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On October 8th, the National Health Commission convened a press conference to explore how seasonal changes impact health. Chang Zhaorui, a researcher from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, provided insights into common health issues many people face after the National Day holiday, including colds, coughs, vomiting, and diarrhea. He attributed these ailments to several contributing factors.

Chang explained that the holiday’s weather changes could lead to discomfort, especially with the significant temperature swings experienced between day and night, which can easily trigger colds.

He also emphasized that the rise in gatherings during the holiday—whether traveling or socializing—raises the risk of disease transmission, particularly for respiratory infections.

Dietary habits were another concern. Chang highlighted that irregular eating patterns and the consumption of potentially unhygienic food or water during this time can result in gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Furthermore, he pointed out that disruptions to daily routines, often due to traveling and visiting friends or relatives, can lead to fatigue and a weakened immune system, increasing vulnerability to illness.

To mitigate these symptoms, Chang offered several recommendations: prioritize rest and ensure you get enough sleep for recovery; stay hydrated and maintain a light diet; manage symptoms appropriately; and monitor your health closely. He advised that if symptoms worsen or persist, seeking medical attention is essential. Additionally, if diagnosed with illnesses like the flu or norovirus, it’s vital to avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

In a recent public inquiry into Covid-19, England’s Chief Medical Officer, Prof. Sir Chris Whitty, underscored the urgent need for increased intensive care capacity in the UK, arguing that the current low levels are a “political choice.” He voiced concerns about the inevitability of future pandemics, possibly on the scale of Covid, which has led to the loss of 7 million lives globally.

Reflecting on the UK’s response to the pandemic in 2020, Whitty characterized the situation for the NHS as “absolutely catastrophic.” He acknowledged the importance of lockdown measures in alleviating the crisis but emphasized the need for the UK to brace itself for future pandemics. “We have to assume that something on this scale will occur again,” he asserted. Furthermore, he cautioned that ignoring the possibility of asymptomatic transmission of deadly viruses would be “foolish.”

The inquiry also highlighted the emotional challenges faced by NHS workers. Dr. Kevin Fong, a former clinical adviser, became visibly emotional as he shared his experiences treating patients during the pandemic, likening it to responding to a “terrorist attack every day.” He discussed the intense pressure on staff, including instances where some hospitals resorted to placing bodies in refuse sacks due to a shortage of proper bags, only to reuse beds immediately for new patients.

Whitty contended that boosting the NHS’s intensive care unit capacity is essential for future preparedness. “The UK has a very low ICU capacity compared to most high-income nations,” he remarked, stressing that this situation arises from a conscious choice in system configuration. He added, “You have less reserve when a major emergency occurs, even if it’s not on the scale of Covid.”

Moreover, he highlighted the critical need to address the NHS workforce crisis, stating, “Healthcare systems cannot be ‘scaled up’ in a future pandemic without trained personnel.” He explained that while resources like beds and equipment can be quickly secured, the real limitation lies in having enough experienced healthcare professionals, which cannot be resolved quickly.

Among his recommendations, Whitty urged for enhanced scientific research capabilities and a serious commitment to addressing health inequalities. He argued that without proactive steps to tackle these disparities between pandemics, achieving significant improvements during an outbreak would be unlikely.

Whitty also emphasized the role of scientific innovation, particularly in vaccine development and treatments. He insisted that, at the onset of a pandemic, it’s typically science that offers solutions, while other measures are merely aimed at maintaining stability until scientific breakthroughs occur.

He expressed concern over the indirect impacts of Covid, noting the rise in mortality rates from various diseases due to the overwhelmed healthcare system. Additionally, he acknowledged the previous confusion surrounding mask guidelines for NHS staff and communication failures that discouraged public visits to hospitals for non-Covid-related health issues. He reflected on the difficulty of maintaining the right balance in messaging during the early phases of the pandemic, admitting, “I still worry whether we got the level of concern right.”

In response to the testimony, the group Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK, which represents thousands of affected families, stated that the heartbreaking scenes portrayed during the inquiry were preventable and should never happen again.

On October 9th, a report from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) revealed the establishment of a joint task force with the Ministry of Finance. This initiative is designed to embody the principles set forth during the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party and to meet the directives from the Central Financial Work Conference, which emphasized the need for an expanded toolkit for monetary policy. One of the key strategies includes gradually increasing the trading of government bonds in the central bank’s open market operations.

The inaugural meeting of this task force recently took place, featuring notable attendees such as Xuan Changneng, a member of the PBOC Party Committee and Vice Governor, along with Liao Min, a member of the Ministry of Finance Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister. During the session, both leaders underscored the importance of their ongoing collaboration in the central bank’s trading of government bonds and laid out the operational mechanisms for the task force. They also shared insights on the functioning of the bond market.

