my parents and the council about my options,” Alan recalls. In November 1960, at just 19, he took the plunge by securing an empty unit in what would later be known as the Gaunt Shopping Centre. His aspirations came to fruition, not on wheels but in a brick-and-mortar shop that would become a local staple.

Fast forward 64 years, and on a recent Friday, Alan, now 83, lowered the shop’s shutter for the last time. As he surveyed the evolving landscape around the shop, he reminisced, saying, “We’d be looking at a field now, not a big brick wall at the back of a chemist. The view was definitely better then.”

Inside the shop, three generations of the Hartley family, clad in matching blue fleeces, shared memories over the years spent selling everything from butter to toothpaste. With customers streamlining through the door, many offered their well wishes, some with tearful goodbyes. “We’ve had tears from several customers. I’m saving mine for a bit,” Janet, Alan’s 89-year-old sister and an integral part of the business, chimed in with a smile. She left a stable job in insurance to join Alan in the shop, where the tight-knit family dynamic proved to be their strength.

In the early days, the store, named after Alan’s father, focused primarily on fresh produce. “Potatoes would arrive in huge wooden crates, and we had to lug them up from the cellar,” Alan’s eldest son Lee, now 51, remembers. “In the early 60s, people weren’t eating rice and pasta, so we sold tons of spuds.” A few years in, Alan recognized the toll it was taking on him and invested in a conveyor belt, which still runs today. Lee is even considering donating it to a local museum.

As the years passed, the shop adapted to changing consumer preferences while keeping its traditions alive, along with their famous locally sourced eggs. “I remember when the energy drinks first arrived. We didn’t know where to put that giant fridge,” Janet reflected, wistfully recalling when they used to sell old glass bottles of Tizer and Dandelion and Burdock. “People shop differently these days. They just don’t shop local anymore.”

Lee took over day-to-day operations in the 1990s, acknowledging that survival came down to adaptability. “When the supermarkets became more popular, we had to diversify—stocking items that customers needed,” he stated, noting the transition from raw produce to a stock of greeting cards and party supplies. Yet some traditions remain—a nostalgic nod to their heritage, as customers can still purchase eggs individually and even return old egg boxes.

Regulars like Sue Denton, who has frequented the shop for 40 years, expressed her dismay at its closure. “It feels like family here. I don’t know what I’m going to do now,” she lamented while buying some sharon fruit, a new addition to the shop’s inventory. Mick Pearson, another loyal customer, humorously remarked, “I come in to be abused. I’m going to starve when they close.”

The younger generation, Amy and Jamie, both part of the family business, lightened the mood by sharing anecdotes about their upbringing in the shop, reminiscing about childhood memories surrounded by the unique charm of their grandfather’s legacy. “There’s a photo of me as a baby in the sweetie weighing scales,” Jamie joked.

Despite the sentimental farewell, Alan remains optimistic about the future. He and his wife Pat plan to explore new horizons during their retirement, although he admits, “I’ll miss the customers so much. They’re more like friends.” As AE Hartley & Son closes its doors, the legacy of family, community, and adaptability will forever echo in its cherished memories.