There was a consensus on the vital role that the central bank’s trading of government bonds plays in enhancing the monetary policy toolkit and improving liquidity management. Looking ahead, the focus will be on achieving a balance between development and security, while continuing to promote policy coordination. Their goal is to refine the institutional arrangements related to this initiative and ensure the stable development of the bond market, thus fostering a conducive environment for the central bank’s bond trading activities. Officials from the relevant departments of both the PBOC and the Ministry of Finance were also involved in the discussions.

In a recent conversation with Stephen Fry, we delved into his latest installment in the four-book retelling of Greek myths, marking a compelling conclusion to his series. It’s fascinating to observe that just weeks prior, Elon Musk made waves on X by endorsing a literary classic, tweeting, “Can’t recommend the Iliad enough!” alongside a screenshot of The Odyssey’s Penguin edition. It appears Homer’s enduring narratives still hold relevance in our contemporary culture.

Fry’s modern interpretation aligns seamlessly with a longstanding tradition of reimagining these ancient tales for today’s readers. His previous works—Mythos, Heroes, and Troy—create a rich context for The Odyssey, which, while accessible, cleverly infuses humor appealing to adults as well.

Notably, Fry’s approach steers away from the epic grandeur typically associated with these stories, opting instead for a modern vernacular that is both witty and relatable. For example, characters like Agamemnon are portrayed in a lively and humorous manner rather than as distant mythological figures. When he returns home, he comes across less as a heroic king and more as a light-hearted gentleman returning from a round of golf:

“Well, well, well! My darling, you grow ever more beautiful. The treasure ships are not far behind. The things you see! […] What’s that you say? A bath? Oh, my dear darling wife, there is only one thing I have been looking forward to more. And that can follow the bath, eh, eh?! Or maybe can be included in the bath, what?”

Fry doesn’t shy away from the deeper emotional currents of the story, vividly capturing the poignant moments between parents and children, particularly Odysseus’s remorse over missing Telemachus’s upbringing. His lyrical prowess shines through in striking visual imagery:

“A salt-caked, sun-burned, wind-scoured man lies face-down and naked on a beach. Sandflies skip on the scarred skin of his back.”

He expertly balances levity with gravity, moving fluidly between humor and the darker elements of the narrative. Odysseus’s encounter with the suitors shatters the comedic tone with a revelation reminiscent of a Tarantino film:

“He asked me who the hell I thought I was. I’ll tell you who I think I am. I think I am Odysseus of Ithaca, come back from the dead to revenge myself upon you. You fucking animals.”

While Fry exercises sensitivity around themes of violence, he manages to adapt the narrative deftly, ensuring it doesn’t overwhelm his readers, particularly the younger ones.

Fry’s footnotes enrich the reading experience, providing insights and playful speculations. He explores not just etymology but also connects to modern themes, humorously contemplating characters like Hera, even suggesting that the lotus eaters might merely be munching on lettuce.

Ultimately, Fry’s retelling highlights a historical progression from deities to mortals grappling with their influence. The trial of Orestes emerges as a thematically significant moment, contemplating a “new order” grounded in logic rather than impulsive actions—a thought-provoking commentary for today.

As Fry emphasizes, even amidst tales of gods, we must reflect on how these age-old lessons resonate in our modern world. It’s a point worth considering in light of public figures like Elon Musk.

The Odyssey by Stephen Fry is published by Michael Joseph, priced at £25. To support the Guardian and Observer, copies can be ordered from guardianbookshop.com, with delivery charges applicable.

On Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM EDT, we had a conversation about the latest Sudoku puzzle in our publication. While the classic rules of Sudoku still apply, there’s an interesting twist: the numbers within the grey lines must add up to the totals specified in the corners. Furthermore, each shape formed by the grey lines must contain unique numbers—no repetitions are allowed. Make sure to grab next week’s Observer Digital Edition to see the completed puzzle!

On October 3rd, the “Village Super” arena in Rongjiang County, Guizhou Province, was alive with excitement as players from Brazil’s São Paulo Takahashi football team immersed themselves in the unique charm of Chinese rural football, energized by a passionate crowd.

The night saw over 30,000 fans come together to support the match. Local students and residents wore matching uniforms alongside traditional ethnic attire, creating a colorful and spirited cheering section for the Brazilian team. Upon their arrival, the players were met with warm embraces from fans eager to connect, share handshakes, and capture memorable photos.

Competing against the Brazilians was a local amateur team from Guiyang, Guizhou Province. The game’s intensity peaked in the 84th minute when Ferreira from São Paulo netted the decisive goal with a flawless shot, clinching a tight 1-0 victory.

Reflecting on the experience, São Paulo player Lima commented, “Just like in Brazil, people here are crazy about football.” He was particularly impressed by the “Village Super” concept, which serves as a fantastic platform for amateur players and football enthusiasts to connect. “This exemplifies what football is all about—regardless of language barriers, we can come together as friends through our shared love for the game,” he noted.

Having visited China multiple times, Lima treasures the chance to explore various cities, savor local cuisine, and experience different climates. The warmth from Rongjiang’s fans left a strong impression on him. During the entrance ceremony, he was invited to join the local Dong women in dance, where he infused a bit of samba into the moment. “The Chinese countryside is a lot of fun. Everyone here feels so happy; dancing together makes it feel like there are no strangers,” he shared.

At the awards ceremony, the players received a truly unique prize—a couple of small chickens, which Lima described as “incredible.” His teammate Diego humorously snuggled one of the chickens for a photo, exclaiming, “I really love this prize!”

Eliaza, another member of the São Paulo team, expressed how he felt the energy of football and the enthusiasm of Chinese fans throughout the “Village Super” event. He found it inspiring to witness so many ordinary people coming together for their love of the sport. “I truly believe football can bring significant benefit to Rongjiang; this event attracts people from all over to engage with football culture and appreciate the stunning scenery,” he said. “I hope we can work together through football to create more opportunities for youth players from São Paulo to come to the ‘Village Super’ and see how cherished the sport is in rural China.”

As the awards concluded, vibrant fireworks illuminated the sky outside the “Village Super” arena. Inside, music filled the atmosphere, and the Brazilian players, with little time to spare, were guided by enthusiastic locals to the center of the field. There, they formed a circle, linking arms and dancing in unison, reveling in the contagious joy of Chinese rural football.

On September 28, a vibrant celebration marking both the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day was co-hosted by multiple organizations at the Hungarian Chinese Federation’s headquarters in Budapest. This event brought together over 200 attendees, as the national anthems of the People’s Republic of China and Hungary resonated throughout the venue.

During the festivities, several key speakers took the stage, including Liu Wenjian, Executive Chairman of the Hungarian Chinese Federation; Chen Shiquan, Executive President of the Hungarian Fujian Chamber of Commerce; and Zhang Jinyou, leader of the Hungarian Starlight Choir.

Liu Wenjian emphasized the significance of a strong homeland as a source of support for Chinese communities abroad. Acknowledging the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China, he shared heartfelt wishes for prosperity, happiness, and health for the nation while also extending warm greetings to Chinese expatriates in Hungary for a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day.

The event featured an impressive lineup of 27 performances by the Starlight Choir and local Chinese artists, each captivating the audience and earning enthusiastic applause for their extraordinary talent.

Liu further highlighted the Federation’s dedication to fostering Sino-Hungarian friendship and supporting the Belt and Road Initiative. He reaffirmed their commitment to serving Chinese businesses while maintaining strong ties to their homeland. Annually, they organize celebrations during key Chinese holidays, aiming to enrich the cultural experience for the Chinese community in Hungary and promote cultural exchange between China and Hungary.

Beans not only boost the nutritional value of these simple sweet treats but also contribute a rich, fudgy texture.

In an interview, Tom Hunt, a devoted supporter of the “Beans is How” campaign—an initiative aimed at doubling global bean consumption by 2028—discusses how his own bean intake has surged since joining the cause. “I’ve always loved beans, but learning about their environmental benefits, even from conventional farming, has inspired me to include them even more in my cooking,” he explains. Hunt shares that beans now make an appearance in nearly every meal he prepares, from spaghetti bolognese—where he replaces half the pasta with beans—to hearty stews that feature more legumes and less meat. “By the end of the week, I often find leftover beans, which sparks my creativity in the kitchen. That’s how these beany blondies came to life.”

When describing the recipe, Hunt emphasizes the delightful combination of peanut butter and maple syrup, which blend perfectly to create a sweet balance that subtly covers the taste of the beans. He notes that although you can use other sweeteners, adding vanilla extract is essential for depth of flavor.

To simplify meal prep, Hunt soaks and batch-cooks pulses weekly, keeping them at the ready for a nutritional boost and to reduce starchy carbs. “The creamy, fudgy texture of beans makes them ideal for desserts, enhancing the overall mouthfeel,” he adds.

Here’s how you can make these delicious blondies yourself:

**Makes 12 Blondie Bites**

– Olive oil (for greasing)
– 240g white beans or peas (Hunt recommends Hodmedod’s flamingo peas)
– 3 tbsp aquafaba (or water)
– 120g peanut butter
– 70g sweetener (such as maple syrup, agave, or sugar)
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 2 tsp vanilla extract
– 50g dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
– Flaky sea salt (to taste, optional)

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 200C (or 180C fan)/390F/gas mark 6. Grease a small ovenproof dish or tray, about 15cm long by 10cm wide, with olive oil. For easier handling, you can line it with greaseproof paper.
2. In a food processor, combine the beans or peas, aquafaba (or water), peanut butter, sweetener, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
3. Stir in 35g of the chopped chocolate, then pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate on top.
4. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove from the oven and, if desired, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Allow to cool, then cut into 12 squares. Store the blondies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Savor this indulgent yet nutritious treat, courtesy of Tom Hunt’s culinary creativity!

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

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

What sets the dwarf kōwhai apart from other plants?

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

What are the light requirements for a dwarf kōwhai?

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

Where is the ideal spot to place a dwarf kōwhai?

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

How should one care for a dwarf kōwhai?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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